If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that every penny counts. You’re always on the lookout for the best travel deals and ways to save money. One way to earn rewards and benefits while traveling is through credit cards. In this section, we have identified the best travel credit cards for rewards in 2023. These cards offer excellent value, rewards, and benefits that can help you save money and upgrade your travel experience. With these cards, you can earn points as you spend money and enjoy travel-related perks like lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel upgrades. Keep reading to know which cards made it to our list of the best picks for 2023 to help you make an informed decision!
Understanding Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you love to travel, a rewards credit card can be an excellent way of earning points, miles, or cashback on travel-related expenses. The rewards you earn can then be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more.
A travel rewards credit card is a type of rewards credit card that is specifically geared towards frequent travelers. These cards typically offer higher rewards rates and more generous travel-related perks than other types of rewards credit cards.
The earning potential of a travel rewards credit card depends on the rewards program set by the credit card provider. Some credit card rewards programs earn points or miles on every purchase, while others have bonus categories that offer higher rewards rates on certain purchases, such as dining, gas, or travel expenses.
Travel rewards credit cards offer a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Earning points, miles, or cashback on travel-related expenses
- Redeeming rewards for travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals
- Travel-related perks, such as complimentary lounge access, airport lounge passes, and travel insurance coverage
- Sign-up bonuses or welcome offers that provide bonus points or miles for new cardholders
- No foreign transaction fees, which can save you money when traveling outside of the United States
If you travel frequently, a travel rewards credit card can be an excellent way to earn rewards and save money on your trips. Look for credit cards that offer rewards and perks that align with your travel preferences and goals, whether that be airline rewards, hotel rewards, or flexible rewards that can be used on a variety of travel expenses.
With all the options out there, it can be challenging to choose the best travel rewards credit card for your needs. In the following sections, we will explore some of the top credit card options and provide tips on how to select the right one for you.
Choosing the Best Credit Cards for Travel
If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s important to have a credit card that suits your needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Sign-up bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, such as bonus points or miles, for spending a certain amount of money in the first few months. Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses to get the most out of your new card.
- Rewards programs: Different credit cards offer different types of rewards, such as points, miles, or cashback, for spending money on certain categories. Look for a card with a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
- Annual fees: Many travel credit cards come with annual fees, which can range from $95 to $550 or more. Consider the value of the rewards and benefits offered by the card compared to the annual fee to determine if it’s worth it for you.
- Travel benefits: Look for cards that offer travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance coverage. These perks can save you money and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Comparing these factors and considering your own travel needs and habits can help you choose the best credit card for travel. Below, we’ve listed some top travel credit card offers to help you decide.
Top Travel Credit Cards
Here’s a rundown of the top travel credit cards for 2023:
| Credit Card | Sign-Up Bonus | Rewards Program | Annual Fee | Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 100,000 points | 2x points on travel and dining | $95 | Primary car rental insurance |
| American Express Gold Card | 75,000 points | 4x points on dining and supermarkets | $250 | $120 dining credit |
| Citi Premier Card | 60,000 points | 3x points on travel and gas stations | $95 | Travel insurance |
Remember to compare the features and benefits of these travel credit cards to find the one that works best for you and your travel goals. With the right credit card, you can earn rewards, save money, and elevate your travel experiences.
Maximizing Travel Credit Card Rewards
When it comes to travel credit cards, earning rewards is just one part of the equation. To truly make the most of your card, it’s essential to know how to maximize your rewards and take advantage of the benefits that come with it. Here are some tips to help you get the best credit card rewards and travel benefits:
- Earn points strategically: Depending on the card, you can earn points for travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars. However, it’s important to check if your card offers bonus points for certain categories, such as dining or gas. By using your card strategically, you can earn more points and get closer to your rewards faster.
- Redeem rewards efficiently: When it comes to redeeming your rewards, some cards offer more flexibility than others. For example, you may be able to transfer your points to travel partners, or use them to book travel through the card issuer’s portal. By choosing the right redemption method, you can stretch your rewards value further.
- Access exclusive benefits: Many travel credit cards offer a variety of benefits beyond rewards, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services. Be sure to check your card’s benefits and take advantage of them to enhance your overall travel experience.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your travel credit card rewards and get the most out of your travels. Don’t be afraid to explore the perks and benefits of your card to unlock even more value.
Best Travel Credit Card Rewards Table:
| Credit Card | Rewards Program | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 2X points on travel and dining; 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases | Primary car rental insurance; trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Earn 2X miles on every purchase (unlimited); 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel | No foreign transaction fees; up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earn 4X Membership Rewards points on dining at restaurants worldwide and on up to $25,000 per year in U.S. supermarkets; 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases. | $120 annual dining credit; $100 annual airline fee credit; baggage insurance plan |
Best Travel Credit Cards for Airline Rewards
If you frequently fly with a particular airline, you can benefit from credit cards that offer airline rewards. These credit cards give you the opportunity to earn bonus miles, free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, among other perks.
The following best travel credit cards for airline rewards are worth considering:
| Credit Card | Bonus Offer | Annual Fee | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | $95 | – 2x points on dining and travel – Transfer points to airline partners |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 | – Priority boarding – First checked bag free |
| United Explorer Card | 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 | – 25% back on in-flight purchases – First checked bag free |
With these best travel credit cards for airline rewards, you can earn rewards and enjoy benefits that are specific to your preferred airline. Make sure to compare your options and choose a card that suits your needs and travel habits.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards
If you frequently stay in hotels, it’s wise to choose a travel credit card that can earn you rewards and benefits for your hotel stays. Here are some of the best travel credit cards for hotel rewards in 2023:
| Credit Card | Hotel Partnerships | Elite Status Benefits | Other Exclusive Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Westin, and more | Automatic Silver Elite status, complimentary Gold Elite status with $35,000 in purchases per year | Free night awards, in-room premium Wi-Fi, priority check-in, and more |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Hyatt, MGM Resorts | Automatic Discoverist status, upgraded Explorist status with $50,000 in purchases per year, and Globalist status with $140,000 in purchases per year | Award nights, room upgrades, lounge access, free parking, and more |
| IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card | InterContinental, Kimpton, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and more | Automatic Platinum Elite status | Free night awards, fourth reward night free, TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry fee credit, and more |
These travel credit cards offer a range of hotel partnerships, elite status benefits, and exclusive perks. Depending on your travel preferences and habits, one of these cards may be the perfect fit for you.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Flexible Rewards
Travel credit cards with flexible rewards programs give you the power to use your earned points or cashback for a variety of travel expenses. With these cards, you will have the freedom to choose how to apply your rewards, making it easier to save money and enhance your travel experiences in 2023.
Some of the best travel credit cards for flexible rewards are:
| Credit Card | Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 2x points on travel and dining; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | $95 |
| American Express Gold Card | 4x points on dining and at supermarkets; 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com | $250 |
| Citi Premier Card | 3x points on travel, including gas stations; 2x points on dining and entertainment; 1x point per dollar on all other purchases | $95 |
These cards not only offer flexible rewards but also come with other perks and benefits, such as travel insurance, trip cancellation and interruption protection, and more. Take advantage of these cards to make the most of your travel rewards and achieve your travel goals in 2023.
Take advantage of the versatility and convenience of flexible rewards credit cards to maximize your travel savings and rewards.
Best Travel Credit Cards for International Travel
When it comes to international travel, choosing the right credit card can make all the difference. Not only can you avoid foreign transaction fees, but you can also enjoy exclusive travel benefits, such as travel insurance coverage and airport lounge access. Here are some of the best travel credit cards for international travel:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 2x points on travel and dining | No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance coverage |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 2x miles on all purchases | No foreign transaction fees, TSA PreCheck application fee credit |
| American Express Platinum | $695 | 5x points on flights, 1x on all other purchases | No foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, travel credits, fine hotels and resorts program |
These travel credit cards offer exceptional rewards and benefits, making them perfect for international travel. Whether you want to earn points or miles, avoid foreign transaction fees, or enjoy exclusive travel perks, there’s a card out there for you.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the best travel credit cards for rewards in 2023, it’s time to choose the one that suits your travel needs and goals. Remember to consider factors such as sign-up bonuses, rewards programs, annual fees, and travel benefits when making your decision.
By selecting the right travel credit card and maximizing its rewards and benefits, you can save money, earn points, and access exclusive perks that elevate your travel experiences. Whether you’re looking for airline rewards, hotel rewards, flexible rewards, or international travel benefits, there’s a card out there for you.
Start exploring the best travel credit card options available and find the one that aligns with your travel preferences and goals. With the right card in hand, you can embark on your travel adventures with confidence, knowing that you have the best travel credit card for rewards in your wallet.
Happy travels!
