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Last Updated: Oct 1, 2019, 3:01amAdvertiser Disclosure

10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of October 2019

10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of October 2019

Editorial Note: Forbes adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The content on this page may contain partner offers and/or affiliate links, and Forbes may receive compensation if you click through a link on this page. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available.

Thanks to the internet, and in particular, Instagram, travel hacking is all the rage. With bloggers stealing headlines for snagging free around-the-world flights with miles, it might seem like the points game is just for the most frequent of flyers.

Guess again. If you have a decent credit score, you too can snag free flights and upgrades.

Now, a word to the wise. Travel rewards cards come with hefty fees and high rates. If you’re bad at paying bills on time or often carry a monthly balance, a travel rewards card may not be for you.

Here’s our guide to the best travel rewards cards for your particular spending habits and travel interests. Note that specific deals often change seasonally, so make sure to confirm specific rates, rewards and other terms before selecting your card.

10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards



10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
All-Around Best Travel Rewards Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining - while charging a modest annual fee.

On Chase's Secure Website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining - while charging a modest annual fee.

Pros

  • Earn 2X Points on travel and dining
  • Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
  • Lots of travel and shopping protections

Cons

  • $95 annual fee, not waived in first year
  • No intro APR offer
  • Must redeem for travel expenses or point transfers to get the best value
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Bonus
i
60,000 bonus points
Credit Score
i
Excellent/Good
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$95
Intro Purchase Apr
N/A
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% Variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR
N/A
View Details
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

It’s hard to pick the “best” travel credit card. What’s best for one person might not be best for another. A lot depends on how frequently you travel, if you are loyal to a single airline or hotel, and your non-travel purchases on a credit card. With those caveats aside, we think the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best all purpose travel credit card.

You earn two points per dollar spent on travel and dining. You also earn a 25% bonus when you use the points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The card also offers lost luggage insurance, travel insurance and one-to-one point transfers to its partner hotel and airline programs.

New card members can also earn Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. If used for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, these points are worth $750.

The card does charge a $95 annual fee, but it’s worth it if you travel even a modest amount each year. For more frequent travelers, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® later in this article.


The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for Lounge Access
Partner Offer

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum Card® is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card's staggering $550 annual fee is well justified.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum Card® is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card's staggering $550 annual fee is well justified.

Pros

  • Excellent luxury travel benefits
  • Complimentary Gold Status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors
  • Earn 5x points on travel

Cons

  • High minimum payment for Pay Over Time option
  • No default option to carry a balance on purchases
  • $550 annual fee with no first-year waiver
Regular Apr
-
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Bonus
i
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
  • 1X Membership Rewards® points for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts
  • Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
  • Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$550
Intro Purchase Apr
-
Regular Apr
-
Intro Balance Transfers APR
-
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months

Some get into travel rewards for the free flights or hotel rooms while others get into the game for lounge access. For consultants and road warriors who spend lots of time in airports, relaxing before a flight in a private area with free food and WiFi is worth an annual fee. And the best card for lounge access, whether domestically or internationally, is The Platinum Card from American Express.

With the card, you have access to the card’s own Centurion Lounges, International American Express Lounges, as well as hundreds of others through partnerships with Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Air Space and Escapes. Card holders can also use Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on that airline.

Domestically, airlines have made it more difficult in recent years to garner lounge access through their networks using the Priority Pass. But if you make a point of flying on Delta or through airports that have Centurion Lounges (examples: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and San Francisco International Airport), it shouldn’t be a problem.

You can also supplement your Platinum Card and sign up for LoungeBuddy, an app that maps airline lounges around the world and offers access for around $35 a pop.

Of course, the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more than lounge access. You can also earn . In addition, the card offers a laundry list of rewards:

  • Up to $200 a year in Uber credits
  • 5x Membership Rewards Points on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
  • 5x Membership Rewards Points on hotels booked on amextravel.com
  • $200 airline fee credit
  • Fee credit for GLOBAL ENTRY or TSA PRE✓

These rewards don’t come cheap. The card charges a $550


Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
Best Sign Up Bonus

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

Frequent business travelers who spend generously within the bonus categories will find extreme value in this card.

On Chase's Secure Website

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

Frequent business travelers who spend generously within the bonus categories will find extreme value in this card.

