Credit cards that offer travel rewards have become increasingly popular among travelers. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the best credit cards for travel rewards, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to choose the right one for you.
What are Travel Rewards Credit Cards?
Travel rewards credit cards offer points or miles for purchases made with the card. These points can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Some travel credit cards also offer perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and free checked bags.
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular option for frequent travelers. It offers 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. The card also offers a signup bonus of 100,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, which is worth $1,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2x miles on all purchases, with no foreign transaction fees. The card also offers a signup bonus of 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of account opening, which is worth $600 in travel rewards.
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American Express Gold Card: The American Express Gold Card offers 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 1x point on all other purchases. The card also offers a signup bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first six months of account opening, which is worth $600 in travel rewards.
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Citi Premier Card: The Citi Premier Card offers 3x points on travel, including gas stations, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases. The card also offers a signup bonus of 80,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, which is worth $800 in travel rewards.
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers 6x points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on all other purchases, and a free night award every year on your card anniversary. The card also offers a signup bonus of 3 Free Nights when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
How to Choose the Right Travel Rewards Credit Card
When choosing a travel rewards credit card, there are a few things to consider:
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Rewards program: Make sure the rewards program offers points or miles that can be easily redeemed for travel expenses.
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Signup bonus: Look for a card that offers a signup bonus that is worth a significant amount in travel rewards.
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Annual fee: Some travel rewards credit cards come with an annual fee. Consider if the benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the fee.
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Foreign transaction fees: If you plan on using your credit card while traveling abroad, make sure to choose a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
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Additional benefits: Look for additional benefits such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and free checked bags.
Conclusion
Travel rewards credit cards can be a great way to save money on travel expenses and earn rewards for your purchases. When choosing a travel rewards credit card, consider the rewards program, signup bonus, annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and additional benefits. With