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16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Sara Rathner

The best travel credit card is one that brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Purchases earn points or miles you can use to pay for travel. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider one of that company's branded travel credit cards. Otherwise, check out our picks for general-purpose travel cards that give you flexible travel rewards without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts ( See our top picks )

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Max flexibility + big bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Best hotel card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Best airline card

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card : Best for Credit union benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking directly with airlines/hotels

Best Travel Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Max flexibility + big bonus

Flat-rate rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, bonus rewards + high-end perks, best hotel card, travel rewards for rent payments, best airline card, credit union benefits, booking directly with airlines/hotels, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

With the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost , you don't pay an annual fee, but you also don't get rewards as rich as those on the regular Venture card ( see rates and fees ). Still, the bonus offer makes this a solid card for starting out with travel rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Max flexibility + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking directly with airlines/hotels

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Triple points on everyday categories

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, all for a $0 annual fee. Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: B est airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Best hotel card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travelers

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

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Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

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Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on September 16 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Business travel can earn credit card rewards just like leisure travel. Credit cards that earn rewards for travel purchases don't distinguish between one or the other — meaning, if a card pays 3X points on airfare, for example, it's going to pay it no matter why you're buying the ticket. There are also travel credit cards specifically designed for business operators, with benefits and perks better aligned with their needs.

Where things get complicated is when you're not arranging the travel yourself. With credit card points, the rewards go to the cardholder. So if you arrange travel through your employer and the cost goes on the "company card," then the company card gets the points. Put it on your own card and get reimbursed later, and you get the points. (And if you have a company card with your name on it? That may come down to company policy.)

When redeeming travel rewards, you want to get as much value as possible. If you can get more value by using your rewards than by using cash, then it's smart to do so. (And of course, the reverse also applies.) NerdWallet has calculated the baseline values of most major credit card points, airline miles and hotel points. When you get a value that exceeds these baselines, go ahead and use your rewards. If not, consider using cash.

For example, say you could book a trip by paying $400 cash for a ticket or by redeeming 50,000 points or miles. In that case, your points would be getting you a value of 0.8 cents apiece (50,000 x 0.8 cents = $400). If the baseline value of each point is 1 cent, then you're better off paying cash and saving the points for when you can redeem them for 1 cent or better.

That said, you don't want to be overthinking it and hoarding points indefinitely in search of the deal to end all deals. Like any other currency, travel rewards lose value over time. That flight that costs 50,000 points today might cost 55,000 next year. Do you have enough points to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, in the way you want to get there? If so, don't let fractions of a penny stop you from booking your trip. It's your money, and you get to decide how to spend it.

A number of travel credit cards come with "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, has a $300 annual travel credit; several cards offer credits toward things like airline fees or hotel bookings; and a bunch of cards have a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

The less restrictive a credit is, the easier it is to redeem. The easiest travel credit to redeem is one that:

Applies to a broad range of expenses. Some credits are very fickle. You may get $200 a year in "airline credit," but it applies only to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline that you have to choose ahead of time. A card may offer hundreds of dollars in credit toward travel, but you have to go through the issuer's booking portal, where rates may be more expensive and options more limited. Other credits, however, are broad and open-ended: $300 on any travel expense, $100 toward any airline booking, and so on.

Shows up automatically on your statement. Your issuer's system should be able to recognize qualifying expenses and then apply the credit to them without you having to do anything. If the only way to receive the credit is by calling a phone number or submitting receipts or other documentation, that makes it harder to redeem, which in turn makes it less likely that you'll redeem (and that may be the point).

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17 best travel credit cards of September 2024

Nick Ewen

The best travel credit cards offer premium perks and benefits . Our team at The Points Guy curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for anyone from the occasional traveler to frequent flyer. We’ve chosen the top cards to earn rewards and save money.

Discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet.

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best travel cards, more details on the best travel credit cards, helpful tools.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
  • American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best for occasional Delta flyers
  • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
  • Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
  • American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Best for Sky Club access
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles
  • American Express® Green Card : Best for Travelers who value Membership Rewards points
  • Airport Lounge Access

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

  • 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
  • $395 annual fee
  • $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

  • You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
  • Annual $50 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
  • Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

  • This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, valued by TPG (not provided by the issuer) at $1,388
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
  • Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
  • The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  and Five Guys, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. Card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit.  All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

  • 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com.
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership.
  • Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
  • Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
  • Few travel perks and protections.
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
  • Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full  review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card .

