16 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for September 2023

Author: Greg Johnson   Last Updated: September 26, 2023

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Looking for the best travel credit cards of 2023? We’ve got your back!

Whether you want to travel the world for pennies on the dollar, need a card without foreign transaction fees, or are looking for some sweet perks and benefits, the best credit cards for travel can help.

Below, you’ll find our list of the 16 best travel rewards credit cards this year.  We’ve reviewed each card’s most important benefits, explained how you can use them to earn points and miles, and listed dozens of other perks you might like. We’ve also reviewed their annual fees and answered other concerns you might have.

Thanks so much for your support! Enjoy the list and happy travels!

16 Best Travel Credit Cards of 2023

• card_name: Best for Beginners
• card_name: Best for Simplicity
• card_name: Best for Frequent Travelers
• card_name: Great Value for Premium Benefits
• card_name: Solid Premium Benefits
• card_name: Best for Citi ThankYou Points
• card_name: Best for Cheap Flights
• card_name: Great for Delta
• card_name: Best for United
• card_name: Best for Admirals Club
• card_name: Best for Marriott Stays
• card_name: Best for Hyatt Stays
• card_name: Great for Occasional Hilton Stays
• card_name: Best for IHG Hotels
• card_name: Best Travel Credit Card for Business
• card_name: Excellent Premium Business Benefits

card_name: Best for Beginners

If you’re new to travel credit cards and don’t know where to start, look no further than the card_name.

This is by far our favorite rewards card to recommend because the points are so versatile. It also carries a smaller annual fee than many premium cards. So, if you don’t have it yet, we think this is the top rewards card for beginners, period.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within 3 months of opening the account
• Signup bonus worth $750 in travel when booked through Chase portal
• Points transfer 1:1 to over a dozen partner loyalty programs
• Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase portal
• Earn 3x points on dining
• Earn 2x points on other travel purchases
• Pay Yourself Back: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for statement credits on existing purchases in rotating categories
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel credit
• Earn 5x points on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• Complimentary primary auto rental coverage
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership
• No foreign transaction fees
• No blackout dates or restrictions
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

Currently, you can earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening an account. Those points are worth $750 in travel when booked through the Chase portal.

If you don’t want to use the points for travel (and I don’t know why you wouldn’t!), you can also redeem them for cash or turn them in for a gift card instead. Right now, your points also go 25% further using Chase’s Pay Yourself Back feature. Simply redeem your points for existing purchases in rotating categories and save!

So, why is this our favorite travel rewards card for beginners? We’re glad you asked!

As we mentioned above, this is a great way to earn our favorite rewards of all – Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These points transfer at a 1 to 1 ratio to over a dozen of the world’s top airline and hotel brands – including Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air France/KLM (Flying Blue), JetBlue, and more.

Pretty sweet, right?!?

Just so you know, we’ve transferred points to several of these partners, and it always works like a charm. The annual_fees annual fee is also reasonable and the points you’ll earn the first year more than cover the cost of carrying the card.

So, if you’re new to points and miles and want to get the most bang for your buck, we highly recommend making the Chase Sapphire Preferred the first card in your wallet!

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for Simplicity

Looking for a travel card that offers simple ways to redeem your points while still providing a ton of value? The card_name may be a great match!

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 75,000 points when you make $4,000 in purchases within 3 months of opening your account. You can redeem those points for a statement credit worth $750 toward travel expenses.

Here are some more of the card’s top benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points for making $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
• Welcome offer worth $750 statement credit toward travel
• Points transfer to over 15 travel partners
• Earns 5 points per dollar on hotel and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earns 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Up to $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck
• Points can be used with any airline or hotel; no blackouts or restrictions
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

We love how flexible the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is. After earning your points, simply use your card to make a travel purchase. Then, redeem your points as a credit for any travel brand, any time.

Along with all the other Venture Card benefits, Capital One recently took this card to the next level with the addition of travel partners. You can now transfer points to over 10 different travel partners for even more possible value.

So, if you love versatility, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card definitely deserves your consideration.

