Travel
Written by
Yehoshua King
Edited by
Ross Turner
No matter what a credit card company or advertisement says, there isn’t a single “best” credit card for everyone. The best card for you depends on your spending habits, credit score, existing debt and more. But with so many options to choose from, picking the right card can be intimidating. At The Points Navigator, we have reviewed all the top cards and compiled it into categorized lists with all the most important information to help you find the best card for YOU!
Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
Rewards rate
2X Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.
S.
2X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
1X Miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
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Regular APR
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Pros & cons
No annual fee.
Earn 2X Miles on dining and Delta purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
20% back on in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
High variable APR after the introductory period.
Bonus miles offer is relatively low compared to other travel cards.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a solid no-fee option for Delta flyers. Earn 2X miles on dining and Delta purchases, and enjoy no foreign transaction fees. Get 20% back on in-flight purchases. While the welcome bonus might be lower compared to other travel cards, this card is ideal for casual travelers who want to earn Delta miles without an annual commitment.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Rewards rate
2X Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets.
2X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
Generous intro offer of 70,000 bonus miles.
2X Miles on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases.
First checked bag free on Delta flights.
$200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
$150 annual fee after the first year.
High APR for purchases.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card maximizes rewards for Delta flyers. Earn 2X miles on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases, plus a generous welcome bonus. Enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding, a $200 Delta Flight Credit (after $10,000 annual spend), and no foreign transaction fees. While there’s a $150 annual fee after the first year, this card is ideal for those seeking Delta-specific travel perks and rewards.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Rewards rate
3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
3X Miles at hotels on purchases made directly with hotels.
2X Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
High earning rate on Delta and hotel purchases.
Annual Companion Certificate for certain roundtrip flights.
First checked bag free on Delta flights.
$150 Delta Stays Credit and $120 Rideshare Credit annually.
No foreign transaction fees.
High annual fee of $350.
Benefits are most valuable for frequent Delta flyers.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is built for frequent Delta flyers. Earn 3X miles on Delta and hotel purchases, get an annual Companion Certificate, enjoy a free first checked bag, and up to $270 in annual Delta Stays and rideshare credits. While the $350 annual fee is substantial (see rates and fees), dedicated Delta customers will reap significant rewards and travel perks.
American Express Gold Card
Rewards rate
2X points on travel, including eligible flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
2X points on everyday purchases, including eligible gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases in Canada.
1X points on everything else, from dining to takeout, subscriptions, shopping, and more.
1 additional point on Amex Travel Online on eligible hotel or car rental bookings.
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Pros & cons
Generous rewards rate on travel and everyday purchases.
Up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points as an intro offer.
$100 Annual Travel Credit and four complimentary visits per year to Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada.
No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
High annual fee of $250.
High APR for purchases and funds advances.
Additional Gold Rewards Cards have a $50 annual fee after the first free card.
Card Details
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card delivers rewards for travel and everyday spending. Earn 2X points on travel, dining, and select everyday purchases, plus an annual $100 Travel Credit and complimentary lounge visits. Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, and a generous welcome bonus. While the $250 annual fee is significant, this card is ideal for those who value travel perks and flexible rewards.
Discover it Miles
Rewards rate
5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
No limit to how many Miles you can earn.
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Pros & cons
Earn 1.5x Miles on every purchase with no earning limit.
Miles never expire and can be redeemed for travel purchases or cash.
No annual fee.
Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match at the end of your first year.
Higher APR for cash advances.
Balance transfer fee applies.
No specific travel perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
Card Details
The Discover it® Miles card simplifies travel rewards! Earn 1.5x Miles on every purchase with no earning limits. Get an unlimited Mile-for-Mile match at the end of your first year for double the rewards! Redeem miles for travel or cash, and enjoy no annual fee. Just note the higher APR for cash advances and lack of specific travel perks.
Citi Premier Card
Rewards rate
3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
1X points on all other purchases.
Special Offer: Earn a total of 10 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi TravelSM portal through June 30, 2024.
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Pros & cons
Earn 3X points on multiple categories including dining, supermarkets, and travel.
