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!
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
See rates and fees
Rewards rate
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
2X miles per dollar on every purchase.
5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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Pros & cons
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase.
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
No foreign transaction fees.
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs.
Bonus rewards on hotels and rental cars only available through Capital One Travel.
Charges an annual fee of $95.
High variable APR of 19.99% – 29.99%.
Card Details
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is built for frequent travelers. Earn a huge 75,000-mile bonus (after spending $4,000 in 3 months), then 2X miles on everything, and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Enjoy up to $100 in TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit, no foreign transaction fees, and flexible miles transfers. While there’s a $95 annual fee, frequent travelers will easily offset it with rewards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards rate
10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2X miles on all other purchases, every day.
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Pros & cons
$300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, enhancing travel savings.
Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, adding value for frequent travelers.
Unlimited access to Capital One and partner lounges worldwide, offering luxury travel experiences.
10,000 bonus miles every year on the card anniversary, equivalent to $100 towards travel.
High annual fee of $395, which may outweigh the benefits for some users.
Requires excellent credit, limiting accessibility for individuals with lower credit scores.
The high rewards rates apply primarily to bookings made through Capital One Travel, which may not suit all travel preferences.
Card Details
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is built for frequent travelers seeking premium perks. Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X on flights, and 2X on everything else. Enjoy a $300 annual travel credit, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit, lounge access, and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus. While there’s a $395 annual fee, this card is ideal for those who will maximize the travel benefits and rewards.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa credit card
Rewards rate
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
No limit to the points you can earn, and points don't expire.
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Pros & cons
Earn 2 points per $1 on travel and dining, and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Up to $200 in combined travel statement credits annually.
No foreign transaction fees.
Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase.
$95 annual fee.
High variable APR after the introductory period.
Balance transfer fee of 3%.
Card Details
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is designed for frequent travelers and diners. Earn 2 points per $1 on travel and dining, 1.5 points on everything else, and up to $200 in travel statement credits annually. Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, and earn even more points as a Preferred Rewards member. While there’s a $95 annual fee, the rewards and travel perks make it worthwhile for those who use them.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card
Rewards rate
3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases.
1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Generous 70,000 bonus mile offer after qualifying purchases.
Earn 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per $1 on select categories.
Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ allows you to fly with a friend annually with spend requirements.
20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
$95 annual fee.
Benefits and rewards are most valuable for frequent Alaska Airlines customers.
Card Details
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card is built for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers. Earn a generous 70,000 bonus miles, 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines, 2 miles per $1 on select everyday categories, and enjoy Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. While there’s a $95 annual fee, loyal Alaska customers will reap significant rewards and travel perks.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card
Rewards rate
6X Points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
4X Points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. , and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
2X Points on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
High earning rate on Marriott hotel stays.
Good earning rates on dining and supermarket purchases.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a year.
High annual fee of $250.
Benefits are most valuable for frequent Marriott guests.
Card Details
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card maximizes rewards for Marriott loyalists. Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels, 4X on dining and US supermarkets (up to $15,000 annually), and enjoy automatic Gold Elite status. Get a Free Night Award after significant spending, and no foreign transaction fees. While the $250 annual fee is substantial, frequent Marriott guests will find significant value in this card’s rewards and perks.
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.
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 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.