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Overview
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best travel credit card for your summer adventures, like the best credit card for travel in Europe, or are looking for an overall contender for year-round travels near and far, you’ve come to the right place.
A great travel credit card can be one of the most useful tools at your disposal when planning any adventure. I’ve personally brandished dozens over three years of full-time globetrotting—they’ve gifted me free flights, premium travel perks, and some of the best hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in.
In short, they’ve saved me thousands of dollars and allowed me to travel the world for next to nothing. Fortunately you don’t have to optimize every dollar you spend or sign up for multiple cards to enjoy highly-discounted flights and hotels, just having one good travel card can put you in a position to save big on your future trips.
When considering what makes a great travel credit card for beginners and beyond, we considered the value of the welcome bonus, how many points you earn for your ongoing spend, benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access and a card’s annual fee.
The Bottom Line:
When used correctly, a travel credit card can easily save you thousands of dollars on flights and hotels. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a points geek or want to earn rewards on autopilot.
Just make sure you do your research to pick the best card that maximizes your spending and offers the perks you want and will actually use.
The quick pick:
If you’re the indecisive type and just want our best recommendation for overall travel, this card is a great pick.
Best travel credit cards for beginners and beyond:
- Best overall travel card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best card for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best card for keeping it simple: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best card for foodies: American Express® Gold Card
- Best card with no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Best premium travel card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best card for business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Best card for families: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best card for beginners: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- Best card for gas guzzlers: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- Best card for renters: Bilt Mastercard®
- Best for: Luxury Perks
- Annual Fee: $695
- Pay Over Time APR
- Reward Rate: 5X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
The Platinum Card® from American Express
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Offer Details:
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
Why we like it
The Amex Platinum was once the sole dominating force in the luxury credit card space. While it now faces some stiff competition, it still offers unbeatable perks like unprecedented airport lounge access, elite status at Hilton and Marriott, and some outstanding statement credits making the mammoth $695 worth it for some.
Reward details
5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
Cons
The $695 annual fee is brutally high. Too high for many that can’t, or don’t want to take full advantage of its benefits.
Points-earning rates are low unless spending directly on flights or with the Amex Portal.
Some of the benefits, like travel credits, are more limited and are harder to use than competing cards’ offerings.
- Best for: Travelers who want to keep it simple
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 2X-5X
- Recommended Credit: 660-850
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
75,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening.
Why we like it
The Capital One Venture is an excellent go-to card for any traveler, thanks to its easy to navigate 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. With no bonus categories to consider, a reasonable $95 annual fee, and a strong intro offer worth at least $1,000 in travel rewards, Alec Baldwin might be onto something.
Reward details
5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Pros & Cons
Pros
The Capital One Venture’s current intro bonus is worth $1,000 when spent on Capital One’s (recently revamped) travel portal or you can use your miles to cover your recent purchases.
A steady 2 miles per dollar on all purchases makes earning simple and lucrative. You’ll also grab 5 miles per dollar when booking through Capital One’s travel portal.
Its $95 annual fee is almost negligible, especially if the intro bonus is achieved.
Flexible miles allow for a wide array of redemption options.
You can enjoy two free visits to a Capital One Lounge each year.
Cons
Capital One lacks US-based airline and hotel transfer partners.
Not many major perks beyond its miles value.
- Best for: Foodies
- Annual Fee: $325
- Pay Over Time APR
- Reward Rate: 1X-4X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
American Express® Gold Card
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Offer Details:
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within your first 6 months of card membership
Why we like it
The American Express® Gold Card takes your dining and grocery spending to the next level, offering an impressive 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year, and 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
To put this into perspective, if you spend $8,400 annually on dining and groceries, which aligns with the average American’s spending, you could earn enough points for a roundtrip flight to Hawaii. Meanwhile, the bonus alone is worth over $1,000, adding significant value to your everyday spending.
Reward details
4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
0% Intro APR for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.
$84 Dunkin’ Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or making other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, totaling up to $120 per year. Enrollment required.
Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Cons
$325 annual fee
No major travel perks like its bigger sibling, the Amex Platinum
- Best for: Beginners wanting to learn points and miles
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 1.25X - 5X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
20,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
20,000 bonus points after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from card opening.