$100 Annual Hotel Savings on a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, once per calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
Points can be transferred to participating airline loyalty programs.
$95 annual fee.
High spend required for $100 Annual Hotel Savings benefit.
Earns 1X points on categories outside of dining, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
Card Details
Earn 3X points on dining, supermarkets, gas, air travel, and hotels with the Citi Premier Card. Enjoy a $100 annual hotel savings benefit (requires $500+ single stay) and no foreign transaction fees. Transfer points to airline partners for added flexibility. While there’s a $95 annual fee and lower earning rates outside the top categories, the Citi Premier Card is a solid choice for frequent travelers and those who spend heavily in the bonus categories.
United Gateway Card
Rewards rate
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges, and other United charges.
2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations.
2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including ride share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
No annual fee.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases and at gas stations.
Earn 2 miles per $1 on local transit and commuting.
25% back on United inflight purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
Bonus miles offer requires spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Higher APR after the introductory period.
Card Details
The United Gateway Credit Card is ideal for budget-minded travelers and frequent United flyers. With no annual fee and an introductory APR, it’s easy to get started. Earn 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, gas stations, transit, and get 25% back on inflight purchases. While the card lacks some premium perks, the lack of annual fee, bonus miles offer and solid earning rates on everyday spending make it a compelling choice for those seeking accessible United rewards.
United Quest Card
Rewards rate
3x miles on United Airlines purchases after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit.
2x miles on all other travel, including airfare, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, ride-share services, and tolls.
2x miles on dining, including eligible delivery services.
2x miles on select streaming services.
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
$125 annual United purchase credit.
Up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year.
Free first and second checked bags.
Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP).
High annual fee of $250.
Requires excellent credit for approval.
APR can be high depending on your creditworthiness.
Card Details
Maximize your United rewards with the United Quest℠ Card! Enjoy a generous welcome bonus, accelerated miles on United purchases and everyday spending, plus up to 10,000 miles back in award flight credits annually. Offset the $250 annual fee with a $125 United purchase credit and enjoy free checked bags. However, this card requires excellent credit and the APR can be high. If you’re a frequent United flyer who values rewards, perks, and premium travel, the United Quest℠ Card could be a great fit.
United Club Infinite Card
Rewards rate
4 miles per $1 spent on United purchases.
2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel purchases, including airfare, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, ride share services, and tolls.
2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services.
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Generous signup bonus of 80,000 miles.
Comprehensive travel benefits including United Club℠ membership and Premier Access travel services.
High earning rate on United purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
High annual fee of $525.
Benefits primarily cater to frequent United flyers, which may not appeal to everyone.
High APR for those who carry a balance.
Card Details
Elevate your United flights with the United Club℠ Infinite Card, but consider the high $525 annual fee. Enjoy exclusive United Club lounge access, Premier Access® privileges (for smoother travel), and 4x miles per $1 on United purchases. Benefits are great for frequent United flyers, but may not appeal to everyone. Plus, the APR is high for those carrying a balance. If you value lounge access, smooth travel, and United-specific rewards, the United Club℠ Infinite Card delivers a premium experience.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
See rates and fees
Rewards rate
3x points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, including flight, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
2x points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
2x points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare.
2x points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming.
1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
$75 Southwest annual travel credit each year.
4 Upgraded Boardings every year when available.
7,500 anniversary points each year after your Cardmember anniversary.
25% back on inflight purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually.
Boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year.
High APR for those who carry a balance.
Benefits are most valuable for frequent Southwest flyers, which may not appeal to everyone.
The value of some benefits, like Upgraded Boardings, depends on availability.
Card Details
Upgrade your Southwest flights with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. Earn a generous welcome bonus, priority boarding, an annual $75 travel credit, and faster progress towards the Companion Pass – letting you bring a companion for minimal cost!
Enjoy 7,500 anniversary points yearly to boost your rewards. However, consider the $149 annual fee and the card’s focus on Southwest flights specifically. If you’re not a frequent Southwest flyer or want a more versatile travel card, other options might be a better fit. Still, for dedicated Southwest enthusiasts, the rewards and perks can outweigh the cost.