This is an exciting year packed with a lot of major events that you would need to know about the best Travel Credit Cards in 2024. The famous ones are the 2024 Summer Olympics and the PGA Championship.
Either way, if you’re not interested in any major events, you still have the chance to explore the world and meet new people.
Ideally, traveling the world is a good thing. In most cases, you learn about different cultures, traditions, and histories.
Isn’t that a good way to enrich your understanding of the world and broaden your perspectives? Are you traveling anywhere soon? Do you have all the required essentials? What about the travel card?
If you’re not sorted in that area, please continue reading below to learn about the 16 best travel credit cards you can opt to have for an amazing 2024.
Are you ready? Let’s roll into it below.
1. The Platinum Card from American Express
Topping our list of 16 best travel credit cards is American Express’s Platinum Card. This option offers luxurious perks, including statement credit and lounge access.
Notably, its substantial welcome offer makes this travel credit card ideal for frequent travelers. Despite the high annual fee, the Platinum travel credit card from American Express can offset many expenses if you regularly use the statement credits.
For example, you can use it when paying for gym memberships or department store purchases.
Key Details
- Annual fee: $695
- Rewards: 5x Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with American Express or Airlines Travel; 5x Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels that are booked with American Express Travel; 1x points on other purchases
- Welcome offer: After spending $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months, you will get 80,000 Membership Rewards Points.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Now, the Capital One Venture travel credit card perfectly balances affordability and rewards. The annual fees are manageable when using it for the first time; you will get a generous welcome bonus.
Its flat 2x miles on all purchases make it easy for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to earn rewards. In addition, there are various redemption options available.
The choices include transferring miles to travel partners or booking through Capital One Travel.
Key Details
- Annual fee: $95
- Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on every purchase
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Also Read: The Complete Guide to the Capital One Travel Portal for 2024
3. Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Indeed, when talking about travel credit cards, things get a bit spicy with this card. That is because you can get a steady 1.5% cash back on all business purchases.
Over time, when you use the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, you will appreciate how simple and effective it is for small businesses.
Plus, you earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides. While it lacks bonus categories, its straightforward rewards system is perfect for those who prefer simplicity.
Key Details
- Welcome offer: Yes
- Intro APR: Yes
- Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back
- Annual fees: None
- APR: Variable
4. United Explorer Card
If you’re searching for free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on United Club access, go for this travel credit card.
It also offers credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications and complimentary lounge passes.
Overall, it has a variety of perks both on the ground and in the air. As a result, it’s a versatile choice for frequent United Flyers.
Key Details
- Credit score needed: Varies
- Regular APR: Variable
- Annual fees: Yes
- Bonus rewards: Yes
- Welcome offer: Yes
5. Citi Double Cash Credit Card
Are you ready to earn 1% cash back on any purchase and another 1% as you pay for any item? Citi Double Cash Credit Card has heard you right. This travel credit card will effectively give you 2% back on everything.
Moreover, the Citi Double Cash Credit Card accrues Citi ThankYou points. They can be converted to airline and hotel rewards with other Citi cards.
Since Citi Double Cash Credit Card extended the 0% APR period on balance transfers, it’s a solid choice for travelers who need both rewards and low-interest financing.
Key Details
- Credit score needed: Varies
- Regular APR: Variable
- Annual fees: None
- Welcome offer: None
6. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
This card is ideal for Costco shoppers. It has high cash-back rates on gas, dining, travel, and Costco purchases.
While the Costco Anywhere Visa Card rewards are issued annually, they can be significant. That is especially true for frequent Costco visitors.
Key Details
- Credit score needed: Varies
- Annual fees: None (requires Costco membership)
- Welcome offer: None
7. Citi Premier Card
Every traveler needs a credit card which excels well when it comes to flexibility. Citi Premier is a travel credit card that can earn generous points on travel, dining, groceries, and gas.
After you’ve got those Citi Premier Cards, you can easily convert them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Of course, the comprehensive rewards structure and numerous transfer options make the Citi Premier Card an excellent choice for maximizing travel rewards.
