Travelling frequently comes with its own set of challenges, but having the right travel credit card can make the experience much smoother and more rewarding. Whether you’re a globetrotter or a regular business traveller, the right card can offer perks that enhance your travel experience, save you money, and earn you rewards. Here, we’ll explore some of the best travel credit cards for frequent travellers in 2024, considering their benefits, rewards, and fees.
Why a Travel Credit Card is a Must-Have
Travel credit cards are designed to offer benefits specifically for those who spend a lot of time on the road or in the air. From earning miles or points on every purchase to enjoying complimentary airport lounge access, these cards are packed with perks that can make your travels more enjoyable and cost-effective.
The best credit cards often come with rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Additionally, many travel cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, which can give you a head start on earning rewards.
Top Travel Credit Cards for 2024
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards for a reason. It offers a great balance of rewards, perks, and flexibility. With this card, you can earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. The points you earn can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, where they are worth 25% more when used for travel.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn many points after spending a certain amount within the first three months.
- Points Redemption: 25% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Annual Fee: $95.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another top contender for frequent travellers. This card offers a simple rewards program, earning you 2x miles on every purchase, every day. The miles you earn can be used to cover travel purchases or transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a substantial amount of miles after spending a certain amount within the first three months.
- Flexible Redemption: Use miles to cover travel purchases or transfer to travel partners.
- Annual Fee: $95.
3. American Express® Gold Card
For those who spend a lot on dining and groceries, the American Express® Gold Card is a great option. This card offers 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, making it a strong choice for frequent travellers who enjoy dining out. You also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
Key Benefits:
- Rewards on Dining and Groceries: 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- Travel Perks: 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Annual Fee: $250.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you’re looking for premium travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is hard to beat. This card is packed with benefits, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, and 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
Key Benefits:
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.
- Annual Airline Fee Credit: Up to $200.
- Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Annual Fee: $695.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
For travellers who prefer a no-annual-fee option, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice. This card offers 1.5x points on all purchases, and the points can be redeemed for travel purchases without any blackout dates. It’s a great option for those who want a straightforward rewards program without the cost of an annual fee.
Key Benefits:
- No Annual Fee: A great option for budget-conscious travellers.
- Flat-Rate Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases.
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem points for travel purchases without blackout dates.
What to Consider When Choosing a Travel Credit Card
When selecting the best travel credit card for your needs, consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and the benefits that matter most to you. If you travel internationally, look for a card with no foreign transaction fees. If you value luxury perks, consider cards that offer airport lounge access and travel credits. And if you want to maximize rewards on everyday spending, choose a card that offers high points or miles on categories like dining and groceries.
Conclusion
Having the right travel credit card in your wallet can make all the difference in your travel experience. From earning points on every purchase to enjoying perks like airport lounge access and travel credits, the best travel credit cards for frequent travellers offer a range of benefits that can help you travel smarter and more comfortably. Whether you’re looking for a premium card with luxury perks or a no-annual-fee option, there’s a travel credit card out there that’s perfect for your needs.
If you’re in the UK, this is a blog post for the best UK credit cards with airmiles too. Remember, the Best Credit Cards for travel are those that align with your lifestyle and travel goals. Take the time to compare the options and choose the one that offers the most value for your travels.
