Best Travel Credit Card Offers of 2024

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* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or both, maximizing your travel budget and experience begins with carrying the right travel credit cards. With a killer travel card in your wallet, every purchase moves you one step closer to your next adventure. You’ll be jet-setting in style with exclusive travel perks! Sifting through the best travel credit card offers on your own can be time-consuming and overwhelming, but not for the How To Money crew! We’ve made it easy to find the best travel credit card offers by ranking them based on a combination of highly desirable factors you’ll love. So check it out and then start packing your bags! 

Our top picks for the best travel credit card offer of 2024

Take a look below and see which card fits your travel needs and features the perks that will make your everyday spending work for you. Plus, we’ve covered the ins and outs of snagging the best travel credit card offers below.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

HTM Rating: The Champ

And the annual_fees annual fee is one of the lowest on the list!

Other perks you’ll get with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card:

• No foreign transaction fees
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ & 2x on other travel purchases
• 3x points on dining, food delivery services, and takeout
• 3x points on online grocery purchases 
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other everyday purchases
• Free trip cancellation insurance and primary rental car insurance 

Plus, Chase Sapphire Preferred® cardholders can also break up card purchases of $100+ into convenient monthly payments with zero interest—you just pay a fixed monthly fee. So if you’re on the hunt for the best travel credit card offer, this card should be a top contender for pretty much everyone. 

Learn more: card_name

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Card 

HTM Rating: No brainer

And this card offers the biggest sign-up bonus out of all the cards that made the cut: bonus_miles_full

Need more reasons why the Capital One Venture Rewards card is a no-brainer option? Take a look at what else comes with this card:

• 5X miles on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on every purchase
• Free hotel room upgrades
• $100 credit for Global Entry & TSA Precheck
• 2 Free access passes to Capital One airport lounges every year
• No foreign transaction fees

With this card, you can book a trip using miles through Capital One Travel, or use miles to get reimbursed for past travel purchases. Definitely consider the Capital One Venture Rewards card to get the best travel credit card offer. 

Learn more: card_name

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express 

HTM Rating: Mac daddy

This is THE card to consider if you’re into the finer things in life and want to make the most of every experience at home and while you travel: 

• 5x membership rewards points on flights and hotels booked via American Express 
• $200 annual airline credit for incidentals
• $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels or Hotel Collection
• $240 annual digital entertainment credit
• $200 in Uber cash ($15/month and bonus in December)
• $300 annual Equinox credit
• $189 CLEAR credit for skipping airport TSA lines
• Free airport lounge access at over 1,400 American Express Global Lounges
• Free Walmart+ subscription
• No foreign transaction fees

And there are plenty more perks where that came from like cell phone protection to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your phone. So if the name of the game for you is luxury, look no further! 

Learn more: card_name

4. Southwest® Airlines Rapid Rewards® Premier Card

HTM Rating: The co-pilot

With this card as your financial co-pilot, you’ll be sittin’ pretty at 30,000 feet or at home on the couch: Here are a few more perks you can expect:  

• Unlimited seat rewards (with no restrictions or blackout dates)
• 2 annual Early Bird Check-in®
• 3 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Reward hotels and car rentals
• 2 points per $1 on local transit services and public parking
• 2 points per $1 on internet, phone, and select streaming services
• 1 point per $1 on everyday purchases
• 6,000 points on your account anniversary
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• No charge for bags
• No change fees
• No foreign transaction fees
• No expiration on points 

Southwest Airlines is great for domestic travel and they offer a few other routes as well. Plus if you have a regular traveling companion, consider a SW Companion Pass so you don’t have to dread the person sitting next to you. 

Learn more: card_name

5. Capital One® Venture X® Card

HTM Rating: Rockstar

New cardmembers can bonus_miles_full!

This card is the ticket for those ready to rock their travel experiences to the fullest:

• $300 annual travel credit 
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• Unlimited access to Capital One airport lounges for you and 2 guests
• 10x miles on rental cars and hotels
• 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on everyday purchases 
• No foreign transaction fees 

Having a Venture X® in your pocket is like a VIP tour pass to the world. Plus, with an annual bonus of 10,000 miles, it’s your backstage pass to maximizing rewards and traveling in style. 

Learn more: card_name

6. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Card

HTM Rating: The hustler

New cardholders can bonus_miles_full — easily covering the annual_fees annual fee.

We know business owners are working hard to stay on top of running a business and your travel credit card should work just as hard as you do. Check these card features out: 

• 3 points per $1 on purchases for internet, phone, and cable services, shipping, digital advertising, and travel
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases with no cap
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more 
• No foreign transaction fees
• No expiration on cash back rewards as long as your account is active

You can earn even more rewards by adding employee cards at no extra cost! The Chase Ink Business Preferred® card can help your business run smoothly and make travel that much easier, whether it’s for business or pleasure. 

