Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Up to 5x Reward Rate
Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on allRead More
Welcome Bonus
60,000 bonus points
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card’s versatile rewards program offers an easy introduction to the ways you can maximize your travel rewards.
Why We Like It
In addition to an impressive welcome bonus, the card offers opportunities to earn bonus rewards on a variety of everyday spending categories.
What’s more, Chase Ultimate Rewards® is among the most versatile points programs available, giving you a lot of flexibility. You’ll get 25% more value when you use your rewards to book trips through Chase Travel℠, and you also have the option to redeem for cash back or transfer to travel partners.
What We Don’t Like
The best travel earning rates require you to book through Chase, which may not be worthwhile if you prefer to book directly with airlines, hotel chains and car rental companies.
Additionally, the card’s base rewards rate is just 1 point per dollar, and you’ll likely earn that on most of your spending.
Who It’s Best For
People looking to dip their toe into the world of travel rewards and want flexible redemption options would be ideal for this card.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
It’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.
Pros & Cons
- Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
- Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
- Many travel and shopping protections
- Annual fee
- No intro APR offer
- Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal
Card Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Beginner Travel Card for Earning Citi ThankYou Points
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
On Citi's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar atRead More
Welcome Bonus
70,000 bonus points
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Editor's Take
You can easily rack up flexible travel rewards on the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card with its sizable welcome bonus and rewards rates.
Why We Like It
The card offers solid rewards on multiple everyday categories and a top-tier rate on travel booked with the Citi Travel℠ portal. It also comes with a handful of travel protections, but the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards really make this card worthwhile for those in search of Citi ThankYou® Points.
Each year, you can take advantage of an annual $100 hotel savings benefit when you book a stay of at least $500 (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com. Those who utilize this benefit will already come out ahead of the annual fee. The ThankYou program’s multiple redemption options include airline and hotel transfer partners.
The card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
What We Don’t Like
The card’s base rewards rate is low, and its annual hotel benefit requires you to spend $500 on a single hotel stay (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com to get the $100 discount.
Who It’s Best For
With popular earning categories, this card will suit those who spend a lot in the card’s bonus rewards categories and want to earn Citi ThankYou Points.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
Paying to fill up at the pump is never fun, but at least you’ll earn something back for it with the Citi Strata Premier. It’s one of the few cards around that earns significant bonus points on both gas stations and supermarkets, 365 days a year. And it’s also the only card on the market that can access Citi’s full roster of valuable airline and hotel transfer partners.
Pros & Cons
- High rewards rates for many popular categories
- Ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
- Some built-in travel protections
- The $100 hotel benefit is difficult to redeem
- The highest earning rates are on Citi Travel bookings
- $95 annual fee
Card Details
- Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More
Welcome Bonus
$200 bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.49%-29.24% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers solid earnings rates and is an entry into the Chase ecosystem for anyone looking for a card without an annual fee.
Why We Like It
With rotating quarterly spending categories, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to maximize your rewards throughout the year.
If paired with a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, points can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal for even more value.
The card also offers a decent welcome bonus, plus an introductory APR offer, which can be helpful if you have a large purchase coming up or a high-interest balance you want to pay down.
What We Don’t Like
The base rewards rate is low, and you’ll need to pair it with an eligible Chase card to maximize your travel redemptions.
Additionally, the card’s 5% bonus rewards are capped at $1,500 spent quarterly, and the base rewards rate is just 1% back. Finally, the card charges a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not ideal for traveling abroad.
Who It’s Best For
This card is best for anyone who wants the flexibility of cash back and high rewards on everyday spending throughout the year.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
Kudos to Chase for always keeping the rotating categories relevant on the Freedom Flex. From Amazon to PayPal and Starbucks to Walmart, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one quarter every year (or even several) where the 5 bonus points roll in with almost no effort. Just don’t forget to activate the categories every quarter.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
- Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
- Generous rewards rate in several other categories
- Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
- Quarterly rewards access requires activation each and every quarter
Card Details
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash backon travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program thatlets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
- No annual fee –You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Flat-Rate Card for Travel
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on CapitalRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card’s high rewards rate on everyday spending and flexible travel redemption options make it a no-brainer for people who prioritize simplicity.
Why We Like It
You don’t have to keep track of bonus rewards categories to earn rewards. The card offers a sizable welcome bonus and a high flat rewards rate for most of your spending.
You’ll also have the flexibility of redeeming your rewards for travel by booking through Capital One Travel, booking on your own and requesting a statement credit or transferring your miles to one of many airline and hotel transfer partners.
