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!
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.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa credit card
Rewards rate
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time.
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Pros & cons
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
Flexible redemption options for points, including statement credits for travel and dining.
Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
High variable APR after the introductory period.
Balance transfer fee of 3%.
Rewards rate may not be as competitive for specific categories compared to other cards.
Card Details
The BankAmericard® credit card simplifies rewards. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everything, get a 25,000-point sign-up bonus, enjoy no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and an intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. Ideal for those seeking straightforward rewards and flexibility.
Hilton Honors Card from American Express
Rewards rate
7X Points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
5X Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
5X Points at U.S. supermarkets.
5X Points at U.S. gas stations.
3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
High rewards rate on Hilton hotel stays.
Good earning rates on everyday spending categories like dining, groceries, and gas.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
No foreign transaction fees.
No annual fee.
High APR for purchases.
Rewards and benefits are most valuable for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties.
Card Details
The Hilton Honors American Express Card maximizes rewards for Hilton loyalists. Earn 7X points at Hilton hotels, 5X on dining, groceries, and gas, and enjoy no annual fee. Get automatic Hilton Honors Silver status for perks like late checkout and complimentary internet. While the APR is high, this card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.