Credit Cards (US)

8 best credit cards for traveling: upgrade your trip with awesome perks!

If you're looking to start a new travel-related hobby or take your current one up a notch, we have ranked the top credit cards that offer big benefits and perks when it comes to taking trips. Here are our picks!

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If you’re looking for a credit card that offers great rewards for traveling, this list has what you need

flat lay yellow luggage traveling
Pick one of the best credit cards for traveling and improve your travel experience. Source: Freepik.

Traveling is a great way to learn about new cultures, see amazing places, and make lasting memories. It can also be a very rewarding experience, both literally and figuratively, and will get even better with one of the best credit cards for traveling in style.

If you’re the type of person, who likes to explore new places, a credit card that offers travel rewards is a great option. 

Vector of a smartphone with payment app, credit card and wallet with money

Do credit card rewards make you spend more?

Are those cashbacks offers too tempting? Read about what are credit card rewards and if having one makes you spend more.

Take a look at the best credit cards for traveling before you book your next trip.

Having the right credit card can make a world of difference when you’re a frequent traveler. 

From avoiding foreign transaction fees to earning rewards on your travel expenses, the best credit cards for traveling can save you time and money. 

The best credit cards for traveling come with all kinds of benefits, such as points that you can trade for free flights and hotel stays. 

Plus, if you like the convenience of renting a car and the safety of travel insurance, they got you covered.

So if you’re planning on taking a trip in the near future, consider signing up for a travel rewards card. You may be surprised at how much money you can save!

Here are eight of the best credit cards for traveling, based on factors like rewards, perks, and fees:

guest booking tour hotel
A travel credit card will give you many benefits to travel the world. Source: Freepik.

There are many credit cards out there. But not all of them have travel benefits. And the ones who have, not all of them are good.

The following list will show you the best credit cards for traveling with benefits.

1. The American Express Gold Card

This is a great plus one for your travels. It has a $250 annual fee, but with all of the benefits it offers, it is definitely worth it.

This card comes with a $120 dining credit. You get 3X Membership Rewards points when you book flights with airlines or amextravel.com, and 4X points on dining at restaurants and purchases made at U.S supermarkets (up to $25k per year). Then you get 1x the rewards for every other purchase you make!

The Amex Gold is one of the best credit cards for traveling on gastronomic routes.

2. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

It offers valuable travel rewards, including 3 points per dollar you spend on travel and dining purchases, and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases. 

Plus, you’ll get a $300 annual travel credit and access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. There’s a $450 annual fee, but it’s worth it for frequent travelers.

3. The Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

It is a great option for travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees. You’ll get 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases plus 5x points miles if you book a hotel or rent a car with Capital One Travel.

It has an annual fee of just $95, and it’s one of the best credit cards for traveling while earning miles for a low fee. Plus, you can turn your miles for any travel expense, such as hotels, airfare, and cruises.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

This card offers top-notch perks for travelers, including 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. There are also no fees on your foreign transactions.

The Platinum Card is internationally desired, and among premium credit cards, it has the best traveling benefits for a luxury experience.

Keep in mind, though, that there is an annual fee of $695, but you get a $200 airline fee credit each year.

5. The Citi Prestige® Card

woman posing with travel equipment with red backgroudn travel credit cards
Some credit cards have premium benefits and VIP access to airport lounges and hotel upgrades. Source: Freepik.

It offers generous rewards for travelers, including 3 points per dollar spent on airfare and hotels and 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment. 

There’s a $495 annual fee, but with this card, you’ll get a $250 annual air travel credit and access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide. 

6. The Discover it® Miles

It is a good option for travelers who want to earn cash back towards future travel expenses. Each dollar you spend on all purchases gets you 1.5x miles. And if you’re a big spender, Discover has a welcoming bonus for you: Every mile you make in your first year will be matched by Discover. That’s double the miles!

Plus, you can redeem your miles as cash back towards any travel expense with no blackout dates or restrictions. There’s also no annual fee, and you are also clear of fees in your foreign transactions.

7. The HSBC Premier World Elite™ Mastercard®

It is one of the best credit cards choice for traveling frequently. You’ll enjoy free unlimited Wi-Fi at more than 2 million hotspots worldwide and up to $100 in statement credits annually for Worldwide Lounge Access benefits. 

There’s no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee for HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard holders.  

8. Lastly, The Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

This credit card is best suited for small business owners who often find themselves traveling.

With this card, you’ll earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points on the first $150,000 combined annually in spending across categories like travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, or phone services, advertising in select media, and more.

Plus, you’ll get 25 % more value when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards towards airfare, hotels, car rentals & cruises. This is one of the best credit cards for traveling if you’re looking for valuable rewards.

And if that weren’t enough perks already – there’s also cell phone insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay protection, and more! 

To top it off – you’re free of fees on foreign transactions. There is an annual fee of $95. However, in the first year, you’re free from that charge.

With these credit cards, you are sure to have the best rewarding experience for traveling

Choose one of these best credit cards for traveling based on your spending habits and where you plan to go. Consider whether you want to focus more on earning rewards or saving money with perks like no foreign transaction fees.

Also, keep in mind that some cards come with an annual fee – so factor that into your decision as well. Happy travels!

With these card options, you just need to plan where you are going and pack your bags!

And while you’re planning your next trip, check out this next post about the safest cities in the world to see if any

happy woman with backpack open arms enjoy nature

The safest cities in the world

Read this post to find your next destination if you're looking for a place with low crime rates to walk around with no worries.

About the author  /  Vinicius Barbosa

Vinicius Barbosa is a writer of finance-related content on this portal. Graduated in Social Communication, he writes about everything that involves the world of finances, from credit card recommendations to investment tips, for readers who want to make better decisions when it comes time to spend their money or invest wisely.

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