Why we like it
The Capital One VentureOne is an excellent card for those taking more deliberate steps into the world of travel rewards thanks to its lack of annual fee and flat-rate earning. Cardholders earn 1.25X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, plus 5X miles per dollar on travel purchased through Capital One. Its 20,000-mile welcome bonus is also solid for a no-annual-fee card.
Reward details
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase
Pros & Cons
Pros
Its flat-rate earning system makes the VentureOne an easy option for earning miles on all types of spending. While not as high of a rate as its sister cards, it may be the right option for some lower-spending users.
No annual fee makes it fairly risk-free for learning how to transfer points to travel partners and maximize the value of your rewards
The 20,000-mile intro bonus is worth $200 when used directly on the Capital One Portal, and even more when transferred to an airline or hotel partner. With only $500 of spending required to receive the miles, that’s a wonderful 20% return.
No foreign transaction fees. This is fairly uncommon for a no-annual-fee card.
Cons
Earning rate isn’t huge
- Big and moderate spenders can earn more points elsewhere
Cash-back cards may be more lucrative
- Best for: Luxury Travel
- Annual Fee: $550
- Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99%
- Reward Rate: 1X - 10X
- Recommended Credit: 740-850
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
60,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
60,000 Bonus points and $300 Chase Travel Credit.
Why we like it
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Reward details
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
- 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
- 3x points on other travel and dining.
- 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Pros & Cons
PROS
Get up to $1,050 in Chase TravelSM value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
The $300 travel credit covers anything travel related, whether thats an Airbnb, a taxi, a flight, or hotel, making it almost impossible not to lessen the dent the fee made.
The points are worth 1.5 cents a piece when used directly on Chase’s Ultimate Rewards Portal, offering a simple but high value use for your points.
Plenty of excellent transfer partners allow points to be maximized
Some excellent partnerships with Doordash and Lyft add to its value.
Priority Pass membership allows access to over 1,300+ airport lounges and restaurants.
CONS
No complimentary elite hotel status, like that offered by the Amex Platinum.
You won’t earn points on travel purchases until the $300 credit is used.
It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
- Best for: Beginner Travelers
- Annual Fee: $95
- Variable APR: 20.99% - 27.99%
- Reward Rate: 1X - 5X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
60,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
60,000 Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the ultimate all-around travel credit card—it fits perfectly into almost any points-earner’s wallet. Points novices can enjoy a significant intro bonus and easy to grasp spending categories with an approachable annual fee. The more experienced can utilize its high value earning potential as a secondary card and also gain access to Chase’s strong travel booking portal.
Reward details
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x on all other purchases.
Pros & Cons
PROS
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel℠.
The $50 dollar hotel credit for stays purchased on the Chase Travel Portal already cuts the already approachable $95 annual fee significantly.
A 10% annual points bonus is tacked on every year, adding a little more value.
A free year-long Doordash DashPass membership is also thrown in, which gives you free delivery and some extra discounts. It’s a solid perk if you order food delivery at least semi-frequently (Activate by 12/31/2027).
Along with all of the above, cardholders also have access to a string of travel protections like rental coverage, cancellation insurance, and purchase protection.
CONS
Maximizing the value of Chase points can still be complicated for complete novices.
Competing cards like the Capital One Venture have a better earning rate for non-bonused spend.
It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So, if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
- Best for: Business Travel
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 20.74% - 26.74%
- Reward Rate: 1X - 3X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
90,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
90,000 Bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Why we like it
The Ink Business Preferred Business Card pulls attention with its big intro bonus, currently sitting at 90,000 points. That’s worth in $900 cash back, $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, or even more when transferring to Chase’s travel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, British Airways and more. But the card shows its real value with its high-earning bonus-spending categories. Freelancers and business owners alike will earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
Reward details
3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
1X point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Pros & Cons
Pros
Simply put, for small business owners and freelancers it’s one of the best cards for turning business spending into valuable travel. The bonus alone is worth $900 cash back, $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, or potentially more when transferring to Chase’s travel partners like Marriott or Air Canada.
