What’s the difference between points and miles on a credit card?

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words. This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

When should you use rewards instead of cash?

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

The best travel credit cards of June 2023

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Editor

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20 hours ago

Travel credit cards offer an array of perks and benefits to meet the needs of just about anyone. Whether you only take 1-2 trips per year or hit the road multiple times per month, there’s a credit card that can make your journeys more comfortable and rewarding by earning points and miles to cover your travel expenses. In some cases, you can even book first-class flights or luxury hotel rooms for a fraction of the normal price, all while enjoying built-in protection and value-added perks.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards from our partners.

Why Trust Us?

At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.

Comparing the best travel credit cards

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Card	Best for	Welcome Offer/Sign Up Bonus	Annual Fee
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Best for earning miles	75,000 miles	$95
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Best premium travel credit card	75,000 miles	$395
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Best for lounge access	Earn 80,000 points	$695
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	Best for business travel	Earn 120,000 points	$695
American Express® Gold Card	Best for dining at restaurants	Earn 60,000 points	$250
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card	Best for maximizing business purchases	100,000 points	$95
Capital One Spark Miles for Business	Best for everyday business spending	50,000 miles	$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Citi Premier® Card	Best for Citi ThankYou rewards	60,000 points	$95
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card	Best for travel rewards beginners	25,000 points	$0
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Best for travel credit	60,000 points	$550
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®	Best for casual American Airlines flyers	50,000 miles	$99, waived for first 12 months
Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card	Best for Alaska Airlines miles	Limited Time Online Offer - 50,000 Bonus Miles	$95
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card	Best for no annual fee	20,000 miles	$0
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Best for beginner travelers	60,000 bonus points	$95

Frequently asked questions

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.
Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.
It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.
It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for earning miles

Why we love it: With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Who should use it: Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15 total airline and three hotel transfer partners, including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor

Alternative card option: Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. The card’s $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

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Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best total value

Why we love it: You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

Who should use it: We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor

Alternative card option: To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

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Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for welcome offer

Why we love it: The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions. Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options.

Who should use it: Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access, automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Type of traveler: Leisure and luxury travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor

Alternative card option: The Capital One Venture X can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

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Official application link: The Platinum Card from American Express

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best premium travel credit card

Why we love it: At $395 per year, this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

Who should use it: For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add up to four authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

Type of traveler: Leisure and luxury travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “With an annual fee that is $300 less than the Amex Platinum, the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year. Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you get four of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen, points and miles reporter

Alternative card option: Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which has a $95 annual fee, identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

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Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature credit card: Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Why we love it: The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Who should use it: Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

Type of traveler: All leisure travelers who are looking to redeem Alaska miles (either on the airline itself or through its Oneworld alliance partners) will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith, credit cards writer

Alternative card option: If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred might be a better option.

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Official application link: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee

Why we love it: The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

Who should use it: The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith, credit cards writer

Alternative card option: For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards card. You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership every four years.

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Official application link: Capital One VentureOne

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Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Best for maximizing business purchases

Why we love it: The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

Who should use it: If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card.

Type of traveler: Business travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter, senior writer

Alternative card option: If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

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Official application link: Ink Business Preferred Card

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Citi Premier® Card: Best rewards rate

Why we love it: With the Citi Premier, you’ll quickly rack up ThankYou points toward your future travel redemptions, thanks to an earning rate of 3 points per dollar that applies to a handful of categories — including restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores.

Who should use it: If you’re looking to diversify your points-earning strategy, Citi ThankYou points are an excellent transferable currency since you can transfer your points to over a dozen airline loyalty programs across all three major alliances to reach outsize value.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “The Citi Premier Card is a great way to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points, especially while gas prices are high. I appreciate the card’s earning rate of 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, as well as on air travel and other hotels. Plus, I appreciate that I can transfer my Citi ThankYou points to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, where I can then redeem my newly acquired points or miles for high value.” — Katie Genter, senior writer

Alternative card option: One main drawback of the Citi Premier is a lack of comprehensive travel protections when things go wrong. If you’re after peace of mind for your trips and still want lucrative bonus categories at a similar price point, the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a better option.

