Traveling is one of life’s fulfillment to many, and nothing makes the journey smoother than having the right credit card in your wallet. Whether you’re jetting off to tropical destinations or exploring vibrant cities, travel credit cards can offer you perks and rewards that make every trip a little sweeter who doesn’t love the idea of earning rewards for every dollar spent?
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, let me guide you through the top 15 best travel credit cards 2024. These cards are more than just plastic – they’re your ticket to earning miles, enjoying lounge access, and even saving on those hefty baggage fees.
Finding the best travel credit card can be a bit like trying to choose your favorite destination – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on your travel habits and what benefits you value most.
Whether you frequently use a flight, a road trip warrior, or an occasional vacationer there’s a card on this list that’s perfect all you could think of. So, let’s dive in and explore top best travel credit cards 2024.
Best Travel Credit Cards 2024
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often hailed as the gold standard for travel rewards and for a good reason. With its generous sign-up bonus and double points on travel and dining, it’s a no-brainer for anyone who loves to explore new places. Plus, the points are incredibly flexible—you can transfer them to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, making it easier to get the most value out of every point.
Imagine booking your dream vacation without spending a dime on flights or hotels. That’s the power of the Chase Sapphire Preferred®.
But it’s not just about the points. The card also offers travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which adds peace of mind when you’re far from home.
And let’s not forget about the lack of foreign transaction fees—meaning you can swipe away on your European adventure without worrying about extra charges. If you’re looking for a travel card that truly covers all bases, this one is tough to beat.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If simplicity is your game, then the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might just be your best travel companion. With a straightforward earning structure of 2x miles on every purchase, you don’t have to juggle categories or keep track of rotating rewards.
Every time you swipe, you’re earning miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses, whether it’s flights, hotels, or even Uber rides. It’s like having a personal travel fund that grows with every dollar you spend.
One of the standout features of this card is the easy-to-use miles redemption system. You can book travel through any airline or hotel and then simply use your miles to erase the purchase from your statement.
No blackout dates, no restrictions—just pure travel freedom. And with the added benefit of no foreign transaction fees, this card is designed to make your travels seamless and stress-free.
Beyond the miles, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers a hefty sign-up bonus, enough to kickstart your next adventure. And for those who value a little luxury, you’ll appreciate the complimentary access to select airport lounges worldwide.
3. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a foodie’s best friend, but it’s also a powerhouse for travelers. With 4x points on dining worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, this card turns your everyday spending into serious travel rewards.
Those points can be transferred to 19 airline and hotel partners, giving you plenty of options when it comes time to redeem. Whether you’re eyeing a first-class flight or a five-star resort, the Amex Gold can help get you there.
But the perks don’t stop at dining and groceries. The card also offers 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, which means your travel purchases earn you even more rewards.
Plus, with benefits like baggage insurance, purchase protection, and a dining credit that works at select restaurants, it’s clear that this card is built for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
What really sets the American Express® Gold Card apart, though, is the personal touch. The card’s customer service is top-notch, and cardholders often rave about how well they’re treated. So, if you value both luxury and rewards, this card might just be your ticket to unforgettable travel experiences in 2024.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Luxury travelers, this one’s for you. The Platinum Card® from American Express is all about elevating your travel experience to new heights.
With access to over 1,200 airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, this card offers perks that make every journey feel first-class, even when you’re flying coach.
The Platinum Card® is packed with benefits that cater to those who travel often and travel well. The $200 airline fee credit, $200 Uber credit, and $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit are just the beginning.
You’ll also enjoy a wealth of travel protections, from trip delay insurance to lost luggage reimbursement. It’s the kind of card that not only rewards you for your spending but also enhances your entire travel experience.
And let’s not forget about the points. American Express Membership Rewards® points are among the most valuable in the industry, and with the Platinum Card®, you’ll be racking them up quickly.
Transfer your points to one of the many airline partners, and you could find yourself jetting off to your dream destination sooner than you think. If luxury and convenience are your top priorities, the Platinum Card® from American Express is hard to beat.
5. Citi Premier® Card
For those who want to earn rewards on a wide range of everyday purchases, the Citi Premier® Card is a standout choice. With 3x points on air travel, hotels, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, this card offers incredible value for anyone who spends regularly in these categories.
Whether you’re booking a flight, filling up your car, or dining out with friends, you’re earning points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or even cash back.
One of the best features of the Citi Premier® Card is its flexibility in point redemption. You can transfer your points to over a dozen travel loyalty programs, including some of the most popular airline and hotel chains. This means more options for you when it comes time to book that long-awaited vacation. And with no foreign transaction fees, this card is also a great companion for international travel.
