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Nerd-reviewed travel cards for every type of traveler
whether you’re splurging on a dream vacation or taking a weekend away.
We’ve picked out cards to suit any travel style.
This is a travelers’ favorite for maxing rewards, since points are worth more when used to book through Chase.
If you know what to look for, you can easily find a travel credit card that suits your lifestyle.
Many cards offer extra points if you spend a certain amount. A good sign-up bonus could translate into a free round-trip flight.
Look for at least 2% rewards on a card with an annual fee and 1.5% on a no-fee card.
If you travel overseas, look for a card that’s accepted widely and has no foreign transaction fees.
Many cards come with extra perks, like lost baggage protection, travel insurance, and rental car coverage.
Cards with a fee offer better rewards and perks for frequent travelers, but may not be worth the cost for casual travelers.
Travel credit cards work like most rewards credit cards. When you use them, you earn reward currency at different rates that can be turned into rewards.
There are several kinds of travel credit cards: general travel cards offer points or miles at different rates that you can exchange for a variety of travel benefits. Airline and hotel cards are attached to loyalty programs that offer free flights, hotel stays, and upgrades. Flat-fee cards are general travel cards that have a set rewards rate for every type of spending. Premium cards charge an annual fee in exchange for better perks and higher reward rates.
Earn points or miles and redeem them for rewards. You can usually redeem rewards for flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, and more depending on your card. Your rewards will either be redeemed through a rewards shopping portal or applied to your purchases through a loyalty program.
Some of the most popular travel credit cards offer added benefits, like travel insurance, airport lounge access, baggage insurance, travel credits, TSA Precheck/Global Entry fee credits, and no foreign transaction fees.
