Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

 

Expert take from Ebony Howard: “As an avid traveler, who enjoys vacationing but yet spending consciously, I knew getting a travel credit card would be the best thing for me. There are many options of travel credit cards to choose from which can also help save money and gain points for spending on travel when used responsibly.”

Comparing the best starter travel cards

*These numbers were updated as of May 2023.

A closer look at the best travel credit cards for beginners

Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card

Travel perks:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• 3x points on dining at restaurants (including delivery, takeout, and dining in).
• 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Get 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74% – 27.74%

Signup bonus: 80,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (equivalent to $1,000 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards).

Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the best for travelers due to the variety of categories with high rewards rates, including travel, dining, and online grocery purchases. Streaming services also get 3x points, making this a perfect card for the digital junkie. And, because you can earn more when you redeem through Chase Unlimited Rewards, your earnings can go further and you can take advantage of even better travel rewards.

Pros:

• High points rates for a number of categories, including travel, dining, grocery purchases, and streaming services.
• Points go further when you book through Chase.
• Flexible rewards redemptions.
• Solid signup bonus.

Cons:

• Annual fee of $95.
• Requires good/excellent credit.
• Rewards categories have different rates, which can make them complicated to redeem.
• Few premium perks.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Travel perks:

• Unlimited 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.
• Redeem travel rewards for rental cars, hotels, ride sharing apps, cruises, and more.
• Miles don’t expire for the life of the account.
• Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs for more flexibility.
• Shop with your rewards on Amazon.com, use rewards on eligible purchases through PayPal, or online using Capital One Shopping.
• Enjoy access to cardholder-only reservations at specific restaurants, pre-sale tickets to music and sporting events, suite experiences, and more.
• 10,000 bonus miles after the first account holder anniversary.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 29.99%

Signup bonus: None

Our verdict: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card may not have the highest rewards rate, but the other travel perks make this card perfect for the avid traveler. Rewards can be redeemed for a variety of travel perks, and with additional perks like transferring miles, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waivers, extended warranty protection, and exclusive access to dining and events, you’re sure to have the protection you need on your next trip.

Pros:

• Use the card to book any airline, anytime, anywhere with no seat restrictions or blackout dates.
• Flexibility with rewards redemptions.
• Miles don’t expire.

Cons:

• New cardmembers are not eligible for bonus miles or 0% intro APR.
• Some benefits are only available to primary cardholders, not authorized users.
• The base rewards rate is low compared to other cards.

Apply now: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Travel perks:

• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time – depending on your Preferred Rewards tier, the unlimited 1.5 points could increase to 1.87 to 2.62 points for every $1 spent.
• Flexibility to redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
• No expiration date on points, no blackout dates, no booking restrictions, no foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: None

Intro APR: 0% for the first 18 statement closing dates following the opening of your account

Regular APR: 17.74% to 27.74%

Signup bonus: 25,000 online bonus points, a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Our verdict: The more you shop and the more points you earn, the more you can use your points to get credit for airfare, hotel stays, cruises, car rentals, and more such as campgrounds, art galleries, amusement parks, aquariums and zoos. You can even put points toward credit for restaurant purchases. Points don’t expire, and with other travel-friendly features and a nice signup bonus, this card has nice flexibility for the daily spender.

Pros:

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
• No blackout dates, no booking restrictions, no expiration date on points.
• Unlimited 1.5 points on all purchases.
• 0% APR for 18 months.

Cons:

• No bonus categories.
• Best/highest rewards limited to certain customers/high spending limits.
• Other cards pay higher reward rates.
• Requires good to excellent credit.
• Lower redemption value for cash.

Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Citi Premier® Card

Travel perks:

• 10x points on hotel and car rental bookings on the Citi Travel portal (through 6/30/2024).
• 3x points on supermarkets.
• 3x points on air travel and other hotels.
• 3x points on restaurants.
• 3x points on gas stations.
• 1x points on all other purchases.
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit.
• Earn ThankYou Points with a Citi Primer card to use online at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.
• No limit on earning points and no expiration.
• Easy points transfer to certain airline loyalty programs.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74% to 28.74%

Signup bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards).

Our verdict: 3x points on supermarket purchases make this card the perfect choice for designated household grocery shoppers. And with other high-rate bonus categories, including travel, restaurants, and gas stations, this card will help you earn enough points to cover your next trip. No limit on earnings and no expiration dates, as well as the ability to use your points online or transfer them to other loyalty programs, should keep this card at the top of your list.

Pros:

• High point earning rates on a variety of categories including travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
• Flexibility in points redemption (travel, cash back, gift cards, airline partners).
• Rewards don’t expire and there’s no limit on how much you can earn.
• Multiple international travel partners can unlock higher value for your points.
• Large signup bonus.

Cons:

• Annual fee.
• Requires good/excellent credit.
• Narrow travel categories.
• Low point-to-cash travel redemption.
• Limited choice of well-known or domestic transfer partners.
• Lack of additional travel protections.

Apply now: Citi Premier® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Travel perks:

• Unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
• Unlimited 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or up to 100+ locations through our Partner Lounge Network.
• Trip protection includes car rental coverage, travel accident insurance, and travel assistance services.
• Shop with your rewards on Amazon.com, use rewards on eligible purchases through PayPal, or online using Capital One Shopping.
• Enjoy access to cardholder-only reservations at specific restaurants, pre-sale tickets to music and sporting events, suite experiences, and more.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74 – 28.74%

Signup bonus: 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Our verdict: With high signup bonuses and some of the best ongoing rewards rates, serious travelers should consider this card. Plus, with exclusive access to cardholder-only perks, pre-sale tickets, and other entertainment, the social butterfly in you can take advantage of all of the experiences and events. Rental car coverage, extended warranty, travel accidental insurance, TSA PreCheck credits, and more also help cover the cost of the annual fee.

