Here is a list of the best travel rewards credit cards ranked from 1 to 10, considering their overall value, points or miles earned per dollar spent, travel perks, and ease of redemption:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X point on other purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Travel Perks: Travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, access to Chase’s extensive travel partners.
- Why It’s Ranked #1: Exceptional value for both frequent and occasional travelers with flexible rewards and great perks.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 2X miles on all purchases.
- Travel Perks: Easy-to-use rewards system, no foreign transaction fees, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
- Why It’s Ranked #2: Simple rewards structure with valuable travel perks and flexible redemption options make it ideal for frequent travelers.
American Express® Gold Card
- Annual Fee: $250
- Rewards: 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1X on other purchases.
- Travel Perks: Dining credits, no foreign transaction fees, valuable transfer partners for travel.
- Why It’s Ranked #3: Great for travelers who also enjoy dining out, with robust earning potential in those categories.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Annual Fee: $550
- Rewards: 3X points on travel immediately after earning the $300 travel credit, 3X on dining, and 1X on other purchases. Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Travel Perks: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees.
- Why It’s Ranked #4: Best for luxury travelers due to premium perks, although the high annual fee may be a barrier for some.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 6X points at participating Marriott hotels, 3X on groceries, dining, and gas, and 2X on all other purchases.
- Travel Perks: Free night award every year after account anniversary, automatic Silver Elite status, no foreign transaction fees.
- Why It’s Ranked #10: Ideal for frequent Marriott travelers who want to rack up points and enjoy hotel-related perks.The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Annual Fee: $695
- Rewards: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year), and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1X on other purchases.
- Travel Perks: Extensive airport lounge access, hotel elite status, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and various travel credits.
- Why It’s Ranked #5: Excellent for luxury travelers who can take full advantage of the card’s numerous premium benefits, but the high fee might not be justified for all.
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Rewards: 10X points when booked with card, 5x from gas stations
- Bonus: Annual Free Night, Platinum Elite Status, Redeem 3 nights get 4th night free
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $395
- Rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 10X on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
- Travel Perks: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees.
- Why It’s Ranked #6: An excellent premium card with solid rewards and travel perks at a lower fee than some other high-end cards.
Citi Premier® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 3X points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, 3X on supermarkets and gas stations, 1X on all other purchases.
- Travel Perks: No foreign transaction fees, access to Citi ThankYou® Points transfer partners.
- Why It’s Ranked #7: High earning potential in everyday categories with flexible rewards for travel.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1.5X on all other purchases.
- Travel Perks: $100 annual airline incidental credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees.
- Why It’s Ranked #8: Great value for moderate travelers, with a solid rewards structure and valuable travel perks.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 12X Hilton Honors points at Hilton hotels, 6X points on dining, groceries, and gas, and 3X points on all other purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits, no foreign transaction fees.
- Why It’s Ranked #9: Best for Hilton loyalists looking to maximize rewards and travel benefits at a reasonable annual fee.
These travel rewards cards offer a range of benefits, from flexible points systems to luxury travel perks. Seniors and other travelers should consider their travel habits, preferred loyalty programs, and card fees when choosing the best option.