Pros

  • Remarkable welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Free cards for employees
  • Rewards for common business expenses

Cons

  • High penalty APR if you miss a payment
  • Has annual fee
  • High 5% fee for cash advance (min $15)
  • High 5% fee for balance transfer (min $5)
Regular Apr
17.99% - 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Bonus
i
80,000 bonus points
Credit Score
i
Excellent Credit
Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
  • Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases–with no limit to the amount you can earn
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more – your points don’t expire as long as your account is open
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • $95 Annual Fee
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$95
Intro Purchase Apr
N/A
Regular Apr
17.99% - 22.99% Variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR
N/A
View Details
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Although points per dollar spent is an important factor to look at when deciding on a rewards card, there are some who say nabbing a card is all about one thing: the sign-up bonus.

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card is a card that typically offers one of the best sign up bonuses – earn Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. after $5,000 in purchases during the first three months. Points can be spent directly on travel (in that case they’re worth 1.25 cents apiece) or converted to airline miles or hotel points, where the potential value is higher.

However, sign up bonuses for cards change seasonally. If you have a particular card in mind that fits your spending habits, it might make sense to shop around. Typically, the best offers for airline cards are in November, while hotel cards make their best offers in August.


United TravelBank Card
Best Co-Branded Loyalty Program

United TravelBank Card

With its simple and respectable rewards rates, plus Visa Signature benefits, casual fliers who are loyal to United will find value in United's only card with no annual fee.

United TravelBank Card

With its simple and respectable rewards rates, plus Visa Signature benefits, casual fliers who are loyal to United will find value in United's only card with no annual fee.

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • 2% rewards rate on tickets purchased from United
  • 1.5% flat rewards rate on all other purchases

Cons

  • High regular APR
  • Rewards points are only redeemable for United flights
  • TravelBank cash is less valuable than United Miles
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Bonus
i
$150 in United TravelBank cash
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • $150 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on tickets purchased from United
  • Earn 1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • null
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Purchase Apr
-
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Balance Transfers APR
-
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
$150 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

If you’re interested in the travel rewards game for the perks, getting a co-branded loyalty card is probably the best option for you. Many travel hackers will have one card that they use to accrue points and then one that they use for a specific loyalty program.

Different cards offer different perks. In general, however, when you cut through all the details, their benefits are pretty similar.  So if you are already loyal to one airline or hotel group, choose that company’s card. Here’s a list airline miles cards to consider. Typical perks for airlines include free luggage check, lounge access and upgrades, while typical perks for hotels include complimentary breakfast and WiFi, free nights and upgrades.

See: The Best Ways To Use Your Miles

All of these will depend on what level of card you qualify for as well as how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees, so consider what the perks are worth to you personally.

That said, if we had to pick the best no fee co-branded loyalty program card, we’d go with the United TravelBank Card. You earn 1.5% on all purchases (2% when used to purchase United Flights). Moreover, the rewards come in the form of cash, not points or miles. While this eliminates the chances of finding redemption options that could result in high reward rates, we like the simplicity.


Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Best Airlines Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Loyal Southwest frequent fliers will find good value from this card's rewards and perks, including a $75 annual travel credit, plus you'll earn points toward A-list status.

On Chase's Secure Website

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Loyal Southwest frequent fliers will find good value from this card's rewards and perks, including a $75 annual travel credit, plus you'll earn points toward A-list status.

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Outstanding welcome bonus
  • Earn points toward A-list status
  • Unlimited rewards seats

Cons

  • High regular APR
  • No intro APR offer
  • Rewards flights only available on Southwest, no partner airlines
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$149
Welcome Bonus
i
Earn up to 60,000 points.
Credit Score
i
Excellent/Good
Highlights
  • Earn up to 60,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 20,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 12 months your account is open.
  • 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
  • $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
  • 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
  • 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi.
  • 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases.
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$149
Intro Purchase Apr
N/A
Regular Apr
17.99% - 24.99% Variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR
N/A
View Details
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn up to 60,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 20,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 12 months your account is open.

To be honest, there’s some debate among the Forbes Money Advisor staff on the best airlines and co-branded cards. That being said, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card should make the top of any list.

To start, you can earn 60,000 bonus points. To qualify, spend $2,000 on the card in the first three months. Unlike many other frequent flyer programs, how many points it takes to fly for free on Southwest varies based on the cash price of the ticket.

Beyond the bonus, you’ll earn 2x points on all Southwest purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. Southwest adds another 7,500 point bonus on each card anniversary. You’ll also get an annual $75 travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year.

There is a $149 annual fee.


Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Best No Annual Fee Credit Card

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Considering that they pay no annual fee, cardholders gain access to 3x points reward rates across an impressive range of spending categories

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Considering that they pay no annual fee, cardholders gain access to 3x points reward rates across an impressive range of spending categories

Pros

  • Option to transfer points to other Wells Fargo cards
  • 3x points reward rate on several spending categories
  • Points don’t expire

Cons

  • Low 1x points reward rate on non-bonus categories
  • No points transfer partners
  • No bonus points reward rate for groceries
Regular Apr
15.99% - 27.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Bonus
i
30,000 bonus points
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – a $300 cash redemption value
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Purchase Apr
0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months
Regular Apr
15.99% - 27.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Balance Transfers APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – a $300 cash redemption value

Although it is important to look at annual fees, when it comes to choosing among travel rewards cards, the annual fee generally should not be a deciding factor. Oftentimes, an annual fee is offset by other benefits, such as travel vouchers or lounge access.

However, if you don’t want to pay an annual fee or can’t afford one, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card card is a good option. It currently offers a – point sign-up bonus (which is worth $300 in cash back), although it will offer a 50,000 point bonus from time to time. Cardholders also get three points per dollar on dining, travel, gas and select streaming services.


Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Best for Budget Travelers and Students
Partner Offer

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Just a few Marriott stays per year is enough to offset the $450 annual fee via the $300 annual hotel credit and free night. The complimentary Gold Elite status, lavish Bonvoy perks, and substantial welcome bonus add sweetness to the deal.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Just a few Marriott stays per year is enough to offset the $450 annual fee via the $300 annual hotel credit and free night. The complimentary Gold Elite status, lavish Bonvoy perks, and substantial welcome bonus add sweetness to the deal.

Pros

  • Annual Free Night Award
  • Complimentary Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • 15 annual Elite night credits
  • $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy credit

Cons

  • The APR on purchases can exceed 25%, depending on your creditworthiness
  • $450 annual fee
  • No introductory APR offer
Regular Apr
17.49% - 26.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee
$450
Welcome Bonus
i
75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months
  • 6X points on purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide
  • 3X points on U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X points on all other purchases
  • $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
  • Priority Pass membership
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$450
Intro Purchase Apr
-
Regular Apr
17.49% - 26.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Balance Transfers APR
-
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months

When we think of travel rewards programs, we often have in mind a consultant who racks up miles on weekly cross-country business flights. But the truth is, anyone can get into the reward points game.

“If you’re a backpacker or budget traveler, the number one thing you can do to save money on travel is to start collecting points and miles,” says Matt Kepnes, the budget travel guru behind Nomadic Matt. “Every time you spend money, you have a chance to collect travel points. Over time, those points add up to free flights, free hotel stays, and much more.”

The go-to card for budget travelers is Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardPoints earned can be transferred to more than 40 airlines. The card also offers a hefty sign-up bonus, but does come with a not-so-budget $450 annual fee.


Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
Best No-Categories Travel Card

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Casual travelers who don't plan to carry a balance will find good value in this card's 2-points-per-$1 flat rewards rate and limited-time 10x points offer via hotels.com/venture.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Casual travelers who don't plan to carry a balance will find good value in this card's 2-points-per-$1 flat rewards rate and limited-time 10x points offer via hotels.com/venture.

Pros

  • High flat rewards rate
  • Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on hotels booked on hotels.com/venture through January 2020
  • Solid sign-up bonus

Cons

  • No intro APR offer
  • $95 annual fee, however it’s waived the first year
  • Points transfer to airline partners is less than 1:1
Regular Apr
17.49% - 24.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year, $95 after that
Welcome Bonus
i
50,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $500 in travel
  • Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Plus earn 10X miles on thousands of hotels, through January 2020; learn more at hotels.com/venture
  • Named ‘The Best Travel Card’ by CNBC, 2018
  • Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✔®
  • Fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime; no blackout dates. Plus transfer your miles to over 12 leading travel loyalty programs
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year, $95 after that
Intro Purchase Apr
-
Regular Apr
17.49% - 24.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Balance Transfers APR
-
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

For those looking for simplicity without sacrificing rewards, the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card is the answer. You’ll earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on all purchases. There are no categories to remember or spending caps.

Here it’s important to understand how Capital One miles work. While you earn 2 miles for every $1 spent, the value of the miles depends on how you use them. If you use them to pay for travel purchases you’ve made with the card, they are worth one cent, making it a 2% rewards card (remember, you earn 2 miles for every $1 spent). Use them for anything else, however, and they are worth half as much.

