How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card for You

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Selecting the right credit card can be daunting – there are so many factors to consider- from annual fees, foreign transaction fees, travel insurance coverage, reward redemption flexibility, and other perks. Depending on your needs, some credit cards are better than others- especially when looking at how they can help you with travel- from rewards, travel insurance, airport lounge access, and more. Choosing the right card can help you save money on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. We have the ultimate guide for choosing the right credit card for you. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Credit Card

What Type of Traveler Are You?

There are all types of travelers, and the kind of traveler you are may help you decide what card is best. Frequent flyers would be best when choosing airline-specific cards or cards with flexible rewards that you can use towards flights. Luxury travelers would do best with premium travel cards, lounge access, and upgrades. If you are a budget traveler, look at for cards with no annual fees, and solid rewards you can use towards hotels and other expenses. Occasional travelers would be best with a general travel card. 

Travel Rewards

Some credit cards have specific rewards attached to them, and paying attention to what those rewards are and what type of rewards are most important to you can help you with your decision. Different travel rewards include: 

• Airline Miles: Best for those loyal to a specific airline (e.g., Delta, United).
• Hotel Points: Ideal for travelers who like to stay at a specific hotel chain. 
• Flexible Points: Best for travelers who want versatility to use their points differently. 
• Flat-Rate Travel Rewards: Cards that earn the same rewards on all purchases.

Annual Fees: Are They Worth It?

For years, I always went with credit cards without any fees. However, now that I travel more often, and prefer the perks and points that come with a premium credit card, the annual fee is worth it. (The Venture X is my card of choice). You’ll find premium travel cards with annual fees starting at around $450, and they offer lounge access, statement credits, and elite status perks. Mid-tier cards with annual fees at upwards of $95 provide solid rewards, travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees. Finally, no-annual-fee cards are great for occasional travelers who want some basic perks. 

Foreign Transaction Fees

Even if you travel out of the country just once a year, getting a credit card without foreign transaction fees is worth it. Most premium credit cards waive the foreign transaction fee, while several cards charge a 3% (or more) fee per purchase while abroad.  

Travel Insurance and Protections

Frequent travelers should consider what travel insurance and protections come with their cards. Some credit cards offer trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, baggage delay or lost luggage insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. If you often rent a car, finding a card that includes car rental insurance should be a priority. 

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Airport Lounge Access

Have you ever noticed an airport lounge and thought it was only for frequent flyers with high status with airlines? Think again – several credit cards give you access to airport lounges, whether it’s an Amex lounge, through a free Priority Pass membership, or an airline-specific lounge. If extra comfort while at an airport is important to you, consider a card offering lounge access. 

TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Credits

Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications. If you are already enrolled or plan to enroll in one of these programs, choosing a credit card that offers reimbursement makes sense. 

Reward Redemption Flexibility

Points can often make your head swim, but choosing a credit card based on the type of points and ease of using points may be important. For instance, cards that allow you to transfer points to airline/hotel partners (like Chase Sapphire Preferred), or that have fixed-value travel credits that let you use points for travel purchases (like Capital One Venture). Finally, if you only fly one airline or stay in one hotel chain, consider an airline card or a credit card that gives you points to specific hotels. 

Types of Travel Credit Cards & Best Options

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Foreign Transaction Fees	Travel Insurance	Why It’s Great
Chase Sapphire Preferred®	$95	None	Trip delay, baggage delay, car rental insurance	Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, transfers to airline/hotel partners
The Platinum Card® from American Express	$695	None	Trip cancellation, rental car insurance, baggage delay	Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, luxury hotel perks, airline credits
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card	$250	None	Trip delay, baggage loss protection	Free first checked bag, priority boarding, companion ticket
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card	$95	None	Trip delay, baggage delay	Free annual hotel night, automatic Silver Elite status, high hotel point earning
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card	$95	None	Primary rental car insurance, trip delay, baggage protection	Earns high-value Chase Ultimate Rewards, includes cell phone protection
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	$95	None	Rental car insurance, travel accident insurance	Easy-to-use miles, flexible redemption, no blackout dates

Best Overall Travel Credit Cards – Chase Sapphire Preferred®

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Trip delay, baggage delay, car rental insurance
• Why It’s Great: Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and transfers to multiple airline/hotel partners.

Best Premium Travel Card – The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual Fee: $695
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation, rental car insurance, baggage delay
• Why It’s Great: Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, luxury hotel perks, airline credits.

Best Airline Credit Card – Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Annual Fee: $250
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Trip delay, baggage loss protection
• Why It’s Great: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, companion ticket.

Best Hotel Credit Card – Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Trip delay, baggage delay
• Why It’s Great: Free annual hotel night, automatic Silver Elite status, high hotel point earning.

Best for Business Travelers – Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Primary rental car insurance, trip delay, baggage protection
• Why It’s Great: Earns high-value Chase Ultimate Rewards and includes cell phone protection.

Best for Budget Travelers – Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Insurance: Rental car insurance, travel accident insurance
• Why It’s Great: Easy-to-use miles, flexible redemption, no blackout dates.

How to Compare & Apply for a Travel Credit Card

While this information hopefully helped you make a more informed decision about what credit card to choose, there are other steps to take before you take the plunge and apply. Be sure to check your credit card score; you’ll want good to excellent credit for most premium cards (a 700+ FICO score). Compare the benefits to the fee to ensure that the perks outweigh the annual cost. Don’t apply for too many cards; too many applications can lower your credit score.

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