Fly, Stay, Explore
People travel all around the world for so many reasons, either for business, vacation or other personal reasons. While the reason may not matter much, moving from a different time zone to another needs to come with comfort and a cost-effective method.
Among those methods is having the best travel credit card you can use. There are many of them, and each comes with its amazing benefits and perks. If you are just traveling occasionally or flying frequently, adding a travel credit card to your wallet can help you save cash and earn rewards on your trips.
No doubt there are travel credit cards out there worth having, but we have taken our time to carefully curate the best for you. We know you are looking to enjoy a safe travel plan with premium lounge access for relaxation, and our goal is to make your next travel experience and adventure worth it.
Nothing is better than having a travel credit card packed with benefits in your wallet, but before that, let's tell you what a credit card does and why we rate those cards we are selecting for you.
Why Do You Need a Travel Credit Card?
Contrary to different opinions, you can earn cash back, miles and points as travel rewards on your credit card. Aside from that, they are the best for booking flights, hotels and continental dishes.
Most credit cards aren't made for traveling, but the ones perfect for this purpose come with luxury perks like Global Entry fee credits and lounge access to boost your travel experience.
The right card can help you explore the world without breaking the bank. Once you know what to look out for in these cards, you will be able to maximize your credit card strategy for your travel goals.
What are our Rating Metrics?
It is advisable to always go for the best. And when we mean the best, we are talking about insurance and travel protections. Some of the most popular travel cards on the market come with these perks for any type of traveler looking to enjoy a budget-friendly journey.
Sign-up bonus
Every travel credit card comes with a welcome bonus. The size and relevance of the sign-up bonus are important. If it is generous enough, it can kickstart your travel reward balance.
Annual fee
Pay attention to the annual fee. Cards with higher annual fees mostly offer premium rewards and perks. If you are paying a large amount for your annual fee, it should be justified by the benefits you are getting.
Reward Structure
It's always good to understand the earning potential for cash back, miles and points you will be getting on your travel purchases. There is a reward attached to booking a hotel, flight or other travel expenses.
Travel Benefits
The card's value is sometimes determined by the premium travel benefits you get. This may include travel insurance, airport lounge access, complimentary elite status and PreCheck/Global Entry fee credits.
Foreign Transaction Fees
You will be lucky to get a card with no foreign transaction fee which can help you remove extra charges as an international traveler.
Flexible Redemption Options
Some cards allow you to transfer points to hotel or airline partners. If possible, you can also redeem the card through a travel portal, adding more value to the card.
Customer Support
You might be in a different destination but access to reliable and responsive customer service for travel-related issues counts as a rating factor for cardholders.
Other Features
Look out for additional features like concierge services, purchase protection and special discounts that boost the card's appeal.
Top 5 Travel Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
As an international traveler, here are the best credit cards you should use for a budget-friendly and smooth adventure.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for international travelers who are looking to earn rewards. For every purchase you make on the Capital One Venture card, you earn 2 miles per dollar and you don't need to worry about the bonus structure. The welcome bonus is up to 75,000 miles, which is worth $1,388. Guess what? You can redeem miles for any airline or hotel payment, although it doesn't include large U.S. airlines.
2. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Another strong contender for the best is the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. It comes with a 20,000 points welcome bonus offer and no annual fee option. You can earn 3 points per dollar on every daily purchase with great value. International travelers have access to introductory APR offers on purchases and lucrative earning structures. Wells Fargo presents a compelling choice of solid perks and straightforward redemption options.
3. American Express Business Platinum Card
If you are seeking timely luxury in your business trips, then the Business Platinum Card from American Express is for you. Although it has a high annual fee, you can get various benefits ranging from unmatched lounge access which includes the Amex Centurion Lounges and amazing annual travel credits. The card gives a 120,000 welcome offer in the form of Membership Rewards points. The Business Platinum Card from American Express can give you an earning potential of 5Z points on prepaid hotels and booked flights, making it a top choice for travelers.
4. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase card stands out as one of the best credit cards for travel rewards. You get value for the $95 annual fee by earning generous points on travel and dining. International travelers can earn up to 60,000 bonus points if they can spend $4,000 in their first 3 months. There are also perks to enjoy like trip cancellation insurance plus a $50 annual hotel statement credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card partners with 14 airlines and hotels to redeem points.
5. The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
This card prioritizes business benefits for its users. They offer perks like travel protections, a huge welcome bonus and primary car rental coverage. Being a solid choice for business owners, you can earn 100,009 bonus points when you spend $8,000 in your first 3 months. The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card lets you enjoy cellphones and purchase protection for as low as a $95 annual fee.
Globetrotters' Essentials
You will always find the best travel credit card that fits your wallet. Be open to knowing what type of traveler you are — whether you are concerned about brand, perks or luxury.
The cards on our list come with a variety of benefits like exclusive lounge access and automatic elite status. But you don't have to break the bank if you are a thrifty traveler. You can maximize your budget and earn points on your travel.