New cardmembers also can earn 50,000 bonus miles. To qualify, you must spend $3,000 in purchases within the first three months. If used for travel, the bonus is worth $500. You also receive a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee.

There’s no annual fee the first year, but $95 a year thereafter.


Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card
Best Hotel Rewards Card

Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

Only those planning to spend heavily on bookings via hotels.com/venture will find this card interesting enough to add to their wallet.

Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

Only those planning to spend heavily on bookings via hotels.com/venture will find this card interesting enough to add to their wallet.

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on hotels booked on hotels.com/venture through January 2020
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Flat rewards rate is relatively low
  • Sign-up bonus is mediocre
  • No intro APR offer on balance transfers
Regular Apr
13.74% - 23.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Bonus
i
20,000 bonus miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
Credit Score
i
Good/Excellent
Highlights
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 10X miles on thousands of hotels, through January 2020; learn more at hotels.com/venture
  • Transfer your miles to over 12 leading travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 14.24% – 24.24% variable APR after that
  • Travel when you want with no blackout dates and fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Purchase Apr
0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months
Regular Apr
13.74% - 23.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Balance Transfers APR
-
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a no annual fee version of the Venture card. Of course, the lack of a fee comes at a cost. You’ll earn 1.25 miles per $1 spent and the signup bonus is 20,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months. And there’s no credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee.

What you do get, however, is 10x miles for every $1 spent at hotels.com/venture. It can take up to two billing cycles for the miles to show up in your account.

Note that the Venture card has the same offer. If hotel stays are your focus, however, VentureOne gives you a no annual fee way to rack up a lot of miles.


Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best Travel Rewards Card for Frequent Travelers

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

This card offers superior points earning rates if you spend frequently on travel and dining out. The $300 travel credit will offset much of the annual fee, and redeeming points for travel on Chase Ultimate Rewards nets you a 50% bonus.

On Chase's Secure Website

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

This card offers superior points earning rates if you spend frequently on travel and dining out. The $300 travel credit will offset much of the annual fee, and redeeming points for travel on Chase Ultimate Rewards nets you a 50% bonus.

Pros

  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Point transfers to airline and hotel partner programs
  • Up to 3x rewards
  • Welcome bonus

Cons

  • High regular APR
  • High annual fee of $450, not waived in first year
  • No intro APR offer
  • Requires excellent credit
Regular Apr
18.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Welcome Bonus
i
50,000 bonus points
Credit Score
i
Excellent Credit
Highlights
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Named “Best Premium Travel Credit Card” for 2018 by MONEY® Magazine
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
  • 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select
  • Up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$450
Intro Purchase Apr
N/A
Regular Apr
18.99% - 25.99% Variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR
N/A
View Details
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

If you’re not committed to one airline or hotel group, the Chase Sapphire Reserve makes our list as the best travel card for frequent travelers. It offers a big sign-up bonus, select lounge privileges and an awesome points-per-dollar conversion.

You earn three points per dollar spent on travel and dining. You also earn a 50% bonus when you use the points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The result is a 4.5% rewards structure on all travel and dining purchases. The card also offers lost luggage insurance, travel insurance and one-to-one point transfers to its partner hotel and airline programs.

New card members can also earn Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. If used for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, these points are worth $750.

The card does charge a $450 annual fee. While steep, it is partially offset by a $300 annual travel credit and the $100 Global Entry waiver.



Conclusion

Whatever card piques your interest, make sure to do your research and double check the fine print. A big part of the rewards game is deciding which card will offer the biggest benefit to you personally. That means you should consider not only how much you spend on travel, but also where you go and how you get there.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.


Here's a summary of 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
All-Around Best Travel Rewards Card
Excellent/Good
$95
60,000 bonus points
Best for Lounge Access
Good/Excellent
$550
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Best Sign Up Bonus
Excellent Credit
$95
80,000 bonus points
Best Co-Branded Loyalty Program
Good/Excellent
$0
$150 in United TravelBank cash
Best Airlines Credit Card
Excellent/Good
$149
Earn up to 60,000 points.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Card
Good/Excellent
$0
30,000 bonus points
Best for Budget Travelers and Students
Good/Excellent
$450
75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points
Best No-Categories Travel Card
Good/Excellent
$0 intro for first year, $95 after that
50,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
Best Hotel Rewards Card
Good/Excellent
$0
20,000 bonus miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
Best Travel Rewards Card for Frequent Travelers
Excellent Credit
$450
50,000 bonus points
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