  • First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions.
  • Priority boarding.
  • 20% back in the form of a statement credit on in-flight purchases (not including Wi-Fi).
  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta.
  • There are better Delta cards if you want lounge access or a boost to earn elite status.
  • Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

  • No annual fee.
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
  • Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
  • Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
  • Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Uncapped earning potential
  • $50 annual statement credit
  • Solid point earning rates in popular categories
  • This card features an annual fee
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
  • Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
  • Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

  • Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
  • Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
  • Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
  • Steep $695 annual fee.
  • High spend needed for welcome offer.
  • Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

  • This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

  • You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
  • Hefty $375 annual fee.
  • There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 19.49% to 28.49% variable APR.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
  • The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
  • *Terms Apply

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our review of the  Delta SkyMiles Reserve card .  Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

  • Up to $100 statement credit (increasing to $120 Oct. 1, 2024) for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
  • Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. See terms for more details.
  • High annual fee of $650
  • Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • $650 Annual Fee.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card's sign-up bonus is a generous offer for the card. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee.
  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
  • Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
  • Yearly cap on bonus categories.
  • No travel perks.
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
  • Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

  • 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
  • No travel and purchase protections.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners.
  • 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
  • 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
  • Steep initial $550 annual fee.
  • May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

  • Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
  • Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
  • Limited Time Online Offer—Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles!
  • Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
  • Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
  • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
  • Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
  • With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
  • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
  • This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

American Express® Green Card * *The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

American Express® Green Card

  • Decent earning rates across popular spend categories
  • Annual Clear Plus credit
  • Annual LoungeBuddy credit
  • $150 annual fee
  • May not offer much value if you’re not a frequent traveler

The American Express® Green Card is packed with value for the frequent jet setter who will maximize the travel credits and related perks that come with it. In addition to earning valuable Amex Membership Rewards points on purchases such as transit, flights, hotels and vacation rentals, this card offers a nice starter stash of points in the form of an attainable welcome bonus.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and similar earning and redemption options.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel nearly covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar), with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“I'm a huge foodie, especially when I travel, so I make sure to grab the dinner bill for all my friends in order to earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants every time (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar).” — Stanley Sanford , compliance manager

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The card offers elitelike perks that can provide solid value for casual Delta flyers — all at a low $150 annual fee (that’s $0 the first year; see  rates and fees ) compared to other Delta cobranded cards.

The card is best suited to casual Delta flyers who may not fly often enough to earn elite status but would enjoy elitelike perks such as priority boarding and a free checked bag.

“As someone who likes flying Delta but doesn’t fly with them often enough to earn elite status, my Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex still gives me elitelike perks to help upgrade my travel experience.” —  Madison Blancaflor , senior editor

If you are a regular Delta flyer interested in earning elite status, the  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card  is a strong alternative. You’ll get the same elitelike benefits as with the Gold, but you’ll also get the ability to fast-track your way to  Medallion status .

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each billing cycle on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ). The card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases for no annual fee. Plus, Bilt points can be transferred to any of its multiple travel partners. 

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly billing cycle bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories each billing cycle on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The card offers some great perks for loyal Delta flyers, including free checked bags, space-available upgrades, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, lounge access, an annual companion certificate and more.

Because of the high annual fee, this card is best for those who fly Delta regularly and can maximize all of the card’s benefits.

“As a Delta Diamond Medallion, I spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The Delta Reserve card helps me maintain my status by offering shortcuts to earning (and retaining) status. Plus, the card’s annual companion ticket is valid on first-class itineraries and has helped me offset the card’s annual fee multiple years in a row.” —  Andrew Kunesh , former senior editor, points and miles

The Platinum Card® from American Express  offers a host of benefits for travelers who want to keep their redemption options open beyond Delta and its partners. While it won’t help you earn Delta elite status, Amex Platinum cardholders do have access to Delta Sky Club lounges (when flying Delta that same day) and can transfer points to Delta for award redemptions.

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6.2% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better option.

