Earn While You Explore:10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Card Revealed

Planning your next adventure? Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, bustling city streets, or remote mountain hideaways, having the right travel rewards credit card can turn those dreams into reality.

The best travel rewards credit cards don’t just help you book flights and hotels—they make your entire journey smoother, cheaper, and more rewarding.

With so many options out there, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Well, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the top 10 travel rewards credit cards that will make your wanderlust more enjoyable.

10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you’re serious about travel, the  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often touted as the gold standard. The card offers 2x points on travel and dining, which can add up quickly if you’re always on the go or love exploring new restaurants.

Plus, the points are super versatile—you can transfer them to various airline and hotel partners or redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, where your points are worth 25% more.

But what really makes this card shine is its sign-up bonus. Right now, you can earn a hefty bonus after spending a certain amount in the first three months, which can easily cover a round-trip flight or a few nights at a swanky hotel. It’s like getting a head start on your next adventure, just by using your card for everyday expenses. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

2. American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is perfect for foodies and frequent flyers. With 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year), plus 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, this card ensures you’re earning rewards even before you leave home.

The points you rack up can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, making this card a flexible option for various travel plans.

What sets the Amex Gold apart is the $120 dining credit, which gives you a little something extra when you dine out or order in from select partners. It’s like having a free meal or two every year!

This card might have an annual fee, but the perks and rewards can easily outweigh that cost if you’re strategic about how you use it. So, if you’re someone who enjoys fine dining as much as flying, this card could be your ticket to some serious savings.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Looking for something straightforward and easy to use?  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might just be your perfect match. It offers 2x miles on every purchase, every day. No categories to think about, no hoops to jump through—just simple, straightforward rewards.

Miles can be redeemed for travel at a rate of 1 cent per mile or transferred to several travel loyalty programs for potentially even more value.

One of the standout features of this card is its travel credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which helps make your airport experience a breeze. And let’s be honest, anything that cuts down on airport stress is a win in my book.

With no foreign transaction fees and a decent sign-up bonus, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent travelers who value simplicity and flexibility.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

If luxury travel is your thing,  The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best required to travel ith. This card offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.

The points are incredibly valuable and can be transferred to multiple travel partners, giving you plenty of options when it’s time to book your trip.

But where this card truly comes to your aid is in its travel perks. From access to exclusive airport lounges (think Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass) to up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, this card ensures your journey is as comfortable as your destination.

And let’s not forget the $200 Uber credit and the $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit that makes your travels even more enjoyable. The Platinum Card does come with a hefty annual fee, but if you’re all about luxury travel, the benefits more than justify the cost.

5. Citi Premier® Card

The  Citi Premier® Card is a hidden gem in the travel rewards space, offering 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.

That’s a lot of categories where you can earn bonus points! Plus, points can be transferred to a variety of airline partners or redeemed through the Citi ThankYou® portal for travel, gift cards, or even cash back.

One of the highlights of the Citi Premier Card is its flexibility in how you use your points. Whether you’re booking a flight, reserving a hotel, or even just filling up your tank, you’ll be racking up rewards.

Additionally, the card’s generous sign-up bonus can give you a nice boost towards your next vacation, making it a great choice for travelers who want to maximize their earning potential across different spending categories.

6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

For those who prefer simplicity without sacrificing rewards, the  Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option to go with. It offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, which can be redeemed for a statement credit towards travel purchases.

No blackout dates, no restrictions—just straightforward rewards that you can use whenever you want.

This card shines particularly for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase, depending on their tier. This can turn an already solid rewards program into something truly exceptional.

With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, this card is a great choice for anyone who wants to earn rewards on their everyday spending without worrying about extra costs.

Read also 12 Best Ways to Travel on a Low Budget

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

If you’ve been using Southwest Airlines, I think the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a must-have. You’ll earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, as well as on local transit and commuting, including rideshares.

Additionally, 1x points are earned on all other purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards quickly, especially if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer.

The card also comes with some fantastic travel perks, including an annual $75 Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year, and 20% back on in-flight purchases.

These perks not only enhance your travel experience but also add real value that can offset the card’s annual fee. If Southwest is your airline of choice, this card could help you take your loyalty to new heights.

8. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The  Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is perfect for travelers who love staying at Hilton properties. The card offers a whopping 12x points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases.

With these generous earning rates, you’ll be able to rack up Hilton Honors points in no time, making it easier to book free nights at your favorite destinations.

Another great perk of this card is the complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which gives you benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout.

These perks can make your stays even more enjoyable and save you money along the way. Plus, the card’s sign-up bonus can be enough for several free nights, giving you even more incentive to book your next getaway with Hilton.

9. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

If you’re a Marriott top user, the  Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a great way to maximize your rewards. You’ll earn 6x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other purchases, making it easy to accumulate points towards free nights at Marriott properties.

The card also offers a free night award every year after your account anniversary, which can more than offset the annual fee.

One of the best features of this card is the automatic Silver Elite status, which gives you perks like priority late checkout and a 10% bonus on points earned from Marriott stays.

You can earn even more points by referring friends to the card or spending enough to reach Gold Elite status. With so many ways to earn and redeem points, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a fantastic option for anyone who loves staying at Marriott hotels.

10. United℠ Explorer Card

For those who frequently fly United Airlines,  United℠ Explorer Card offers excellent rewards and perks that can make your travel experience even better.

You’ll earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases. The miles you earn can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more through United’s MileagePlus program.

The United Explorer Card also comes with some valuable travel benefits, including two free checked bags, priority boarding, and 25% back on in-flight purchases.

You’ll get two United Club℠ one-time passes each year, giving you access to United’s airport lounges. These perks can make your travels more comfortable and save you money, making this card a great choice for loyal United flyers.

Read also 15 Best Travel Credit Cards 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Travel Rewards

Conclusion

Choosing the best travel rewards credit card really comes down to your travel habits and what perks matter most to you. Whether you’re after luxury lounges, straightforward rewards, or something in between, there’s a card on this list that can help you make the most of your adventures. The key is to pick the card that aligns with your travel goals and lifestyle, so you can earn rewards effortlessly and turn every trip into something extraordinary. After all, the right travel rewards credit card isn’t just about the points—it’s about the experiences those points can bring to life. Happy travels!