The best travel rewards credit card is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, because of its flexibility, benefits and valuable rewards. You’ll get travel perks like lounge access, up to a $120 credit for TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry and up to a $300 annual travel credit for Capital One’s travel booking site.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
Winner
|
75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
| 2X - 10X miles
| $395 | |
Capital One Venture X Business
|
Business
|
150,000 miles
150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
| 2X - 10X Miles
| $395 | |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Sign-up bonus
|
75,000 points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| 1X - 5X points
| $95 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
Luxury benefits
|
100,000 points
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| 1X - 8X points
| $795 | |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
|
Flat-rate rewards
|
75,000 miles
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| 2X - 5X Miles
| $95 | |
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Multiple spending categories
|
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
| 1X - 10X points
| $95 |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Lounge access
|
As high as 175,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| 5X points
| $695 | |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card*
|
Bank of America members
|
75,000 points
75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
| 1.5X - 2X points
| $550 | |
UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card*
|
Purchase and travel protections
|
N/A | 1X -3X points
| $650 | |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
Airline
|
100,000 miles
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| 1X - 3X miles
| $650 | |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
Hotel
|
150,000 points
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| 2X - 6X points
| $650 | |
Centurion® Card from American Express*
|
Luxury airline and hotel perks
|
N/A | 1X points
1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases
| $5,000 | |
American Express® Gold Card
|
Dining
|
As high as 100,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| 1X - 4X points
| $325 | |
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card*
|
Flexible travel bookings
|
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
| 1X - 5X points
| $95 | |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Cash back
|
$200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| 1% - 8% cash back
| $0 | |
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
No annual fee
|
1,000 points
Bilt cardholders can earn double points on purchases made on the first of the month (excluding Rent) up to 1,000 bonus points. You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
| 1X - 5X points
| $0 |
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
To bring you the list of best travel credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best travel credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best rewards credit cards for travel because it includes a multitude of rewards and travel perks for a relatively reasonable annual fee. You’ll get the chance to earn a massive sign-up bonus, plus a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One’s travel booking site that can help offset most of the annual fee each year. You’ll also enjoy great airport benefits like lounge access and up to a $120 credit for TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry.
You can transfer Capital One miles to more than 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs. That list doesn’t include any major domestic airlines — but if you take advantage of airline alliance partners, you can stretch your miles to fly around the world.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 150,000 miles
Earn 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Capital One Venture X Business is the best business card for travel because it lets you earn miles at a high rate on both everyday business expenses and business travel. Plus, you can earn one of the highest sign-up bonuses available for a business credit card: Earn 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
You’ll also get additional travel benefits including Priority Pass lounge access, up to $120 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, up to a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One’s travel booking site and an anniversary bonus.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card lets you earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. According to LendingTree’s valuations, this sign-up bonus could be worth around $1,500 or more when transferred to an outside loyalty program. This is one of the highest credit card sign-up bonuses currently available.
For a card with a moderate $95 annual fee, this is a fantastic value. With the card’s flexible transfer partners and additional perks, it’s easy to maximize your rewards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the most popular travel credit cards available because of its extensive list of high-end benefits and travel protections. You’ll get complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass and a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. There’s a long list of protections, including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are extremely flexible and valuable and can be transferred to Chase’s 10+ airline and hotel programs.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Unlike many of the travel cards on our list, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn flat-rate rewards on purchases. You’ll earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
If you’re not a frequent traveler or new to travel cards, this is a great option to get started. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, you’ll still enjoy travel benefits like up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and the ability to transfer miles to 15+ travel partners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the best choice if you want to earn rewards on everyday spending and travel, as it offers a wide range of rewards categories including travel, restaurants, groceries, gas and EV charging. The rewards you’ll earn with this card are well worth the $95 annual fee.