It also offers some stellar protections including a comprehensive reimbursement on damaged or stolen cell phones, and primary rental car coverage.
It has a reasonable $95 annual fee.
If you have another Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, or even a cash back earning Chase card, you can pool your points and make them more valuable.
Cons
It does lack some of the juicier benefits attached to other business credit cards likes the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. But with the low fee, it’s hard to argue with its value proposition.
It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
- Best for: Overall Travel
- Annual Fee: $395
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 2X - 10X
- Recommended Credit: 720-850
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
75,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Why we like it
The Capital One Venture X is a direct competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and for many seeking a simpler earning scheme with premium perks, it could be the better option. But the Venture X truly shines with one benefit in particular: four free authorized users. Not only can they all use the card and earn miles, they all receive a Priority Pass membership which allows themselves and two guests access to airport lounges. In a highly improbable situation, that means you could technically bring 15 people into a lounge with you.
Reward details
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase
Pros & Cons
Pros
Its solid intro bonus of 75,000 miles is worth well over $1,000 when transferred to partner airlines and hotels, or a flat rate $750 when redeemed on the Capital One Travel Portal.
Cardholders get a bonus of 10,000 miles each year after their first account anniversary, which is nothing to shrug off, especially when a little bit short of that business class flight. It’s worth almost $200 depending on how you use it.
The $300 annual credit for purchases made on the Capital One Travel Portal, combined with the yearly free miles, more than annul the $395 annual fee.
Four authorized users can be added for free.
The cardholder is entitled to a Priority Pass membership and entry to Capital One Lounges, even the authorized users.
A generous offering of travel insurance, protections and reimbursements round out an excellent array of benefits.
Cons
The $300 credit is a bit less flexible than the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s comparable benefit.
Miles earning is the same as the Sapphire Reserve on portal-based purchases, but less on general travel spending.
Capital One transfer partners are solid, but still don’t include any US-based airlines or hotels.
- Best for: Beginners who don't want an annual fee
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 1.5X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
25,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
25,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 90 days of account opening.
Why we like it
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is simple. With no annual fee, a flat earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar spent, and an achievable (and useful) intro bonus, it’s the perfect first card for younger earners or those nervous about stepping into the world of points. It’s not glitz and glamour, but it does what it says on the tin.
Reward details
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
The 25,000 point bonus is redeemable as statement credit on travel purchases. More than enough to cover a domestic round trip. It only takes $1000 of spending in three months to achieve it, offering a realistic and sizeable travel return.
With 1.5 cents per every dollar spent, users don’t need to worry about bonus categories or strategic use.
There’s no annual fee, helping make it a risk free and approachable card choice.
It has a generous introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
While its simplicity is its greatest strength, seasoned travel card users can find far more lucrative options.
The bonus can’t be transferred to any partners and can only be redeemed as statement credit. Companies advertise this as being flexible as there are no blackout dates or award flight availability issues, but that’s only because you’re just buying it outright as you normally would.
- Best for: Infrequent travelers who still like perks
- Annual Fee: $95, waived the first year
- Regular APR: 17.74%-28.74% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 1X-5X
- Recommended Credit: 690-850
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
50,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
50,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in your first 120 days of account opening.
Why we like it
The US Bank Altitude Connect can fit well into the wallet of many Americans. The biggest draw is its 4 points per dollar on travel purchases, including gas stations. There are few cards that offer you as much of a return on your fill-ups — making it strongly worth considering for road warriors.
Reward details
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
4X on travel
4X at gas stations and EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
2X on dining, streaming services, and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Its 4x points on gas stations and EV charging is industry leading. This also applies to most travel expenses. You’ll also earn 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and streaming services. Because of this, it does make a good case for a single, simple-earning card.
The $95 dollar annual fee is waived the first first year
Its 50,000 point intro bonus is worth a direct $500 to be redeemed as travel credit, gift cards, or cash back.
Up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry can balance out the $95 fee when it kicks in
A $30 credit for streaming purchases sweetens the pot a bit more
Cons
The bonus is fixed at $500, and other cards with the same annual fee have far higher offers that can be transferred to travel partners and maximized.
