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What are travel credit cards, and how do they work?
Travel credit cards are financial products that offer various rewards and benefits geared towards frequent travelers. They typically earn you points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Travel credit cards may also include perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
How do I choose the best travel credit card for my needs?
Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and preferences. Consider factors like the type of rewards offered (points, miles, or cash back), the card’s annual fee, sign-up bonuses, earning rates, redemption options, and additional travel perks. Analyzing these features will help you find a card that aligns with your lifestyle and offers the most value.
What are the benefits of using a travel credit card over other types of credit cards?
Travel credit cards provide unique advantages for travelers, such as earning rewards specifically tailored to travel expenses. Additionally, many travel credit cards offer travel-related perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and travel insurance. Some cards also waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers.
What is a sign-up bonus, and how can I qualify for it?
A sign-up bonus is a promotional offer provided by the credit card issuer to entice new cardholders. To qualify for a sign-up bonus, you usually need to meet specific spending requirements within a certain timeframe after opening the account. The bonus can be in the form of points, miles, or cash back, and it’s a great way to jump-start your rewards earning.
Do travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Not all travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Many of the top-tier travel cards waive these fees, making them ideal for international travel. However, it’s essential to read the card’s terms and conditions to confirm this before using it abroad.
How can I maximize the rewards earned with my travel credit card?
To maximize rewards, use your travel credit card for everyday expenses and large purchases. Take advantage of bonus categories and special promotions to earn more points or miles. Consider combining your travel credit card with loyalty programs to stack rewards and get even more value out of your purchases.
It’s 1 am. You’ve just disembarked an eight-hour flight home from Munich. You’ve had two weeks there. It was Oktoberfest. You’re not feeling the best.
The immigration line is backed up and crawling forward at a snail’s pace. You look to the far side of the hall and see a smug-looking passenger breeze through the Global Entry line. You swear you see him skip a little.
To the uninitiated, it might seem like he’s some kind of VIP or paid a small fortune for the privilege of skipping, but there’s a good chance he just has The Platinum Card® from American Express in his wallet.
The Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear statement credits are some of the strongest perks out there for regular travelers. Let’s check out the details of all three and how to activate them.
- 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.
What are the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear application fee credits?
The Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear Application fee credits are exactly as they sound. When you apply for any of the services and pay for the fee using your Amex Platinum, you’ll receive a credit to your account covering the fee for the service.
What’s the small print?
There are some specifics to consider before purchasing your memberships for any of the services.
How do you activate the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR application fee credits?
Activating the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR application fee credits is simple.
For TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, no sign-up or enrollment is necessary. The credit is activated and processed whenever you use the Amex Platinum card to pay for the service. Of course, if you purchase both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, the one you pay for first will receive the credit while the other will remain as a debt on your credit card account.
The CLEAR statement credit requires enrollment before it’s activated, but this takes just a few moments inside your Amex account. Just log in to your account and navigate to the “Rewards and Benefits” tab. Once there, select “Benefits” and locate the CLEAR credit statement. There should be an option to activate the benefit.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a service that allows successful applicants to waltz through select airports’ security screening processes.
When using the service, travelers use a separate security line from the majority of passengers. Because they’ve been pre-screened, they are allowed to keep their jackets and shoes on and leave laptops and liquids in their bags.
In short, it removes the frantic scramble to undress and dress or ruin a perfect packing job by rummaging through your bag.
The Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck covers the $85 application fee.
Before you can use the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck statement credit, you’ll need to start the TSA PreCheck process by completing an application. Once your initial application is in, you’ll need to book an in-person appointment to be interviewed and vetted with a background check. You’ll also give your fingerprints and other important details.
After this, you’ll pay for the service and discover if your application was successful. The Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck statement credit will drop into your account soon after this.
There are currently around 200 airports utilizing the service, and it can significantly quicken the security process. If you’re a regular traveler, it’s a massive tool. For occasional travelers, it’s an enjoyable perk.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is often confused with TSA PreCheck, but they are extremely different services. While TSA PreCheck expedites the security process in US airports, Global Entry allows for accelerated reentry to the US from abroad.
Global Entry members can skip the traditional customs and immigration line and use a specified kiosk. In some cases, facial recognition eliminates any contact with an immigration officer.
The process to apply for Global Entry is similar to TSA Pre Check but is notorious for taking a considerably longer time due to the smaller pool of centers for processing. The application fee is $120 and is covered by the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck and Global Entry statement credit.
Should I pick Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Which service you opt to use the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck and Global Entry statement credit depends on your preference. TSA PreCheck is more useful for domestic travelers. If foreign travel is not on the agenda for a member, Global Entry will be almost useless.
One thing to consider is that the TSA PreCheck is included if you are successfully enrolled in Global Entry. This information may make it seem like an easy choice—why would you pay for both individually when you can save money and bundle?
But the issue you may come across here is the length of time it takes to get a Global Entry appointment. Some members reported waiting as long as two years. That’s a wait of two years for both services when you could have your TSA PreCheck far sooner.
If you have no travel planned it might be worth waiting, but for travel before, you may want to prioritize TSA PreCheck.
What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is another misunderstood and often overlooked program. While many assume it’s a similar program to TSA PreCheck, it’s actually a complementary one. Instead of speeding up the security screening process, CLEAR allows travelers to bypass the security identification process.
Instead of waiting in line to have their passport checked, CLEAR members check-in at designated kiosks and are escorted to the front of the security line. If the member also has a TSA PreCheck membership they’ll be escorted to the front of the PreCheck line ahead of everyone else.
It’s easy to see why a combination of these two programs is the holy grail of air travel services.
CLEAR’s application process is far easier than the other two programs and can be done in person at a CLEAR kiosk or online. The membership costs $199 a year—this fee is covered by the Amex Platinum’s statement credit.
Additional credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR statement credits
Let’s get to the elephant in the room—the annual fee on the Amex Platinum is extremely high and it might not be a sensible card for you to have in your wallet depending on your financial situation.
Don’t despair: Plenty of other cards offer identical or similar benefits to the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR statement credit. Here are three more excellent cards that might fit your budget or lifestyle a little better.
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One of the best alternatives to the Amex Platinum is the Capital One Venture X. Not only does it offer the exact same statement credits for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR, but it does so for a far lower annual fee. Better still, its other easy-to-use perks offset the $395 annual fee with almost no effort.
- Best for: Overall Travel
- Annual Fee: $395
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.49% 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.
Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Sapphire Reserve doesn’t offer a CLEAR membership, but TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are included as benefits of this excellent card. Again, its annual fee is lower than the Platinum but still comes with many of the same perks, like Priority Pass access and some stellar travel statement credits.
- Best for: Luxury Travel
- Annual Fee: $550
- Regular APR: 21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 1X - 10X
- Recommended Credit: 740-850
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
60,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
60,000 Bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Why we like it
Get up to $900 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 $900 when redeemed through Chase Travel.
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 $900 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 $900 when redeemed through Chase Travel.
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.
Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
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.
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Last on the list is the easiest way to earn TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Once again, it doesn’t include CLEAR (only four cards offer a full statement credit for this), but it does come with the full statement credit for the other two. Its $95 annual fee can be offset by the Global Entry credit alone, so if you’re looking for a card that doesn’t clog you up with fees, the Venture One is your go-to.
- Best for: Travelers who want to keep it simple
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.49% 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.
The point
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are some of the most helpful services in the travel world for easing you in and out of your airport days.
The Amex Platinum offers the chance to enjoy all three perks for free thanks to the Amex Platinum TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear statement credits.
But if the Platinum is out of your budget, check out one of our other suggestions for enjoying the services.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
