Comparing the Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners: Unlock Rewards and Savings
Some of the card links and products that appear on this website are from companies which Tech Mentor Maria may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. See our Ad Disclosure at the end of the post
If you're new to the world of travel credit cards, navigating through the options can be overwhelming. To make your decision-making process easier, we present a battle between some of the best beginner travel credit cards. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down the key features, rewards, and benefits of each card to help you choose the right one for your travel adventures. Let the battle begin!
1. Bilt Mastercard: (⭐I have this card)
Earnings: (See Wells Fargo terms here)
1x points on monthly rent
2x points on travel expenses
3x points on dining
Double points on "Rent Day" purchases
4x points on travel and 6x points on dining on "Rent Day"
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
Benefits:
Access to Mastercard Concierge
Trip delay insurance
No Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
Price Protection: Reimbursement if you find a lower price for a new item within 60 days of purchase
Annual Fee:
No annual fee (See Wells Fargo terms here)
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred®:
Earnings:
Earn 2X points on travel purchases including airfare, hotels, cruises, and rideshare
5X total points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3X points on dining purchases including fine dining, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and eligible delivery services
3X points on select streaming services
3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
Earn 1X points on all other purchases
Benefits:
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Auto rental collision damage waiver
Purchase protection against damage or theft
Extended warranty coverage on eligible items
Travel and emergency assistance services
Annual Fee:
$95
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
Earnings:
Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase
10x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
5x Miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
Benefits:
Easy redemption of miles for travel expenses
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit
No foreign transaction fees
Extended warranty protection
Travel accident insurance
Annual Fee:
$95 (waived first year)
4. American Express® Green Card:
Earnings:
3X points on travel including flights, hotels, cruises, vacation rentals, and more.
3X points on transit including subways, trains, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and more.
3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
1X points on other purchases.
Benefits:
$189 CLEAR Plus benefit for expedited airport security screening
$100 LoungeBuddy benefit for access to airport lounges
Trip delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and baggage insurance plan
Purchase protection against accidental damage or theft
Extended warranty coverage
Annual Fee:
$150
5. Citi Premier® Card: (⭐I have this card)
Earnings:
Earn 3X points on air travel and hotels
3X points at restaurants (even abroad)
3X points at gas stations
3X points at supermarkets
1X points on all other purchases
Benefits:
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit ($100)
Ability to transfer points to attractive travel partners
No foreign transaction fees
Purchase protection against damage or theft for up to 90 days
Extended warranty on eligible purchases
Annual Fee:
$95
In conclusion, when it comes to travel credit cards, beginners have a range of options that provide varying rewards and benefits. From the Bilt Mastercard's unique offering of points on rent to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card's travel and dining points multipliers, there's a card for every traveler's needs. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card impresses with unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, while the American Express® Green Card offers exciting perks like CLEAR Plus and LoungeBuddy benefits. Lastly, the Citi Premier® Card provides generous points on a variety of expenses, including international grocery stores. Keep in mind that all these cards come with their own set of annual fees and perks. Choose wisely based on your personal spending habits and travel preferences, and embark on your journey with a card that suits you best.
Unveiling the Best Starter Travel Credit Cards