- Best for big bonuses: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for simple earning: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best mid-range card with a big bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best card for day-to-day spending: Citi Premier® Card
- Best hotel card with a big bonus: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Best airline card with a big bonus: British Airways Visa Signature Card
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.
We talk a lot about top credit card sign up bonuses: which card to use when you’re out for dinner, which one to use when buying a flight, which card to use when you’re at the grocery store…you know the drill. And while you can make some good headway with a disciplined plan, your potential will always be limited unless you’re a big spender.
But there is a way to beat the system and earn tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of points in a fraction of the time it would take to accrue them with day-to-day spending—intro bonuses.
Designed as an incentive to lure customers to a specific credit card, bonuses are a big deal for those in the travel world because they provide immensely outweighed value. Think of it like this: if a card you already have would allow you to earn 2x points per dollar on everything you buy, you’d have to spend 50,000 a year to earn 100,000 points. Opening one card with a 100,000-point bonus might only require $6,000 of spending. Do the math.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top credit card sign up bonuses that will allow you to take your points game to the next level.
Best for big bonuses: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for: Luxury travelers with an eye on perks
- Earning style: Points
- Earning rate: 5x points per dollar on up to $500,000 spent on airfare per year and 5 points per dollar on hotel stays and flight and hotel packages booked through the Amex travel portal; 1x points per dollar on everything else
- Notables: Priority Pass membership, hotel statement credits, hotel elite status, shopping credits, and more
- Intro bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of account opening
- Cons: Earning rate is poor, the annual fee is brutal, lounge access is limited
The rundown: The Platinum Card® from American Express is legendary in the points and miles world. Once synonymous with luxury travelers, its (literally) shiny card isn’t as unique as it once was, but it still packs a tremendous punch, albeit at a price.
It’s almost always running a big intro bonus, currently at 80,000, but has been known to fluctuate to as high as 100,000 and beyond. The 80,000 Amex Rewards points could be worth as much as $1,800 in travel if you use them effectively. It’s still a good deal, even with a colossal fee of $695 a year. See rates and fees. Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
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.
PROS
- The Amex Platinum’s typical intro bonus of 80,000 points is massive in itself. It’s worth $800 when spent directly through Amex’s travel portal on flights and hotels, which is already stellar. But when transferred to a partner, it’s very possible to squeeze over $1,600 or more in value.
- The Platinum has a slew of top-tier benefits, like Priority Pass, which gives the cardholder access to thousands of airport lounges and restaurants around the world, as well as Amex’s own Centurion lounges which are known for the high-quality (and free) food and cocktails. Other perks include up to $200 in Uber credits, up to $200 in airline fee credits (given in statement credits), up to $240 in digital streaming credits, up to $200 towards hotel bookings (given in statement credits) with Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts (2 night minimum stay required), and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
- A number of statement credits spanning multiple industries can build even more value into the card, including free stays when applied strategically.
- The Amex concierge is an underutilized benefit that can transform a trip by helping book hard-to-find dinner reservations or show tickets.
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.
Annual Fee: $695 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best sign up bonus for simple earning: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Customers who don’t want multiple cards
- Earning style: Miles
- Earning rate: 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rentals in Capital One’s travel portal, 5x miles per dollar on flights in Capital One’s travel portal, 2x miles per dollar on everything else
- Notables: Priority Pass Membership, $300 annual credit
- Intro bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
- Cons: Limited specialized earning, premium fee
The rundown: When it comes to the best travel credit card sign up bonuses, hands down the most accessible option on the market is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Its stellar 75,000-mile bonus is worth over $1,000 in travel when transferred to one of Capital One’s excellent selection of airline and hotel partners.
The Venture X is Capital One’s premium travel card, with a heavy fee of $395. Considering its cheaper sibling, the Venture, has the same 75,000-mile intro bonus, it seems like a no-brainer to save a few hundred bucks. But the Venture X comes loaded with a number of high-end perks, including a $300 annual credit. Using this (assuming you would spend $300 on travel anyway), will significantly help offset the annual fee.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
75,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
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.