But there’s more. The Citi Premier® Card also offers a generous sign-up bonus, which can go a long way toward covering the cost of your next trip. Combine that with a reasonable annual fee, and you have a card that offers exceptional value for both everyday spending and travel rewards.
If you’re looking for a versatile travel credit card, the Citi Premier® Card deserves a spot in your wallet.
Also, read 11 Best Ways To Make Money While Traveling
6. United℠ Explorer Card
Frequent flyers of United Airlines will find a lot to love about the United℠ Explorer Card. This card is designed to enhance your travel experience with United, offering perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and even two one-time passes to United Club lounges each year.
Imagine breezing through the airport, skipping the baggage fees, and relaxing in a lounge before your flight—it’s all possible with the United℠ Explorer Card.
When it comes to earning rewards, the card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, making it easy to accumulate miles quickly. Plus, with a sign-up bonus that’s often enough for a free round-trip flight within the U.S., you’ll be well on your way to your next adventure in no time.
And with no foreign transaction fees, you can take this card with you wherever you go, from coast to coast or continent to continent.
But the benefits don’t end there. The United℠ Explorer Card also comes with travel and purchase protections, including trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance. These added layers of security make it a solid choice for those who want to travel with peace of mind. If United Airlines is your go-to, this card should definitely be in your wallet.
7. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
For travelers who prefer to stay at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers incredible value. With this card, you’ll earn 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases.
That means whether you’re dining out, buying groceries, or filling up your tank, you’re earning points that can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels around the world.
One of the biggest perks of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the automatic Gold status, which comes with benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late check-out when available.
Plus, if you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn a free weekend night reward—perfect for a getaway to a luxurious Hilton property.
The card also offers a sign-up bonus that’s often enough for several free nights at a Hilton hotel, making it an excellent choice for those who love to travel in style without breaking the bank. And with no foreign transaction fees, you can use the card abroad with ease.
If Hilton is your home away from home, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a must-have.
8. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is tailor-made for travelers who frequent Marriott hotels. With 6x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other purchases, this card makes it easy to earn rewards that can be redeemed for free nights at over 7,000 Marriott properties worldwide. Whether you’re staying at a budget-friendly Fairfield Inn or a luxurious St. Regis, you’ll be earning points that bring you closer to your next free stay.
One of the standout features of this card is the annual free night award, which can be used at any Marriott property with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points.
It’s like getting a mini vacation every year just for being a cardholder. That alone can offset the annual fee, making the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card an excellent value for those who regularly stay at Marriott hotels. And with no foreign transaction fees, you can take this card with you on international adventures without worrying about extra costs.
The card also comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which offers perks like priority late checkout, a 10% bonus on points earned, and access to exclusive member rates. Plus, if you spend $35,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Gold Elite status, unlocking even more benefits like enhanced room upgrades and a welcome gift at check-in. For Marriott loyalists, this card is a great way to maximize your rewards and enjoy extra perks during your stays.
9. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
![19 Benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southwest-Priorty-card-2.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200 "15 Best Travel Credit Cards 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Travel Rewards 10")
If you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the perfect companion for your travels. With this card, you’ll earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, local transit, and commuting, as well as on internet, cable, and phone services.
All other purchases earn 1x point, making it easy to accumulate points whether you’re flying, commuting, or just paying your monthly bills.
One of the biggest perks of this card is the annual $75 Southwest travel credit, which can be used toward flights, in-flight purchases, or upgraded boarding. This credit alone can help offset the card’s annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent Southwest travelers.
Plus, you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points each year on your card anniversary, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card also comes with four upgraded boardings per year, giving you a better shot at snagging a prime seat on your next flight.
And with no foreign transaction fees, you can use the card abroad without any extra charges. For those who love Southwest’s no-frills approach to flying, this card offers plenty of value and rewards to enhance your travel experience.
10. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
For those who frequently fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a range of benefits that make every trip a little more enjoyable. With 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, you’ll be earning rewards quickly as you go about your daily life.
One of the key perks of this card is the free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation. That’s a potential savings of $60 per person on a round-trip flight, which can add up quickly for families or groups traveling together.
You’ll also enjoy priority boarding, allowing you to settle in and secure overhead bin space before the main cabin fills up.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card also comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.
And if you’re aiming for Medallion Status, your card spending can help you get there faster with the ability to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). For Delta loyalists, this card offers a blend of convenience, savings, and rewards that are hard to pass up.
11. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you’re looking for a travel credit card with no annual fee, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card should be on your radar.
This card offers 1.5x points on every purchase, with no limits or categories to keep track of. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, or booking a flight, you’re earning points that can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.