Plus, you can transfer rewards mostly at a rate of 1:1 to more than 15 travel partners, enjoy a $100 annual hotel benefit and have access to solid travel protections.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: As high as 175,000 points
The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent tool if you’re a frequent traveler looking for airport lounge access. Eligible card members get access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world, including Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Delta Sky Club lounges (subject to visit limitations) when flying eligible Delta flights and American Express Centurion Lounges.
On top of its extensive lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a valuable welcome offer, credits worth over $1,000 (enrollment required) and a variety of transfer partners, including Marriott Bonvoy, Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honors.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 points
Earn 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is a great option if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member with a high account balance, as members can earn 25% to 75% more points on each purchase. With the card’s rewards rate, you have the potential to earn 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 total points on general purchases for every $1 you spend. This could be a huge additional value if you’re a high spender.
Plus, the card offers more than $500 in automatic statement credits, a large sign-up bonus and Priority Pass lounge access.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Get more than $1,000 in travel credits in your first year, depending on your spend.
The UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card provides an excellent range of travel and purchase protections, including primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, price protection and event ticket protection.
However, the card is only available to those with an existing UBS banking relationship. Additionally, it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus or the high earning potential seen with some other cards on our list.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 miles
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the best airline credit card because it comes with several perks to help you achieve Delta Medallion status quicker. You’ll get a ton of other airline perks like airport lounge access, upgrade priority and first checked bag free on Delta flights and an annual Companion Certificate for select destinations (fees apply). While the card comes with a high $650 annual fee, the benefits it offers can make up for the cost.
There’s also a valuable welcome offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn up to 150,000 points
You can squeeze a ton of value out of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card if you frequently stay at Marriott properties. It has a generous welcome offer that lets you earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
It’s also packed with other Marriott benefits, including Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points for participating hotels, up to a $300 Brilliant Dining Credit (up to $25 per month), up to a $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit and 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. These benefits can easily help offset the card’s high $650 annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Get access to some of the most exclusive credit card benefits.
The Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as a Black Card, offers some of the most exclusive luxury benefits available for a travel credit card. Benefits include access to The Global Lounge Collection, with more than 1,000 airport lounges across 120+ countries (including American Express Centurion Lounges). Plus, you’ll get exclusive benefits at more than 1,200 Fine Hotels and Resorts.
But the card is difficult to get and requires an invitation to apply. It also comes with expensive fees including an initiation fee and annual membership fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: As high as 100,000 points
The American Express® Gold Card is not only a good choice for a travel credit card, but it’s also a top option for restaurants worldwide. It offers one of the highest rewards rates in this category — plus, you’ll get more than $400 in credits (enrollment required), including a dining credit up to $120 for select purchases (up to $10 monthly). Rewards are valuable and flexible and can be transferred to more than 20 hotel and airline partners.
Additionally, you can earn a generous welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card offers a high rewards rate on hotel and airline purchases without having to book through a specific travel portal. You’ll earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases. In comparison, other cards on our list require you to book through the credit card issuer’s travel portal to earn a higher rewards rate.
The card also comes with a reasonable $95 annual fee and flexible redemption options.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 Cash Back
Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a cash back credit card rather than a traditional travel card. But its impressive earning rates make it a great choice for occasional travelers looking to maximize cash back on everyday spending. Categories include hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One’s travel booking site, groceries, dining, entertainment and select streaming services.
Plus, there’s an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees, making it a good card to use abroad.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Earn points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year) without a transaction fee
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a top card for those who want to earn points on rent (up to 100,000 points per year), and for anyone else looking for a great $0-annual-fee travel card. You’ll earn points on categories like rent, travel dining and more — which can add up quickly. Just know that you must use the card five times each statement period to earn points.
You can transfer your points 1:1 to a solid set of travel partners, including United, Southwest, Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. The card also comes with travel protections that you’d normally find on an annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protections, trip delay reimbursement and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points or miles per every dollar you spend. Many travel cards offer bonuses on certain categories of spending — like dining, travel or groceries — letting you earn points faster.