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.
Annual Fee: $395 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Navigator Tip
One key strategy to make the most of these top credit card sign up bonuses is to time your applications strategically. Consider applying for cards with big bonuses during periods when you have planned expenses or larger purchases coming up. This way, you can meet the minimum spending requirements to unlock the bonuses more easily. Additionally, remember to track the deadlines for meeting spending requirements and redeeming your bonuses to ensure you don’t miss out on the rewards. By aligning your applications with your spending patterns, you can enjoy a significant boost to your points and miles balance in a shorter timeframe.
Best mid-range card with a big bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for: Customers trying to keep annual fees down
- Earning style: Points
- Earning rate: 5x points per dollar on Chase travel portal, 3x points per dollar on dining, 2x points per dollar on travel
- Notables: 10% annual points bonus, $50 hotel credit
- Intro bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening
- Cons: Perks are significantly less impressive than its premium sibling
The rundown: If you’re new to the world of points and miles, few cards are as impressive as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Generous spending categories, a sizable 60,000-point bonus, and an approachable $95 annual fee make it a strong contender for any novice (or a pro trying to fill in some gaps).
The 60,000-point bonus is worth an easy $750 on the Chase Travel Portal, or well over $1,000 when transferred to one of Chase’s brilliant partners. Its only big competitor is the Capital One Venture, which has a similar annual fee and big bonus. Where it differs is the different earning capabilities. The Venture has a flat rate, while the Preferred rewards dining and travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
60,000 Bonus Points
after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
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.
PROS
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. The 60,000 points, for example, are worth $750 toward 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 12/31/2024).
- 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.
Annual Fee: $95 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best credit card sign up bonus for day-to-day spending: Citi Premier® Card
- Best for: Day-to-day earning
- Earning style: Points
- Earning rate: 3x points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels
- Notables: Outstanding spending categories, low annual fee
- Intro bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
- Cons: Fewer transfer partners than competitors
The rundown: The Citi Premier® Card flies under the radar when compared to its big-name competitors. But this high-earner is one of the best travel cards out there.
A low fee of just $95 combined with an excellent 60,000-point intro bonus is enough to make it a feature of anyone’s wallet. But its spending categories should cement its position, honing in on big spending but often overlooked areas like gas stations and supermarkets. And while its transfer partner list is smaller than others, those points can still go a long way. They’re worth over $1,000 if transferred.
Citi Premier® Card
60,000 Bonus Points
after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
The Citi Premier Card is an underrated travel credit card that offers both high points-earning potential and simplicity. While the mid-tier card doesn’t come with any premium benefits, its earning on popular spending categories is almost unmatched. Holders earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, making it ludicrously easy to accrue points. Throw in the healthy 60,000 point bonus and you’ve got a great haul of rewards on your hands.
PROS
- The 60,000-point intro bonus is worth $600 in gift cards and well over $1,000 when transferred to travel partners, making the $95 dollar annual fee an afterthought. You could ignore the card for a decade, and it would still be worth it
- Its earning potential is phenomenal: Earning 3x points on categories like gas and supermarkets, which are part of the average American’s biggest expenses, means the Citi Premier will work hard for you on a daily basis
- Cardholders get a $100 hotel benefit each year on a hotel purchase of $500 or more. Not the greatest perk in the world, but a nice saving on an unexpected hotel stay that wipes out the yearly fee itself
- As it’s a World Elite Mastercard, cardholders will enjoy varied benefits like Lyft credits, upgrades and breakfast at select hotels, and cell phone protection
CONS
- Citi’s transfer partners are mainly foreign airlines, so using the points on US-based carriers will require some extra research
- Other mid-tier cards may offer some more interesting perks
Best hotel card with a big bonus: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Best for Hilton loyalists
- Earning style: Points
- Earning rate: 12x points per dollar on purchases at a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio, 6x points on U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets
- Notables: Gold status and 10 lounge visits a year
- Intro bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account opening
- Cons: Hilton can have poor value for redemptions
The rundown: Each hotel brand has its own set of co-branded cards, and the Surpass is Hilton’s mid-tier offering. While Hilton’s redemptions have gotten harder to maximize in value of late, 130,000 points can still do a lot with careful planning.