Learn more: card_name

7. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

HTM Rating: Gold star

With a annual_fees annual fee, Costco packs in just as many perks and savings in its travel packages as it does people on a Saturday morning.

Here’s a sample of the travel and everyday perks of this card:

• 4% cash back at Costco Gas and EV charging
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

The Costco Anywhere Visa® card also offers an extra 2-year warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty on laptops and other gadgets—great to know in case your electronics take a beating on near or far adventures. 

Learn more: card_name

8. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

HTM Rating: Globetrotter

bonus_miles_full

And don’t let the $550 annual fee scare you; each Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth at least 1 cent (when exchanged for cash back), and more if redeemed in the Chase portal! 

More reasons to pack this travel credit card with your passport: 

• $300 travel credit every year
• 5x points on flights booked via Chase Travel℠
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase
• 3x points on dining at restaurants & on eligible delivery and take out
• Ultimate rewards points do not expire in open accounts
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Fee credit
• VIP Lounge access via Priority Pass for you and 2 guests 
• 1-year InstaCart and DoorDash membership
• No foreign transaction fees

And when you do come home, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card will continue to make every tap, swipe, or insert count towards your next grand adventure! 

Learn more: card_name

9. Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card

HTM Rating: Big spender

bonus_miles_full

This card has one of the most fuss-free reward structures, which really maximizes every dollar you spend:

• 2x miles on everyday purchases
• 5x miles on rental cars and hotels booked via Capital One Travel
• $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Redeem miles for flights, hotel stays, and even vacation packages
• No foreign transaction fees

We love this card for big spenders who want straightforward, flexible rewards and top-notch perks while traveling.

Learn more: card_name

10. Chase Freedom Unlimited® 

HTM Rating: Thrifty choice

You won’t even pay an annual fee and you’ll get intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration! The welcome offer also passes muster for even the most budget-conscious: bonus_miles_full

More ways you’ll be ballin’ on a budget:

• No annual fee
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back on drugstores
• Cash back rewards don’t expire
• No foreign transaction fees

If you’re hesitant to choose a travel credit card because you aren’t sure what you want, start with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card. You may find it’s all you need or it can be the trusty sidekick for a different travel credit card that has more bells and whistles.

Learn more: card_name

11. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

HTM Rating: Sleep soundly

This card has a dream welcome offer: bonus_miles_full So get ready to tuck this card right into your wallet.

More perks that give us the warm fuzzies:

• 26x points at IHG® hotels and resorts
• 5x points on travel, dining, and gas 
• 3x points on all other purchases
• Redeem 3 nights and get the 4th night FREE at IHG® hotels & resorts
• 10,000 bonus points if you spend $20,000 annually 
• No foreign transaction fees

If you’re a fan of IHG® hotels & resorts, it would be tough to find a better deal! 

Learn more: card_name

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Get to know the ins and outs of travel credit cards below!

What is a travel credit card

A travel credit card enables users to accrue rewards, such as points or miles, on their expenditures.

Why you should consider a travel credit card

These accumulated rewards are redeemable for a variety of travel-related services, like flight credits, hotel accommodations, or vehicle rentals. Beyond the allure of earning potential, travel credit cards are known for their suite of travel-centric benefits.

Perks of a travel card

These perks are often underestimated, but hugely valuable when traveling, like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. 

How to identify the best offer

To pinpoint the best travel credit card offer, you’ll need to evaluate several critical features, which we’ll explain in detail below. The overall goal in picking any travel credit card is to perfectly align your travel needs with your spending habits.

Best rewards rate

The rewards rate is a big factor in determining which card is best. Basically, this is the number of points or miles earned for every dollar you spend within certain categories. A higher reward rate means quicker point accumulation, turning every purchase into a step closer to your next trip.

Best travel cards: fixed vs. variable rates

When it comes to earning rewards, you have a choice between fixed and variable rates.

Fixed rate credit cards

Fixed rates provide a consistent return on all purchases.

Variable rate credit cards

Variable rates might offer higher rewards in select categories.

Which option is best for travel credit cards?

It depends. You know what you’re getting when you choose a fixed-rate travel credit card. Choosing a variable rate travel credit card means a bit more active management and paying attention to details, but potentially yield greater benefits.

How do I choose the right card rate?

Go with a fixed-rate travel credit card if you aren’t up for strategizing your spending.

Sign-up bonuses

A major draw for new cardholders is the welcome offer. This is a hefty reward of points, miles, or cash back awarded after spending a certain amount within the initial months of card ownership. These bonuses act like a catalyst and can significantly boost your travel fund.

Best travel card sign up bonus example

A common offer for the best travel credit card offer might be “Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.”

