The Best Travel Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards Points
Avid travelers know the importance of having a good credit card that offers great rewards for their adventures. Whether it’s earning points for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses, having a travel credit card can help you save money and make your trips even more memorable. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best travel credit cards for maximizing rewards points. Read on to find out which cards made the cut and why they should be on your radar.
What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Before we dive into the top picks, it’s important to understand what makes a good travel credit card. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best one for you:
Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most attractive features of a travel credit card is the sign-up bonus. These bonuses offer a large amount of rewards points for new cardholders who meet a certain spending requirement within the first few months of opening the account. The higher the sign-up bonus, the better. Look for a card with a bonus that aligns with your spending habits and can be easily redeemed for travel expenses.
Earning Potential
Aside from the sign-up bonus, the earning potential of a travel credit card is another important factor to consider. Most travel cards offer different earning rates for different categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, or dining. Choose a card that offers a higher earning rate for the categories that best align with your spending habits.
Redemption Options
Before committing to a travel credit card, it’s crucial to understand the redemption options available to you. Some cards offer more flexibility in terms of how and where you can redeem your rewards points, while others are more limited. Look for a card that offers a variety of redemption options, such as statement credits, travel expenses, or transfer partners, so you can maximize the value of your points.
Annual Fee
While travel credit cards offer great benefits and rewards, many come with an annual fee. It’s important to weigh the fee against the value of the benefits offered by the card. Some cards may offer a lower annual fee, but also provide fewer rewards and benefits. Make sure to factor in both the annual fee and the rewards potential when choosing the best card for you.
The Best Travel Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards Points
Now that you know what to look for in a travel credit card, here are our top picks for maximizing rewards points:
Chase Sapphire Preferred
With its generous sign-up bonus and high earning potential, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a favorite among frequent travelers. New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This can be redeemed for $1,000 towards travel expenses. Cardholders also earn 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X point on all other purchases. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees and the annual fee is only $95.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a great choice for those who want flexibility in redeeming their rewards points. Cardholders earn 2X miles on every purchase, with no spending categories to keep track of. Plus, there is no annual fee for the first year and a low $95 fee after that. Additionally, this card offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, up to $100 every four years.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Cardholders can earn 3X points on travel, including gas stations, airfare, hotels, and more, and 2X points on dining and entertainment. There is a $95 annual fee, but it is waived for the first year. Plus, Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to several airline partners for even more redemption options.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is a popular choice for its high earning potential and valuable benefits. Cardholders earn 4X points at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1X point) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. Plus, the card offers an annual $120 dining credit and a $100 airline fee credit. The annual fee is $250, but the benefits can easily offset the cost.
United Explorer Card
For frequent United Airlines flyers, the United Explorer Card is a must-have. The card offers 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months, plus an additional 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first six months. Cardholders also earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and select streaming services. Other perks include a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes every anniversary year. The annual fee is $95, but it’s waived for the first year.
JetBlue Plus Card
If you’re a fan of JetBlue’s TrueBlue program, the JetBlue Plus Card is a great choice for maximizing your points. New cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, plus an additional 6X points for every dollar spent on JetBlue purchases. Cardholders also receive a 10% points rebate when redeeming for flights and a free checked bag. The annual fee is $99, but the card offers great benefits for loyal JetBlue flyers.
Final Thoughts
Having a good travel credit card can make a significant difference in maximizing your rewards points and saving money on your trips. When choosing the best one for you, consider the sign-up bonus, earning potential, redemption options, and annual fee. With our top picks for the best travel credit cards for maximizing rewards points, you can find the perfect card to fit your travel needs and start planning your next adventure.