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for Frequent Travelers

If you travel frequently, the card_name is definitely a card you should consider. Overall, we rate it as the best travel credit card on the market…with a few caveats, of course.

Here’s a look at some of the top Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points when spending $4,000 in the first 3 months ($900 value)
• $300 annual travel credit
• Earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars and 5x points on air travel purchased through Chase portal (after first $300 spent on travel annually)
• Earns 3x points on dining and other travel purchases
• Get 50% more value on travel through Chase portal
• Free Priority Pass Select membership to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• Up to $100 application fee credit once every 4 years toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA Precheck
• Earn 10x points on Lyft rides
• Complimentary DashPass subscription (includes free delivery on orders $12+)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a 60,000 point signup bonus when you spend $4,000 during the first 3 months you have the card. Because your Chase points are worth 50% more through the Chase portal, this card’s signup bonus is also worth $900 toward travel.

Like the Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve also offers important travel protections – including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, and more. Additionally, the card offers no foreign transaction fees, up to a $100 application fee credit (once every 4 years) toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA Precheck, and a whopping $300 annual statement credit you can use toward travel expenses.

You’ll also get 10x points earned on Lyft rides and a complimentary DashPass membership. The DashPass membership from DoorDash waives delivery fees on orders of $12 or more. If you use either of these companies, those are some pretty nice benefits.

The biggest drawback is obviously the annual_fees annual fee. With that said, the annual $300 travel credit effectively makes that fee just $250. So, if you travel a lot, you’ll likely get the rest back through the card’s lounge access, additional earning potential, complimentary memberships, and more.

Read our full review | Learn how to apply here

card_name: Great Value for Premium Benefits

The travel rewards game is tough to crack, but the card_name has come to play! This premium travel rewards credit card has everything you need and more, including:

• Welcome Offer: 75,000 miles (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in first 3 months
• $300 annual travel statement credit for purchases through Capital One Travel portal
• 10,000 bonus miles ($100 value) every year on your account anniversary
• Access to Capital One Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide
• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases
• $100 credit toward TSA Precheck or Global Entry fees
• Points can be used to cover travel expenses with any travel brand, any time
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

I love that the Capital One Venture X Card keeps things simple. The credits and benefits are focused on things frequent travelers really want, rather than on a bunch of add-ons that drive up the cost of the annual fee. They are also easy to use, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.

The card pays for itself with its annual bonuses and credits alone. Every year, you’ll enjoy $300 in travel statement credits that can be used toward travel purchases made through Capital One Travel. You’ll also receive 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 in travel credits) every year on your cardmember anniversary. That is $400 in annual credits and bonuses (compared to a $395 annual fee), and we’re just getting started.

Cardmembers receive access to all Capital One Lounges as well as over 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges across the world. The Venture X Card also includes up to $100 in credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck fees.

The welcome offer isn’t anything to sneeze at either. After spending $4,000 during the first 3 months you have the card, you’ll earn 75,000 bonus miles. Those miles are worth $750 in free travel through statement credits.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it is hard to go wrong with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card!

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Solid Premium Benefits

When it comes to best credit cards for premium travel benefits, it is hard to beat The Platinum Card® from American Express!

This card offers a whole host of awesome (and expensive) benefits, including:

• Welcome Offer: 80,000 points after making $8,000 in purchases the first 6 months
• $200 hotel statement credit each year for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum 2-night stay required)
• $200 airline fee statement credit each year at one qualifying airline
• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year)
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
• Access to “Global Lounge Collection”
• Complimentary benefits at Fine Hotels & Resorts ($550 avg. value)
• Terms apply
• Annual Fee: annual_fees (card_name)
• Learn more about this card here

In addition to the fact that this card earns a boatload of Amex Membership Rewards (our second favorite type of travel rewards), it also comes with some very nice benefits. Our favorites are the hotel credit, the airline fee credit, and the airport lounge access!

Unfortunately, the annual_fees annual fee is probably going to scare some people off – and for good reason. Some of the credits are extremely specific, and some come with a monthly allowance. With that said, if you travel a lot, the credits and benefits offered by the Amex Platinum Card are likely enough to be worth the fee. Terms apply.

