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!
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
See rates and fees
Rewards rate
4 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, including flight, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
3 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare, passenger trains, buses, taxis, tolls, and parking lots and garages.
2 points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising.
2 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Earn up to 4 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit.
Inflight WiFi Credits.
Boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year.
Get to A-List status 2X faster with tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent.
$500 fee credit for points transfers per year.
High spend required to maximize rewards and benefits.
Card Details
Maximize your business rewards with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card! Earn 4 points per $1 on Southwest purchases, 3 points on Rapid Rewards hotel/car rentals, and 2 points for categories like local transit, internet, and social media advertising. Enjoy travel perks like no foreign transaction fees, 4 upgraded boardings, fee credits for Global Entry/TSA Precheck, and inflight WiFi. Plus, get a 10,000-point boost for the Companion Pass and reach A-List status faster! Keep in mind that maximizing rewards requires significant spending, and the card’s benefits are best suited for businesses that heavily utilize Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Rewards rate
3X points on Southwest Airlines purchases.
2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
1X points on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Companion Pass allowing a friend to fly with you for free through 2/28/2025.
6,000 anniversary points each year.
2 EarlyBird Check-In each year.
Unlimited tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 you spend.
$99 annual fee.
High APR for those who carry a balance.
Benefits most valuable for frequent Southwest flyers.
Card Details
Unlock exclusive benefits and fast-track your free flights with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card! Earn a generous welcome bonus, plus the chance at the coveted Companion Pass (limited time) – allowing you to bring a companion for minimal cost. Enjoy triple points on Southwest purchases, annual anniversary points, and inflight discounts. Get priority with EarlyBird Check-In and save with no foreign transaction fees. While there’s a $99 annual fee to consider, frequent Southwest flyers will find significant value in the card’s rewards, perks, and travel-enhancing features.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Rewards rate
3X points on Southwest purchases.
2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases.
2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
1X points on all other purchases.
6,000 anniversary points each year after your Cardmember anniversary.
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Pros & cons
Generous signup bonus and anniversary points.
High earning rate on Southwest purchases and partner spending.
Valuable benefits for Southwest flyers, including EarlyBird Check-In and inflight purchase discounts.
No foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international business expenses.
Annual fee of $99, which may offset some rewards for businesses with lower spending.
Rewards and benefits are most valuable for businesses frequently flying with Southwest, which may not suit all companies.
The high APR could be costly for businesses carrying a balance.
Card Details
Iberia Visa Signature Card
Rewards rate
3 Avios for every $1 spent on Iberia, British Airways, and Aer Lingus flight purchases.
2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel.
1 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Earn up to 3 Avios per $1 on select purchases, maximizing rewards on travel and accommodations.
$1,000 Airfare Discount Voucher each calendar year for purchases of $30,000 on your card.
No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
10% discount on Iberia flights when booked through a dedicated website.
$95 annual fee, which may offset rewards for some users.
High spending required to unlock the $1,000 discount voucher.
Variable APR can be high depending on creditworthiness.
Card Details
The Iberia Visa Signature Card is your ticket to rewarding travel! Earn a generous 75,000 Avios bonus upon signup and fly with Iberia, British Airways, and Aer Lingus. Earn 3 Avios per $1 on these flights, 2 Avios per $1 on hotels, and 1 Avios per $1 on everything else. Get a $1,000 flight discount voucher, a 10% Iberia discount, and no foreign transaction fees (a $95 annual fee applies). Enjoy travel and purchase protection. Be mindful of the variable APR (21.49% – 29.99%). The Iberia Visa Signature Card is ideal for those passionate about travel with these airlines.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
Rewards rate
x5 points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 spent on travel annually.
x3 points on dining and other worldwide travel after the first $300 spent on travel annually.
x10 points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards.
Get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
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Pros & cons
High rewards rate on travel and dining.
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
Valuable travel benefits including up to $300 in annual travel credit and complimentary airport lounge access.
Bonus rewards on everyday spending categories.
