Traveling can be expensive, but with the right travel credit card, you can unlock discounts and rewards that make exploring the world more affordable. Choosing the best travel credit card can be overwhelming, given the many options available. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed some of the top travel credit cards on the market in 2023. In this article, you'll learn about each card's benefits, fees, and rewards, as well as tips for choosing the best one for your needs.
A good travel credit card can be your best friend when saving money on travel. Many of the best travel credit cards offer perks like sign-up bonuses, rewards on travel spending, and travel insurance. The trick is finding the right card for your needs.
In this article, we've compiled a list of the best travel credit cards for 2023. We'll review the features, fees, and rewards for each card and give tips for choosing the right one for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Credit Card
Before we dive into the specifics of each card, it's important to understand the factors you should consider when choosing a travel credit card.
- Sign-up bonus: Most travel credit cards offer a bonus, a lump sum of rewards points or miles you can earn after spending a certain amount in the first few months of opening the card. Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses to maximize your rewards.
- Rewards structure: Travel credit cards typically reward travel-related spending, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. Some cards offer higher reward rates for certain spending categories, such as dining or gas. Choose a card that offers rewards in categories where you spend the most.
- Annual fee: Many travel credit cards come with annual fees ranging from $50 to $500 or more. Consider whether the rewards and benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
- Foreign transaction fees: If you plan to travel internationally, look for a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly and negate any rewards you earn.
- Travel benefits: Some travel credit cards offer benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and concierge services. Consider which benefits are most important to you.
Best Travel Credit Cards of 2023
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a travel credit card, let's dive into our top picks for 2023.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market, and for a good reason. It offers a generous sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening the card. The card earns 2X points on travel and dining and 1X on all other purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The annual fee is $95, which is waived for the first year. The card also offers travel insurance, primary car rental insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is another great option for travelers. It offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 miles after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3000 in purchases in the first 3 months. The card earns 2X miles on every purchase, and miles can be redeemed for travel statement credits or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs. The annual fee is $95, which is waived for the first year. The card also offers travel accident insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is a premium travel credit card with great rewards and benefits. It offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in the first six months of opening the card. The card earns 4X Membership Rewards points on dining, 4X points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, and 1X points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more. The annual fee is $250, but the card offers benefits like $120 in dining credits and $100 in hotel credits each year, travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers with a simple rewards structure and no annual fee. It offers a sign-up bonus of 25,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening the card. The card earns 1.5X points on all purchases, and points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and travel accident insurance.
Discover it Miles
The Discover it Miles card is a great option for travelers who want to earn rewards without an annual fee. It offers a sign-up bonus where Discover will automatically match all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. The card earns 1.5X miles on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed for travel or cash back. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and a $0 annual fee.
Citi Premier Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option for frequent Delta flyers. It offers a sign-up bonus of 70,000 SkyMiles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months of opening the card, plus a $200 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase in the same timeframe. The card earns 2X miles on Delta purchases at restaurants worldwide and 1X on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights and upgrades, as well as for merchandise, gift cards, and more. The annual fee is $99, which is waived for the first year. The card offers benefits like priority boarding, a free checked bag, and no foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a great option for frequent Southwest flyers. It offers a sign-up bonus of 40,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of opening the card. The card earns 2X points on Southwest purchases and 1X on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, as well as for gift cards and more. The annual fee is $69. The card also offers benefits like priority boarding and no foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a great option for travelers who prefer Marriott hotels. It offers a sign-up bonus of 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The card earns 6X points on Marriott hotel purchases and 2X on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for Marriott hotel stays, as well as for merchandise, gift cards, and more. The annual fee is $95. The card offers automatic Silver Elite status and no foreign transaction fees.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great option for travelers who prefer Hilton hotels. It offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of opening the card. The card earns 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases. Points can be redeemed for Hilton hotel stays, as well as for merchandise, gift cards, and more. The annual fee is $0. The card offers benefits like automatic Silver status and no foreign transaction fees.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card can be daunting, but by considering your travel habits and preferences, you can find a card that will earn you valuable rewards and offer great benefits. Whether you prefer a card with a simple rewards structure and no annual fee, or a premium card with great travel benefits and a high annual fee, there is a travel credit card out there for you. Remember to read the fine print and understand the card's terms and conditions before applying, and happy travels.