Learn how to apply here

card_name: Best for Citi ThankYou Points

Offering a big signup bonus and access to the Citi ThankYou Points program, the card_name remains one of the best credit cards for travel on the market.

Want to know more? Here’s a list of some of the card’s top benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points when you make $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Additional Bonus: For a limited time, earn 10x points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked through 6/30/23 on the Citi Travel portal
• 3x points on air travel, gas stations, and other hotels
• 3x points at restaurants/supermarkets
• 1x points on everything else
• Points transfer 1:1 to participating airline programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

Although Citi ThankYou Points aren’t nearly as valuable as they used to be, they can still be transferred to over 15 airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. You can also redeem your 60,000 bonus points for $600 in gift cards when purchased through the Citi ThankYou Center.

The Citi Premier Card does come with a annual_fees annual fee, which is certainly manageable. It is also why we’d choose this card over the more expensive Citi Prestige Card.

So, while there are other cards on this list we’d try first, the Citi Premier is still a card to keep on your radar.

Read our review full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for Cheap Flights

One of the best travel credit cards for getting cheap flights is the card_name.

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its discount flights, and – by earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points – you can make those flights even cheaper. If you’re on a budget, it’s a great option to fly either domestically or to several spots in the Caribbean. In case you missed it, they’ve also added flights to Hawaii, making it a more affordable vacation idea for budget-conscious travelers.

The Southwest Visa Card comes in several different variations, but we think the best value for most travelers is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card because it has the lowest annual fee. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 points for spending $1,000 within the first 3 months
• 2x points on Southwest purchases
• 3,000 bonus points on your card anniversary
• Earn points toward Southwest Companion Pass
• No seat restrictions or blackout dates
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply here

Although some of the other Southwest Visa cards come with bigger benefits, they also come with higher annual fees. Most importantly, all the consumer cards typically offer the same welcome bonus, which is why we tend to like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card over the others.

Unlike some airline cards, the amount of points you’ll use to book a flight with Southwest is based on the actual fare price. So, if you find flights on sale, it takes fewer points to book the flight. This might not seem like a big deal, but once you’ve tried other airline programs, you’ll realize why it’s such a nice perk.

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Great for Delta

If you are looking for a good airline credit card that offers travel miles, the card_name fits the bill. Here’s a look at what it offers:

• Welcome Offer: Earn 40,000 miles after making $2,000 in purchases the first six months
• $100 Delta Flight Credit when you spend $10,000 on card in calendar year
• 15% off when you uses miles to book Award Travel through Delta
• 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and U.S. supermarkets
• 1x miles on other eligible purchases
• First checked bag is free
• Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
• 20% savings on eligible Delta in-flight purchases (in form of statement credit)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Terms apply
• Annual Fee: annual_fees (card_name)
• Learn how to apply here

As with many of the best travel rewards credit cards, the Gold Delta SkyMiles card comes with a nice welcome offer when you meet a relatively small minimum spending requirement. With this card, you’ll also earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets; you’ll earn 1x miles on all other eligible purchases. Additionally, you’ll earn a $100 Delta Flight Credit when you make $10,000 in purchases during a calendar year. 

Of course, when you fly with Delta, this card offers some pretty nice perks too. You’ll enjoy one complimentary checked bag and priority boarding, which is always nice. You’ll also receive 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel direct through Delta (does not apply to partners or taxes). You can also get a statement credit for a 20% savings when you use your card for eligible in-flight purchases when flying Delta.

Although other Delta credit cards come with high annual fees, the Delta Gold offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year. After that, the card costs just $99 a year to keep it. Of course, if you spend $10,000 in a calendar year, the $100 Delta Flight Credit covers the annual fee.

So, if you’re planning an international or domestic trip with Delta, this is one card you don’t want to miss. Terms apply.

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for United Airlines

Are you a frequent traveler with United Airlines? If so, the card_name may be one of the best travel rewards credit cards for you.

