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Finding the best travel credit card for you ultimately depends on your spending habits and travel goals — whether you value flexible points that can be used across multiple airlines and hotels, or prefer the exclusive perks of a specific hotel or airline loyalty program. The most popular travel cards typically offer generous sign-up bonuses, travel credits, and access to flexible rewards programs that allow you to transfer points to a variety of travel partners.
When comparing cards, consider how you travel most often — do you want lounge access, free checked bags, or hotel upgrades? Also look at annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and redemption flexibility. A well-matched travel card can help you earn rewards faster, unlock premium travel experiences, and save significantly on future trips.
1. General travel credit cards
General travel cards offer flexible rewards, such as points or miles, that are not tied to a single brand. This flexibility lets you choose the best redemption value for flights, hotel stays, or other travel purchases.
| Card | Best for | Key features |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Beginners or those seeking great sign-up bonuses. | • Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases. • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal. • Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus other travel protections. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Premium perks with a lower annual fee than other luxury cards. | • Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights (booked via Capital One Travel), and 2x on all other purchases. • Annual $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. • Includes 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary. • Grants access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass™. |
| American Express® Gold Card | Foodies who frequently dine out or buy groceries. | • Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases annually) and at restaurants worldwide. • Receive up to $120 in dining credits annually. • Points can be transferred to Amex’s airline and hotel partners. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Luxury travel with valuable rewards. | • Earn 10x points on hotels, 5x on flights (booked via Chase Travel), 3x on other travel and dining, and 1x on all other purchases. • Receive a $300 annual travel credit. • Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. • Offers extensive travel protections. |
| Citi Strata Premier® Card | Everyday spending with flexible redemption options. | • Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions (booked via CitiTravel.com) and 3x points on air travel, gas, groceries, and dining. • Includes a $100 annual hotel benefit. |
2. Best hotel credit cards
Hotel cards are best for travelers who are loyal to a specific brand. They offer perks like free night certificates, automatic elite status, and bonus points on hotel purchases.
| Card | Best for | Key features |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Free night awards and Marriott points. | • Receive one free night award (up to 35,000 points) every year after your card anniversary. • Automatically receive Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits. • Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Free anniversary nights. | • Receive one free night award (Category 1–4) each year after your card anniversary. • Earn 4x points on Hyatt purchases. • Earn an extra free night award by spending $15,000 in a calendar year. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Top-tier Hilton loyalists. | • Automatically receive Diamond elite status. • Receive a free night reward every year upon renewal, with the potential to earn more. • Includes an annual $250 Hilton resort credit. |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Frequent IHG hotel guests. | • Receive a free anniversary night at eligible hotels and a fourth night free on reward stays. • Automatically receive Platinum Elite status. • Earn 10x points on IHG purchases. |
3. Best airline credit cards (including Alaska Airlines)
Airline cards are ideal for travelers who consistently fly with one airline. The benefits often include free checked bags, priority boarding, and status perks that make travel smoother.
| Card | Best for | Key features |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card | Alaska Airlines and Oneworld flyers seeking premium perks. | • Formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card. Rebranded after the loyalty program update in 2025. • Includes 8 annual lounge passes and a fast track to elite status. • Bonus rewards on foreign transactions. • Offers extra compensation for qualifying flight delays and cancellations. |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Occasional United flyers | • Offers a free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion. • Provides priority boarding. • Earns bonus miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Frequent Delta flyers | • Offers an annual companion certificate for a round-trip main cabin flight. • Provides a first checked bag free and priority boarding. • Gives a 15% discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights. |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Frequent Southwest flyers | • Includes a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and an anniversary points bonus. • Offers four upgraded boardings per year. • Earns points on Southwest purchases, hotel, and car rentals. |
