Last updated on April 26th, 2023
The holiday season is back upon is – meaning the dreaded season of holiday travel has returned. Before you charge head-on into a sea of humanity at airport security, check out our best credit card options for holiday travel – and how they can make it less miserable this year.
At a Glance
Best Last Minute Travel
“Home for the Holidays” is Easier Said Than Done
December may have just begun, but as the holiday season kicks into full gear, that means bracing ourselves – and our wallets – for fulfilling familial duties of visiting our loved ones. If you’ve ever had to deal with the madness that is holiday travel, then you know how the annual scramble back to our homesteads can leave travelers feeling jaded rather than ‘jolly.’
Attending holiday festivities isn’t as simple as driving down the block for most of us. The cooler months mean ‘tis the season for driving to the airport, waiting around a few hours in a terminal, and being crammed into an airplane cabin until you can claim your luggage and escape. Unlike those handmade shortbread cookies from that artisanal bakery down the street, travel during the holidays can sometimes suck.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experienced a record-breaking number of travelers over Thanksgiving and Christmas, with about 66 million airline passengers contributing to the holiday rush. While 2020 saw travel levels decrease, 2021 appears to have the makings for a hectic holiday travel schedule.
In the face of crushing numbers of holiday travelers, even the most carefully laid of plans can find themselves derailed by the sheer volume of people trying to get (or out) of the airport at once. Flyers will have no shortage of headaches, with many needing to endure skyrocketing ticket prices, airport security lines that wrap around the building, overbooked flights, delayed takeoffs, and crowded terminals (and don’t get us started about the hassles that inclement weather can cause). But it’s not all bad.
There’s an unlikely ally that could help you circumvent all the waiting, rushing, and jostling of the airport— and it’s sitting right in your wallet. That’s right; your credit card could be just the ticket to make your travels bearable and keep your holiday spirit intact. Here are the four best credit card perks for holiday travel as well as the credit cards that offer them:
Travel Perks that Make Holiday Travel More Bearable
Here are the best credit card options for travelers seeking added comfort this holiday season:
#1: Security Fast Pass
One of the biggest sources of aggravation and stress that comes from air travel is being stuck in the security line, which can quickly become jammed with first-time travelers, families with small children, or unruly fellow passengers – but all that will change with a credit card that gives you access to an expedited security checkout experience. Remember grade school when skipping the line was highly frowned upon? Throw that rule out the window.
A long security line could spell disaster when it comes to claiming your seat on an overbooked flight or making it to your gate, and if you’ve ever run late for catching a flight, then you know that every second counts. But if you’re the type that lives on the edge and gets a rush when you nearly miss your flight, by all means, stick to the standard security line.
How to Get It: Look for credit cards that offer NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA Precheck – this benefit is most commonly available as a statement credit. CLEAR is a new form of security that relies on biometrics to clear you for entry – that means no fumbling with boarding passes and passports.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
- 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase offers quite a lot of value for its $95 annual fee. The card comes with a lucrative sign-up bonus, monthly spending bonuses (up to 1,500 extra points), and 3X points on purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 50,000 points – that’s $625 in travel value when redeemed with Pay Yourself Back®
- $95 Annual Fee
- Earn 50,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- Earn 3x points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free first checked bag.
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.
- Earn 1x point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Member FDIC
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You are Canadian and live in the U.S.
- You frequently travel on Air Canada or another Star Alliance Partner
- You plan to frequently use this card for both everyday and exceptional purchases
- You want lucrative reward points with plenty of redemption options
The new Aeroplan® World Elite Mastercard® from Chase is a great place to start for credit cards that let you skip the lines at the airport. The card, which features a $95 annual fee, offers $100 in statement credits every four years when the account holder uses the card to pay the applicat6ion cost associated with TSA Precheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, or NEXUS. In fact, the Aeroplan card is the only U.S. credit card that currently offers the ability to use security fast-track credits towards NEXUS. This service allows for seamless travel between the U.S. and Canada.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 20.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 20.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 28.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Through the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you’ll be able to earn an unlimited 2X reward miles per dollar spent on every purchase, every day, meaning there aren’t any annoying categories to memorize to maximize your miles. New Venture cardholders are also entitled to a whopping 60,000 bonus miles after 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months bonus offer.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles wo’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
- Cash Advance APR: 28.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel frequently and can take advantage of the card’s 2X reward miles earning potential
- You do not want to jump through hoops when it comes to categories that earn you bonus miles
- You want an extra 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- You have excellent credit
The Capital One® Venture® Rewards recently lost its spot as Capital One’s premier travel card, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get you through security in double time. The Venture offers TSA Precheck or Global Entry credits, plus unlimited 2X miles on all purchases for a modest $95 annual fee.