Let’s take a peek at what it offers:

• Signup Bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in first 3 months
• 2x miles on United purchases, dining (and eligible delivery services), and hotel stays
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• Global Entry/NEXUS/TSA Precheck fee credit (up to $100)
• 25% back on inflight purchases (Dining, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United flights)
• First checked bag is free
• Priority boarding
• 2 one-time passes each year to United Club airport lounge
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply

The United Explorer Card currently offers a signup bonus of 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 on the card in the first 3 months that your account is open. Not bad, right? 

As a United Airlines customer, you’ll also enjoy getting your first bag checked free when you use your card for United flights. Additionally, the card provides priority boarding access, two one-time passes each year to the United Club airport lounge, and a credit of up to $100 when use your card to apply for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA Precheck.

To top it off, the card comes with an introductory annual fee of $0. After that, it adjusts to a reasonable $95 a year. So, if you regularly fly with United, this could be a nice card to add to your wallet.

>> Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for Admirals Club

If you’re somebody who flies a lot with American Airlines, the card_name is definitely a card you should consider. Whether you travel domestically or internationally, this card offers some great perks to frequent flyers.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics:

• Signup Bonus: For a limited time, earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
• Admirals Club membership and complimentary lounge access
• First bag checked free for you and up to 8 companions
• Earn 2x miles on AA purchases, 1x miles on everything else
• 10,000 AAdvantage Elite Qualifying Miles after making $40,000 in purchases annually
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply

In addition to the huge signup bonus, the biggest benefit to this card is access to the Admirals Club. If you’re a frequent flyer, you already know how cozy these lounges can be. They also provide snacks and drinks, so it could end up saving you money on food.

With that said, the obvious elephant in the room is the $450 annual fee. That’s a pretty hefty fee to pay for an airline card, especially when you can get the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard for a lot less. Of course, that card doesn’t come with lounge access, so you’ll have to decide how important that perk is to you.

If you like the extra perks and want to fly in style, the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard may be the best travel credit card for you.

>> Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for Marriott Stays

For years, Marriott has offered one of the best hotel loyalty programs around. The program has several credit card offerings available, but the card_name is our favorite of the bunch.

Here are a few of its highlights:

• Welcome Offer: For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after making $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months
• Earn 3x points on the first $6,000 in combined spending at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores each year
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 spent on the card
• Free night award (up to 35,000 points) each year on your account anniversary
• Up to 17x points on spending at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on other purchases
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• 15 Elite Night Credits every calendar year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: $95
• Learn how to apply

For a limited time, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers 100,000 bonus points when you make $3,000 in purchases the first 3 months after opening your account. That is a huge bonus and makes this card one of our favorites!

Additionally, you’ll earn 3x points on the first $6,000 in combined spending at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants every year.

You’ll also earn up to 17x points for spending at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2x points on other purchases. With the card, you’ll be granted Silver Elite Status and can reach Gold Status if you spend $35K on the card each year.

Finally, each year on your account anniversary, you’ll earn a “free night award.” Use this award and stay for free at Marriott properties around the world (35,000 point/night max). How sweet is that?

If you’re looking for a solid hotel card with great benefits and a huge signup bonus, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card definitely deserves a look!

Learn How to Apply Here

card_name: Best for Hyatt Stays

Hyatt lovers will find a lot to like about card_name. This Chase Visa is our top card for stays at Hyatt brand hotels.

Here’s a quick look at what cardmembers will enjoy:

• Signup Bonus: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• Additional Bonus: Earn up to 30,000 additional points by earning 2x points per dollar spent on up to $15,000 in purchases during the first 6 months (limited to purchases that normally earn 1x point)
• Enjoy 1 free night at Category 1-4 hotels and resorts each year on cardmember anniversary
• Earn additional free night at Category 1-4 hotels and resorts by spending $15,000 on card in a calendar year
• Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status
• Get 5 tier qualifying night credits toward status each year, including when you open account
• Earn 2 tier qualifying night credits toward status for every $5,00 spent on card
• Earn up to 9x points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays
• Earn 2x points on restaurant spending, airline tickets purchased directly through airlines, local transit, and fitness club memberships
• Annual Fee: $95
• Learn how to apply

If you’re a fan of Hyatt, you already know that Hyatt points provide a lot of bang for your buck – particularly when it comes to their higher-end properties. The World of Hyatt Credit Card helps you earn even more points with a very generous welcome bonus.

