Showing 160 Cards
Sort By Column Name:
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
30,000 Bonus Points
- Regular Purchase APR 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent* on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent* on dining, travel, transit and rideshare
- 1 point per $1 spent* everywhere else
- Amtrak benefits, including station lounge passes, one-class upgrade certificates, and more
- Regular Purchase APR: 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
Marriott Bonvoy Bevyâ„¢ American Express
85,000 Bonus Points
- Regular Purchase APR 19.99% to 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $250
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network American Express
- Eearn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you make $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points)
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases
- 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card.
- $250 Annual Fee
- Terms apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% to 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% 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: $250
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUpâ„ Card
Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Bonus Miles + $50 Statement Credit
- Regular Purchase APR 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR 29.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee None
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% (Variable)
- 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 creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
Mastercard® Black Card™
Patented Card Construction and 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge
- Regular Purchase APR 19.24%
- Balance Transfer APR 19.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance APR 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Annual Fee $495
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Patented black-PVD-coated metal card—weighing 22 grams.
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Enrollment in Priority Passâ„¢ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest limit. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties.
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite is Mastercard’s highest benefits level. World Elite Mastercard benefits include exclusive discounts from Lyft, Fandango, DoorDash, ShopRunner and Priceless Golf. Additional benefits include Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Cellular Telephone Protection and more. Additional Terms & Conditions Apply.
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.24%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $495
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles (Terms Apply)
- Regular Purchase APR 19.99% to 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $550
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network American Express
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months
- The limited edition Boeing 747 design is made with 25% metal from a retired Delta Boeing 747 aircraft
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You'll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you're traveling together
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge - The Centurion® Studio Partner
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that's an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X)
- Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status
- Terms and limitations apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% to 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $550
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
140,000 Bonus Points
- Regular Purchase APR 20.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 20.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier Business card member
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG Rewards bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% to 27.24% 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: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 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: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $40
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 20.24% - 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 20.24% - 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $95
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Visa
- 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 won'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 our 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: 20.24% - 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% - 28.24% 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: 28.24% 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
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
Mastercard® Gold Card™
Made With 24K GOLD®
- Regular Purchase APR 19.24%
- Balance Transfer APR 19.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance APR 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $995
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Patented 24K-gold-plated front and carbon back—weighing 22 grams
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 2% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $200 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Enrollment in Priority Passâ„¢ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest limit. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits
- Annual Fee: $995 ($295 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite is Mastercard’s highest benefits level. World Elite Mastercard benefits include exclusive discounts from Lyft, Fandango, DoorDash, ShopRunner and Priceless Golf. Additional benefits include Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Cellular Telephone Protection and more. Additional Terms & Conditions Apply.
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.24%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $995
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
Earn 65,000 AAdvantage® Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR 29.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee $0 for the first 12 months. After that, $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Designed for businesses
- Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
- 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is higher
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first 12 months. After that, $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $41
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Earn 20,000 Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 19.24% - 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 19.24% - 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee None
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Intro Purchase APR 0% for the first 15 months that your account is open
- Processing Network Visa
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first 3 months
- Unlimited 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase
- Transfer miles to 15 available airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- 5X miles per dollar when you book car rentals and hotel stays through Capital One Travel
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 15 months that your account is open
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% - 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 15 months after account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% - 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
+ 1.6% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 1.2% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 2.5% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
+ 0.4% cash back
+ 0.8% cash back
You've viewed 10 of 160 credit cards
This post may contain links from partner offers, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to these offers. Please see our advertiser and editorial disclosures above for more information.
The information related to Citi Premier® Card, American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠Card, Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, AT&T Access Card from Citi, Expedia® Rewards Voyager Card from Citi, Expedia® Rewards Card, and Citi Prestige® Card has been collected by BestCards.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
What Are Travel Rewards Credit Cards?
Reward cards come in all shapes and forms. Some cards cater to those frequently stay in hotels. Others, to those who regularly use their cards to pay for gas or other car-related expenses. Still others provide business cards, and some cards for those who often fly – either for business or for pleasure. Just as there are many reward cards, so too are there many different types of travel rewards credit cards.
Travel cards can be broken down into three distinct types: airline credit cards, hotel credit cards, and general travel credit cards. Each class offers unique benefits and perks to travelers. But how do they work?
How Do Travel Cards Work?
Travel cards earn points on every qualifying purchase – just like other rewards credit cards. These reward points can also be cash back or miles, but these varieties of rewards are all the same. Travel cards typically earn a base rate for purchases – usually 1X points or miles. They also receive additional rewards on bonus categories, which may include:
- Travel purchases
- Hotel stays
- Airfare
- Gas station purchases
- Groceries
- Restaurants
Points from purchases apply to awards. Like other rewards programs, cardholders can use their points for merchandise, gift cards, or cash back. The best value, however, is for booking travel.
