- 5%Points on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3%Points on dining, online groceries, streaming, gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online groceries, streaming, gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals.
19.24%-27.49% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out as the top choice because of its exceptional earning potential on travel and dining, combined with the flexibility of point transfers to numerous travel partners, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and dining
- Flexible point transfers to travel partners
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- High spending requirement for bonus
2.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Capital One Venture X apart is its impressive earning structure, particularly for travel-related purchases, along with premium perks like lounge access, making it a strong contender for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel
- Access to airport lounges
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
3.American Express Platinum Card®
American Express
- 5%Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x points on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The American Express Platinum Card earns the #1 spot due to its unparalleled travel benefits and high earning potential on flights, making it the best option for luxury travelers who can maximize its extensive perks.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- High welcome bonus
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Complex rewards structure
4.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on travel booked through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 8x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 1x points on all other purchases.
19.49%-27.99% Variable APR
The standout feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its robust rewards structure and premium travel benefits, making it a top choice for those who travel frequently and want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and dining
- Comprehensive travel protections
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for bonus
5.Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Citi
- 12%Points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
- 1.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Earn 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel, and 1.5 points on all other purchases.
The Citi Strata Elite Card shines for its exceptional earning rates on travel-related purchases, making it a great choice for those who frequently book through Citi Travel and want luxury perks.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel
- Luxury travel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to specific categories
6.Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Bank of America
- 2%Points on travel and dining
- 1.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn unlimited 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases.
19.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card is a solid choice for those looking for a straightforward rewards structure with good earning rates on travel and dining, making it a practical option for everyday spenders.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Good earning rates on travel and dining
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited bonus categories
7.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 2%Miles on every purchase
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is appealing for its straightforward earning structure, making it a great option for those who prefer simplicity in their rewards without the complexity of tiered categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee for the first year
- Simple rewards structure
Cons:
- Lower earning rates compared to premium cards
- Limited travel perks
8.Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America
- 1.5%Points on all purchases
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.
0%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card is an excellent choice for those seeking a no-annual-fee card with straightforward earning potential, making it ideal for casual spenders who want to earn rewards without the commitment of an annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Unlimited points on all purchases
Cons:
- Lower earning potential compared to premium cards
- Limited travel perks
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
As you explore the best travel credit cards this September, remember that your spending habits and travel goals are crucial in finding the right fit. Take time to compare the options available and make informed decisions that align with your financial strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online groceries, streaming, gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals. The annual fee is $95.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
You can earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x points on other purchases with the American Express Platinum Card®. The annual fee is $895.
When selecting a travel credit card, consider factors like annual fees, reward rates, and sign-up bonuses. Additionally, think about your spending habits and travel preferences to find the card that best aligns with your lifestyle.
Yes, many travel credit cards come with annual fees that can range from modest to high. It's important to evaluate whether the benefits and rewards you receive outweigh the cost of the fee.
To apply for a travel credit card, visit the issuer's website and fill out an application form. You'll need to provide personal information, income details, and possibly your credit score to complete the application process.
Travel credit cards typically offer points or miles for travel expenses, dining, and everyday purchases. The rewards can often be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and travel-related expenses, providing significant value for frequent travelers.
