14 Best Travel Credit Cards of 2022

The first thing that might jump out about this card is the high annual fee, which comes out to about $550.

However, don’t let that keep you away from all the solid returns you can score as a member. There are tons of perks that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and welcome offers that you won’t want to miss out on.

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Pros:

• For dining and travel purchases through Chase partners, score 10 points per dollar. This is one of the industry’s highest returns!
• All other travel comes with 3 points per dollar spent.
• All members receive a $300 credit each year for travel expenses.
• Enjoy perks like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry when traveling in airports throughout the world.
• Enjoy a huge sign-up bonus as a new member

Cons:

• The annual fee is high, coming in at $550
• While it pays to travel, other purchases won’t earn you much.
• The highest redemptions are for credits, not for cash.

• When you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, you’ll score 60,000 bonus points.
• Get a $300 credit each year to cover travel expenses
• Air travel booked with Chase comes with 5X total points.
• Booking hotels and car rentals earn 10X the points
• Redeeming points for this card, you’ll score the most value when you use it to book travel, not when you choose cashback as your option.

The Reserve rewards card from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a solid choice for anyone that’s looking to score incentives on purchases.

Chase has a great welcome offer and allows customers to transfer their reward points to other Chase cards once approved, moving up to bigger and better opportunities. The annual fee is relatively low, and rewards points are eligible for every purchase under the sun.

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Pros:

• Every $1 that’s spent on travel earns 5 points
• Dining earns 3 points per dollar
• All other purchases score 1 point for each dollar spent
• Chase partners with a long list of airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, offering steep discounts and high rewards points when you book for travel.
• Transfer points from one card to another

Cons:

• Chase Sapphire falls short of some of the financial institution’s other cards.
• Some of the top cards are not eligible for points transfer like Chase Sapphire
• To get the max benefits by transferring to a card with higher rewards, fees apply like foreign transaction fees and more.

• Spending $4000 in the first 3 months scores new members 100,000 points, equal to $1,250.
• When staying at partnering hotels, members earn a $50 credit each year along with up to 5% cashback when booking travel through Chase.
• The Pay Yourself Back option from Chase offers 25% more return for statement credits to pay down your balance.
• As a member, cardholders score perks for travel like trip cancellation, damage waivers for rental cars, and even insurance for lost luggage.
• Enjoy $0 in delivery fees when you order from participating delivery services.

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is one of the most loved rewards cards out there. This card offers huge incentives to book travel and keep moving, earning an incredible return for everyone who loves to travel.

Plus, it’s not just travel that will help you collect points, but also everyday purchases, which makes this card even sweeter.

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Pros:

• As a true travel rewards card, earn 2 miles for each dollar spent. That includes regular purchases of necessities like groceries, gas, and other items.
• There are no limitations to airlines or hotel groups
• When booking travel, blackout dates are not an issue
• The sign-up bonus is better than the competition
• Score perks for travel like TSA PreCheck and more.

Cons:

• Though there are a few perks, it’s not the same as other travel cards that come with free checked bags and more.
• This card is eligible for use with several airlines, though many are foreign lines and not domestic.

• Spending $3,000 in the first 3 months scores you 60,000 miles.
• Using your Capital One Venture Card comes with 2 miles for each dollar spent.
• Perks for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry just for being a member.
• Capital One has a long list of travel loyalty programs that weigh rewards differently for huge savings on travel, hotels, and more. Miles are transferable to several airlines, which could mean the best deals on travel.
• There are no foreign transaction fees with this card, allowing users to travel around the globe without worrying about hefty fees.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has been a preferred luxury rewards card for decades. From exclusive first-class perks to some of the best returns on purchases, members can benefit from all the rewards and enjoy bonuses for their first year right after sign-up.

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Pros:

• Members score $200 each year for credits toward their travel purchases
• Receive 5 points for each dollar spent on travel
• All other purchases score 1 point per dollar
• Score exclusive entry into airport lounges and more
• New cardholders get unbeatable bonuses

Cons:

• The annual fee is pretty high, coming in at $695
• Rewards are best for travel so, for those who don’t get away often, it can add up
• Compared to other card companies, AMEX is not the most widely accepted outside of the US.