One of the most appealing features of this card is its simplicity. There are no blackout dates or restrictions when it comes to redeeming your points, and you can book travel through any provider you choose.
This flexibility, combined with no foreign transaction fees, makes the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card an excellent option for travelers who want straightforward rewards without the hassle of an annual fee.
For Bank of America customers, the card offers even more value through the Preferred Rewards program. Depending on your account balance, you can earn a bonus of 25% to 75% on every purchase, boosting your rewards rate to as much as 2.62x points per dollar.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance travel card that still delivers solid rewards, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a top contender.
12. Discover it® Miles
The Discover it® Miles card is another fantastic option for travelers who want a no-annual-fee card with straightforward rewards. With this card, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase, and Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
That means if you earn 30,000 miles in your first year, Discover will match it, giving you a total of 60,000 miles to redeem toward travel expenses.
What makes the Discover it® Miles card stand out is its flexibility in redeeming rewards. You can use your miles to cover travel purchases like flights, hotels, car rentals, and even ride-sharing services.
Alternatively, you can redeem your miles for cash back if you prefer, giving you the freedom to choose how you want to use your rewards. And with no foreign transaction fees, this card is also a great companion for international travel.
In addition to the generous rewards, the Discover it® Miles card offers valuable features like free FICO® Credit Score access, no late fee on your first late payment, and no penalty APR. It’s a card that offers both rewards and peace of mind, making it a great choice for travelers who want to keep things simple while still earning valuable rewards.
Read also 12 Best Bank for Low Budget Traveling Couple
13. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a travel rewards card that’s perfect for those who want to earn points on a variety of everyday purchases.
With 3x points on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans, this card offers a well-rounded rewards structure that covers a wide range of spending categories. Plus, you’ll earn 1x points on all other purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards no matter how you use your card.
One of the standout features of the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is its lack of an annual fee, which means you can earn rewards without worrying about offsetting a yearly cost.
The points you earn can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more, giving you plenty of options when it comes time to cash in your rewards. And with no foreign transaction fees, this card is also a great choice for international travel.
In addition to its rewards, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers valuable benefits like cell phone protection, travel and emergency assistance services, and access to Wells Fargo’s Go Far® Rewards program. It’s a card that offers both earning potential and flexibility, making it a solid option for travelers who want to maximize their rewards without paying an annual fee.
14. JetBlue Plus Card
For those who love flying with JetBlue, the JetBlue Plus Card is a must-have. With 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1x points on all other purchases, this card offers a strong rewards rate for JetBlue loyalists. Plus, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus that can get you started on your next flight for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
One of the best perks of the JetBlue Plus Card is the ability to earn Mosaic status more quickly. With Mosaic status, you’ll enjoy benefits like free changes and cancellations on Blue Extra fares, early boarding, and even complimentary alcoholic beverages on board. The card also offers a 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases, making your travel experience even more enjoyable.
The JetBlue Plus Card also comes with an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package, which can help offset the card’s annual fee.
And with no foreign transaction fees, you can use the card abroad without incurring extra charges. For those who frequently fly with JetBlue, this card offers valuable rewards and perks that enhance the overall travel experience.
15. Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Credit Card
Rounding out our list is the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Credit Card, a favorite among travelers who frequent the West Coast or Alaska Airlines’ many destinations.
This card offers 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases. One of the most enticing features of this card is the famous Companion Fare, which allows you to bring a friend or family member along on a flight for just $99 plus taxes and fees, after meeting the spending requirement.
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Credit Card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus, often enough for a free round-trip flight.
Additionally, you’ll receive a free checked bag for you and up to six companions on the same reservation, which can save you a significant amount on baggage fees. This benefit alone can justify the card’s annual fee if you frequently fly with Alaska Airlines.
Another great feature of this card is its flexibility in redeeming miles. You can use your miles for flights on Alaska Airlines, as well as on partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and more.
With no foreign transaction fees, this card is a reliable choice for international travel. For those who love the idea of exploring the West Coast, Alaska, or even further afield, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Credit Card offers unbeatable value.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card can feel overwhelming, but with these best travel credit cards for 2024, you’re sure to find one that matches your travel style and financial goals. Whether you’re a frequent fly on air, a hotel aficionado, or someone who just wants to earn rewards on everyday purchases, there’s a card on this list that can help you make the most of your travels.
From the luxurious perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to the budget-friendly simplicity of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card, each of these cards offers unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers.
Remember, the best travel credit card for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and spending habits, offering rewards and benefits that enhance your travel experiences without adding unnecessary costs. So take the time to compare your options, think about where and how you like to travel and choose the card that will help you make your 2024 adventures even more rewarding. Safe travels!