Last Updated December 23, 2022
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Best Credit Cards for Travel
What’s in your wallet? If you’re a road warrior, a credit card is essential. Not only because you may want to invest in travel now and pay later; but it’s also about the perks. But with a slew of credit cards on the market, how do you decide?
Relax, we talked to financial experts and travel gurus to create a list of some of the best cards out there that will offer you powerful travel perks.
But first, a few things to keep in mind. Choose a card that fits your needs. What matters most to you?
“Do you want a card that earns points or miles, a card with no foreign transaction fees, perks, such as free checked bags or priority boarding?” asks financial coach Michael Ryan.
Consider the card’s interest rate, sign up bonus, spending categories, travel benefits -- does it include airport lounge visits, insurance for car rentals, trip cancellation, or baggage delay, for example? What are the annual and foreign transactions fees? What are the redemption options and how can you get the most value out of your points?
Strategise. Leverage your points by transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programs for even more value. Look for special offers and bonus categories for added value. Don’t make unnecessary purchases just to rack up points and miles. “Focus on earning points in categories where you spend the most money, such as airfare or dining. Keep track of when points expire and use them before they do,” says Adele Khan, product manager at BusinessClass.com.
With all this in mind, here’s what to grab.
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If you spend $4,000 in the first three months of getting the card, you’re rewarded with 60,000 bonus points. The card offers 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. It offers several other perks, like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass membership, and access to several luxury airport lounges. The card has a $550 annual fee, which may be expensive for infrequent travellers.
Spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account and earn 75,000 bonus miles. Get unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. The card also offers several travel-related perks, like a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and the ability to transfer miles to several airline partners. However, this card offers only two complimentary visits a year at Capital One or partner lounges. The annual fee is $95.
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Get 5 points per dollar spent on airfare and hotel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. It also offers perks like a $200 annual airline fee credit, access to several airport lounges, and a $200 annual Uber credit. This card’s annual fee is $695, which may be pricey for infrequent travellers.
This card offers 3 points per dollar spent on travel and gas, and you can transfer points to participating travel partners. It has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. There’s an 80,000-point bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
This card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees and points don’t expire. Receive a 25,000-point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in the first 90 days of having the card. This card has no annual fee.
Best,
Sheryl Nance-Nash