The Best Travel Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards

When I choose a new travel credit card, I almost always focus on one thing: the initial sign-up bonus. In my opinion, this is where you get the biggest benefit from any card. When opening a card, there are a few other key factors I consider:

  • Annual Fee – Is the card’s cost justified by its perks and sign on bonus?

  • Travel Partners – Can you transfer points to airlines or hotels you actually use?

  • Travel Credits – Does the card offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

  • Lounge Access – Does the card offer me any lounge access, like Priority Pass or Centurion Lounges?

A few cards have stood our out as top choices for me as a frequent traveler that cover most (if not all) of these factors. Here are my top three travel credit cards, along with my take on each.

1. Capital One Venture X

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Usually around 75,000 miles after meeting the spending requirement

  • Annual Fee: $395

  • Key Perks: 

    • $300 annual travel credit (for bookings through Capital One Travel)

    • 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary

    • Priority Pass lounge access

    • No foreign transaction fees

My Take

This is a solid card that isn’t too expensive—especially considering the $300 travel credit, which kicks in right away. Between the sign-up bonus and travel perks, the cost of the card is almost a wash.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Usually 60,000+ points after meeting the spending requirement

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Key Perks: 

    • 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel

    • Excellent transfer partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt

    • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel

    • No foreign transaction fees

My Take

I love collecting points with my Chase cards because of their huge portfolio of travel partners. And the fact that you can transfer points between different Chase cards for even more value, making it one of the most flexible rewards programs out there.

3. American Express Platinum

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Often 80,000+ points, sometimes higher with targeted offers

  • Annual Fee: $695

  • Key Perks: 

    • Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs

    • $200 airline fee credit

    • $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels & Resorts

    • TSA PreCheck/Global Entry reimbursement

    • Uber and Saks Fifth Avenue credits

My Take

This card is pretty expensive, but it does come with a lot of benefits. While the annual fee is high, the first year’s sign-up bonus alone makes up for it. Plus, if your home airport has a Centurion Lounge, this card is worth considering just for that access. Even if the card is too expensive consider closing it after the first year - if you’re able to redeem all the rewards in that time you’ll still come out on top.

Final Thoughts

Each of these cards has its strengths depending on your travel style:

  • Venture X: Best for those who want a balanced travel card with a solid sign-up bonus and manageable fee.

  • Sapphire Preferred: Ideal for travelers who want flexible points and excellent transfer partners at a lower price.

  • Amex Platinum: Perfect for those who travel frequently, love premium perks, and can maximize the benefits.

Regardless of which one you choose, maximizing the sign-up bonus is key to getting the most value. Eventually, I would even think about opening more than one of them. And if the card offer is higher than normal, it’s probably a good time to jump on.

I’ll share more tips and tricks on how to do this in my newsletter along with recent card offers I’m finding.

How Do These Cards Compare?

Alternative Travel Credit Cards to Consider

If none of these cards seem like a good fit there are a few other options to consider:

Chase Sapphire Reserve

  • Annual Fee: $550

  • Why Consider It? I think of this as the premium version of the Sapphire Preferred. It includes Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and 3x points on travel and dining. If you travel frequently and can maximize the benefits, it can be worth the higher fee, especially with a big sign on bonus.

Capital One Venture Rewards

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Why Consider It? If you like the simplicity of the Venture X but don’t want the higher fee, this card still offers 2x miles on all purchases and great redemption flexibility.

Citi Premier Card

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Why Consider It? It earns 3x points on travel, dining, and gas, making it a strong everyday card. Citi’s ThankYou Points also transfer to a solid list of airlines.