CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDSEXCELLENT TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS OF 2021
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9 Excellent Travel Credit Cards of 2021

NerdWallet's Excellent Travel Credit Cards of 2021

Excellent Travel Credit Cards From Our Partners

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeIntro APRRegular APR
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Image
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Excellent for Airline Miles and a Large Bonus

$95

N/A

21.49%-28.49% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Image
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Excellent for Flat-rate travel rewards

$95

N/A

19.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Image
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
Excellent for Flat-rate travel rewards + no annual fee

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

18.24%-28.24% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
Discover it® Miles Image
Discover it® Miles
Excellent for Flat-Rate Travel Rewards with Miles Match

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

17.24%-28.24% Variable APR

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Image
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Excellent for Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

$550

N/A

22.49%-29.49% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
United℠ Explorer Card Image
United℠ Explorer Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Excellent for Airline credit card

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

N/A

21.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Hilton Honors American Express Card Image
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Excellent for

$0

N/A

20.99%-29.99% Variable APR

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Image
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Excellent for 0% intro APR and no annual fee

$0

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening

18.49%-26.49% Variable APR

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Image
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Excellent for Cash back bonuses and no annual fee

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months

18.49%-24.49% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Excellent for: Airline Miles and a Large Bonus

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

NerdWallet rating
5.0
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Rewards Rate
5X

Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

3X

Points on dining.

3X

Points on select streaming services.

3X

Points on online groceries.

2X

Points on all other travel purchases.

1X

Point on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Primary rental car coverage
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • Transfer partners
Cons
  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Complicated rewards
Read full review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Rewards Rate
5X

Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

2X

Miles on every purchase, every day.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Pros
  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Flat-rate travel rewards + no annual fee
NerdWallet rating
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
Current Intro Offer

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Rewards Rate
1.5X

Points per $1 spent on all purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • Intro APR period
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No bonus categories
  • Best rewards limited to certain customers
Read full review
Excellent for: Flat-Rate Travel Rewards with Miles Match
NerdWallet rating
Discover it® Miles card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Rewards Rate
1.5X

Miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
  • Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
  • No annual fee
  • Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No luxury perks
  • Lower acceptance abroad
Read full review
Excellent for: Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks
NerdWallet rating
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards Rate
5X

Points on flights.

10X

Points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

3X

Points on other travel.

3X

Points on dining.

1X

Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$550

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Annual fee

$550

Recommended Credit
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • High rewards rate
  • Luxury perks
  • Premium travel protections
  • Transfer partners
  • Primary rental car coverage
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Requires excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Airline credit card
NerdWallet rating
United℠ Explorer Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Rewards Rate
2X

Miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases.

1X

Mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Recommended Credit
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
  • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • Bonus categories
  • Luxury perks
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Free checked bag
Cons
  • Has annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
Read full review
Hilton Honors American Express Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24. Terms Apply.

Rewards Rate
7X

Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.

5X

Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants.

5X

Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets.

5X

Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations.

3X

Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24. Terms Apply.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Automatic elite status
Cons
  • No free anniversary night
Read full review
Excellent for: 0% intro APR and no annual fee
NerdWallet rating
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. Terms Apply.

Rewards Rate
2%

Cash Back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year.

1%

Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. Terms Apply.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
  • From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
  • Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro APR period
  • Cash rewards
Cons
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Cash back bonuses and no annual fee
NerdWallet rating
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Rewards Rate
5%

Cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores each account anniversary year.

5%

Cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.

2%

Cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations each account anniversary year.

2%

Cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at restaurants each account anniversary year.

1%

Cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Low rate outside bonus categories
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
Read full review
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