What’s more, the card offers valuable perks, including a statement credit to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee. The card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).
What We Don’t Like
Flat-rate rewards (excluding travel) mean that even if you spend significantly in a specific category, you will not see increased rewards. You also won’t get much value if you opt to redeem your rewards for cash back instead of travel.
Who It’s Best For
This card is best suited for people who want straightforward reward rates and travel redemption options.
Expert Commentary
Kimberly Shearer
Credit Cards Writer
Kimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nearly free vacations. She has been perfecting the fine art of traveling with kids since 2009 and uses her blog, podcast and social media to teach other parents how to travel more for less.
Kimberly Shearer
Kimberly Shearer
Credit Cards Writer
Kimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nearly free vacations. She has been perfecting the fine art of traveling with kids since 2009 and uses her blog, podcast and social media to teach other parents how to travel more for less.
Credit Cards Writer
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is extremely low maintenance as far as travel reward cards go. It provides consistent value and flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel and is an excellent alternative for anyone a bit leery of the high Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card annual fee (rates & fees).
Pros & Cons
- Solid rewards rate
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® statement credit (up to $120)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Miles are easy to redeem either via partner transfers or by applying against travel purchases
- $95 annual fee
- No introductory APR on purchases or transfers
Card Details
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Travel Card for Fair Credit
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card
Apply Now
On Credit One Bank's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now
On Credit One Bank's Website
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site; earn 5X pointsRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Fair/Good(650 - 699)
Our Expert Take
If your credit score isn’t quite ready for a travel card that’s packed with more benefits, the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card is worth a look while you work on building your credit history.
Why We Like It
The card offers outstanding rewards rates on flights, dining and gas purchases.
You’ll also receive some other basic features, such as the ability to choose your own due date and track your credit score.
What We Don’t Like
There’s no welcome bonus, and the card comes with an annual fee that’s similar to cards that offer much more value. You’ll also miss out on extras like transfer partners, trip protections and other travel perks.
Who It’s Best For
This card is best for people with fair credit who want to earn travel rewards while working toward a better card.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers lucrative points-earning opportunities within key travel categories, however, its extra perks and benefits fall short when compared to other premium credit cards.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fees
- High reward potential
- Issuer advertises requiring an average minimum credit rating
- $95 annual fee
- No low introductory APR period
- High 29.99% Variable APR
Card Details
- 10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner.
- 5X points on eligible travel including flights, dining, and gas purchases.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
- Rent a car at Avis, Hertz, or SIXT and receive exclusive Amex Card member discounts, complimentary upgrades, and more.*
- Terms Apply*
- See Rates & Fees
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee Card for Transferable Travel Points
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® *
4.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 3x Reward Rate
Earn 1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points onRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
See terms
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard®*is a must-have for renters who want to turn their biggest monthly expense into air miles or hotel points.
Why We Like It
This card has the unique feature of allowing cardholders to earn rewards on rent payments without additional processing fees.
It’s rare for a card with no annual fee () to offer transferable points, and Bilt’s list of partners is arguably the best around. Alternatively, you can redeem through its travel portal, where point values vary depending on your redemption option. You can also redeem your points toward a down payment on a home.
You’ll enjoy some decent travel benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursem*nt and primary rental car insurance (except for New York residents).
What We Don’t Like
The Bilt card has a few limitations—you’ll only earn points when you make at least five transactions per statement period (rewards & benefits), and earnings on rent are capped at 100,000 points per calendar year. What’s more, the card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus or an introductory APR offer.
Who It’s Best For
The Bilt Mastercard will be most attractive to renters who want to earn travel rewards on their monthly rent payments.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year), you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. (Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).
Pros & Cons
- Earn rewards on rent
- No annual fee
- Primary car rental and cellphone insurance
- Points can be transferred to partners
- Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
- No welcome bonus
- Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
Card Details
- No annual fee
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent payments (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
- Earn 2 points on eligible travel
- Earn 3 points on dining and 1 point on other eligible purchases
- Cell phone protection
- No foreign fees
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Travel Card for Earning Membership Rewards
American Express® Green Card *
4.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 3X Reward Rate
Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit and restaurant purchases including takeout and delivery in the U.S. EarnRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 40,000 points
Annual Fee
$150
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The American Express® Green Card* offers a taste of premium travel perks without charging a hefty annual fee.
Why We Like It
The card offers a decent welcome bonus and strong rewards on travel, transit and eligible dining purchases. Plus, you can transfer your rewards to Amex’s airline and hotel travel partners to maximize their value, and you could save even more with access to Amex Offers.
