Top Travel Credit Cards for 2024: Maximize Your Points and Benefits
Traveling in style while keeping your expenses in check is something many dream about. With the right travel credit cards, it’s not just a dream—it’s achievable! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best travel credit cards for 2024 and beyond. Whether you’re aiming for free flights, hotel stays, or extra perks, these cards can help you make the most out of your travels. Explore more click here
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Top 6 Best Travel Credit Cards 2024 for rewards, travel, or low interest
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Signup Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earnings:
- 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3 points per dollar on dining.
- 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on everything else.
- Benefits:
- $50 annual hotel credit.
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel.
- Access to Chase’s travel portal and Transfer Partners (e.g., United, Southwest, Hyatt).
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Excellent points earning structure, particularly for dining and travel.
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Low $95 annual fee, offering tremendous value for new and moderate travelers.
- Access to valuable Transfer Partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt.
Cons:
- No lounge access, which is a downside for frequent travelers.
- Lower signup bonus compared to some premium cards.
- $95 annual fee may not seem worthwhile for people who do not spend a lot on dining or travel.
Verdict: The most accessible travel credit card, with a low annual fee and great rewards. Ideal for travelers who want maximum value with minimal cost.
2. Capital One Venture X
Signup Bonus: 75,000 for points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earnings:
- 10 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2 points per dollar on everything else.
- Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 miles annually, equal to a $100 credit.
- Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for you and guests.
- Access to Capital One’s own airport lounges.
- Free authorized users.
- Annual Fee: $395.
- Generous signup bonus (75,000 points) and high earning rate across multiple travel categories.
- $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each year help offset the annual fee.
- Unlimited lounge access, including Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges.Free authorized users with full access to lounge benefits.
Cons:
- Capital One Travel is required for earning many travel bonuses and using the $300 travel credit.
- Annual fee of $395 is relatively high but can be reduced with credits.
- Limited domestic lounge options compared to some competitors.
Verdict: A fantastic all-around card offering significant rewards, travel credits, and lounge access, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
3. American Express Gold Card
Signup Bonus: 60,000-75,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months.
Earnings:
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year).
- 3 points per dollar on flights.
- 1 point per dollar on everything else.
- Benefits:
- $120 dining credit (split monthly into $10 credits).
- $120 Uber credit (also split monthly).
- Access to valuable Transfer Partners for flights (e.g., Air France, Flying Blue).
- Annual Fee: $250 (effectively $10 after dining and Uber credits).
Pros:
- Strong earning rates on dining and groceries (4 points per dollar) make this card versatile for everyday spending.
- Valuable credits for dining and Uber ($120 each), offsetting the annual fee significantly.
- Access to Amex’s Transfer Partners for high-value point redemptions on travel.
- Lower $250 annual fee (which can be reduced with credits).
Cons:
- No lounge access or extensive travel benefits.
- Credits are split monthly, so you need to use them regularly to maximize value.
- $250 annual fee is still substantial if you don’t use the card for dining or groceries often.
Verdict: A great everyday card, not just for travelers, thanks to its dining and grocery bonuses.
4. American Express Hilton Aspire
Signup Bonus: 180,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in 6 months.
Earnings:
- 14 points per dollar at Hilton properties.
- 7 points per dollar on select travel.
- 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- Hilton Diamond status (their highest tier) automatically.
- Free night certificate annually.
- $400 Hilton resort credit, $200 airline fee credit, and $100 on-property Hilton credit.
- Purchase protection for items lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Annual Fee: $550.
- Hilton Diamond status automatically, which includes free breakfast, room upgrades, and more.
- Multiple credits ($400 Hilton resort, $200 airline, $100 on-property) that easily offset the annual fee.
- 14 points per dollar on Hilton purchases is excellent for frequent Hilton guests.Annual free night certificate.
Cons:
- High $550 annual fee, though easily offset with credits.
- Benefits are mostly focused on Hilton stays, limiting value if you stay at other hotels frequently.
- Few non-Hilton travel-related benefits like lounge access or flight rewards.
Verdict: A must-have card for Hilton fans, providing immense value with free nights and elite status.
5. US Bank Altitude Reserve
Signup Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days, valued between $500-$750.
Earnings:
- 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center.
- 3 points per dollar on travel and mobile wallet purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- 8 entries to Priority Pass Lounges annually.
- Global Entry credit and TSA PreCheck.
- $325 travel and dining credit annually.
- Annual Fee: $400 (effectively $75 after credit).
- Generous $325 annual travel and dining credit, reducing the effective annual fee.
- High earning rate on mobile wallet purchases (3 points per dollar).
- Access to 8 Priority Pass lounge entries annually.
- Valuable for travelers and those who frequently use mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Cons:
- Lower lounge access than some competing premium cards.
- Bonus categories are a bit limited, especially outside of mobile wallet transactions.
- The $400 annual fee is high, even though the effective fee can be reduced.
Verdict: This card is focused on cashback, providing tangible value, especially with mobile wallet purchases.
6. Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard (Barclays American Airlines card)
Signup Bonus: Earn 60,000 American Airlines miles after just one purchase, regardless of what you buy.
Earnings:
- 2 American Airlines miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- $25 credit for inflight Wi-Fi annually.
- 25% discount on food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights.
- Free checked bag and Group 4 boarding.
- Spend $20,000 annually for a $99 companion certificate.
- Annual Fee: $99.
Pros:
- Very low effort to earn the 60,000 miles bonus after just one purchase.
- Offers great benefits for American Airlines flyers, such as Group 4 boarding and free checked bag.
- Companion certificate can save money on future travel.
- Reasonable $99 annual fee.
Cons:
- Limited earning categories (mostly focused on American Airlines purchases).
- Lack of travel flexibility if you don’t often fly with American Airlines.
- No lounge access or broader travel perks beyond American Airlines.
Verdict: This card is highly recommended for its signup bonus. You could use 60,000 miles for a luxury flight, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
When it comes to choosing the best travel credit card, it’s important to consider your personal spending habits and travel goals. If you’re just starting out, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers incredible value with a low annual fee. For foodies, the American Express Gold Card is unbeatable for dining rewards. And if you’re looking for premium benefits and don’t mind a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X cards are excellent options.
No matter which card you choose, all of these options will help you earn more points, travel more often, and enjoy additional perks on your next adventure. Be sure to check out the links provided below to learn more about each card and their current sign-up bonuses!
Happy travels!
see also: How to save money fast on a low income to save $10,000 in One Year