Minimum spending requirements

To unlock those all-important welcome offers that the best travel credit card offers, you must meet minimum spending requirements.

How to check if the spending requirements are worth the offer

You’ll want to make sure these thresholds are within your regular spending habits to avoid overspending just for the sake of a bonus.

Why spending requirements matter in credit card offers

Buying crap you don’t need is never a good idea! If the spending requirement puts you in debt, it’s not the best travel credit card offer for you and you should keep looking for the perfect fit!

Annual fees

Annual fees can range from $0 to well over $500, depending on the card’s perks and benefits. When considering the best travel credit card offer for you, compare its benefits and rewards against the fee to decide if it’s a worthwhile investment. Some folks are turned off by annual fees. But the truth is that cards with rich perks and high earning potential can often justify that higher fee. 

Credit Card Type	Typical Annual Fees	Waived First Year?
Basic Travel Cards	$0 – $95	Usually
Mid-Tier Cards	$95 – $250	Sometimes
Premium Cards	$250+	Very Rarely

Waived for the first year

The best travel credit card offer will typically come with an introductory perk of waiving the annual fee for the first year. This advantage allows you to experience the card’s benefits without an immediate fee, providing a cost-effective trial period.

Foreign transaction fees

For those who travel abroad, foreign transaction fees can eat into your budget. Selecting the best travel credit card offer with no foreign transaction fees ensures that every purchase abroad is as rewarding and cost-effective as domestic spending.

Cards offering zero fees

Opting for the best travel credit card offer that features zero fees, particularly on foreign transactions or annual fees (sometimes waived), presents unparalleled value. These cards are especially beneficial for travelers looking to maximize rewards while minimizing costs.

Comparing travel credit cards

In the quest to find the best travel credit card offer, you need to build a custom comparison to narrow down your options.

Why you should consider travel credit card offers carefully

Spending a little time on due diligence upfront will help you find the right travel credit card that makes the most of your rewards and fits your spending habits and travel needs for the long term

Airline-specific vs. general travel cards

The choice between airline-specific and general travel cards is determined by your travel habits.

Airline travel cards

If you consistently fly with the same airline, an airline-specific card may offer more value through perks like priority boarding and free checked bags.

General travel cards

On the other hand, general travel cards provide the flexibility to earn and use rewards across various airlines and hotels, making them suitable if you value versatility in your travel rewards.

	Airline-Specific Card	General Travel Card
Rewards Focus	Build miles for specific airlines only	Points earned are very flexible across multiple travel categories
Typical Perks	Priority boarding, free checked bags	Very flexible redemption options
Best For	Loyal airline customers	Travelers who want flexibility

Airline-specific perks could include things like free checked bags and priority boarding on that specific airline, while general travel card benefits might be points redeemable across multiple airlines and hotel chains.

Co-branded benefits

Partnerships between credit cards and specific airlines or hotels offer co-branded benefits.

Variations of co-branded benefits

These perks, which can range from room upgrades to bonus earnings on purchases, significantly enhance the travel experience.

Who should consider travel credit card offers with co-branded benefits?

Co-branded cards are an excellent choice for loyal customers of these brands (airlines and/or hotels).

Points and miles valuation

Understanding the valuation of points and miles is essential for maximizing the benefits of the best travel credit card offer.

Best credit card valuations

This valuation affects how you should redeem your rewards, guiding you towards options that offer the highest return on your spending and ensuring that you get the greatest possible value from your accumulated points or miles.

Credit Card	Points/Miles Valuation	Example Redemption
Card X	1 cent per point	$500 flight for 50,000 points
Card Y	1.5 cents per mile	$750 flight for 50,000 miles

Transfer partners

The transfer partners feature of the best travel credit card offer adds a layer of flexibility to your reward strategy.

How it works

Cards that allow the transfer of points or miles to different airlines and hotels enable you to optimize your redemption options.

Why transfer partners are important in travel credit card offers

This flexibility is crucial for maximizing the value of your rewards, allowing you to choose the most advantageous redemption opportunities available.

Benefits of the best travel credit cards

The top-tier travel credit cards extend a collection of benefits that significantly enhance your travel experience and optimize your spending, so keep this in mind when you’re on the lookout for the best travel credit card offer. Collectively, these benefits help make travel more enjoyable and stress-free and lower travel costs. 

Travel insurance

Travel insurance included in the best travel credit card offer may not seem like a very glamorous perk. But not having it is one of the fastest ways to regret a travel booking.

How travel insurance protects your trip

This coverage provides a safety net for unexpected events, from medical emergencies to lost luggage. This coverage ensures that, in moments of need, you’re well-protected. And you won’t have to fork over big bucks for that coverage either.

Common types of coverage

• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Covers the cost of transportation to a medical facility in case of a serious illness or injury during your trip.
• Trip Cancellation: Reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled due to a covered reason.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Compensates you for the purchase of essential items if your baggage is delayed for a certain period.