With this card, you’ll earn 30,000 points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. You can earn up to 30,000 additional bonus points by earing 2x points on the first $15,000 you spend during the first 6 months (limited to purchases that typically earn 1x points).

Do you like free nights? The World of Hyatt Card includes that too! You’ll get a free night stay at a Category 1-4 hotel or resort every year on your account anniversary. By spending $15,000 on your card during a calendar year, you’ll also earn an additional free night.

In addition to earning 2x points on categories like restaurant spending and airline tickets (when purchased directly through the airline), this card also offers up to 9x points when you use your card to book stays at Hyatt properties. You’ll earn 5x base points for being a World of Hyatt member, plus you can earn an additional 4x points for using your card to book the stay.

Of course, the World of Hyatt Card also helps you build status with Hyatt – offering 5 tier qualifying night credits every year your account stays open. You can earn additional credits based on your spending. The card does charge a $95 annual fee.

With a big signup bonus and several ways to earn free nights, this card is a “must have” for Hyatt lovers. Follow the link below to learn more.

>> Learn How to Apply Here

card_name: Great for Occasional Hilton Stays

Are you looking for a good co-branded hotel card that earns Hilton Honors points and can help you stay for less? Consider applying for the card_name!

Here are a few reasons why:

• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Earns 7x points on eligible Hilton purchases
• Earns 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
• Earns 3x points on all other eligible purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status
• Eligible for Hilton Gold Status after spending $20,000 in calendar year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Terms apply
• Annual Fee: annual_fees (card_name)
• Learn how to apply

Right now, this card offers a nice welcome bonus of 80,000 Hilton Honors points when you make $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months your account is open. You’ll also earn a sweet 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases, while spending at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations will net you a nifty 5 points per dollar. All other eligible purchases are worth 3 points per dollar.

Keep in mind, Hilton offers a robust rewards program with several credit card options to choose from. While an argument could be made for any of these cards, if you only stay with Hilton occasionally, we’ll give a very slight nod to the Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Although the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card come heavier on the benefits, they also carry annual fees. Sure, the Hilton Honors American Express Card won’t automatically upgrade you to Hilton Diamond or Gold Status, but you won’t have to drop an arm and a leg on an annual fee either.

If you regularly stay with Hilton, the Aspire or Surpass card may be a better fit. For the rest of us, Hilton Honors American Express Card and its $0 annual fee is often the better value. Terms apply.

>> Learn how to apply

card_name: Best for IHG Hotels

If you’re a fan of IHG hotels – like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, Intercontinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, and more – the card_name may be for you!

IHG has over 5,500 hotels located around the world, and this card is a great way to earn tons of points toward free stays. Here’s a quick look at what this card has to offer:

• Signup Bonus: 140,000 points after making $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months; plus get up to $100 in statement credit on IHG purchases during the first 12 months after account opening
• Free award night on your cardmember anniversary
• Free award night when you use points to book stay of 4 consecutive nights or longer
• Up to 26x points at IHG hotels
• Earn 5x points on travel, gas stations, restaurants; 3x points on other purchases
• Complimentary Platinum Elite Status
• Up to $100 statement credit toward Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every 4 years
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply

The card_name is offering a 140,000 point signup bonus with a $3,000 minimum spending requirement to meet in the first 3 months. Plus, you can get up to $100 in statement credits on IHG purchases during the first 12 months your account is open.

The card_name still comes with an annual “Free Night” award, although IHG has decreased its value in recent years. In the past, we used this award night at the Holiday Inn Montego Bay. Unfortunately, that hotel no longer meets the “point per night qualification.”

With that said, this is still a pretty good card to have. When you book with points, you still get a reward night on stays of four consecutive nights or more. You also get complimentary Platinum Elite Status and up to $100 in statement credit toward Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS fees. Spending on the card also earns a decent return, especially on IHG hotel stays.