#2: Lounge Access
Phew, you’ve made it through the labyrinth of ropes of the security checkpoint and are officially inside the terminal. Now all you need to do is to make your way through the crowds of other travelers, power-walk halfway across the airport to your gate – and wait.
Hopefully your phone is charged because you’ll be lucky to find a seat, much less an outlet. Unless, of course, your own a credit card that offers lounge access.
Airport lounges offer a respite from the bustle of an airport terminal and can range from casual to ultra-exclusive. These private waiting areas mean that you can sit on stand-by away from the masses with plenty of breathing room – not to mention complimentary beverages, snacks, desks, or even showers, that are sometimes available. Lounge access is a must-have for passengers who will need to wait around in-between layovers, those trying to kill time for a delayed flight, or for those who made it through security sooner than they expected.
How to Get It: Look for credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access and enjoy complimentary or discounted admission to 1,300+ airport lounges around the world. Certain cards may provide reimbursement if you purchase a membership, while others offer it completely free of charge simply for being a card owner. If you’re loyal to a particular airline or two, you might find that their co-branded cards offer access to airline-specific lounges or discounted day passes.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- 20.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
If you regularly stay at Hilton properties, the accelerated ability to earn bonus points and a sizable introductory bonus offer help the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card really stand out. Card members also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which entitles them to guaranteed member discounts, digital check-in, complimentary breakfast, and a host of other perks, all for a competitive annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 6X Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 3X Hilton Honors points on all eligible purchases
- Complimentary Gold status with your card
- Free Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on your card in a calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership
- Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You regularly stay at Hilton properties and want to quickly earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- You will spend enough with the card in the first three months of opening an account to earn a very generous welcome offer
- You want the convenient benefits that come with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, as well as Hilton Honors Diamond status if you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases through the end of the next calendar year
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is unique among lounge access credit cards in that account holders don’t need to break the bank to access the premium airport facilities they crave. The card offers ten complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year for an annual fee of $95. Given that Priority Pass visit costs roughly $30/ visit, this feature offers almost $300 in value for a $95 in annual fee – not bad!
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 21.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 28.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides huge travel perks, impressive miles on every purchase, and more – for a $395 annual fee. New accounts also enjoy 75,000 miles after making $4,000 in purchases in the first three months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more-you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for 2 and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus other premium benefits like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.74% – 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
- Cash Advance APR: 28.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
- Annual Fee: $395
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel often, and want a card that provides lounge access, elite status, and more
- You plan on issuing cards to multiple authorized users
- You plan on spending at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months
- You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees
The Capital One Venture X Card is another new kid on the block – but don’t let that fool you. Venture X replaces the Venture as Capital One’s premier travel card – and packs the sort of punch the regular Venture just couldn’t.
The Venture X offers Priority Pass Select and Capital One Lounge access, $300 in travel credits each year, up to 10X miles on travel purchases, and more. Given the $395 price point is significantly below the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card, that is a heck of a lot of oomph for a reasonable annual fee.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- See Pay Over Time APR Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Luxury is always within reach when you use The Platinum Card® from American Express. This exclusive rewards card offers premium travel rewards and a host of additional perks for the savvy voyager. Uber Cash and complimentary lounge access are just a few of the more practical perks that lend ongoing value to Platinum Card members beyond the impressive signup bonus.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®
- VIP status and $200 Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually
- Complimentary Gold status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
- Complimentary membership in premium car rental programs
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax
- Terms Apply
- Regular Purchase APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: See Rates & Fees
- Annual Fee: $695
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel often and can take advantage of a myriad of benefits including access to airport lounges and Uber credits
- you intend to sign up for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®
- You prefer airline flexibility when redeeming points for travel
- You’re likely spend $6,000 within the first six months as a cardholder to receive the card’s welcome offer
- You’ll take advantage of exclusive events and experiences available only to Platinum cardholders
Thanks to its impressive lounge perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express still reigns supreme as the ultimate travel card. Unlike many on this list, the Platinum Card offers var more than just Priority Pass Select. Cardmembers gain access to the prestigious Centurion Lounges from Amex and Delta’s SkyClub and the 1,500+ Priority Pass locations worldwide.