Requires significant spending to maximize benefits.
Benefits and rewards are primarily travel-focused.
Some perks require activation or specific conditions to be met.
Card Details
The Chase Sapphire Reserve caters to the avid traveler, offering a 60,000-point welcome bonus and accelerated earning rates on flights, hotels, and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn a generous 5x points on flights and 10x on hotel and car rentals after utilizing the $300 annual travel credit. Additionally, enjoy 3x points on dining and other travel purchases, plus exclusive dining rewards. The card unlocks valuable perks like airport lounge access and a 50% value boost when redeeming points for travel. While the $550 annual fee and variable APR should be carefully considered, the Chase Sapphire Reserve delivers premium rewards and benefits designed for those who prioritize luxury travel experiences and are willing to offset the cost with substantial spending.
Aeroplan Credit Card
Rewards rate
60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
3x points on dining, grocery stores, and directly with Air Canada.
1x points on all other purchases.
1,500 bonus points per month for every $2,000 spent.
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Pros & cons
60,000 bonus points after $3K spend in 3 months.
3x points on groceries, dining, and Air Canada; 1x on everything else.
Aeroplan 25K Status benefits upon joining.
No foreign transaction fees.
$15K annual spend required to maintain Aeroplan 25K Status.
Specific spend thresholds for certain benefits.
Points redemption for credits limited until June 30, 2024.
Card Details
Tempted by the Aeroplan Card’s 60,000-point signup bonus and 3x earning on dining, groceries, and Air Canada? It’s a solid contender for frequent travelers and those who prioritize these spending categories. The Aeroplan 25K Status with airport perks and waived foreign transaction fees are additional benefits. However, be mindful of the $95 annual fee and the high APR (21.74%-29.99%). It’s essential to weigh these factors against your spending habits and travel goals to determine if this card truly maximizes your rewards potential.
British Airways Visa Signature card
Rewards rate
3x Avios/$1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia flights;
2x Avios/$1 on direct hotel bookings;
1x Avios/$1 on all other purchases.
10% off British Airways flights from the US; Up to $600 in statement credits for flights to London.
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Pros & cons
Earn 75,000 bonus Avios after initial spending requirement.
Triple Avios on airline purchases, double on direct hotel bookings.
Benefits include no foreign transaction fees, booking credits, baggage insurance, and purchase protection.
Requires a considerable spend ($5,000) within the first three months to earn the bonus Avios.
Benefits are primarily geared towards those who frequently fly with British Airways and its partners.
The Travel Together Ticket requires a high spending threshold ($30,000 in a calendar year) to earn.
Card Details
The British Airways Visa Signature Card offers a compelling welcome bonus of 75,000 Avios after meeting an initial spending requirement. It’s designed for those who frequently fly British Airways and partner airlines, with generous earning rates for those purchases. Cardholders also enjoy benefits like 10% off flights originating in the US and potential flight credits to London. Reach an annual spending threshold to unlock a companion ticket. While the $95 annual fee and variable APR should be considered, the rewards and travel perks make this card attractive for frequent British Airways travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
Rewards rate
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding hotel purchases qualifying for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit).
3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services.
2x points on other travel purchases.
1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
High reward rates on travel and dining.
Valuable travel insurance benefits.
Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
Requires a $4,000 spend in the first 3 months to earn the bonus.
Exclusions on earning 3x points on certain purchases.
Annual fee
Card Details
New cardholders can earn a generous 60,000-point bonus after meeting an initial spending requirement. This card shines for frequent travelers and foodies, offering up to 5x points on travel purchases and 3x points on dining, groceries, and select streaming services. Everyday spending also earns points, with 2x points on other travel categories and 1x point on all other purchases. Stretch your points even further with a 25% value boost when redeeming for travel through Chase’s portal. Enjoy additional peace of mind with travel insurance benefits and the convenience of no foreign transaction fees. While the $95 annual fee and variable APR should be factored in, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a compelling combination of rewards and benefits for those who travel and dine out frequently.