• Spend $6,000 in the first six months and score 100,000 rewards points that can be redeemed on flights, hotel stays, and more.
• Some partners offer 10X the points on purchases.
• For all lights booked with participating airlines, score 5 points per dollar.
• Each year, members get $200 toward their statement in credits for travel
• Membership comes with entertainment credits, eligible for use on streaming services like SiriusXM and the New York Times.
• As an American Express Platinum member, cardholders get access to exclusive lounges in airports around the US.
• For those that use Equinox as an AMEX cardholder receive $3000 credit each year.

To take things up a notch with AMEX, there is the American Express® Gold Card. While the annual fee is hefty, the return on rewards is solid, especially if you love to travel.

Not only does the Gold Card reward for purchases involving travel, but also all other purchases earn great rewards.

Score all of that, plus yearly credits and a great sign-up bonus, makes the AMEX card one to add to your rewards card list.

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Pros:

• For spending at supermarkets, members get 4% cashback up to $25,000 per year.
• Air travel booked directly with airlines score 3X points and 1X on all other spendings while traveling.
• Score credits for dining in participating restaurants.
• Enjoy a solid welcome offer
• Members get access to exclusive travel perks in airports across the nation.

Cons:

• The annual fee is $250
• Some of the credits come with lots of fine print that members have to read to be sure to qualify.
• Annual credits that most other AMEX cards have do not apply to this card.

• Spending $4,000 in the first 6 months comes with 60,000 reward points that members can use for airline travel and more.
• The first year also comes with a free subscription to Uber Eats.
• All flights booked through AMEX partners score 3X the points for each dollar spent.
• Get $120 per year in Uber credits
• Each member gets $120 in dining credits that can be used in several top-rated restaurants and delivery services throughout the US.
• Unlike other AMEX rewards cards, this one does not come with a foreign transaction fee.
• There is an annual fee, though it’s only $250, much lower than some of the other rewards cards from AMEX.

In the first year as a member, cardholders score some sweet returns that make being a cardholder totally worth it.

Ink Business Preferred® offers competitive returns on most purchases and adds in extra perks to encourage travel.

Though it doesn’t have a long list of rewards like other top rewards cards out there, it’s still worth checking out if travel is your preferred pastime.

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Pros:

• For the first year, the sign-up bonus is solid, especially if you redeem through Chase travel.
• Points are transferrable to airlines, hotels, and more
• All spending on travel, phone, and internet earns you 3 points per dollar, up to $150,000 per year.
• All other spendings with your card earn you 1 point per dollar spent.

Cons:

• Though there are a few bonuses, they don’t compare to some of the competitors.
• Not a lot of categories for earning bonuses.
• Comes with a bonus fee of $95.

• In the first three months, spending $15,000 will earn members 100,000 points.
• Redeeming points on travel with Ink Business Preferred comes with a high return.
• All travel earns 3 points up to $150,000 per year, switching to 1% after that.
• Highly secure card with identity theft protection and monitoring to ensure top safety and security.
• All unauthorized purchases are covered.
• When booking travel through Chase, rewards get a 25% boost.
• Get purchase protection as a member that secures all new purchases up to 120days.
• Comes with a $95 annual fee.

Over the years, Citi Premier® has been making big changes to stand up to the competition. Among them is boosting rewards, now offering 3 points per dollar on all kinds of purchases, including travel and hotel stays.

They have a sign-up bonus for new members and a long list of benefits each year, including free hotel stays and other travel benefits.

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Pros:

• Score 3 points per dollar when you use your Citi Premier card to book travel.
• Earn 3 points on other purchases, including at supermarkets, restaurants, and more.
• Score $100 each year in credit to use on hotel stays around the world.
• Get a solid welcome offer when you sign up with Citi Premier as a new member.

Cons:

• Redeeming points for airfare is not as solid as it used to be.
• Many of the participating airlines with the best returns are foreign airlines.
• Travel rewards max out at only 3 points per dollar, which is low when compared to other options out there.

• Within the first three months, new members have a chance to earn 80,000 points when they spend at least $4,000.
• Purchases on groceries and gas and spending in restaurants and hotels all earn 3 points per dollar.
• Each year, members get exclusive offers for hotel stays around the US.
• There is no cap on points and no expiration date. Points stay valid until they’re ready to be used.
• There are no foreign transaction fees, and this card is eligible for use wherever Mastercard is accepted.
• For all other purchases, cardholders get 1 point per dollar they spend.

