Find the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

 

 

Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

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 to 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. Some cards, such as Chase or American Express-branded cards, allow for bookings with their own travel portals, which offer additional value. Other cards, such as those from airlines and hotels, stipulate you must book through them – or their partners. Other cards might offer the option of booking travel however you please.

The Pros and Cons on 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: 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: 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.
• Loyalty Program Elite Status: Some travel rewards credit cards offer elite status in loyalty programs. Loyalty programs cater to the frequent hotel guest or frequent flyer and include:
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • Hilton Honors
  • Wyndham Rewards
  • World of Hyatt
  • AAdvantage
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards
  • Delta SkyMiles

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. The AMEX Platinum offers incredible, unlimited lounge access for $550. So too does the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. These cards are general travel cards, but there are plenty of airline credit cards that offer lounge access at a variety of price points.

Find the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for You!

Trying to find a travel credit card? You’ve come to the right place! BestCards has comprehensive and impartial reviews of the top credit cards for travelers on the market today. Scan our hundreds of reviews, use our comparison tool and take advantage of our extensive credit card resources and advice. Ready to get started? Let’s find your best card today!