Key Details
- Credit score needed: Varies
- Regular APR: Variable
- Annual fees: Yes
- Welcome offer: Yes
8. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited offers solid cash-back rewards on travel, dining, and more. What is more special is the generous bonus for new cardholders. Additionally, you can enjoy a long intro APR period and no annual fee.
Key Details
- Rewards: 5% cash back on Chase travel, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, 1.5% on other purchases.
- Welcome Offer: Additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in the first year.
- Pros: No minimum for cash back redemption; 0% Intro APR for 15 months
9. American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is perfect for foodies and travelers who value perks and points flexibility.
Fortunately, it has generous rewards on dining and groceries, plus valuable credits for dining and Uber.
Key Details
- Rewards: 4X points at restaurants and US supermarkets; 3X on airfare.
- Intro Offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after qualifying purchases.
- Pros: Dining and Uber credits; Transferable points to airlines and hotels.
- Annual fee: $250
10. Bank of America Travel Credit Card
If you’re seeking a straightforward travel card that doesn’t require an annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Credit card is an excellent choice.
This travel credit card also has a long intro APR period. As a budget-conscious traveler trying to consolidate debt, it’s a brilliant idea if you opt for a Bank of America Travel Credit Card.
Key Details
- Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Pros: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Annual fee: None
11. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
For frequent Marriott guests, the Bonvoy Boundless offers exceptional rewards. The benefits include free nights, elite status perks, and valuable travel protections.
Among the other leading travel credit cards in 2024, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a top choice for hotel enthusiasts.
Key Details
- Rewards: Up to 17x points at Marriott hotels; 3x at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Welcome Bonus: 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Pros: Generous welcome bonus and rewards; Automatic Silver Elite status.
- Annual fee: $95
12. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, this card offers great perks.
Some include a substantial welcome bonus and the opportunity to earn points towards the coveted Southwest companion pass.
Key Details
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles
- 2x points on Southwest Purchases
- Earns points for Southwest companion pass
- No seat restrictions
- Annual Fee: $69
13. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express credit card lets you earn miles quickly.
Furthermore, you get a chance to enjoy benefits like priority boarding on Delta flights. Ideally, it’s an excellent choice for Delta loyalists looking to maximize their travel rewards.
Key Details
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 miles
- $100 Delta Flight credit
- 2x Delta Miles on flights, restaurants, and supermarkets
- Annual Fee: $0 first year, $99 after
14. Hilton Honors Surpass American Express
This card offers generous rewards on Hilton stays and everyday spending.
Along with valuable perks like accelerated Hilton status and no foreign transaction fees, it’s ideal for Hilton enthusiasts seeking elevated travel experiences.
Key Details
- Welcome bonus: 130,000 points
- 7x points on Hilton Purchases
- Hit Hilton Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $95
15. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for building credit, this card earns rewards on purchases, including 5% back on hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
Its ongoing benefits, like waived foreign transaction fees, are a solid choice to establish credit while earning rewards.
Key Details
- Credit score needed: Varies
- Regular APR: Variable
- Annual fees: Yes
- Welcome offer: No
16. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Last but not least, this no-annual-fee card offers competitive rewards on dining, travel, and streaming services. Its pros include phone protection and a 0% intro APR period.
In simple terms, it’s a practical choice for earning rewards and managing expenses.
Key Details
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome bonus: 30,000 bonus points
- Rewards: 3x points on various categories
- Intro APR: 0% for 12 months
- APR: Variable
Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs
You’ll usually need a good to excellent credit score (around 670 or higher) to get most rewards credit cards.
But don’t worry if you’re not there yet. Some cards accept folks with fair credit scores.
Yes, some do. But don’t let that scare you off.
The rewards and benefits of travel credit cards often make up for it, especially if you’re a big spender or traveler.
Welcome, offers usually give you bonus points, cash back, or statement credits.
That usually happens when you spend a certain amount within a specific time after opening the card.
Wrapping It Up
Finally, now you know about the best travel credit cards that you can consider to save on flights and hotel stays.
We recommend checking out the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you’re starting out. It has many options for redeeming points, a sweet welcome offer, and bonus points for travel and dining.
Also Read:
- 7 Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads
- 7 Best Travel Insurance Providers For Digital Nomads
- 7 Best Health Insurance For Digital Nomads