On top of the bonus, you’ll also get Hilton Honors Gold status and 10 lounge visits a year with Priority Pass—more than enough for most people. If you’re a Hilton loyalist and spend more than two nights a year in its properties, you’re saving money with this card, but it’s worth opening just for the bonus.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is an excellent hotel card, with a strong intro bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership. It’s worth having this card even for a couple of stays a year, as the $150 annual fee is already validated by the free breakfast and strong points-earnings. If free Hilton nights is the goal, its earning potential is stellar, with 4X points for each dollar on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3X points for all other eligible purchases on your card.
PROS
- Strong 130,000-point intro bonus, which could translate to multiple free nights or one night in a luxury property in some places
- Up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. This entitles the cardholder to room upgrades if available, free breakfast, 80% bonus points on Hilton spends, and fifth night free on an award stay. It’s more than worth the annual fee.
- Strong spending categories on popular purchases like U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
- Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors(TM) Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
CONS
- No automatic free anniversary nights
- You’ll need a lot of Hilton points to redeem for a free night at a luxury property
- $150 annual fee
Annual Fee: $150 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best airline credit card with a big bonus: British Airways Visa Signature Card
- Best for: Regular domestic and transatlantic fliers
- Earning style: Points
- Earning rate: 3x points per dollar on flights with BA, 2x points per dollar on hotels, 1x point per dollar on everything else
- Notables: 10% off British Airways flights from the US, up to $600 in statement credits
- Intro bonus: 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 in the first three months of account opening Cons: Unable to transfer points
The rundown: The British Airways Visa Signature Card is relatively unknown in the grand scheme of things. Most Americans naturally lean towards the big domestic carriers, but they’re missing out on a massive haul of valuable Avios that can take them around their own country for pennies.
One of the biggest sweet spots in the points world is British Airways’ short-haul domestic flights on American Airlines. Those 75,000 Avios could cover 10 short US and Caribbean flights. It also comes with up to $600 in statement credits for flying into London from the US. If you book an economy class seat, you’ll get $100 on each flight up to $300, or $200 on each business or first class flight up to $600 a year.
Frequently asked questions
Credit card sign up bonuses, often referred to as “intro bonuses” or “welcome bonuses,” are incentives offered by credit card issuers to encourage new cardholders to apply for and use their credit cards. These bonuses typically involve earning a substantial amount of reward points, miles, or cash back after meeting a specified spending requirement within a certain timeframe after opening the account.
To qualify for a top credit card sign up bonus, you usually need to apply for the card, be approved, and then fulfill the minimum spending requirement stated in the offer. This requirement could involve spending a certain amount of money using the card within a specific timeframe, such as the first three months after opening the account.
To make sure you receive your credit card sign up bonus, carefully review the terms and conditions of the offer. Take note of the minimum spending requirement and the timeframe within which you must meet it. Keep track of your spending and consider setting up reminders to make sure you meet the requirement on time. Once you’ve met the spending requirement, the bonus rewards should be automatically credited to your account.
This can vary depending on the card issuer and their policies. Some issuers may allow you to receive the same bonus more than once, but there may be certain waiting periods or restrictions in place. It’s best to check the terms of the specific card offer or contact the issuer’s customer service to get accurate information.
Credit card sign up bonus offers can change regularly. Issuers often adjust their promotions based on market trends, competition, and economic factors. To stay informed about the latest bonuses, it’s a good idea to regularly research and compare credit card offers to find the ones that best suit your needs.
Ask the Navigators: What's the best travel credit card?
by travelers, for travelers.