You’ll also get a couple of premium travel perks with a more reasonable fee than many other Amex cards, including an annual CLEAR® Plus credit and a $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit. The card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
What We Don’t Like
The card’s annual fee is a bit higher than other cards on this list. And while there are no foreign transaction fees, American Express isn’t widely accepted abroad, making this card less attractive for international trips.
Like many other cards on our list, the card’s base rewards rate is just 1 point per dollar. And outside of the card’s transfer partners, there aren’t a lot of valuable redemption options.
Who It’s Best For
This card is worth considering if you’re willing to pay a slightly higher annual fee to enjoy some premium travel benefits.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
Occasional travelers who want to be treated like VIPs will find that the Amex Green card has an ideal set of perks. The $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit is just enough to cover airport lounge access a few times a year, and the CLEAR credit provides expedited access through TSA security at major airports across the country. Put them together and it’s a perfect balance of benefits for infrequent flyers at a relatively low annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fee
- Flexible redemption and points transfer options
- High rewards rate on dining, travel and transit
- Mediocre base rewards rate
- Limited features and perks
- No intro APR offer
- No balance transfer option
Card Details
- Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel, transit purchases and eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
- Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- $199 CLEAR® Plusand $100 LoungeBuddy credits
- Trip delay insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Student Travel Card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
On Bank of America's Website
4.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
1.5X Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees andRead More
Welcome Bonus
25,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
College students with an established credit history looking to dip a toe into the ocean of travel rewards should consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students as a beginner card.
Why We Like It
The card offers a decent welcome bonus and a high, flat rewards rate on every purchase you make. You’ll also pay no foreign transaction fees, making it a worthy companion for a trip or semester abroad.
If you have an upcoming large purchase or want to pay down high-interest credit card debt, you’ll enjoy the card’s introductory APR offer. The card also offers free access to your FICO Score, which can help you build and maintain a good credit score.
What We Don’t Like
You need good credit to get approved, making the card unattainable for many college students.
Additionally, the card doesn’t offer any bonus rewards categories, so if you spend a lot in a certain area of your budget, you may be leaving value on the table.
Who It’s Best For
This card is designed for college students with good credit who are looking to earn travel rewards with no annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- Multiple rewards redemption options
- Simple and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on spending
- Earn 3 points per $1 with travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
- No foreign transaction fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- Good to excellent credit required, which some students may not have
- Rewards are worth less than 1 cent each if not redeemed for a statement credit for travel or dining purchases
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee Everyday Travel Rewards Card
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
On Wells Fargo's Website
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Wells Fargo's Website
Up to 3X Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X pointsRead More
Welcome Bonus
20,000 bonus points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Credit Score
Good, Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a solid pick as an everyday rewards card for beginners.
Why We Like It
It offers some of the best bonus rewards opportunities for a no annual fee card, with triple points in several different spending categories.
You’ll also get a lot of flexibility with your redemption options, with things like cash back and travel earning the same redemption rates. You’ll even get access to a growing list of airline and hotel transfer partners. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for trips abroad.
If you’re planning for a large expense, take advantage of the card’s introductory APR offer on purchases to save on interest charges.
What We Don’t Like
The card’s base rewards rate is low, and its list of transfer partners is currently limited. There’s also no introductory APR offer on balance transfers.
Who It’s Best For
The Autograph card is best for beginners looking to earn travel rewards for their everyday spending.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Introductory APR period
- Plentiful reward points categories
- Protections include cellphone insurance
- Balance transfer fee
- No introductory balance transfer APR
Card Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Here’s a Summary of the Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Chase Freedom Flex®
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® *
American Express® Green Card *
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
Excellent, Good
$95
60,000 bonus points
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Best Beginner Travel Card for Earning Citi ThankYou Points
Excellent, Good
$95
70,000 bonus points
Chase Freedom Flex®
Best Cash-Back Card for Travel
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best Flat-Rate Card for Travel
Excellent, Good
$95
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card
Best Travel Card for Fair Credit
Fair/Good
$95
N/A
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® *
Best No Annual Fee Card for Transferable Travel Points
Good/Excellent
$0
N/A
American Express® Green Card *
Best Travel Card for Earning Membership Rewards
Excellent/Good
$150
Earn 40,000 points
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Best Student Travel Card
Good/Excellent
$0
25,000 points
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Best No Annual Fee Everyday Travel Rewards Card
Good, Excellent
$0
20,000 bonus points
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
N/A
N/A
Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