When you gather enough points, you can redeem them for travel rewards like hotels and flights. The number of points or miles you need for a hotel or free flight will vary between cards and with each redemption. On top of rewards, travel credit cards may offer other benefits that make travel more affordable and comfortable, like free checked bags and airport lounge access.
There are a few general types of travel rewards, including transferable rewards, fixed-value rewards, airline miles, hotel points and business rewards:
Transferable rewards are points and miles that can be transferred to a variety of airline or hotel loyalty programs, typically at a rate of 1:1. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an example of a card that offers transferable points.
These cards are best for people who fly or stay with a variety of brands and aren’t loyal to a particular airline or hotel. You’ll have plenty of options and brands (of differing values) to choose from for your travel plans. This also helps you squeeze more value out of your points, since you can search for deals with a variety of loyalty programs.
Fixed-value rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, travel, gift cards and more at a set value. Examples of cards that offer fixed-value rewards include the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
You can’t get as much value with fixed-value points as transferable points, since you’re stuck redeeming points at a set value. However, fixed value points are a good option if you prefer simple, straightforward rewards and don’t want to spend your time crawling hotel and airline sites for deals.
Airline miles are earned through one particular airline and can be redeemed for flights with that airline and its airline partners. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The New United Club℠ Card (see rates & fees) are examples of airline credit cards.
If you fly frequently with a certain airline, an airline credit card can be incredibly valuable. On top of redeeming for flights, you could earn other perks like airline credits, free bags, companion passes, airport lounge access and more.
However, you’re limited on how you can use the miles you earn — so if you’re a flexible traveler who flies with several airlines, a card that earns flexible rewards may be a better fit for you.
Hotel points are earned with one particular hotel program and can be redeemed for hotel nights with that program. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card are examples of hotel credit cards.
Hotel credit cards can offer you hotel credits, loyalty status and complimentary free nights — making them an excellent choice for loyalists of different hotel brands. But like airline credit cards, there aren’t many ways to use them outside of the particular hotel brand.
To choose the best travel credit card for you, you should think about your travel needs and end goals ahead of looking at rewards rates and sign-up bonuses. Afterall, you want to choose a travel card with perks that you can use.
Which cards match your travel habits and goals?
For example, if you’ve zeroed in on premium travel cards with higher annual fees, you might consider The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. For an entry-level travel card with a lower annual fee and simple rewards, you might check out the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees). If you’re a Hilton enthusiast, you might compare the Hilton credit cards.
What’s the right time to apply?
You should avoid going on a spree and applying for every card you can find just to earn sign-up bonuses. This can negatively impact your credit score. Plus, most issuers have limitations that prevent people from applying for cards repeatedly to earn sign-up bonuses. You should try to apply for cards strategically to maximize your earnings.
Your redemption options will vary depending on the card and its rewards program. But in general, redeeming your points for travel is the most valuable option. Here are the most common options for redeeming your points or miles:
Travel
You can use your travel points and miles through your rewards program’s travel portal, which works similar to any standard travel booking site. Redeeming for travel usually offers strong value, and to get the most out of a travel credit card, it’s generally best to avoid using points for non-travel purchases.
Transfer to a loyalty program
Transferring points and miles to a travel transfer partner typically yields the highest value outside of redeeming for travel through the issuer’s travel portal. For example, with the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, points are worth up to 1.5 cent per point when you redeem for travel through the Chase TravelSM portal and about 2 cents each when transferred to a Chase travel partner.
Cash back
Some travel cards let you redeem points for cash back, but for far less value than cash back. You’ll typically get a rate of 1 cent per point — or even less.
Gift cards
Some rewards programs, like Chase and American Express, will let you redeem points for gift cards. Gift cards are usually only redeemable at 1 cent per point, but you can sometimes find promotions that offer a higher value.
Statement credits
Statement credits offer a way to offset travel costs by allowing you to choose an eligible purchase to be deleted from your statement in exchange for a certain number of points. But this redemption option usually has a low value. For example, Citi ThankYou® Points may only be worth around half a cent per point when redeemed for a statement credit.