Although it can’t go pound for pound with the very best travel credit cards, the card_name is a solid way to earn free and reduced stays at IHG properties. Since Chase points also transfer to IHG, consider using this card in combination with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve to get the most value.

>> Learn how to apply

card_name: Best Travel Credit Card for Business

Do you own a business? If so, you can earn even more points and miles with a business credit card.

The card_name from Chase is our top travel rewards credit card for businesses. You’ll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to any of Chase’s travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Let’s take a look at the card’s key features:

• Signup Bonus: 100,000 points after making $8,000 in purchases over the first 3 months
• Redeem your bonus points for $1,250 in travel through Chase portal
• 3x points on first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories
• Unlimited 1x points on all other spending
• Points worth 25% more when used through portal
• Employee cards at no cost
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual Fee: annual_fees
• Learn how to apply

Let’s start with the biggie: You can earn 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $8,000 in the first 3 months your account is open. That’s worth a whopping $1,250 in travel when you redeem those points through the Chase portal!

Additionally, you’ll earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business expenses. So, what are those expenses? If you use the card for shipping purchases, internet/cable/phone, or advertising on social media or search engines, you could be earning a ton of points!

So, if you’re looking for the best travel rewards card for your business, look no further than the Chase Ink Business Preferred. It’s the card we use and the first one we recommend to our fellow business owners.

Read our full review | Learn how to apply

card_name: Excellent Premium Business Benefits

If you’re looking for a business card with all the bells and whistles, the card_name is an excellent travel card for you.

Like the personal version of the card, this card is packed with premium benefits that you’re bound to love. Here’s a quick look at some of the top features:

• Welcome Offer: 120,000 Membership Rewards points after making at least $15,000 in qualified purchases the first 3 months
• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex portal
• Earns 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select business categories or on any purchase of $5,000 or more (up to $2M in purchases per calendar year)
• Get 35% of points back when used to pay for flights (up to 1M/year)
• Access to Global Lounge Collection
• Up to $400 annual credit with Dell (enrollment required)
• Up to $189 annual credit toward CLEAR® Plus (subject to auto-renewal) (enrollment required)
• Terms apply
• Annual Fee: annual_fees (card_name)
• Learn how to apply

The Amex Business Platinum Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 120,000 points. Simply make at least $15,000 in qualified purchases during the first three months you have the card, and you’re good to go.

Of course, there is  lot more about this card that you’ll like as well – including the 5x points you’ll earn on prepaid hotels and flights booked through the Amex portal.

When you fly, you’ll also get complimentary entry to their Global Lounge Collection, which is pretty sweet. You can also get up to $189 reimbursed through a statement credit when you use your card to enroll in CLEAR (subject to auto-renewal). Where available, this program helps you move quicker through security lines at airports, stadiums, and more. There’s also an annual credit of up to $400 that you can use toward computer costs with Dell. Terms apply.

Although the Business Platinum Card from American Express comes with a pretty large annual fee, the benefits may outweigh the cost. Compare it with other business cards by using the link below.

>> Learn how to apply

Best Travel Credit Cards: Final Thoughts

Whether you want to explore the sites in London or book a trip to Disney World, the best travel rewards credit cards can help you do it for less. Many of these cards earn points and miles with some of the world’s top airline and hotel loyalty programs. Others let you to take a travel statement credit, allowing you to travel with any brand you choose.

Even better, some cards provide more than just free travel. Select travel rewards cards earn special perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and credits toward Global Entry and TSA Precheck applications. Some cards even come with important protections like travel insurance and rental car coverage.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page! We’ll continue to update this list with the most current information and more of the best travel rewards credit cards when they become available.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best travel credit cards for 2023! Again, we’d really appreciate your support by using our affiliate links to apply. Thanks for reading, and happy traveling!

(Disclosure: Club Thrifty has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. If you apply for a card using our links, Club Thrifty and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Read our full disclosure statement here.)

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FAQs

To see rates and fees for the American Express cards featured, use the following links: American Express Platinum Card: See Rates and Fees; Delta SkyMiles Gold Credit Card: card_name; Hilton Honors American Express Card: card_name; The Business Platinum Card from American Express: card_name