Maximizing Rewards: How Travel Credit Cards Can Help You Save Big
Discover how travel credit cards can help you earn rewards and save big on your next adventure. Learn how to maximize your rewards with these expert tips and recommendations. Apply for a travel credit card today and start earning rewards towards flights, hotels, and more.
The credit card market is increasingly competitive, with many brands offering a wide range of benefits and rewards. This article will examine five of the top credit cards available today: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Platinum Card® from American Express, the Citi Premier® Card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card, and the Discover it® Miles card. Each offers unique advantages and benefits, depending on the user's spending habits and lifestyle.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, with a 20.74% - 27.74% variable APR, is a leading choice for travel enthusiasts, offering a generous 80,000 welcome offer. With a recommended credit score between 670-850, this card offers bonus points on travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services. Cardholders can earn 5x points per $1 on all travel booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and on select Peloton and Lyft purchases over $250 until March 31, 2025. Other benefits include a $50 annual credit on hotel stays and a 10% annual bonus on points earned. With no foreign transaction fees and excellent travel insurance, it's no surprise this card is a top choice for travelers. The annual fee for this card is $95.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
For those with good to excellent credit (670-850), the Platinum Card® from American Express offers an 80,000-point welcome offer. This card stands out for its unparalleled airport lounge access, including entry to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. Cardholders earn 5x points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels. Additional benefits include various annual and monthly statement credits, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and no foreign transaction fees. This premium card carries an annual fee of $695.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card, with an APR of 20.74% - 28.74%, is a robust travel rewards card. It provides 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels, and access to Citi transfer partners. With no foreign transaction fees and a reasonable annual fee of $95, this card is an excellent option for frequent travelers with a good to excellent credit score (670-850).
Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Card, designed for those with excellent credit (740-840), offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles. The card provides 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles per $1 on flights, all purchased through Capital One Travel. Cardholders also enjoy up to $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel and unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This card has an annual fee of $395.
Discover it® Miles
The Discover it® Miles card offers unmatched flexibility with its rewards program. At the end of the first year, Discover matches all the Miles earned, essentially doubling your rewards. Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar spent, with no annual fee. Other benefits include the ability to redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill and access to a mobile app that helps protect personal information online. This card requires excellent to good credit and has an APR of 16.74% - 27.74% after a 15-month introductory period at 0%.
Choosing the right credit card involves considering your spending habits, lifestyle, and the rewards and benefits that would be the most advantageous. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a foodie, or prefer straightforward cashback rewards, there's a card out there that's right for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Platinum Card® from American Express, the Citi Premier® Card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card, and the Discover it® Miles card each offer unique benefits and rewards, making them excellent options to consider.