Learn more about redeeming credit card travel points.
Before you can redeem points or miles for travel, you have to earn them. You don’t have to overspend to earn points quickly, though. Below are a few ways you can earn more points without having to up your budget:
“I used the Delta Skymiles I earned with my Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to pay for a hotel and a rental car, in addition to plane tickets. I was going on an expensive vacation and was looking to cut costs without sacrificing the fun stuff I had planned. I don’t get to travel as much as I’d like, so I have a surplus of points. Although they don’t expire, I might as well use them when I can!”
– Carol Pope, Senior Writer at LendingTree
“I charged all my major home renovation expenses to my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to earn a large number of points, which we’ve then used to cover the cost of most of our hotel stays at IHG properties.”
– Jessica Pontious, Senior Manager at LendingTree
“I take advantage of transferring my points to airline partners. For example, I flew my mom and myself business class on a round-trip to London thanks to a fantastic deal from United Airlines. I used all my Chase points, which I transferred to United, and had the best flight ever!”
– Ismat Mangla, Senior Director at LendingTree
“I have the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and I was able to pay for an entire trip to Iceland — including my flight, hotel and excursions — using my points. I only ended up spending around $400 total for food on my trip.”
– Tara Mastroeni, Writer at LendingTree
“I’ve found that transferring points and miles gives me the best value. For example, I transferred my Capital One miles to Turkish Airlines to book a business class flight from New York City to Warsaw. For an upcoming trip, I’ll be flying from Las Vegas to New York City in a JetBlue Mint Lie Flat seat, which I secured by transferring my Chase points to British Airways, thanks to a 20% bonus on transfers. Additionally, I used Southwest’s status match to swap my Companion Pass with Air Canada 75K status, earning a free upgrade to business class on my flight from New York City to Vancouver.”
– Matt Timmons, Lead Writer at LendingTree
The value of your points or miles will depend on how you redeem them, as the rate varies with each redemption option. The value is also dependent on the underlying rewards program — some points or miles are much more valuable than others. Consider points and mile value to earn the most rewards on your spending.
Tip: Some rewards will take you farther than others. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
| Rewards program | Estimated value per point/mile* |
|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards® | 1-2 cents |
| American Express Membership Rewards | 0.6-2 cents |
| Citi ThankYou® Rewards | 0.5-1.8 cents |
| Capital One Miles | 0.5-1.8 cents |
| American Airlines | 1.8 cents |
| Delta Air Lines | 1.1 cents |
| JetBlue | 1.2 cents |
| Southwest Airlines | 1.4 cents |
| United Airlines | 1.3 cents |
| World of Hyatt | 1.7 cents |
| Choice Privileges | 1.1 cents |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 0.9 cents |
| Hilton Honors | 0.5 cents |
| IHG | 0.5 cents |
Learn more about how much points and miles are worth.
Many users in online forums like Reddit suggest that Capital One’s travel portal is one of the easiest to use. However, like other travel portals, many users report issues with Capital One’s travel portal. Common issues people face with these portals include:
“I’ve never used my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points for travel because the flights I want are usually more expensive on the Chase portal compared to what I find on Google Flights. The portal also doesn’t have all of the airlines I’m looking for, especially budget airlines like Allegiant. I also tend to stay in Airbnbs, which I can’t book through the portal, only traditional hotels.”
– Roslyn Ayers, Senior Manager at LendingTree
Users prefer Capital One because it offers a price match — an option that other portals don’t have. A few users note that they were able to price match their flight and got a credit back for the difference the following day. Additionally, users have pointed out that earning and redeeming travel credits is a much more seamless process with Capital One, and that it’s one of the most user-friendly platforms available.
Users don’t find the American Express portal helpful unless you’re getting Fine Hotels and Resorts or Hotel Collection benefits because they’ve found that the pricing isn’t competitive. They also note that U.S. Bank cards are a good option for those who don’t want to use a travel portal. With Real-Time Rewards, you can redeem points toward a statement credit on any travel purchase.