Pros:

• High rewards rate.
• Generous signup bonus.
• Lounge access, TSA credit, and access to other experiences and perks.
• Flexible redemption options.
• Trip protection such as rental car coverage and travel accident insurance.

Cons:

• Poor cash back option (miles worth half if to redeem them for cash compared to travel).
• Annual fee.
• Lack of domestic transfer options.

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Travel perks:

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase
• 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• Purchase and extended warranty protection.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Travel and emergency assistance services.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.

Regular APR: 19.74% to 28.49%

Signup bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Our verdict: 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining make this card a great travel card for the health nut, especially with the other high rewards rates and travel perks like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel and emergency assistance services. A lengthy 0% introductory APR period and high signup bonus, all for a $0 annual fee, make this card compelling for travelers who want cash back.

Pros:

• Redeem points for cash back, purchases at Amazon.com, gift cards, and travel.
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• No annual fee.
• Cash back rewards do not expire, and no minimum to redeem for cash back.
• High sign-up bonus.
• Useful bonus categories and 1.5% on everything else.
• Points transfers allow users to maximize value.

Cons:

• Requires good/excellent credit.
• 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Multiple rates for multiple bonus categories can be more complicated.

Apply now: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Learn more: Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review

American Express® Gold Card

Travel perks:

• 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants worldwide
• 4x Membership Rewards Points at supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
• 3x Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
• 1x Membership Rewards Points on other purchases
• $120 in Uber Cash
• $120 dining credit (earn up to a total of $10 in monthly statements when you pay with your Gold Card at certain restaurants)

Annual fee: $250

Intro APR: None

Regular APR: 20.74% to 28.74%

Signup bonus: 75,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership

Our verdict: 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants and supermarkets, plus a $120 dining credit, make this card ideal for those who love to both dine out and cook at home. If you like to spend money on food and travel, this card may be a winner. Points are transferable to a variety of travel partners and loyalty programs, and though you’ll have to pay a fee, the solid welcome offer and bonus rewards can help outweigh those fees and the annual fee. If you’re looking to spend on dining, groceries, and airfare, this can be one of the most rewarding options.

Pros:

• Bonus categories.
• Flexible rewards redemption.
• Points are transferable to multiple loyalty programs and travel partners.
• High welcome offer.

Cons:

• High annual fee.
• Benefits can be complicated, including monthly increments for annual credits, select purchases and programs, and annual spending caps.
• Requires good/excellent credit.
• Doesn’t have as many additional travel perks.

Apply now: American Express® Gold Card

How to choose a starter travel credit card

When you’re choosing a travel credit card for the first time, there are a few factors to consider. Some are more important than others, and some are specific to travel credit cards, such as the ones below.

1. General travel or specific airline card

Many airlines offer their own co-branded, specific airline credit cards, which are cards issued by a financial institution in partnership with the airline brand. These cards are essentially the same as regular credit cards and earn miles as you make purchases, though they typically only earn miles for a specific airline. Sometimes they offer other benefits such as:

• Free checked bags
• Priority boarding
• Inflight purchase discounts

These are good options if you always travel on one specific airline. Airlines that have credit cards include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

On the other hand, if you aren’t committed to one specific airline, it may make more sense to look for a general travel card. These cards allow you to earn points or miles that you can use with a variety of airlines and redeem in other ways, giving you more flexibility.

Learn more: Airline Vs. Travel Credit Cards

2. Points vs. miles

Some travel credit cards earn points, which can be redeemed for free airline miles, free hotel stays, gift cards, cash back, or other rewards. Others earn miles, also called frequent flyer miles, that can be redeemed primarily for flights and hotel stays. The better option for you depends on how you travel:

• A card that earns miles may be better if you fly frequently, especially if you’re loyal to one particular airline, or if you often stay overnight in hotels.
• A card that earns points may be better if you often travel by car or other forms (like cruising) or if you want more flexibility to redeem your rewards on different things, such as gift cards or cash back.

Learn more: Miles vs. Points

3. Extra perks

Not only should you look at the miles/points, but you should also consider other perks the card offers. For example, some cards offer:

• TSA PreCheck credits
• Access to airport lounges
• Free checked bags
• Free wifi connection

These perks can provide a lot of value, and the savings can add up quickly if you travel regularly. Weigh what other perks may be important to you when choosing a card.

What credit score do you need for a starter credit card?

Most travel credit cards require good to excellent credit, or a score of at least 650. However, higher is better, and a score over 700 is ideal.

Even if your credit score isn’t that high you may still qualify for a travel credit card, but having a higher score makes it easier to get approved for one of the starter travel cards. If your score is not ideal, you may want to take steps to improve your score before applying for a travel credit card to increase your chances of approval.

How to qualify for a travel rewards card?

When you’re ready to apply for a travel rewards credit card, there are a few qualifications you’ll need to meet to increase your chances of getting approved. Many credit cards:

• Require the cardholder to be 21 years old.
• Have minimum income or asset limits to ensure you make enough money to pay your credit card bills.
• Prefer a low debt-to-income ratio (or your income relative to how much debt you have).
• Have a credit score requirement (scores of 650 and above are more likely to be approved).
• Look at a cardholder’s credit history to ensure long-term financial responsibility and creditworthiness.

Methodology

In looking at the best credit cards for avid travelers, a variety of factors were considered. Most notably, the rewards rates, bonus categories, and annual fees associated with a card along with its APR (and intro APR if applicable) balanced against the financial benefits the card offered. The presence of a signup bonus was considered to be an added perk that bolstered the evaluation, as were additional travel perks like insurance, travel assistance, and others.

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.

FAQs