The Amex Green Card is straightforward and easy to use. It earns 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide — which is great, especially because this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — and 3 points per dollar spent on various modes of transit, including trains, ferries and buses, plus tolls you may encounter during your travels. On top of these earning healthy earning rates, the Amex Green Card also earns 1 Membership Reward point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

*The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

This card is designed for travelers who want airport lounge access without having to pay a sky-high annual fee on a more premium card. It’s also a great fit for people who often spend in the high-earning bonus categories (restaurants, transit and travel).

If you like airport lounge access but don’t want to pay a super premium fee for a card with access to exclusive lounges. the annual LoungeBuddy credit that comes with this card will serve you well.

If you’re looking for a travel card with several perks and a sub-$100 annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card earns valuable and transferable Ultimate Rewards points you can use to book flights and hotel stays with several transfer partners. The Sapphire Preferred also features healthy earning rates across popular categories, including dining, select streaming services and travel booked via Chase Travel℠ to name a few.

  • Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
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What are travel credit cards, and how do they work?

What is a travel credit card.

Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that can be redeemed toward travel expenses. They also have many perks and rewards geared toward travelers. If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases, which can help you book flights, hotels and more with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.

Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . 

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

Types of travel credit cards

Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending. A cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards, we refer to cards that earn points, such as transferable points earned with The Platinum Card® from American Express or Hilton points earned with Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card, such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which offers 3% cash back on transit, including rideshare, trains, buses, and more (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout).

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

Pros + cons of travel credit cards

  • Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
  • Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend
  • Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
  • Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more
  • Credit cards can encourage overspending
  • Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
  • The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
  • Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
  • Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers

How to choose the best travel credit card

  • 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
  • 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

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What TPG readers have to say about their favorite travel credit cards

Fan favorites among top travel credit cards include those that earn both points and miles. In addition to helping offset the cost of travel — whether it’s for rental cars, hotel stays or flights — some TPG readers love that travel cards also offer travel insurance (including protections for things like delayed or lost baggage). We asked our readers which credit card has made the biggest impact when they travel and why — here are their responses.

Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.

“Allowed me to justify staying at nicer hotels and just overall leveling up with how I travel.” — Jackie C via Facebook  

“ Venture X for me - lounge access and my first long haul biz [sic] class flight on points! Changing my travel game for the better!” — Lauren R via Facebook

“Can't beat the flexibility of the $300 travel credit from the Chase Sapphire Reserve .” — Armando S via Facebook

Ask our experts

What's your favorite travel credit card — and why.

Brian Kelly

Credit pointers with Brian Kelly

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How to maximize travel credit cards

Earn the welcome bonus.

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus , which allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. If offered, a welcome bonus can be a crucial part of a card’s value. Before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. 

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Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card.

If you travel often and in luxury, consider cards that are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status .

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card that will allow you to earn points on your travel without a long list of luxury perks. They’re often much more cost-effective for a traveler on a budget .

Even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

Also, consider if you'll be taking a lot of international travel or if you'll be away for longer, as there are certain credit cards best for long-term travelers .

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Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options, including award chart sweet spots that can get you the most maximized redemptions for your points and miles.

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amextravel.com. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

There are plenty of ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes with your travel rewards . For instance, be sure you do your research with your rewards to get a high-value redemption and make sure your accounts are in good standing so you don’t risk losing them.  

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

How we rate cards

Frequently asked questions.

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access,  rental car insurance  or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

16 best travel credit cards: Upgrade and elevate your next trip

Ben Luthi

Ben Luthi is an award-winning personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, rewards programs, and mortgages. He began his writing career at NerdWallet covering credit cards and writing about student loans at Student Loan Hero, before becoming a full-time freelancer.

Dia Adams

Dia Adams is the senior editor leading the credit cards team at Fortune Recommends. Previously, Dia was a managing editor on the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. She has been featured on national television, radio, print, and online media as an expert in the realms of credit cards, points and miles, Disney and family travel. 

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Travel credit cards make it possible for you to earn free and discounted travel with your everyday spending. What’s more, some of the best travel credit cards also offer valuable perks that elevate your trip experience.

At the same time, each card has its own set of rewards rates, intro bonuses, annual fees and other terms, so take your time picking one that aligns well with your travel and spending habits. We reviewed over 50 travel credit cards to help you find the ones that take flight and those that are best left on the ground. Learn more about our methodology .