There are several types of travel rewards credit cards to suit each individual’s unique travel needs. Some cards allow you to earn extra airline miles when flying with a certain carrier, for example. Others allow cardholders to earn bonus points for stays with a certain hotel chain. Finding a travel rewards credit card that aligns with spending habits, can help save thousands of dollars per year and provide excellent perks.
Other cards, such as Chase or American Express-branded cards, allow for bookings with their own travel portals, which offer additional value. Still other cards might offer the option of booking travel however you please.
What's the Best All-Around Travel Card of 2022?
Mastercard® Black Card™
-
2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
-
1.5% value for cash back redemptions
-
$495 annual fee ($195 per authorized user)
☆ 22 Gram PVD-Coated Card Design
☆ Up to $100 Airline Credit Each Year
☆ Priority Pass™ Select
☆ 24/7 Luxury Concierge Access
There’s little doubt in our minds that the Mastercard® Black Card™ offers the best luxury benefits for a travel card that can carry a balance. Most luxury-oriented travel credit cards are heavy on the perks but feature an APR that isn’t competitive. These cards also do not offer value when not paying your balance in full each month – after all, the points, miles, and rewards lose value when you are paying interest.
With the Black Card, however, some of this worry goes out the window. Sure, points still lose their value, but carrying a balance isn’t nearly as punishing. The Mastercard® Black Card features a competitive APR that varies based on the Prime Rate only – as opposed to similar cards, which also take creditworthiness into account when determining the applicant’s APR.
The purchase APR from the Black Card is also lower than the lowest available rate from the Sapphire Reserve and significantly lower than the Platinum Card from American Express.
Excellent Value
The Mastercard® Black Card™ also features an annual fee significantly lower than both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum. The Reserve is known as a points machine, and the Platinum is one of the kings of luxury, but don’t count the Black Card out just yet.
The Black Card offers enormous value for its $495 annual fee. The list of luxury perks is astonishing, including Priority Pass lounge access, airline credits, complimentary luxury gifts from leading brands, access to the Luxury Hotel Collection, no foreign transaction fees, and more. That doesn’t even mention the card’s award-winning Luxury Concierge service. All told, the card offers over $500 in hotel savings and credits – per stay.
Plus, the card gets 2% value for airline redemptions and 1.5% cash back redemptions, making it one of the better rewards cards for the heavy spender.
An All-Around Travel Juggernaut
This brings us to the heart of the matter: why we love the Mastercard® Black Card™. The card is the ideal combination of excellent rewards, a highly-competitive APR, and luxury perks – for a price that offers superb value for money. We think it holds it’s own against the big boys – and it’s why it’s our choice for the top travel credit card of 2022.
Pros & Cons of Travel Credit Cards
Benefits of Credit Cards with Travel Rewards
Credit cards for travel offer fantastic value for those who are frequently on the move. Those benefits include:
- Make Travel Less Expensive: Credit cards for travel can make traveling significantly cheaper. That’s because they offer points. These points can apply to future travel, reducing costs. Some cards also offer discounts with hotel chains, airlines, or car rental companies.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Many travel rewards credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee – a charge on using the credit card outside of the United States. While this rate varies from issuer to issuer, the typical rate is usually around 3%. Fortunately, many travel rewards cards offer no foreign transaction fees, meaning travelers aren’t penalized for daring to spend money abroad.
- Signup Bonuses: Signup bonuses and introductory offers are two of the best perks with this type of credit card. Some cards come with bonuses of up to 100,000 miles, with a cash value of hundreds of dollars. While these bonuses require a minimum spend, the reward rate is typically many times more than the normal rate – making them an excellent value.
Drawbacks of Travel Credit Cards
The benefits of rewards credit cards for travel are clear, but what about the drawbacks? Here are a few negatives with travel cards to consider:
- Annual Fees: The best travel cards charge an annual fee. These fees range from approximately $95 to $550 per year. While there are plenty of great no annual fee cards, the rewards and points won’t be as plentiful as they are with a card that charges an annual fee.
- Higher Credit Score Needed: Credit cards with travel rewards typically require an excellent credit score or a good credit score. There are secured travel credit cards, such as the LATAM Secured Visa, but these are rare. Generally, you’ll need a credit score of at least 660 to get a travel card.
- Higher APR: Because they offer rewards and huge bonuses, credit cards for travel have higher than average APR. Interest rates with travel cards are, on average, one percent higher than cash back rewards cards and three-percent lower than 0% intro APR credit cards.
What to Look for In a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Travel credit cards are an excellent way to earn rewards for travel and everyday purchases. But what should you look for to find the best travel card for you?
- Rewards Points: One of the most important things to consider when selecting a travel credit card is the value of points – and how to earn them. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards offer exceptional value for money. Others, such as those from credit unions, provide less value but might benefit customers with other banking products. Carefully gauge how you earn points with eh card (gas, groceries, travel, etc.) before applying.
- Reward Flexibility: Rewards flexibility is another critical consideration when it comes to travel credit cards. Some cards have strict terms of redemption. General travel rewards cards, such as the Spark® Miles Select from Capital One®, offer more versatility, which can be spent with significantly reduced restrictions or transferred to loyalty or frequent flyer programs.
