The Best Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers (January 2024)
As someone who travels quite frequently (at least once a month, often internationally) for work and leisure, I've become passionate about optimizing my credit card strategy. In today's post, I want to introduce you to a few cards I’ve been using myself, and some that I’m considering for the future, to maximize travel rewards. We'll discuss these cards starting with those having the lowest annual fees.
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No annual fee cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited® (⭐I have this card)
This card is my go-to for everyday expenses that can’t fit into any other category (1.5x per dollar). Some of the things that make this card stand out for travel are:
5X on travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
No annual fee
However, it's important to note that it has a 3% foreign transaction fee and lacks travel insurance benefits.
Wells Fargo Autograph
The Wells Fargo Autograph card shines for its:
3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. 1x on other purchases
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
Visa Signature Concierge support
On the downside, it doesn't have many travel partners and offers only some travel protection but not extensive.
Bilt Mastercard (⭐I have this card)
I primarily use this card for my monthly rent (1x), dining (3x), and rent day purchases (double points). It has quite a few travel benefits like:
2x on travel, 3x on dining, 4x on travel and 6x on dining on rent day purchases (See Wells Fargo terms here)
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
Some of the best travel partners in the industry (even American Airlines)
No Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
No Annual Fee (See Wells Fargo terms here)
Trip delay insurance
Access to Mastercard Concierge
The only downside is that it doesn't offer extra travel benefits such as lounge access.
Mid tier annual fee cards
Citi Premier® Card (⭐I have this card)
I use this card for international grocery stores (3x). Here's why I like this card for travel:
Earn 3x per dollar on gas stations, travel, restaurants, and grocery stores (even abroad)
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit ($100)
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Can combine points with the Citi Custom Cash to earn 5x on your highest spending category and transfer to attractive travel partners
The only drawback is its $95 annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is a great beginner travel card with features like:
2x on travel, 3x on dining (including takeout), 3x on online grocery stores
No foreign transaction fee
Chase Ultimate Rewards travel partners
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more
$50 travel credits
The only con is its $95 annual fee.
Here's why I like the American Express® Green Card for travel:
3x on travel, transit, dining at restaurants
$189 clear plus benefit
$100 LoungeBuddy benefit
No foreign transaction fee
Trip Delay Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan $150, and more
The con is its $150 annual fee.
High annual fee cards
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (⭐I have this card)
I use this card for hotel bookings, Lyft rides, Airbnb (3x), Global Entry, and Instacard purchases (I buy a specific supplement through this credit from CVS each month). Here's why I love this card for travel:
3x on all travel purchases, 3x on dining, 10x on Lyft rides
$300 Annual Travel Credit
Priority Pass™ Select membership
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Fee Credit
The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionSM
DoorDash DashPass Subscription
Instacart benefit ($15 per month) + Instacart+ membership for 1 year
Gopuff Monthly Statement Credit ($10 per month)
Great travel partners
No foreign transaction fee
The drawback is its $550 annual fee ($250 without the travel credit).
The Platinum Card® from American Express (⭐I have this card)
I use this card for flights directly booked through the airline (5x) and Global Dining Access by Resy. Here's why it's great for travel:
5x on flights directly booked with an airline
5x on hotels prepaid on Amex
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit
$200 Hotel Credit (Prepaid through Amex only)
Centurion Lounge access
$200 Uber cash each year
$200 Airline fee credit
$100 Saks credit
Global Dining Access by Resy
Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
The cons are that Centurion Lounges can get really crowded and the card comes with a $695 annual fee.
Summary
Selecting the right credit card for travel can greatly enhance your experiences and help you save money. In this blog post, we've covered a variety of credit cards, from no annual fee options like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Bilt Mastercard to mid-tier options like the Citi Premier® Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® to high annual fee cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Each card offers unique benefits and rewards tailored to different types of travelers. Your choice depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and the benefits you value most. Consider factors like annual fees, rewards categories, travel insurance, and partner programs to make an informed decision.
Remember, these cards are just a starting point, and it's essential to evaluate your personal preferences and financial goals before selecting the best credit card for your travel needs. Happy travels!
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Tech Mentor Maria will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Tech Mentor Maria is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
