- 5%Points on travel via Chase Travel
- 3%Points on dining, streaming & online groceries
- 2%Points on other travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on travel via Chase Travel, 3x on dining, streaming & online groceries, 2x on other travel, and 1x on everything else.
19.49%-27.74% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out as the top choice because of its exceptional earning potential on travel and dining, along with valuable travel protections that make it ideal for both casual and frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Strong earning rates on travel and dining
- Valuable travel protections
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- High spending requirement for bonus
2.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on travel booked through Chase
- 4%Points on flights/hotels booked directly
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 8x points on travel booked through Chase, 4x on flights/hotels booked directly, 3x on dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
What sets this card apart is its extensive travel credits and premium benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize its value through various perks.
Pros:
- Extensive travel credits
- High earning rates on travel and dining
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires excellent credit for approval
3.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card shines for its exceptional earning rates on travel bookings, making it a top choice for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel bookings
- Valuable travel credits
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good credit for approval
4.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 5%Miles on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x miles on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The standout feature here is its straightforward rewards structure, making it an excellent choice for those who want to earn travel rewards without the complexities of higher-tier cards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium cards
- Limited travel perks
5.Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
American Express
- 12%Points at Hilton
- 6%Points on dining, gas, and groceries
- 3%Points on all other purchases
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 12x points at Hilton, 6x on dining, gas, and groceries, and 3x on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card is ideal for frequent Hilton guests, offering valuable perks like complimentary Gold Status and significant earning potential on Hilton stays.
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton Gold Status
- Annual statement credits for Hilton purchases
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited to Hilton properties for maximum value
6.Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
American Express
- 14%Points at Hilton
- 7%Points on flights, car rentals, and U.S. dining
- 3%Points on all other purchases
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 14x points at Hilton, 7x on flights, car rentals, and U.S. dining, and 3x on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is a premium option for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties, offering extensive benefits and high earning rates that can easily offset the annual fee.
Pros:
- Complimentary Diamond Status
- High earning potential on Hilton stays
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires frequent Hilton stays to justify cost
7.Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
American Express
- 2%Miles on Delta, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 2x miles on Delta, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers, providing valuable perks that can save money on travel while earning miles on everyday purchases.
Pros:
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Limited to Delta for maximum value
Final Words
As you consider the best travel credit cards this January, remember that the right card can significantly enhance your travel experience. Take time to compare your options, assess the rewards, fees, and benefits tailored to your needs, and make an informed decision that aligns with your travel goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card currently offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you earn 8x points on travel booked through Chase, 4x on flights/hotels booked directly, 3x on dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
Yes, travel credit cards typically have annual fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® has a $95 annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges $795, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a $395 annual fee.
To choose the best travel credit card, consider factors like your travel habits, the types of rewards you prefer, and any annual fees. Compare welcome bonuses, reward rates, and redemption options to find a card that aligns with your spending patterns.
The application process for travel credit cards typically involves filling out an online form with your personal information, income, and credit history. You'll receive a decision usually within minutes, but approval may take longer if further review is needed.
Yes, many travel credit cards allow you to redeem points for other purchases, although the value may be less than when used for travel-related expenses. Always check the redemption options and values before making a decision.