Trip cancellation and delay coverage

Trip cancellation and delay coverage is another perk of the best travel credit card offer and acts as a financial safeguard.

Benefits of trip cancellation and delay coverage

This can compensate you for non-refundable expenses if your flight is abruptly canceled or you get delayed and stuck at the airport for multiple hours. This benefit protects your travel investments from the unpredictable for greater peace of mind.

Airport lounge access

Airport lounges let you escape from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals.

Benefits of travel credit card offers with airport lounge access

You get to enjoy a few of the finer things in life that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in an airport without having to pay extra to enjoy the lounges amenities.

Airport lounge amenities

Here, amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and showers are at your disposal, significantly elevate your pre-flight experience.

Complimentary passes

When picking the best travel credit card offer, don’t overlook complimentary passes for airport lounges or other premium travel services.

Benefits of free passes

These passes upgrade your experiences without extra charges, so your layovers are less about counting down the hours until you board and more about living in the moment and enjoying a little luxury before take-off.

Who should look for free passes when choosing the best travel credit card offer?

If you like to live that frugal fancy life, this is a perk you’ll covet.

Savings on international purchases

We’ve already touched on no foreign transaction fees above, but it’s worth mentioning again. We hate annoying little fees. Who doesn’t!?

No foreign transaction fees: Does it really matter when choosing the best credit card offer?

Choosing the best travel credit card offer that eliminates foreign transaction fees directly leads to savings on international purchases. This means your travel budget stretches further when you’re exploring new destinations, allowing you to indulge more deeply in the local culture and experiences without financial worry.

Applying for a travel credit card

Once you’ve found the best travel credit card offer for you, you’ll need to understand the card issuer’s requirements and follow a few important, but easy steps to apply.

Credit score requirements

Understanding the credit score requirements is always a crucial first step.

Credit card companies always consider your credit score

Credit card issuers typically look for applicants whose credit history reflects good financial responsibility. Most travel credit cards require a credit score of 670 or higher.

How to check your credit score

Not sure what your credit score is? Apps like Credit Karma can help.

Ideal credit score range

For most travel credit cards, the ideal credit score range tends to be in the “good to excellent” category.

Credit scores: Why you should try to raise and maintain them

Building your credit score up to this range not only elevates your likelihood of approval, but it can also grant access to the most advantageous rewards and terms of the best travel credit card offers.

Application process

With a bit of homework and preparation of the right financial documents, submitting an application will be quick and easy.

How to find application requirements for a travel credit card

To find out what’s exactly required, you can simply visit that card’s website or branch location.

Online vs. in-branch applications

When it comes to online vs. in-branch applications to snag the best travel credit card offer, the choice hinges on personal preference and convenience.

Online credit card applications

Online applications provide the flexibility to apply anytime, anywhere.

In-branch credit card applications

In-branch applications offer the benefit of direct interaction and immediate assistance, catering to those who value personal service.

Maximizing benefits of a travel credit card

To truly unlock the full potential of the best travel credit card offer, we have a few tips and tricks for you to follow. 

Strategic credit card spending

Strategic spending means deliberately using your travel credit card for transactions that align with that specific card’s reward structure.

Benefits of playing your cards right

By doing so, every dollar you spend accumulates more rewards, turning everyday purchases into bigger travel opportunities.

Bonus categories in travel credit card offers

Capitalizing on bonus categories can significantly expedite your rewards collection for the best travel credit card offer.

Bonus category examples

These categories often include dining, travel, and groceries, offering higher points or miles per dollar spent.

Advantages of bonus categories

By tailoring your spending to these bonus categories, you can dramatically boost your rewards balance.

Points and miles redemption strategies

Understanding and implementing effective points and miles redemption strategies will help you get the most value from your rewards.

How to apply these credit card offer strategies

Applying these strategies will depend on the specific perks/benefits of the credit card offer but general guidelines include timing your redemptions, leveraging transfer partners for optimal value, and staying informed about the most advantageous redemption opportunities.

Best value redemption options

To get the highest ROI out of your points or miles, you need to check out all the different ways you can use them.

How you can make the most of your travel card points

This could mean using them to book flights directly through the credit card’s travel site or swapping them for deals with specific airlines and hotels. Choosing the best way to use your points can make them worth more, meaning you get better trips or more fun experiences without spending extra.

The best travel credit card offer FAQs

Related:

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• Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Our “Super Chill” Credit Card Strategy
• 6 Best Credit Cards for Sales Reps
• 8 Best Credit Cards for Consultants
• Best Travel Reward Credit Cards For Beginners
• The Golden Rules of Plastic: Credit Card Best Practices

* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

*Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

*User Generated Content Disclosure: Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.