A card without an annual fee boasts a big number of rewards that are perfect for those who love to travel.

Every single purchase qualifies for rewards, scoring members at least 1.5 points per dollar.

When you travel, the highest incentives earn you double the benefits when you cash in your rewards for airline and hotel steals.

Pros:

• All purchases earn 1.5 points per dollar
• Points are redeemable for all things travel, including food, hotel stays, and airline tickets.
• Sign-up bonus is yours when you spend just $1,000 in the first 3 months, which will add 25,000 bonus points to your account.
• Your first year comes with the option to get $250 credits toward your statement for travel expenses.

Cons:

• Compared to other cards out there, it doesn’t have the biggest rewards.
• The sign-up bonus is a bit on the weak side.
• Rewards are 1.5 points for all purchases, and there is no reward for particular purchases.

• As far as fees, this card comes with no annual fees and no transaction fees.
• There is an offer to get 25,000 bonus points in your first 3 months as a new member. All you have to do is spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• There are no restrictions or limitations when it comes to booking travel.
• Each year comes with the opportunity to earn a credit of $250 to use toward purchases on travel.
• The first year comes with an introductory APR of 0%. After that, the max APR you’ll pay is 23,99%.
• Transfer of points to a different rewards card is possible, earning you a lot more points than you imagined.
• Most of the best offers you can find with this card include travel, though it’s best booked through Bank of America partners.

The more you travel, the more points you score. But that’s not the only thing you’ll rack up points for with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

Get great returns on all purchases and perks to amp up your travel experiences. Enjoy the good life with plusses like free checked bags, access to airport lounges, and even priority boarding.

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Pros:

• For each dollar you spend on travels with Delta airlines, score 2 points.
• All purchases come with one point per dollar.
• Get a solid bonus at sign-up
• Score member’s only perks like free checked bags
• AMEX members have access to priority boarding

Cons:

• Great for use with Delta airlines, though other airlines fall back to base reward earnings.
• AMEX isn’t accepted in many places outside of the US.
• Compared to other cards of its type, the rewards are low for travel purchases.

• In the first three months, members that spend at least $1,000 earn 40,000 bonus points.
• Get $50 back for your purchases made at restaurants and delivery dining.
• All members get one free checked bag when they book with Delta.
• All Delta flights, food, and entertainment come with double the points.
• In the first year, $10,000 in purchases comes with a $100 flight credit.
• There are no annual fees for the first year.

While this isn’t a true travel rewards card, we had to add this one to the solid returns on the travel list.

You can earn cash back with this card, but when you choose to book travel with Chase, you’ll earn much more than the average rewards card, making it one to keep on your list of rewards cards.

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Pros:

• Bonus categories rotate, meaning that you have more options to spend and earn.
• All travel that’s booked through Chase earns members 5%.
• Purchases on food and groceries come with 3% cashback.
• All other purchases will earn members 1% cashback.
• In the first three months, spending $500 will earn $200 back in bonus points
• In the first year, all spending on groceries up to $12,000 earns 5% cashback.
• Rewards are transferrable.

Cons:

• Members have to activate bonus categories.
• There are no specific perks for travelers, though it still earns cash back for travel.
• There is a foreign transaction fee.

• As a bonus, new members that sign-up gets $200 back when they spend $500 in the first three months.
• In the first year, grocery store purchases earn 5% up to $12,000, switching to 1% after that.
• All travel that’s booked through Chase comes with 5% cashback.
• For purchases in drugstores and restaurants, members get 3% cashback.
• All other purchases come with a minimum of 1% cash back no matter what.
• The introductory deal offers new members 0% APR for the first 15 months.
• There is no annual fee to pay.
• Rewards collected for purchases on this card never expire and can be redeemed no matter the total.

If you’re a big spender and love to travel, this card could be a match made in heaven. It comes with big returns when booking with Hilton properties and won’t give you base rates for choosing other hotel stays and flights.

It’s a good card for those with great credit and who spend a good amount of their money taking off and seeing the world.

