Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Travel 

 

Comparing the best cash back credit cards to use for travel

A closer look at the best credit cards for cash back and travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate: Earn 2X points on dining and travel worldwide, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and 2X points on all other travel purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable.

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That is $750 if you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best cash back credit cards for cash back and travel, offering a competitive rewards rate with 2X points on dining and travel. With a generous signup bonus, valued at $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, this card provides excellent rewards potential. The ability to redeem points for travel and the added value of travel benefits, such as Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, make it appealing for frequent travelers. Complimentary access to DashPass adds further convenience.

Pros:

• Earn many bonus points after meeting the spending requirements.

• Attractive rewards rate: Earn 2X points on dining and travel, with additional bonus points on travel purchases made through the best credit card for travel cash back.
• Redeem points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and get 25% more value.
• Enjoy benefits such as Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, and Lost Luggage Insurance.
• Access perks like $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on food delivery for at least one year.

Cons:

• The card carries an annual fee of $95, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who do not travel frequently.
• People with less or not so great credit may have difficulty qualifying for this card.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Additionally, earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74% – 28.74% variable.

Signup bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Our verdict: While searching for the best cash back credit cards for travel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an appealing choice for individuals seeking a travel-focused cash back credit card. With a generous signup bonus of 75,000 miles, valued at $750 in travel, and an unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, this card offers substantial rewards potential. The ability to earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel further enhances the card’s value. Additionally, the inclusion of travel benefits such as a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and complimentary lounge access adds to its appeal. While there is an annual fee of $95, the overall benefits and rewards make this card a strong contender for frequent travelers.

Pros:

• Substantial number of bonus miles after meeting the spending requirement.
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all purchases, providing consistent rewards on everyday spending.
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or select Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network.
• 5X miles on eligible bookings through Capital One Travel, providing additional rewards on travel-related expenses.

Cons:

• The card carries an annual fee of $95, which may not be suitable for individuals who do not travel frequently or spend enough to offset the fee.
• The regular APR can vary between 20.74% and 28.74%, depending on creditworthiness, which could be high for those carrying a balance.

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases), and 1% on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days.

Regular APR: 17.99% – 27.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Signup bonus: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Our verdict: The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for individuals seeking a flexible cash back credit card. With its customizable 3% cash back category, generous 2% cash back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases, this card offers attractive rewards potential. The $200 online cash rewards bonus is a compelling incentive for new cardholders. Additionally, the card’s no annual fee and introductory APR offer make it even more appealing. While there are category spending limits and a variable APR, overall, this card provides value and flexibility for those looking to earn cash back rewards.

Pros:

• Choose a category to earn 3% cash back, providing customization based on your spending preferences.
• Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, with a combined quarterly spending limit.
• Enjoy the benefits of cash back rewards without incurring an annual fee.
• Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 2 months.
• Benefit from the convenience and security of tap-to-pay functionality.

Cons:

• Category selection limit: The 3% cash back category is limited to a quarterly spending cap of $2,500 in combined bonus category, grocery store, and wholesale club purchases.
• Variable APR: The regular APR can range from 17.99% to 27.99% based on creditworthiness, potentially leading to higher interest charges for those carrying a balance.

Apply now: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn more: Bank of America Customized Cash Review

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rewards rate: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from the date of account opening.

Regular APR: 18.49% – 29.49% variable.

Signup bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Our verdict: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice for individuals who spend heavily on groceries, streaming services, gas, and transit. With its impressive cash back rates and a generous welcome offer, this card offers great value. The 0% intro APR on purchases for a year is an added advantage. However, the $95 annual fee after the first year and foreign transaction fees should be considered, especially for international travelers. Overall, this card is a strong contender for maximizing cash back on everyday expenses, making it an appealing choice for those with excellent credit.

Pros:

• Earn high cash back percentages on categories such as U.S. supermarkets, streaming subscriptions, and transit.
• Enjoy a $250 statement credit as a welcome offer with the best cash back credit card for travel.
• Receive $10 in monthly statement credits when using the card for Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com.
• Earn cash back on groceries, streaming services, gas stations, and transit.

Cons:

• Annual fee: After the first year, there is a $95 annual fee.
• Foreign transaction fees: The card charges foreign transaction fees and is less commonly accepted outside the U.S.

Apply now: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Learn more: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Review

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.

Regular APR: 17.99% – 27.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Signup bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Our verdict: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers consistent and flexible rewards with no annual or foreign transaction fees. Earn unlimited 1.5 points on all purchases and enjoy a generous signup of 25,000 online bonus points. With a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles and the option to redeem points for travel or dining purchases, this is the best credit card for cash back and travel rewards and is a solid choice for those seeking simplicity and value. Preferred Rewards members can also gain an advantage from additional points. However, the lack of bonus categories and a high variable APR may be drawbacks for some individuals.

Pros:

• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it the best credit card for cash back on travel and is suitable for frequent travelers.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points on all purchases, providing consistent rewards on everyday spending.
• Flexible redemption options for statement credits for travel and dining purchases.
• Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles.
• Potential bonus points boost for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.

Cons:

• No specific bonus categories, which may be less appealing for individuals who spend heavily in specific areas.
• The variable APR range is high, especially for those with lower credit scores.

Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Is it worth getting a cash back credit card for travel?

The best credit cards for cash back and travel points can be a smart choice for travelers looking to maximize their rewards. By earning cash back on everyday purchases, you can amalgamate savings that can be used towards travel expenses like air tickets, hotels, and many more. Cash back cards offer flexibility and can be a great option if you prefer simplicity and want to use your rewards towards any travel-related expense. With the right card, you can turn your daily spending into a memorable trip while enjoying the benefits of cash back rewards.

When is it better to get a travel credit card?

A travel card that is the best credit card for travel rewards and cash back is a better choice if you frequently travel and want to maximize the rewards and benefits specific to travel expenses. These cards often offer features like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and bonus points for travel-related purchases. If you are a frequent flyer or someone who travels often, a travel credit card can be a game changer and provide more value in terms of rewards, benefits, and protection during your journeys. Consider your travel habits and preferences to determine if a travel credit card is the right fit for you.

Methodology

To determine the best credit card for travel and cash back, several factors were considered, including rewards rates, welcome offers, annual fees, APR, foreign transaction fees, and credit requirements. The evaluation also considered customer reviews, expert opinions, and overall card benefits. The aim was to identify credit cards that offer attractive cash back rewards and travel-related perks to enhance the travel experience. The final selection represents a range of options to suit different preferences and needs for travelers seeking cash back rewards.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.