Related: Citi Premier Card review

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Official application link: Citi Premier Card

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American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining at restaurants

Why we love it: The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards.

Who should use it: Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook, credit cards editor

Alternative card option: For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Official application link: American Express Gold Card

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for business travel

Why we love it: There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

Who should use it: If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

Type of traveler: Business travelers who enjoy luxury perks will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith, credit cards writer

Alternative card option: For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express® Business Gold Card, which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month.

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Official application link: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Best midrange hotel card

Why we love it: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offers a free night certificate that can be worth well more than the $95 annual fee. You’ll also enjoy 15 elite night credits and bonus points on a number of different purchases.

Who should use it: Frequent travelers will find it useful to redeem points at any of the more than 7,000 Marriott properties around the world — plus, this card offers some substantial perks for casual travelers.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “This card is worth keeping in my wallet every year due to the fact I can get outsize value from the free night certificate for a low $95 annual fee. Combining the 15 elite night credits I receive with this card with the ones I get by holding another Marriott business card means it is attainable for me to requalify for Platinum Elite status every year.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor

Alternative card option: If you’re not looking to collect hotel-specific points, opt for a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Official application link: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card.

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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Why we love it: The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

Who should use it: It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

Type of traveler: Leisure and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith, credit cards writer

Alternative card option: If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee, consider the Capital One VentureOne.

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Official application link: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best for airline rewards

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex offers enhanced bonus categories (it earns 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases) and a host of travel benefits, including an annual companion ticket. You can also spend on the card for a shortcut to elite status.

Who should use it: The Delta Platinum Amex is a great card for travelers hoping to hit Medallion elite status with the airline while racking up miles across a wide range of purchases.

Type of traveler: This card is best suited for regular travelers who are loyal to Delta and want a little help earning Medallion status with the airline.

Why it’s in my wallet: “This card helps me earn Medallion Qualification Miles toward my elite status, but the real reason I keep it in my wallet is the annual companion pass. My family and I do a lot of domestic flying and often plan our vacations far in advance. Having the companion ticket can save my family hundreds of dollars a year in airfare. Plus, the tickets even qualify for free elite upgrades.” — Scott Mayerowitz, executive editor

Alternative card option: If you don’t frequently fly Delta and aren’t looking to collect airline-specific miles, a flexible option like the Amex Gold Card might be a better choice. You can transfer the Membership Rewards points it earns to numerous airline and hotel programs, including Delta SkyMiles.

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Official application link: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

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Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for travel credits

Why we love it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Who should use it: Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal is also a nice perk.

Type of traveler: Leisure, luxury and family travelers will find this card useful.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, director of content

Alternative card option: If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

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Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for Delta business flyers

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business has an annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for main-cabin, round-trip travel. Like its personal counterpart, you can also spend on the card to accelerate your progress toward Medallion status.

Who should use it: The card is ideal for business travelers who frequently fly Delta because it offers a suite of airline and travel perks, including the first bag checked free on Delta flights, priority boarding and 20% off inflight purchases.

Type of traveler: This card is best suited for business travelers who are loyal to Delta.

Why it’s in my wallet: “This card often offers a high welcome bonus, which I maximize by using for domestic flights in Comfort+ and first class when cash prices are high. Getting an automatic 15% discount on award redemptions just by holding this card is a major perk for me to make my SkyMiles go further. Given I don’t have Delta elite status, I enjoy getting a free checked bag and priority boarding when flying on the airline.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor

Alternative card option: If you’re a casual Delta flyer, consider a card like the American Express® Business Gold Card. It has better bonus categories, and you can transfer the Membership Rewards points it earns to Delta SkyMiles — or other lucrative partners.

