When it comes to maximizing your travel experience, using the right credit card can make all the difference. The best travel credit cards offer excellent rewards, generous sign-up bonuses, and valuable travel perks that can enhance every trip you take. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone planning your dream vacation, here are the 10 best travel credit cards for 2024 to help you earn big and travel smarter.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Ideal for: Beginners and frequent travelers
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the most popular travel cards due to its excellent rewards rate and flexible points. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Plus, the card comes with a substantial sign-up bonus—making it a great option for new cardholders. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and you can transfer them to 13 airline and hotel partners for even more value.
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x points on travel & dining
- No foreign transaction fees
2. American Express® Gold Card
Ideal for: Foodies and dining enthusiasts
The American Express® Gold Card is the perfect choice for those who love dining out and want to earn valuable rewards on their meals. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3 points on flights booked directly with airlines. This makes it an ideal card for frequent travelers who enjoy fine dining, both at home and abroad.
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
- 4x points on restaurants, 3x on flights
- No annual fee for the first year (then $250)
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Ideal for: Luxury travelers and frequent flyers
For those who want to earn top-tier rewards and enjoy premium travel benefits, The Platinum Card® is one of the best travel credit cards available. It offers 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, as well as 1 point on all other purchases. You’ll also enjoy access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, a $200 airline fee credit, and elite status with several hotel and car rental programs.
Key Benefits:
- 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- 5x points on flights, 1x points on other purchases
- Complimentary access to airport lounges
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Ideal for: Frequent travelers who want premium benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an excellent choice for those looking to earn generous travel rewards and take advantage of high-end travel perks. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on travel (after earning your $300 annual travel credit) and dining, and 1 point on other purchases. With a significant sign-up bonus and travel benefits like airport lounge access and 50% more value when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, this card is a great way to elevate your travel experience.
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 3x points on travel & dining
- $300 annual travel credit
- Access to luxury airport lounges
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for: Easy-to-use rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who prefer simplicity. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which is a straightforward way to rack up miles. Plus, the card offers a great sign-up bonus and allows you to use your miles for any travel expense, whether it’s flights, hotels, or car rentals. This makes it an excellent option for those who want flexibility in how they redeem their rewards.
Key Benefits:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x miles on every purchase
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
6. Citi Premier® Card
Ideal for: Earning points across multiple categories
The Citi Premier® Card is a great choice for those who want to earn points across a variety of spending categories. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on travel, including gas stations, 2 points on dining and entertainment, and 1 point on all other purchases. With its flexible rewards program and the ability to transfer points to several airline partners, this card can help you get the most out of your travel spending.
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 3x points on travel, 2x on dining & entertainment
- Access to Citi’s ThankYou® Rewards program for point transfers
7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for: No annual fee and simple rewards
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card offers a great value for no annual fee. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no limit on how many points you can earn. The card is perfect for those who want to keep things simple while still earning rewards for travel purchases. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
Key Benefits:
- 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- 1.5 points on every purchase
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
8. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Ideal for: Earning rewards on everyday spending
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is a versatile travel credit card that offers 3 points per dollar on a wide range of categories, including travel, dining, and streaming services. It’s an excellent option for those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases while still getting good value for travel-related expenses.
Key Benefits:
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 3x points on travel, dining, and streaming services
- No annual fee
9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Ideal for: Hotel rewards and Hilton stays
If you’re a frequent Hilton guest, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers fantastic rewards on Hilton stays. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, 6 points on dining, gas, and supermarket purchases, and 3 points on all other purchases. You’ll also receive automatic Gold Status with Hilton Honors, making this an excellent choice for loyal Hilton customers.
Key Benefits:
- 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x points on select purchases
- Complimentary Gold Status with Hilton Honors
10. American Express® Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Ideal for: Business travelers and entrepreneurs
For small business owners, the American Express® Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a great option. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases up to $50,000 per year (then 1 point), making it easy to rack up rewards on everything from office supplies to travel. This card also offers valuable travel protection and purchase benefits, helping to protect your business expenses.
Key Benefits:
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 per year
- No annual fee
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your individual spending habits, travel preferences, and goals. Whether you’re looking for flexible rewards, premium travel benefits, or a card with no annual fee, the above options offer some of the best travel credit cards of 2024. By selecting the right card, you can make your travels more rewarding and affordable than ever before.