Travel credit cards can help reduce travel costs through their rewards, perks, and welcome offers by charging an annual fee. These perks may include application fee credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airport lounge access, annual credits towards travel expenses, or free checked bags and travel insurance. Some of the top travel credit cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and the Citi Strata Premier Card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a 75,000 bonus points intro offer, 1x to 5x rewards rate, and benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, a $50 Annual Hotel Credit, and travel insurance coverage. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a similar rewards rate, statement credit reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and VIP-style travel perks. The Citi Strata Premier Card offers a one-time bonus of 70,000 ThankYou Points, 1x to 10x rewards rate, and a $100 Annual Hotel Benefit.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides a straightforward, easy-to-use option for earning travel rewards miles while offering perks like statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, travel accident insurance, and auto rental collision insurance. The American Express Gold Card is ideal for travelers who enjoy dining out or cooking at home, offering high rewards for restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending, an annual dining credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a no-annual-fee option with a 1.5x rewards rate on all purchases, while the Credit One Bank Wander Card offers 10x points per dollar on eligible hotels and car rentals. The extensive range of travel credit cards provides various options for different travel habits, spending preferences, and desired rewards. You can choose a travel credit card based on factors such as travel rewards, redeemable points, foreign transaction fees, annual fees, and additional card benefits.
To get the most value from a travel credit card, use it for purchases that provide the most rewards and redeem them for airfare or hotel stays. Take advantage of annual statement credits, airport amenities, and card perks to maximize the card’s benefits. Applying for a travel credit card involves finding the card that best fits your travel habits, filling out the required financial and personal information, and responsibly using the card to earn and redeem rewards effectively.