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Official application link: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: Best for premium hotel perks

Why we love it: Hilton’s premium card, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire, offers a terrific haul of points and an array of perks. In addition to stellar benefits like automatic Diamond status and a free night upon renewal, it provides an excellent 14 points per dollar on spending at eligible Hilton properties. This is equivalent to an 8.4% return, based on TPG’s valuations.

Who should use it: Hilton has properties around the world, and the Hilton Honors Aspire Amex offers an extensive lineup of great benefits for hotel customers.

Type of traveler: Leisure and luxury travelers who enjoy perks like top-tier elite status, on-property credits and airport lounge access will find this card useful. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I love that the Hilton Aspire Card provides top-tier Diamond status as a cardmember perk. The card carries a high $450 annual fee, but offers valuable perks on top of Hilton elite status, including a $250 airline fee credit, $250 Hilton resort credit and an annual free weekend night reward. These perks provide my husband and I enough value in just a few Hilton stays each year to justify the annual fee.” — Katie Genter, senior writer

Alternative card option: If the $450 annual fee on the Hilton Aspire is too much, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card instead. It has fewer perks but the same redemption options — for a much more affordable $95 per year.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines flyers

Why we love it: For a low annual fee, American Airlines customers can enjoy elitelike benefits without breaking the bank or needing to hit an elite status tier. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on select bonus categories and a few nice benefits to help make the flight experience more enjoyable.

Who should use it: If you fly American Airlines often, it can be handy to have a cobranded credit card from the airline. The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select offers a nice mix of benefits and earning opportunities for a manageable $99 annual fee, making it great for AA flyers who aren’t looking for lounge access or an abundance of luxury perks.

Type of traveler: This card is best suited for regular travelers who are loyal to American Airlines but don’t have elite status, as it offers priority boarding, a free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to four travel companions, and a 25% discount on eligible inflight purchases.

Why it’s in my wallet: “I’m an American Airlines Million Miler working my way to 2 million miles, so I wanted an AAdvantage-branded credit card in my wallet. However, I did not want another premium card with a hefty annual fee or a card that doubled up on benefits, like lounge access, that I already get with other cards. I selected the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard for its manageable $99 annual fee. Honestly, the most useful perk is the free checked bag on domestic flights. I travel often with my five nieces and nephews, none of which are old enough to have status or a premium card with that benefit, so it’s a nice way to save money on those trips.” — Andrea Rotondo, director of content operations

Alternative card option: If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred is likely a better fit for your wallet.

What is a travel credit card?

Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending.

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status. If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles. You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Transferable-rewards credit cards

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner. Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Airline credit cards

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags, a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Hotel credit cards

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, you’ll earn 6 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program and up to 1 point from Marriott with guaranteed Silver Elite Status. That means you’re really earning 17 points per dollar spent on Marriott stays when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Travel cards for beginners

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value credit cards

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card.

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Cash-back credit cards

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum Card, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles”. All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards.

Travel credit cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better credit card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

How to redeem points and miles

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort.

How to use travel credit card portals

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel.

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase, offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal.

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits.

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal, it can be a great way to earn extra points.

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline.

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight.

How to choose a travel credit card

There are many considerations when choosing a travel credit card. This includes the type of rewards you earn, the benefits it offers and the fees associated with the card. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, try to focus on the cards that best match your typical travel habits.

Here are some questions to answer as you choose the best travel credit card.

Do you want travel rewards or cash-back rewards?

Cards that accrue travel rewards typically offer the highest value when used toward flights, hotels or other travel redemptions. If you’d rather have more flexibility with your rewards, consider cards that offer cash back on your everyday spending instead.

What is the welcome bonus?

Most cards offer an initial bonus of points, miles or cash back after hitting minimum spending requirements. This can jumpstart your earnings in a very short period of time and can cover most (or all) of the card’s annual fee in the first year.

Is the annual fee worth it?

