Travel rewards credit cards offer one of the best ways to earn free flights, hotel stays, and other travel perks. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just want to make the most of your yearly vacation, choosing the right card can unlock significant benefits.
For 2024, there are several standout options that offer everything from massive sign-up bonuses to lucrative rewards rates, helping you maximize your travel experiences.
Here’s a detailed look at the best travel rewards credit cards for 2024.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It’s Great:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has long been a favorite for travelers due to its flexible points, generous rewards structure, and valuable perks. In 2024, it continues to dominate with a solid sign-up bonus and the ability to transfer points to major travel partners.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This is worth about $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Rewards rate: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 2x points on other travel purchases, 3x on dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Flexible points: Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Hyatt.
- Annual fee: $95 (reasonable compared to the value provided).
Who Should Get It:
Travelers looking for a versatile card with a low annual fee and solid travel rewards, especially if they value flexibility in point transfers.
2. American Express® Gold Card
Why It’s Great:
The American Express® Gold Card shines for frequent travelers and foodies, thanks to its excellent rewards on dining and groceries, making it perfect for those who spend a lot in these categories. With a premium travel rewards program and valuable transfer partners, it’s a top pick for 2024.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards rate: 4x points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year in grocery store purchases (then 1x), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Flexible travel perks: Points can be transferred to 18 airline and hotel partners, including Delta, British Airways, and Hilton Honors.
- Annual fee: $250 (offset by credits and rewards for frequent users).
Who Should Get It:
Ideal for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries and want access to valuable travel transfer partners. Frequent travelers and food lovers will get the most out of this card.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a relatively new entrant but quickly earned a spot among the best travel cards, offering premium travel perks, high rewards rates, and a massive welcome bonus. It’s a strong competitor for frequent travelers who want access to luxury benefits without paying exorbitant annual fees.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards rate: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other purchases.
- Premium benefits: Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, and 10,000 miles bonus every account anniversary.
- Annual fee: $395 (high, but offset by travel credits and perks).
Who Should Get It:
Frequent flyers who value luxury travel perks and lounge access while enjoying high rewards rates on everyday spending.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why It’s Great:
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the ultimate premium travel card, offering unmatched luxury travel perks and high-end rewards. While it has one of the highest annual fees, the benefits—including airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and travel credits—easily justify the cost for frequent luxury travelers.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards rate: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year), 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Premium perks: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs; $200 annual airline fee credit; $200 Uber credit; and $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
- Annual fee: $695 (high, but offset by perks and credits for frequent luxury travelers).
Who Should Get It:
Frequent luxury travelers who want access to high-end travel perks, including extensive lounge access, hotel status, and exclusive travel credits.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Why It’s Great:
The Citi Premier® Card is a well-rounded card for travelers looking for valuable rewards on everyday spending categories. It offers excellent earning potential in areas such as dining, groceries, and gas, making it ideal for those who want to maximize their points with daily purchases.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $600 in gift cards).
- Rewards rate: 3x points on air travel, hotels, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Flexible point redemptions: Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to travel partners like Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, and Singapore Airlines.
- Annual fee: $95 (affordable for the rewards offered).
Who Should Get It:
Travelers who want a card that earns strong rewards on everyday categories and offers solid transfer partners for maximum flexibility.
6. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why It’s Great:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the premium sibling to the Chase Sapphire Preferred and offers a suite of high-end travel perks and rewards. With luxury benefits such as airport lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and strong earning potential, it’s ideal for frequent travelers who want premium perks.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $900 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Rewards rate: 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase, 5x points on flights booked through Chase, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Travel perks: Priority Pass lounge access, $300 annual travel credit, and 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual fee: $550 (offset by travel credits and luxury benefits).
Who Should Get It:
Frequent travelers who want top-tier travel benefits, luxury perks, and strong point redemption options through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
7. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a simple, straightforward way to earn travel rewards. Its flat 2x miles on every purchase makes it a great option for travelers who prefer simplicity and don’t want to worry about rotating categories or maximizing certain purchases.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards rate: 2x miles on all purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Flexible redemption: Use miles to book travel or erase travel purchases, or transfer them to travel partners like Air Canada and British Airways.
- Annual fee: $95 (low for a travel card with these benefits).
Who Should Get It:
Travelers who want a simple, no-hassle rewards program with strong earning potential on everyday spending.
Choosing the Right Travel Rewards Card
When selecting a travel rewards card for 2024, consider the following factors:
- Travel Habits: If you frequently fly with one airline, a card with strong airline partnerships or transferable points may be ideal. If you stay at luxury hotels, a card with hotel status benefits could be more valuable.
- Rewards Structure: Look for cards that offer rewards in categories where you spend the most. Dining, travel, and groceries are popular categories for maximizing points.
- Annual Fees vs. Perks: Higher-end travel cards often come with steep annual fees, but if you take advantage of perks like travel credits, lounge access, and complimentary insurance, the fees can be offset.
- Point Redemption Flexibility: Cards that allow you to transfer points to multiple airlines and hotel chains offer the most flexibility, allowing you to maximize the value of your rewards.
By choosing the right travel rewards credit card for your needs, you can unlock a world of free flights, luxurious stays, and unforgettable travel experiences in 2024.
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