- Best for: Renters
- Annual Fee: $0
- Reward Rate: 1X - 3X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Why we like it
The no annual fee Bilt Mastercard® is a very unique product that can turn points earned from one of your largest monthly expenses into a heap of travel rewards and other redemption options. It’s the only card that allows you to pay your rent with no transaction fees—you’ll earn 1X points on rent, up to 100,000 points a year. Many landlords don’t accept credit cards or they charge a convenience fee to use a credit card to pay rent—making it an intriguing option for renters across the US. Plus, its points can be transferred to valuable airline and hotel partners. You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
Reward details
3x points on dining
2x points on travel
1x points on other purchases
1x points on rent without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. When you use the card 5 times each statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you’ll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
The greatest benefit is obvious: redeeming points earned from rent into travel rewards with no transaction fees attached.
Bilt has some excellent and unique transfer partners, like United Airlines and Hyatt.
Decent points-earning potential in other categories like 2X points on travel, 3X points on dining, and 1X points on rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year) and other purchases.
You can earn interest on Bilt Points when you reach Silver status.
A few other nice benefits are included, such as Cellular Telephone Protection.
Cons
No sign-up bonus
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points. So you can’t use it solely for rent. I’d advise putting some restaurant bills on it, as you’ll grab 3X points on those transactions.
FAQ's
How should you use miles and rewards points?
The answer to this question is varied and depends on your situation. Some cards only offer limited ways to redeem miles and points. In this case, it’ll usually be cash back or statement credits. These are excellent ways to offset purchases or beat inflation and don’t require too much thought or planning.
If you have a more specific travel goal in mind, you need to do a little more work. As a rule of thumb, almost every reward system that allows you to transfer points to an airline or hotel partner offers a higher value proposition for your points. The trade-off is that you need to delve into which partner is best for where you want to go and locate the best deals.
The other option is using credit card travel portals. These are simple and function like a traditional travel search engine, like Expedia, and can usually score you good value for your points. But again, compared to transferring to a partner, you could be losing out.
I’ve used all three in different situations, but generally aim to transfer my points where possible.
Are annual fees worth it?
Annual fees can be scary, especially if you’re new to the world of points. Why would you pay almost $700 for a card like the Amex Platinum? The answer, again, varies depending on your situation.
An intimidating fee like the Platinum can be more than worth it if the card is being used to the fullest extent. These cards offer several perks, like statement credits for travel purchases, complimentary hotel elite status, widespread airport lounge access, travel insurance and more. If purchased individually these perks can be worth thousands of dollars.
Just a large intro bonus, if used well, could easily offset the yearly fee. But after that initial year, it might be harder to pull maximum value, especially if you find yourself spending on things you would never purchase. Ask yourself if the benefits a card offers are something you would have paid for anyway. I’ll likely be dropping my Platinum card next year, as I can’t validate the fee anymore, despite loving the perks.
Mid-tier travel cards can bridge that gap easily. Many offer easy-to-use, direct benefits that counter the fee each year, allowing you to accumulate points with no concern for the looming annual charge. Even some premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve and Venture X practically write off the fees with their easy-to-use statement credits.
Should I open a card for the intro bonus?
The simplest answer to this question is: only if you would hit the required minimum spending amount without changing any of your normal spending habits. If you force yourself to eat out more or make big purchases just to hit the threshold, you’re not really saving money.
I have paid for things earlier than I intended to. For example, I paid for three months of Airbnbs well ahead of time to ensure I grabbed the bonus on my Sapphire Preferred. I would have spent the money anyway, and it gifted me with some free travel. But this isn’t always ideal and does run the risk of holding a larger balance and accruing interest if you don’t have the cash available to pay it off on time and in full.
How do I choose the right card?
The best way to choose a card is to pick a travel goal, say a free round-trip flight to Paris. Work out how many points you would need with a few different airlines, and then check which credit cards’ points transfer to those airlines.
Check out the bonus offers, as these are the easiest way to earn a lot of points quickly, and ensure that you can realistically hit that spending goal. If the stars align, and you’re confident you can use the card responsibly, then go for it.
*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
