Top 5 Best Travel Rewards Cards

If you’re a frequent traveler, the right travel rewards credit card can enhance your experience and help you earn valuable perks, such as miles, points, and access to VIP lounges.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which card is the best for you? Here’s a quick guide to the top 5 travel rewards credit cards that will maximize your travel benefits.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is one of the best cards for travelers due to its generous sign-up bonus and versatile rewards system.

You earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases, and points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where they’re worth more. It also offers a substantial sign-up bonus after meeting the initial spending requirement, which can be redeemed for travel.

Key Benefits:

• 2x points on travel & dining
• Valuable sign-up bonus
• Enhanced point value when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• No foreign transaction fees

Perfect for: Travelers looking to earn valuable points with everyday purchases and those who want a flexible travel redemption system.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

If you’re after premium perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top contender. With extensive lounge access, including Centurion® Lounges and Priority Pass™, you can enjoy comfort while traveling. You also earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.

Key Benefits:

• 5x points on flights
• Access to 1,200+ airport lounges
• Annual airline fee credit
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit

Perfect for: Luxury travelers who want to earn high rewards and enjoy premium services and travel perks.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who want simplicity without compromising on rewards. You earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, and you can use those miles for any travel expense, from flights to hotels.

Key Benefits:

• 2x miles on all purchases
• Substantial sign-up bonus
• No blackout dates when using miles
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit

Perfect for: Travelers who want straightforward rewards and the flexibility to use miles on any travel-related expense.

4. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card is another solid option, especially for those who want to earn travel rewards in multiple categories. You earn 3x points on travel, including gas stations, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases. The card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus after meeting the initial spending requirement.

Key Benefits:

• 3x points on travel (including gas)
• Valuable sign-up bonus
• Annual hotel credit
• Points transfer to leading airlines

Perfect for: Travelers who want to earn high rewards across multiple categories and have the flexibility to transfer points to travel partners.

5. Discover it® Miles

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card with a simple rewards structure, the Discover it® Miles card might be the right choice. You earn 1.5x miles on every purchase, and at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned. So, if you earn a significant amount of miles, you’ll receive an additional match for free.

Key Benefits:

• 1.5x miles on every purchase
• No annual fee
• First-year miles match
• No foreign transaction fees

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers who want a simple rewards card without paying an annual fee.