Travel Credit Cards That Offer the Most Rewards

Traveling is amazing. Paying for it? Not so much. But what if your everyday spending could earn you free flights, luxury hotel stays, and VIP airport lounge access? That’s exactly what the right travel credit card can do.

Not all travel cards are created equal, though. Some offer huge sign-up bonuses, while others focus on perks like no foreign transaction fees or extra points on travel purchases. The trick is finding the one that matches your travel style. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a casual vacationer, or someone who just wants to maximize everyday spending, there’s a card for you.

What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?

Before jumping into the top options, let’s break down what actually makes a travel credit card worth having.

Big Welcome Bonuses – The best cards offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of dollars in travel rewards after you hit a minimum spending requirement.
High Earning Rates – Look for cards that give extra points on travel, dining, and everyday purchases.
Flexible Redemption – Some cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners, while others allow you to erase travel purchases from your statement.
Valuable Perks – Think airport lounge access, free checked bags, travel insurance, and priority boarding.
No Foreign Transaction Fees – If you travel internationally, this one’s a must.

With that in mind, let’s look at the top travel credit cards that maximize your rewards.

Best for Beginners: Chase Sapphire Preferred®

If you’re new to travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the perfect starting point. It offers a high welcome bonus, great earning potential, and flexible redemption options—all with a moderate annual fee.

Why It’s Great:

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel).
2x points on travel and dining, 1x on everything else.
No foreign transaction fees.
Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, and Hyatt.

This card strikes a balance between affordability and strong rewards, making it ideal for travelers who want flexibility without high fees.

Best for Frequent Flyers: Capital One Venture X

If you’re always on the go, the Capital One Venture X delivers premium perks without the ultra-high annual fees of luxury cards.

Why It’s Great:

Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights, 2x on all other purchases.
$300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel.
Free Priority Pass lounge access + access to Capital One Lounges.
No foreign transaction fees.

With a $395 annual fee, this card might seem expensive, but the benefits easily outweigh the cost if you travel often.

Best for Luxury Travelers: The Platinum Card® from American Express

For those who want the ultimate travel experience—think first-class lounges, luxury hotels, and elite status perks—the Amex Platinum is a powerhouse.

Why It’s Great:

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in 6 months.
5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel.
Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges.
Annual credits: $200 for airline fees, $200 for hotels, $189 for CLEAR, and more.
Complimentary Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

The $695 annual fee is steep, but for frequent luxury travelers, the perks far exceed the cost.

Best for No Annual Fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards

Not ready to commit to an annual fee? The Bank of America Travel Rewards card still lets you earn points on every purchase.

Why It’s Great:

Earn 25,000 points (worth $250 in travel) after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
1.5x points on every purchase—no categories to track.
No foreign transaction fees.
Redeem points for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

This is a solid option for casual travelers who want simple, fee-free rewards.

Best for Hotel Lovers: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®

If you prefer free hotel stays over airline miles, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is a great pick.

Why It’s Great:

Earn 100,000 Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
6x points at Marriott hotels, 2x points on everyday spending.
Free annual hotel night (worth up to 35,000 points).
Automatic Silver Elite status, plus a path to Gold.

For Marriott loyalists, the free night benefit alone makes up for the $95 annual fee.

Maximizing Your Travel Card Benefits

Just having a travel credit card isn’t enough—you need to use it strategically. Here’s how:

Always pay in full – Travel rewards aren’t worth it if you’re racking up interest.
Use the right card for each purchase – Dining? Use a card with restaurant bonuses. Booking flights? Pick one that gives extra points for airfare.
Take advantage of transfer partners – Many travel cards let you transfer points to airlines and hotels, often getting more value than booking directly.
Stack rewards with shopping portals – Some issuers offer bonus points for purchases through their online shopping platforms.

The Right Card = More Travel for Less Money

A great travel credit card isn’t just about collecting points—it’s about unlocking experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise. Free flights, luxury hotels, VIP perks—these are the kinds of benefits that make travel better without spending more.

The best part? You’re already spending money on everyday purchases. You might as well let those dollars work for you.