Ranked: Best Travel Cards November 2024

Looking for the best travel credit cards to maximize your trips? Look no further. We’ve rounded up the top cards that offer perks like bonus points, lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these cards can help you earn rewards faster, save on travel expenses, and gain access to exclusive benefits. Compare options and find the perfect card to make every trip that much sweeter.

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Ranked: Best Travel Cards December 2024

Looking for the best travel credit cards to maximize your trips? Look no further. We’ve rounded up the top cards that offer perks like bonus points, lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these cards can help you earn rewards faster, save on travel expenses, and gain access to exclusive benefits. Compare options and find the perfect card to make every trip that much sweeter.

Personal Cards

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
The Venture X (one of our favorites!) is a premium travel rewards card that offers generous earning rates on travel and dining purchases, along with a wide range of travel perks and benefits. Cardholders can enjoy flexible redemption options for their rewards, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its excellent earning potential—we love it at Daily Drop! Cardholders can redeem their points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, enjoy benefits like an annual bonus, and provides a convenient way to save on Southwest Airlines flights, making it a solid choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card makes travel rewarding and easy. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal choice for international travel. If you’re looking to maximize rewards without crazy fees, this card would be a great addition to your wallet. This one continues to be a Daily Drop favorite.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.
80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.
The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Hilton Gold Status

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

🏆 Best for Hilton Gold Status

165,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/25.
165,000
Bonus Points
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/25.
The Hilton Honors Surpass card is a premium hotel rewards credit card that provides Hilton enthusiasts with generous rewards, including complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, elevated points earning potential, and a free night reward upon reaching a spending threshold. With a moderate annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to enjoy enhanced benefits and substantial rewards.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

🏆 Best for restaurants

60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The American Express Gold Card is a premium card that offers lucrative rewards for dining at U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for foodies and frequent travelers. While it does come with an annual fee, the card's combination of rewards and perks can provide substantial value to those who frequently dine out and travel.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee

Up to $300
Cash Back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20k spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash-back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300
Cash Back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20k spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash-back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited isn't your average cash-back card. It offers solid earning categories on both travel and everyday purchases making it an excellent choice to keep in your wallet. Plus, it will unlock even more value if paired with one of Chase's more premium cards—the ability to turn your cash-back into Ultimate Rewards points!
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for travel credits

60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards. With a focus on travel benefits, this card offers a generous welcome offer, airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and valuable rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for renters

Bilt Mastercard®

Bilt Mastercard®

🏆 Best for renters

This card does not offer a welcome offer.
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
The Bilt card truly is a game changer for those who pay rent and want to earn points doing just that. BUT, its decent earning structures and monthly bonuses are also solid perks that any travel hacker should consider.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Business Cards

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a premier choice for small business owners seeking rewards and travel benefits. This card offers generous points on business expenses, including travel and advertising, and provides other valuable perks such as flexible redemption options, making it a top pick for those looking to maximize their business spending.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for High Business Spend

Capital One Venture X Business

Capital One Venture X Business

🏆 Best for High Business Spend

150,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
150,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
The Venture X business credit card offers robust rewards and benefits tailored to entrepreneurs and small businesses (plus, many travel perks for those who want to hit the skies and see the world).
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Luxury Business Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best Luxury Business Card

150,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first 3 months.
150,000
Bonus Points
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first 3 months.
The Business Platinum card is a premium business credit card offering a range of exclusive travel and business benefits, including airport lounge access, annual airline fee credits, and 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. With a higher annual fee, this card is designed for businesses looking to elevate their travel experience and enjoy a suite of luxury perks.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

100,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
100,000
Bonus Points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
The Amex Business Gold Card is a flexible business credit card that lets you choose two categories in which to earn extra rewards, such as travel, advertising, or technology, making it a versatile choice for businesses with varying spending needs. With valuable benefits like purchase protection and access to the American Express business ecosystem, this card is designed to help businesses maximize their rewards and efficiently manage their expenses.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best For Office Supply Purchases

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

🏆 Best For Office Supply Purchases

Up to $750
Cash Back
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $750
Cash Back
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months.
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an ideal choice for small business owners. With this card, you can earn cash back on a range of business expenses, including office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, while enjoying valuable perks such as employee cards at no extra cost, making it a practical and cost-effective solution for managing your business finances!
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee (Business)

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee (Business)

$750
Cash Back
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$750
Cash Back
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is one of the BEST business cards on the market with no annual fee! With this card, you can earn unlimited cash back on all your business purchases, and it offers a simple and straightforward way to manage expenses, making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Business Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for businesses and United Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including United MileagePlus miles for business spending, two United Club passes annually, and priority boarding, making it a valuable choice for businesses that frequently fly with United Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

175,000
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
175,000
Bonus Points
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for business travelers, offering Hilton Honors Gold status, generous Hilton Honors points earning potential, and an annual free weekend night reward upon reaching a spending threshold. With a reasonable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for businesses that frequently utilize Hilton properties and want to enhance their travel experience with valuable rewards and perks.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

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Which Card is Right for You?

Choosing the perfect travel card is like finding the right travel buddy—each has its own vibe. Are you a fan of luxury who craves VIP treatment like first-class seats and lounge access, or are you a no-fuss traveler looking to earn rewards without an annual fee? Or, maybe you’re somewhere in between. Whatever your style, we’ll breakdown the top options so you can pick the card that’ll aid in racking up some serious miles and points.

Other Ways to Earn

Your travel rewards don't have to end with your credit card. There are plenty of other ways to stack up those miles and points, from shopping portals to dining programs and even booking bonuses. Each card some with its own special way to maximize every purchase, so you can up your balance without breaking a sweat.

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] Many top travel cards offer hefty sign-up bonuses, often enough to cover a round-trip flight or multiple hotel nights after meeting the minimum spend requirement [.pro]

[.pro] Earn points or miles on everyday purchases, with bonus categories like dining, travel, and groceries allowing you to rack up rewards even faster [.pro]

[.pro] Enjoy benefits like airport lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, and hotel upgrades with these top cards [.pro]

[.pro] Most travel cards allow you to redeem points or miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and sometimes even for experiences or gift cards, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards [.pro]

Cons

[.con] Some top-tier travel cards come with high annual fees, which can be a drawback if you’re not using the perks or earning enough rewards to offset the cost [.con]

[.con] Understanding the point values, transfer partners, and redemption options can be confusing, especially for beginners. Not all rewards are created equal, and maximizing value can take some effort [.con]

FAQs

What are the best travel credit cards for beginners?

For beginners, it’s often best to start with a travel card that has no or low fees, straightforward earning and redemption options, and strong benefits. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card are popular for their simplicity and generous rewards structures.

How do I maximize the value of my travel rewards?

To maximize value, consider using your points or miles for flights or hotel stays where the cash price is significantly higher than the equivalent points redemption. Also, familiarize yourself with transfer partners and consider booking through them for potentially better value.

Do travel credit cards work internationally?

Yes, travel credit cards are widely accepted internationally, especially those from major networks like Visa and Mastercard. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra costs while traveling.

Can I combine points from multiple travel cards?

Some cards, particularly those within the same issuer’s program (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards), allow you to combine points. This can help you accumulate enough points faster for a big redemption.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor