Top 6 US Travel Credit Cards [2023]: Travelers on points

The "cash is king" era has started to falter, partially because businesses and individuals avoided cash during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With people returning to travel, using cash is becoming more normal... but credit cards are also offering some great benefits that people can't ignore! 

For us world travelers, there are hundreds of different credit cards to pick from, all offering special travel-related perks. Knowing which cards will better suit our lifestyle and travel preferences with cashback and unique rewards is essential.

So... how can we choose? 

First of all, there is no perfect travel credit card. With cards' different perks, loyalty programs, and fees, each card is better suited for a specific type of traveler. That's why it is crucial to carefully evaluate your options before choosing the right one. 

This blog explores 6 of the best travel credit cards available in the United States and additional options for those who enjoy loyalty programs. These can convert these credit card points and bonuses into free flights, hotel stays, and travel perks.

Let's start saving you money and share the great benefits of American travel credit cards with all travelers!

Top 6 Credit Cards for Travel (US)! [2023]

6. Discover it® Miles

With zero annual fees, this credit card is ideal for those who love getting miles off their travels. Get 1.5x miles for every US$1 spent on all purchases! Additionally, its welcome bonus doubles the miles earned in the first year. 

Redeem miles as travel credit, use them for restaurant and gas station purchases, or just deposit the value directly on your account. 

Perks: 

• No annual fees
• Miles program: earn 1.5 miles per dollar
• Miles never expire, and there is no limit to the number of miles you can accumulate
• No blackout dates
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

• No additional rewards for travel spending
• Lower value welcome bonus
• The rewards program is not as extensive
  

5. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you're a frequent traveler who spends a lot of money on travel, hotels, and car rentals, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is ideal. 

Maybe you and your family just love road trips around the globe, or perhaps you're a business person with many vital meetings worldwide. This card grants you 10 points per US$1 spent on car rentals and hotels and 5 points for every US$1 spent on flights—a top-tier travel credit card for the avid traveler. 

Perks: 

• Welcome offer of 100,000 points after spending US$10,000 in the first six months
• 10x points for every US$1 spent on car rentals and hotels
• 5x points for every US$1 spent on flights
• Miles are easy to earn and use

Cons:

• US$395 annual fee
• No hotel or airline partners
  

4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Like the option above, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent card for those starting their path towards reward points in traveling. 

It offers general rewards like 2x points on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and a welcome offer of 75,000 points after spending US$4,000 in the first three months. It also offers bonuses for hotel stays and can be an excellent choice for those who like to collect miles. 

With a relatively affordable annual fee, this card is simple and pleases people in search of all-around rewards. 

Perks:

• 2x points on all purchases
• 5x points on hotel and car rentals
• No foreign transaction fees
• US$100 credit on Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check 
• Transfer miles to frequent travel programs
• Capital One Lounge access

Cons:

• US$95 annual fee
• No introductory annual percentage rate (APR) discount
  

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

This credit card is excellent for beginning point travelers. One reason it's so great is that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a big intro offer: 60,000 points with a US$4,000 spend in the first three months. 

In addition to its great introductory points, this travel credit card offers cancellation insurance and impressive rewards rates. Your points are worth 25% more if you redeem them for travel, and you can transfer those to frequent travel programs, like the ones from Marriott and Hyatt hotels. 

Perks: 

• 5x points on travel and 3x points on dining and streaming services (hello Netflix!)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Transfer points to frequent travel programs
• 10% anniversary points boost.

Cons: 

• US$95 annual fee
• No introductory annual percentage rate (APR) discount
  

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A powered-up version of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card®, this is the ideal choice for those who want to convert points into travel perks. 

This travel credit card offers 5x points on travel and 3x points on dining purchases. It also grants lounge access and gives cardholders US$300 in annual travel reimbursement. 

Since the annual fee is higher than its predecessor, this card is suitable for those who travel frequently. Utilizing the built-in perks, like the US$300 travel reimbursement and the Priority Pass lounge access, is vital to making this card worth it! This card is about more than just accumulating points.

Perks:

• US$100 credit on Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check 
• US$300 in annual travel reimbursement
• 5x points on travel and 3x points on dining
• Complimentary Priority Pass gives cardholder lounge access to VIP lounges in over 500 cities around the world
• Access to "The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection"
• Lyft Pink membership

Cons: 

• US$550 annual fee
• No introductory annual percentage rate (APR) discount
  

1. American Express® Gold Card

Although American Express® cards are not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa, many people argue their line-up of travel credit cards are some of the best on the market. 

The American Express® Gold Card has been around for many years and is a crowd favorite! It recently got a re-work that led to a higher annual fee and exciting new perks. 

The AMEX Gold Card is easy to use as a daily spender since it gives you points on everything from dining to gas to travel. Some spending categories get bonus points so that you can earn faster! Additionally, as an AMEX cardholder you'll have access to American Express Travel.

Its current welcome offer is also excellent: 50,000 points with a US$3,000 expense in the first six months. Additionally, you can earn 10x points on eligible food and drink purchases for the first 3 months up to 20,000 extra points. 

Perks:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uber credit up to US$120
• Hotel credit of US$100
• 4x points on food and 3x points on flights
• Baggage insurance plans
• Points transfer to a variety of other rewards programs easily

Cons:

• US$250 annual fee
• No introductory annual percentage rate (APR) discount
  

Travel Credit Cards: Best for Airlines & Hotel Programs

For those who enjoy loyalty programs with airlines and hotels, here are some other excellent travel credit card options:

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express© Card

This card is perfect for those who fly with Delta Airlines. Being a cardholder will earn you priority boarding, a free checked bag, and points on Delta flights!

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Marriott Hotel lovers should invest in this card! It grants you five free nights as a welcome offer and up to 17x points for Marriott purchases. Automatic hotel status is also part of this card's benefits. 

United Explorer Card

This is a sound credit card for regular fliers of United Airlines. Get 2x points on United flights, a free checked bag, and priority boarding. 

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

This credit card is an excellent choice for those who like to indulge in Hilton hotels. Becoming a cardholder lets you enjoy a suite of benefits because you get automatic Diamond Status in their loyalty program.

Travel more with credit card rewards!

Choosing the best travel credit card for you depends on the type of traveler you are. While some cards offer more general perks, others are more exclusive and cater to specific preferences. 

Now you've been introduced to some of the best travel credit cards on the market. Make the most of your money by using travel credit cards effectively, hopefully allowing you to chase your travel dreams more frequently! 

Looking for more ways to stretch your dollar? Making sure you stay on budget, whether you're traveling solo or with a group, can depend on the tools you're using! If you're looking to keep track of personal and group expenses, look into Splitwise or Tricount.

Plan your next trip now!

But how do you plan all these great for all these great trips? Aside from finding cheap flight deals, you will need a reliable travel planning app. Consider using the new app that helps you keep all trip organization in one place: Pilot.