This guide will show you the 20 top travel credit cards for November 2024. Whether you want to earn airline miles or enjoy travel perks, we’ve got you covered. We’ll look at each card’s earning potential, benefits, and fees to help you pick the right one.
The best travel credit cards for 2024 have lots of rewards and benefits. They help you get more from your travels, from earning extra miles to enjoying lounge access. By looking at annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and how to use your points, you can find the perfect card for you.
Introduction
Travel credit cards are now popular among both frequent and occasional travelers. They offer many benefits that can make your trips better and save you money. You can earn miles and points, get lounge access, and enjoy travel insurance. Let’s look at why travel credit cards are a good choice and what to think about when picking one.
Why Travel Credit Cards Matter
Travel credit cards let you earn rewards on your daily spending. These rewards can be miles, points, or cash back. This means you get something back for your purchases. Plus, many cards offer extra perks like travel insurance and lounge access.
Key Factors to Consider
When picking a travel credit card, think about a few important things:
- Earning Potential: Find a card that rewards you well on travel and dining. Also, look for categories that match your spending.
- Redemption Options: Know how to use your rewards. Can you get flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses covered?
- Annual Fees: Check the card’s annual fee. Make sure it’s worth the benefits and rewards you get.
- Travel Perks: Look at the travel benefits. Do you need lounge access, travel insurance, or airline or hotel status?
By thinking about these points, you can pick the travel credit card that suits you best. This way, you’ll get the most value from your daily spending.
Best Travel Credit Cards
Finding the right travel credit card can be tough. But don’t worry, we’ve found the top 20 for November 2024. Whether you travel a lot or just a little, our list of best travel credit cards, top travel rewards credit cards, and must-have travel credit cards will make your trips better.
Our experts have looked at many cards from Chase, American Express, and Citi. We checked how well they earn rewards, their travel benefits, and their fees. This way, you can pick the popular travel credit cards that fit your travel style and spending.
Top Picks for 2024
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Citi Premier® Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Travel Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | 3X points on travel and dining | Priority Pass lounge access, $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit |
| American Express Platinum Card® | $695 | 5X points on flights and hotels | Extensive lounge access, $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit |
| Citi Premier® Card | $95 | 3X points on travel, gas, and dining | $100 annual hotel savings benefit |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | 2X miles on all purchases | Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, $300 annual travel credit |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | $95 | 12X points at Hilton properties | Automatic Hilton Gold status, 10 free airport lounge visits per year |
Earning Potential: Miles and Points
Travel credit cards are great for earning miles and points. They help you get more airline miles or points for traveling abroad. The best cards in this category offer high earning potential.
What is the best card for airline miles?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum cards are top choices for airline miles. They have great bonus categories for travel and dining. This means you can earn miles fast.
These cards also let you transfer points to many airline loyalty programs. This gives you the freedom to book your flights as you like.
Best credit card for international travel
| Card | Earning Rates | Travel Perks | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3X points on travel and dining | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access | $550 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards | 2X miles on all purchases | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access | $395 |
| American Express Platinum | 5X points on flights and hotels | $200 airline fee credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, Centurion Lounge access | $695 |
For international travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X Rewards, and American Express Platinum cards are the very good. They offer high earning rates and valuable travel perks. These cards have annual travel credits, lounge access, and elite status with hotels and rental cars. They are perfect for travelers.
Travel Perks and Benefits
Travel credit cards offer more than just rewards. They come with valuable benefits that make your trips better. One great perk is access to airport lounges. These lounges are quiet spaces where you can relax, work, or enjoy free drinks before your flight.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
For frequent flyers, airport lounge access is a game-changer. Here are some top travel credit cards with excellent lounge benefits:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Gives you access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and more.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers free entry to over 1,300 Priority Pass Select lounges globally.
- Citi Prestige® Card: Includes access to over 100 Priority Pass Select lounges, plus select Citi-branded lounges.
These cards make your airport time more comfortable and fun. Whether you’re waiting for a flight or need a quiet spot to work or relax, they’re perfect.
| Credit Card | Lounge Access | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide | $695 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Complimentary access to over 1,300 Priority Pass Select lounges | $550 |
| Citi Prestige® Card | Access to over 100 Priority Pass Select lounges, as well as select Citi-branded lounges | $495 |
Low Annual Fees and Beginner Options
Premium travel credit cards are great, but they’re not for everyone. They might be too expensive for those new to travel rewards or who want to save money. We’ll look at the best travel credit cards with no annual fee and the top picks for beginners.
Best travel credit card no annual fee
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee. It gives 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. You can use these points for travel expenses, making it a great choice for beginners.
Best travel credit cards for beginners
For newbies, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card are great. They offer big sign-up bonuses and easy-to-use rewards programs. Plus, they have lots of travel perks, making them perfect for beginners.
FAQ
What is the best card for airlines miles?
The best card for airline miles varies based on your travel and spending habits. Top picks include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card, and airline-specific cards like the United Explorer Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
What is the best travel credit card no annual fee?
For those avoiding annual fees, consider the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, and the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card. They offer great travel benefits without the cost.
What is the best credit card for international travel?
The best cards for international travel have no foreign transaction fees and offer strong earning rates. They also come with perks like travel insurance and lounge access. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are top choices.
What is the best travel credit card with lounge access?
For lounge access, the American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are excellent. They give you free entry to many airport lounges worldwide.
What are the best travel credit cards for 2024?
In 2024, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card, Citi Premier Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and the United Explorer Card. These cards offer great rewards, travel benefits, and flexible redemption options.
What are the best travel credit cards for beginners?
For beginners, look at the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, or the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card. They have no annual fee and are easy to use.
How do I choose the best credit card for my travel needs?
Choose a travel credit card by considering your spending, travel style, desired rewards, and fee tolerance. Look at earning rates, redemption options, and perks to match your travel goals.