Here are five of the best credit cards to earn travel points, offering a mix of high rewards, valuable benefits, and flexible redemption options:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program).
- Rewards:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 1x points on other purchases
- Annual fee: $95
- Key benefits: Points can be transferred to over 10 airline and hotel partners. Great travel protections (trip cancellation, rental car insurance).
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (worth $800 in travel).
- Rewards:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com
- 1x points on other purchases
- Annual fee: $695
- Key benefits: Access to luxury airport lounges, 24/7 concierge service, and premium travel protections.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $900 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
- Rewards:
- 3x points on travel and dining
- 1x points on other purchases
- Annual fee: $550
- Key benefits: Priority Pass lounge access, 1.5x point redemption for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and extensive travel protections.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
- Rewards:
- 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual fee: $95
- Key benefits: Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. Simple, straightforward rewards.
5. American Express® Gold Card
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months (worth $600 in travel).
- Rewards:
- 3x points on restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1x points on other purchases
- Annual fee: $250
- Key benefits: Excellent for foodies and frequent flyers, with flexible point transfers to many airline and hotel partners.
These cards are great for earning travel points, depending on your spending habits and travel preferences. Consider how you typically spend and which benefits will give you the most value.
