If you love traveling, the right travel rewards credit card can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars every year. Whether you’re booking flights, staying in hotels, or just dining out, these cards turn your everyday spending into free trips, upgrades, and cashback.
But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? Don’t worry—we’ve tested and ranked the top 10 travel credit cards of 2024 based on sign-up bonuses, rewards rates, travel perks, and annual fees.
Let’s dive in!
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Best for Beginners
Why We Love It:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending 4,000in3months(worth4,000in3months(worth750 in travel)
- 2X points on travel & dining
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual Fee:Â $95
Best For: Travelers who want a great starter card with flexible rewards.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Luxury Travel Perks
Why We Love It:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending 4,000in3months(4,000in3months(900 in travel)
- 3X points on travel & dining
- $300 annual travel credit
- Free Priority Pass lounge access
- Annual Fee:Â $550
Best For: Frequent flyers who want premium benefits like airport lounge access.
3. American Express Platinum® – Best for Luxury Travel
Why We Love It:
- 80,000 Membership Rewards points (worth up to $1,600 in flights)
- 5X points on flights & hotels
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- Free lounge access (Centurion & Priority Pass)
- Annual Fee:Â $695
Best For: High spenders who want elite status and luxury perks.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards – Simple & Flexible
Why We Love It:
- 75,000 miles after spending 4,000in3months(4,000in3months(750 in travel)
- 2X miles on every purchase
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual Fee:Â $95
Best For: Those who want easy-to-use travel rewards with no complicated categories.
5. Citi Premier® Card – Great for Everyday Spending
Why We Love It:
- 60,000 points after spending 4,000in3months(4,000in3months(600 in travel)
- 3X points on travel, gas, dining & supermarkets
- Annual Fee:Â $95
Best For: People who spend on gas and groceries but still want travel rewards.
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards – No Annual Fee
Why We Love It:
- 25,000 points (250intravel)afterspending250intravel)afterspending1,000 in 3 months
- 1.5X points on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Best For: Beginners or occasional travelers who hate annual fees.
7. Wells Fargo Autograph℠– No Annual Fee + High Rewards
Why We Love It:
- 30,000 points after spending 1,500in3months(1,500in3months(300 in travel)
- 3X points on travel, dining, gas, and streaming
- No annual fee
Best For: Budget travelers who want high rewards with no cost.
8. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum – Best for Delta Flyers
Why We Love It:
- 50,000 bonus miles + 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs)
- Free checked bag on Delta flights
- Annual Fee:Â $250
Best For: Loyal Delta Airlines customers who want extra benefits.
9. United℠Explorer Card – Best for United Flyers
Why We Love It:
- 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months
- Free checked bag & priority boarding
- Annual Fee:Â 0firstyear,then0firstyear,then95
Best For: Frequent United Airlines travelers.
10. Hilton Honors Aspire – Best for Hotel Stays
Why We Love It:
- 150,000 Hilton Honors points (enough for 3-5 free nights)
- Free weekend night reward every year
- Hilton Diamond status (free breakfast & upgrades)
- Annual Fee:Â $450
Best For: Travelers who prefer luxury hotels over flights.
How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card?
Ask yourself:
✔ Do you fly often? → Pick an airline card (Delta, United).
✔ Do you stay in hotels? → Choose a hotel card (Hilton, Marriott).
✔ Do you want flexible rewards? → Go for Chase Sapphire or Capital One.
✔ Do you hate fees? → Try Bank of America or Wells Fargo Autograph.
Pro Tip: Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest—rewards won’t help if you’re paying 20% APR!