Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Reward points from travel credit cards can add up quickly, allowing you to take dream vacations for little or no cost.

The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2023

Here are the 10 best travel rewards credit cards based on rewards earned and annual fees.

 

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular travel rewards cards due to its generous sign-up bonus and strong travel redemption options. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards. There is a $95 annual fee.

 

2. American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold card offers 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases) and 3X points on dining. New members can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within 6 months. Points are redeemable for statement credits or gift cards at a fixed rate. There is a $250 annual fee.

 

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Venture card earns 2 miles per $1 on all purchases with no limit. Miles can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a value of 1 cent per mile. New applicants get 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months. There is no annual fee the first year, then $95.

 

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve

The premium Sapphire Reserve offers outstanding travel perks like a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass lounge access. Cardholders earn 3x points on travel and dining. New applicants can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within 3 months. There is a hefty $550 annual fee.

 

5. American Express® Platinum Card

In addition to 5x points at flights and prepaid hotels booked directly, the Platinum offers airport lounge access and a $200 annual airline fee credit. New applicants earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within 6 months. Points are most flexible when redeemed for travel via Amex Travel. The annual fee is $695.

 

6. United Explorer Card

This card earns 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases and restaurants. New applicants get 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within 3 months. Perks include two United Club one-time passes each year. The annual fee is $95.

 

7. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Earn 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and dining. New applicants receive 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 within 3 months. Benefits include a first checked bag free on Delta flights. The annual fee is $99.

 

8. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

This card earns 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X points on dining and rideshares. New applications receive 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within 3 months. Card features include 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year. The annual fee is $149.

 

9. Citi Premier® Card

Earn 3x points at restaurants, gas stations, air travel and hotels. New applicants receive an 80,000 point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in three months. Points redeem 1:1 for travel via Citi ThankYou portal. The annual fee is $95.

 

10. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Best for Hilton loyalists, this card earns 14X points at Hilton hotels and 7X at flights and car rentals. New applicants can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Top perks are a $250 annual hotel credit and complimentary top-tier Hilton status. The fee is $495.

 

With travel credit cards offering strong rewards and sign-up bonuses across many different loyalty programs, travelers have plenty of options to consider for maximizing vacation value. Just be sure to keep annual fees low or spend enough each year to offset the costs.