How to compare travel credit cards
Start by figuring out which types of travel credit cards you're interested in to narrow down your options.
Once you have the best credit cards ready, here are the things to look at:
- Annual fee: Most of travel credit cards charge annual fees, but amounts can vary from $100 up to $500 for a premium credit card. Make sure the card you choose works for your budget or stick to the best travel credit card with no annual fee if you'd prefer.
- Sign-up bonus: Many travel cards offer some of the biggest sign-up bonuses on the market. Compare both the bonuses that your chosen cards offer and the amount you'd need to spend on eligible purchases to receive each bonus.
- Rewards rate: The best credit cards for travel rewards often have bonus categories where they earn more rewards, such as 3 points per $1 on dining. Others earn the same rate on purchases, such as 2 points per $1 on all eligible purchases no matter the category. See which travel credit cards have rewards rates fit for your spending habits.
- Additional benefits: There are all kinds of features available with credit card travel rewards, from complimentary elite status with airlines and hotels to travel insurance policies. Review each card's extras to figure out how much value it would offer you.
Choose some of the top travel credit cards that stand out to you. If you're looking for the best travel credit cards for beginners, the simplest way to evaluate them is to use The Ascent's tool to compare credit card offers for a feature-by-feature review.
Is a credit card with travel rewards right for me?
The more that you travel, the better a travel points credit card will work for you. If you go on two or three trips per year, you should be able to make the most of the benefits that the best travel card offers. If you're traveling even more frequently than that, then the best travel rewards card will likely be extremely valuable to you. If you don't travel that much, other rewards credit cards would be a better option.
Benefits of travel credit cards
A credit card with travel points offers all kinds of perks that make traveling more enjoyable and easier on your wallet. Below are the types of benefits available with travel cards. Once you know which benefits you want, you can look for cards that have those features.
- Purchase rewards: The best travel credit cards earn rewards on purchases, and you can redeem them for free travel. Many of the most popular travel cards also have bonus categories in which you earn more rewards than the standard rate. If you find a card with bonus categories that match your spending habits, you can maximize your rewards.
- Sign-up bonus: Most travel cards include a sign-up bonus offer, which is a big chunk of rewards you can earn as a new cardholder. To get the bonus, you need to complete the terms. This usually requires spending a certain amount on the card within a timeframe, such as $3,000 in the first three months.
- Airport lounge access: Airline credit cards and premium travel credit cards often include complimentary access to airport lounge programs. If you spend a lot of time at the airport, this perk can make waiting for your flight more comfortable.
- Free checked luggage: Many airline credit cards allow you to check one or more bags for free. Depending on the card, companions traveling on the same itinerary may get to share in this benefit.
- Free night certificate: A common feature of hotel credit cards is a yearly free night certificate. Terms apply on when and where you can use these certificates, and they usually don't work at the most expensive properties. However, they can still save you $100 or more.
- Travel protections: Many of the best travel credit cards often include complimentary protections on eligible purchases such as:
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Trip delay insurance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Spending credits: Premium travel credit cards with high annual fees typically have spending credits to balance out their fees. These credits automatically apply on eligible purchases. Here are a few examples:
- Elite loyalty program status: Gaining elite status in airline and hotel loyalty programs normally requires that you make quite a few bookings. Some of the top travel credit cards let you cut the line by offering cardholders complimentary elite status with one or more loyalty programs.
Alternatives to travel credit cards
Not sure if a credit card with travel points is what you need? Here are the most popular alternatives.
Cash back credit cards
A cash back credit card earns rewards on purchases. The difference is that instead of rewards you can use for travel, it earns cash rewards. You can typically redeem your cash back as a statement credit on your credit card bill, a deposit to your bank account, or a check. Cash back cards are great for consumers who want to earn credit card rewards but aren't big travelers. The reward can also be much easier to use, and many cash back credit cards don't have annual fees.
Credit cards for bad credit
A credit card for bad credit is one that you can get even if you have a low credit score or no credit history. In that situation, it's unlikely you'll qualify for a travel card. The better route is to get one of these credit cards for bad credit, use it to build your credit, and apply for a travel card once you have a higher credit score.
2025 Award Winner