Travel is made just-that-more-easier thanks to $175 CLEAR statement credits, plus other credits for travel-related purchases. These credits include a $100 airline credit, a $200 hotel credit, and more. Not bad for a card that many carelessly deride as a glorified coupon book.
Other Cards to Consider: Other popular credit cards that provide lounge access include the American Express Green Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Citi Prestige Card (no longer accepting new applicants), and the Mastercard® Black Card™.
s, $300 in travel credits each year, up to 10X miles on travel purchases, and more. Given the $395 price point is significantly below the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card, that is a heck of a lot of oomph for a reasonable annual fee.
#3: Priority Boarding
Boarding the plane can be an ordeal of its own when everyone is crowding the entryway and waiting to pounce once their boarding group to be called. Skip the hassle and ensure that you’ll have room in the overhead bin when you’re one of the first ones to board.
How to Get It: Although this perk can usually be purchased along with your airline tickets, owning a co-branded airline card will almost always automatically entitle passengers to earlier boarding privileges.
Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®
Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®
Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®
- 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard® is a premium, invite-only airline rewards credit card from Mercury Financial. The card features 3X points on Spirit flights and purchases, 2X on dining and groceries, a decent signup bonus, and no foreign transaction fees – all for an annual fee of $79.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 3x Free Spirit Points per $1 on Spirit purchases
- Earn 2x Free Spirit Points per $1 on grocery and dining purchases
- Earn 1x Free Spirit Points per $1 on all other purchases
- Invitation required to apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each Balance Transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% to 30.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0 to $79
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% or 3% of each Purchase in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Minimum Deposit Required: n/a
- You have average credit but want an airline rewards card
- You have a pre-approval mail offer from Mercury
- You fly with Spirit or travel occasionally
The Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard® is unique amongst this list of travel cards in that it offers premium perks for near-prime credit scores. Issued by Mercury Financial – the issuer of the popular Mercury Mastercard – the Points Plus offers Zone 2 priority boarding on Spirit flights, up to 3X Free Spirit points per dollar spent on purchases, and more.
Other Cards to Consider: Other popular credit cards that provide priority boarding benefits include the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, and the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard from Bank of America.
#4: Discounted In-Flight Purchases
You’ve finally made it on the plane, and it’s the home stretch – but that doesn’t mean your troubles are over. Airplane cabins mean being stuck with crying babies and chatty seat neighbors. While inflight discounts may not inherently sound like they’ll solve all your problems – a pair of inflight headphones (because you left yours in the terminal), a sweet snack, or a nip of an adult beverage will go a long way towards maintaining what holiday cheer you have left.
How to Get It: Once again, co-branded airline cards are the key to unlocking inflight savings. These purchases may take the form of a discount or a statement credit.
There are far too many credit cards that provide in-flight discounts, with almost every airline credit card offering this perk. Here is a partial list of current credit cards that provide account holders with discounts on purchases in-flight:
Credit cards That Offers In-Flight Discounts
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card – 20% off food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
- Alaska Airlines Visa Business Credit Card – 20% off food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
- American Airline AAdvantage MileUp Card – 25% off food and beverages
- Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard – 25% off food and beverages
- Citi Business / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard – 25% off food and beverages
- Delta Reserve Credit Card – 20% off food, beverages, and headsets
- Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card – 20% off food, beverages, and headsets
- Gold Delta SkyMiles – 20% off food, beverages, and headsets
- JetBlue Card – 50% back on food, beverages (Wi-Fi is free)
- JetBlue Plus Card – 50% back on food, beverages (Wi-Fi is free)
Featured image by eak_kkk / PixaBay