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Pros:

• New members score the chance to earn 150,000 bonus points at sign up
• Exclusive perks for travel
• Each year comes with the opportunity to get back $600 in statement credits.
• All members get instant Diamond status, which guarantees a ton of benefits.

Cons:

• There is no introductory APR
• The annual fee is pretty steep
• Compared to other travel cards, the Hilton AMEX comes with much fewer rewards.

• When members make at least $4,000 in purchase for their first three months, they can score 150,000 bonus points.
• Some purchases with Hilton properties and other partners come with 14X the points, one of the highest rates you can find.
• Flights booked with partners are eligible for 7% cashback.
• At the end of each year, members can receive $250 in resort credits for Hilton properties.
• All members get automatic diamond status.
• All members get $100 credit on properties for stays at Hiltons across the nation.
• The card offers secure purchasing options, allowing returns on items up to 90 days after purchase and protection against identity theft.
• Score a $250 airline credit that you can use to book flights with any participating airline.

Hyatt is not the biggest name in the hotel industry, but they still deliver when it comes to rewards.

It has made way for itself among all competitors, standing out for its rewards and sign-up offers. Though some of the bonuses are limited, they are still pretty good, especially if you prefer to book with Hyatt.

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Pros:

• Stays with Hyatt earn you 4 points per dollar.
• There are a large number of reward categories that are with 2 points per dollar, which help to kick up earnings.
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Every year as a member earns you a free night in a Hyatt property.
• If you hit $15,000 in spending or more, you’ll get an extra bonus that’s exclusive for members.

Cons:

• Hyatt is not the biggest property out there, without a lot of chains and things.
• Locations are limited, and bookings are a bit limited that deliver max rewards.

• Spending $3,000 in the first three months earns you 30,000 in bonus points.
• All new members can take advantage of current offers for a sign-up, scoring a free night for each year they are active.
• Each year comes with 5 nights to use in some of Hyatt’s most luxurious properties.
• Each time that members spend $5,000, they automatically receive two free nights in one of Hyatt’s many properties.
• Purchases in restaurants and airlines are worth 2 points per dollar.

For those that travel for business, expenses can be all over the place. That’s why the Capital One Spark Miles for Business is perfect for business travelers, with categories extending from airlines and stays to purchase on food and transit.

The sign-up offer is great, and there are plenty of chances throughout the year to score promos, bonuses, and extra points as a Capital One member.

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Pros:

• All purchases, no matter the category, earn 2 points per dollar spent.
• To redeem on travel, there are no blackout dates or limitations.
• The sign-up offer is right in line with the competition.

Cons:

• There is an annual fee of $95
• Members have to spend at least $4,750 per year to get the most benefits from this card.
• Lacking extra promos compared to other travel rewards cards out there.

• In the first three months, spending at least $4,500 comes with a bonus of 50,000 points.
• All purchases come with 2 points for every dollar spent.
• There is no limit to the number of points, allowing members to earn as much as they can.
• There are no limitations as to which airline and what kinds of hotels you can redeem points for.
• Comes with offers to go through TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• The first year comes without any annual fees, changing to $95 after that.
• Options to add cards for employees, each one coming with the same 2% cashback on all purchases.

Over the years, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card has undergone some serious improvements. It is a great way to earn points and comes with the opportunity to score deals on travel and hotel stays.

When members book through Chase, there is a guaranteed 5% cashback, and several other purchases qualify for rates that wipe out competitors on the same playing field.

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Pros:

• 5% cashback on all travel and travel-related items when booked through Chase.
• Food and restaurants earn 3% cashback
• All other purchases without special rates earn 1.5%.
• All new members have the opportunity to earn bonus points with a sweet sign-up offer.
• Grocery store purchases qualify for 5% cash back on the first $12,000 spent each year as a member.

Cons:

• None of the travel perks offers is 100% for travel
• There is a foreign transaction fee, which isn’t the best for traveling abroad.

• In the first three months, spending $500 will earn all members a $200 bonus.
• Purchases on groceries in participating department stores and supermarkets earn 5% cashback.
• Every single purchase comes with a minimum of 1.5% cashback.
• The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes with no annual fee.
• All new members can enjoy 0% APR for the first year and three months.
• All rewards collected do not expire and can be redeemed no matter the amount in the account.