- Signup Bonus:Â Many travel credit cards come with a signup bonus of points. Typically these bonuses require a minimum spend of between $500 to $3,000 within the first three months. Bonuses can range in value all the way up to several hundred dollars. This makes rewards an essential part of the travel card equation.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees:Â Some travel cards offer no foreign transaction fees. This perk makes this type of card an excellent option for using outside of the United States.
- 0% Intro APR:Â Not all travel cards come with 0% introductory APR. Still, since most travel cards require good or excellent credit scores, the cards that do provide this feature should be within reach for most applicants. A lengthy 0% intro APR period on purchases can help a new account offset the costs of travel purchases by paying for those purchases over time, with no interest.
- Loyalty Program Elite Status:Â Some travel rewards credit cards offer elite status in loyalty programs.The higher the annual fee, the better the elite tier with a program. The Platinum Card from American Express, for example, offers Gold Elite status in both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
The card also provides lounge access and a vast assortment of statement credits for an annual fee of $550. Even some mid-range and no annual fee travel rewards credit cards offer loyalty program status upgrades, however. So make sure to carefully examine each offer before applying.
- Lounge Access: Lounge access is one of the best benefits of a travel rewards card. Lounge access grants the cardholder entry into airport or hotel lounges. As with loyalty program tiers, the higher the annual fee, the better the lounge access privileges.
Travel Credit Card FAQs
Travel credit cards cover a wide area of rewards. Since some cards earn 3x points on travel, 3x points on dining, or other unique rewards, there are cards to suit every budget, travel preference, and spending habit. A huge assortment of cards also means a vast amount of questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about travel rewards cards – and what you need to know to make an informed decision:
- Travel rewards credit cards are ideal for anyone who travels frequently. Trave expenses can quickly add up, so earning points for those purchases makes perfect sense. These points can offset airline fees and are earnable for travel and dining, and other everyday spending.
- Because there are so many travel credit card offers, any credit score can apply. The very best travel credit cards, like the Amex Platinum Card, Citi Prestige Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, require an excellent credit score to qualify. Others, like the LATAM Secured Visa, require no credit history at all.
- Typically, travel cards that offer the best sign up bonuses, and most points charge an annual fee. Usually, the base rate is a $95 annual fee for the average travel card. Cards that provide impressive perks, like lounge access or credit for Global Entry, charge the very highest yearly fees. Before applying for any credit card, make sure you plan to make use of the rewards it offers – especially if there’s a high fee attached to it.
- If your travel plans change and you can’t justify a high annual fee, consider downgrading to a no annual fee version from the same card issuer. Chase offers numerous paid -and no annual fee – versions of popular airline and hotel credit cards, for example.
- The real value for most travel cards lies in the value of the rewards points they offer. These points might be in the form of airline miles, hotel loyalty program points, or general card issuer points. Chase points, for example, allow users to redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for travel expenses, cashback, or other award options.
Current airline mile valuations for leading carriers:
- Alaska Mileage Plan – 1.8 cents/mile
- American Airlines AAdvantage Miles – 1.4 cents/mile
- Delta SkyMiles – 1.2 cents/mile
- Frontier Miles – 1.1 cents/mile
- HawaiianMiles – 0.9 cents/mile
- MileagePlus Miles (United) – 1.3 cents/mile
- Miles & More Miles (Lufthansa) – 1.4 cents/mile
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Points – 1.5 cents/point
- Spirit Airlines Free Spirit – 0.4 cents/point
- TrueBlue (Jet Blue) – 1.3 cents/point
 Current hotel point valuations for leading brands:
- Best Western Rewards – 0.7 cents/point
- Hilton Honors – 0.6 cents/point
- IHG Rewards – 0.5 cents/point
- Marriot Bonvoy – 8 cents/point
- Radisson Rewards – 0.5 cents/point
- VOILA Rewards – 1 cent/point
- World of Hyatt – 1.7 cents/point
- Wyndham Rewards – 1.1 cents/point
- Yes. Bank of America offers a dedicated student travel rewards card – the Travel Rewards Card for Students. There are also several general rewards cards for students that allow cardholders to redeem rewards for travel purchases. Travel rewards cards are an excellent option for students who go to college out of state. Some cards feature no foreign transaction fees, making them perfect for international studies.
- Yes. Thee are some very good secured cards for frequent travelers. These include secured airline cards from SKYPASS (Korean Air) and LATAM. Beyond those airline cards, BB&T offers secured cards for general travel usage that earn points with every purchase.
Related Content
Is It a Good Time to Apply for a Travel Credit Card?
Thinking of applying for a travel credit card now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are easing? Here’s why it’s a good idea.
Amex Plan It® Launches for AmexTravel.com
American Express is extending its Plan It program to travel booked through AmexTravel.com. Here’s what you need to know.
The Best Premium Travel Credit Cards of 2021
Beat the post-COVID blues with these premium travel card options. Travel in luxury and experience the world once again with these offers.