Speaking of which, most travel credit cards have an annual fee — the higher the fee, the better the perks. Some premium cards can charge nearly $700 every year. Consider the value of the rewards and benefits you’ll get to make sure they’ll make up for the fee. If you only travel a few times a year, a high-end card probably isn’t worth it.

Are there foreign transaction fees?

A foreign transaction fee is a small fee the bank will charge you on purchases that are made outside of the country the card was issued in. Even though travel credit cards should be advantageous for people who travel a lot, some travel cards do charge a foreign transaction fee. Make sure to check if your card does.

What credit score is needed for a travel credit card?

The best travel credit cards typically require a good to excellent credit score. If you have no credit history, rather than a negative one, you may have to spend some time building your credit score with “beginner” cards before applying for a travel credit card. If your credit scores are in the 670 to 739 range, your credit is considered good, while scores above that will put you in the very good to excellent range.

Other factors are also considered when card issuers review your application, including income and monthly expenditure. Individual cards may also give a ballpark credit score you will need and you can also use our CardMatch tool which will recommend the best cards for you.

Travel credit card benefits

Elite status with travel credit cards

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

Lounge access

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access, a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments.

TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $78 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application.

Travel insurance

Some travel credit cards come with travel insurance. Coverage will vary between cards but typically will cover trip cancellation and interruption. This can help you save hundreds to thousands of dollars next time something comes up on a trip.

Travel insurance can cover travel incidents like an overnight hotel stay when your flight is delayed or an illness that renders you incapable of travel.

When to use rewards instead of cash

It does not have to be difficult to determine when you should use rewards or cash for travel. If you want to redeem your rewards for your next trip, check TPG’s monthly valuations to make sure it is a good offer.

For example, you are considering redeeming points to pay for your upcoming flight. The flight will cost you $525, but Chase is currently offering the same flight for 40,000 points. TPG values Chase points at $0.02 per point which means if you redeem this flight, it will cost you the equivalent of $800 in Chase points. It would be cheaper to pay for this flight in cash and save your points for another trip.

Are travel credit cards worth it?

In short, yes. Regardless of how frequently you hit the road, travel credit cards are great at helping you meet your vacation goals. They can save you thousands of dollars on airfare and hotel costs, and premium cards feature an array of luxury perks to appeal to the most discerning traveler.

Whether you’re a beginner who wants a card to offset the cost of your first big international trip or a road warrior looking to upgrade your travel experiences, there is a travel credit card out there for you.

It all comes down to choosing a card that will help you maximize your spending. Adding one of these cards to your wallet now could help you save up rewards for a fantastic redemption in the future.

Research methodology for the best travel credit cards

We reviewed numerous travel credit card offers, their benefits and pros and cons to determine which are the best travel credit cards. We utilized the following criteria to narrow our selection:

Sign-up bonus/welcome offer value — A primary benefit of a travel credit card is the value of the sign-up bonus. Although you shouldn’t choose a credit card based solely on that metric, you can use bonus values as a tiebreaker of sorts between similar cards or as a way to prioritize which card to get first.

Earning rate — Bonus value is important, but so is the long-term value each card offers. The rewards rates of each card were reviewed to see which cards are the most rewarding in the long term.

Travel credits — The best travel credit cards often offer an assortment of travel credits for cardholders. Some cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer broadly defined travel credits. Others, such as the Amex Platinum, provide shopping and airline fee credits. Several offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

Travel benefits — In addition to travel credits, top travel credit cards often come with benefits like complimentary elite status or lounge access.

Rewards program — Not all credit card rewards programs are created equal. Each program has its own valuation, which you can study here. The value of each currency is vitally important when rating travel credit cards and their promotional offers.

Foreign transaction fees — This is a huge factor when choosing a credit card. If you plan to use your travel credit card abroad or on websites hosted abroad, you want to ensure you don’t have a foreign transaction fee biting into your earnings.

Travel insurance coverage — Travel protections can save travelers hundreds or even thousands of dollars when issues during travel occur.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.

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