It’s possible to cover the cost of your next trip or vacation by maximizing your credit card travel rewards. Here are a few ways to do so:
According to a recent LendingTree survey, out of 54% of Americans who’ve attended a wedding in the past five years, 31% have taken on debt to do so. 23% that took on debt took on $2,500 or more.
Credit card rewards can help with this. According to LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz, “Whether you’re cashing in rewards for free airfares and hotel nights, saving a few cents per gallon on gas or getting a couple percentage points on everything you buy, credit card rewards can help you extend your wedding budget.”
If you’re traveling for a destination wedding, using travel rewards can make a significant impact — helping you save now and earn points for future getaways.
Travel credit cards are worth it for all types of travelers. Whether you fly occasionally, enjoy luxury getaways or prefer budget-friendly adventures, there’s a card out there that can help you maximize rewards and even score free trips.
Infrequent flier
If you don’t fly often, a credit card with a low or no annual fee and rewards in everyday spending categories might be the best fit. This way, you can earn points from your regular purchases throughout the year and redeem them for your occasional trip.
A renter who travels occasionally should consider the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® to earn points* on everyday expenses like rent (up to 100,000 points per year) and dining. You can transfer those points at a rate of 1:1 to United Airlines, one of Bilt’s transfer partners, and use them to cover the cost of your next flight.
Luxury traveler
If you prefer all of the bells and whistles when traveling, paying a higher annual fee can be well worth it for a card with top-tier benefits and luxury features. You might value lounge access, status and credits. If you use all of these benefits, you’ll find the cost more than worth it.
A frequent business traveler who values comfort and convenience at every stop should consider paying the $695 annual fee for The Platinum Card® from American Express. Eligible card members gain complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (enrollment required), making travel a breeze. Plus, you can leverage the card’s credits, including a credit up to $200 for travel incidentals (enrollment required), to make up for the annual fee.
Economy budget traveler
If you love to go on adventures but need to stick to a budget, a mid-tier card with a reasonable annual fee and perks can help save on travel.
A budget-conscious young professional with a passion for travel should look at the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Its benefits can be worth more than $395 annual fee (see rates & fees). You can use the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles to make up the annual fee. When you add in the rewards you earn on daily purchases, this card can help you stick to a budget while doing what you love.
The best credit card for travel benefits depends on the type of benefits you’re looking for. The best overall credit card for travel is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card because it offers a broad range of travel benefits. However, if you’re looking for a specific perk, a different card might be a better fit. For example, if lounge access is a priority, The Platinum Card® from American Express may be a better choice. Or, if you’re focused on purchase and travel protections, you may want to look at the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card.
There are very few travel credit cards that you can qualify for with fair credit. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has a high rewards rate and offers cash back you could use for travel purchases.
Cash back credit cards and travel rewards credit cards are both types of rewards credit cards. They differ in how you are being rewarded. A cash back credit card earns rewards in the form of dollars. You can redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, a direct deposit into your bank account and more. Travel rewards credit cards offer rewards in the form of points and miles that you can redeem for travel-related expenses.
Most credit card points and miles don’t expire as long as your credit card account is open and in good standing. Leaving your card open is your best bet. If your points are in a hotel loyalty or frequent flyer account rather than your credit card account, you typically have to have activity every 12 to 24 months. Activity can include earning or redeeming points or miles. You can either buy or redeem some points/miles to keep your account active.
Co-branded travel credit cards are issued by banks with a specific airline or hotel brand partner like American Airlines or Marriott Bonvoy. These cards offer perks associated with the particular airline or hotel, and may earn a higher rewards rate on brand-related purchases. General travel credit cards, on the other hand, aren’t tied to a single brand partner and may earn elevated rewards on a wider variety of purchases.
The credit cards with the most worldwide acceptance include cards that use either the Visa or Mastercard networks. American Express and Discover cards are less widely accepted.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card, Centurion® Card from American Express, Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Wells Fargo Autograph® Card and Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
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