Why trust Fortune Recommends

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. Read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • Over 10 million points redeemed
  • Disney World guidebook author on staff
  • More than 2,000 hotel nights stayed
  • More than a million miles flown

The best travel credit cards of September 2024

  • Featured Partner: Best business flexible rewards travel card: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
  • Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Best premium card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best flat-rate rewards card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best mid-level card: chase sapphire preferred® card, best premium airline card: delta skymiles® reserve american express card.

  • Best for mid-level airline card: United℠ Explorer Card

Best premium hotel card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Best for hotel loyalists: ihg one rewards premier credit card, best for credit building: capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card, best travel card for earnings: wells fargo autograph journey℠ visa® card, best $0 annual fee travel card: bilt mastercard®.

  • Best 0% intro APR travel card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Best for fair credit: Credit One Bank Wander® American Express® Card

Best no annual fee business travel card: the blue business® plus credit card from american express, best premium business travel card: capital one venture x business, best business flexible rewards travel card: ink business preferred® credit card.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers high-octane rewards for business owners who spend a lot in its different bonus rewards categories.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Intro bonus.

over 50s travel card

at Cardratings.com

Rewards Rates

  • 3x 3x points for $1 (up to $150,000 combined) spent on purchases like shipping purchases, internet, cable, phone, and advertising
  • 1x 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • 5x 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025
  • Additional perks: Free employee cards, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone coverage
  • Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like it: If you’re looking for ways to maximize your rewards on everyday business expenses, the Ink Business Preferred can be tough to beat. The card offers a massive welcome bonus and triple points on shipping purchases, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, internet, cable and phone services, and travel.

While those bonus rewards are capped each year, the $150,000 threshold is much higher than other credit cards with similar limitations. 

As with other Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards, you’ll have plenty of flexibility with redemption options. However, the Ink Business Preferred offers 25% more value if you use your points to book travel through the Chase Travel portal.

Learn more about the card in our Ink Business Preferred review .

  • Sizable welcome bonus
  • Appealing rewards on categories businesses use
  • Extensive list of transfer partners
  • Extra value on travel redemptions
  • No premium travel perks
  • Has an annual fee

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ultimate Rewards program offers an impressive array of redemption options, such as cash back, gift cards, travel, Apple products and online shopping. 

While you’ll get solid redemption value for many of these options, your best bet is to use your points to book travel through Chase or to transfer them to one of the card issuer’s airline and hotel loyalty program partners and potentially get even more value.

Points don’t expire while your account is open and in good standing.

Card benefits 

  • Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary when renting for business purposes)
  • Roadside dispatch
  • Cell phone protection
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Free employee cards

Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express 

The Platinum Card® from American Express charges an annual fee that some will find hard to stomach. But if you’re a frequent flyer, it may well become your favorite travel companion.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

over 50s travel card

at Bankrate

Reward Rates

  • 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
  • 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • 1X Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases

Other benefits

  • Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
  • Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like it: The Amex Platinum card offers access to more airport lounge networks than any other credit card. At larger airports, you may even have your pick among several lounge options. 

The card also comes packed with more than $1,000 in annual travel and lifestyle credits, elite status with select hotel and car rental rewards programs and many other perks that touch just about every aspect of your travel experience. 

The card’s rewards program isn’t as strong as our other top choices, with a low rewards rate on everyday spending and less-than-stellar redemption rates, even on most travel options. However, savvy travel rewards enthusiasts can make the most of their rewards through transfers to partner airline and hotel rewards programs.

For more info, check out the Amex Platinum review .

  • Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Uber Cash, Walmart+ membership, and more
  • Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
  • Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility
  • The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track
  • Sky-high annual fee
  • Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle

Amex Membership Rewards

The American Express Membership Rewards program offers a lot of flexibility and redemption options. However, the value of your points are limited if you redeem them directly with the card issuer.

Redemption options include travel, statement credits, gift cards and online shopping. In most cases, however, you’ll get between 0.5 and 0.85 cents per point. The main exceptions are flights and Fine Hotels & Resorts stays, both of which give you 1 cent per point. If you want to estimate your value for different options, Amex provides a handy points calculator you can play around with.

You can also transfer your rewards to one of the card issuer’s many airline and hotel loyalty program partners—and this is often the best way to use your points to maximize their value. 

Keep in mind, though, that the card issuer charges an excise tax offset fee on points transfers—something other rewards programs don’t require. The fee is $0.0006 per point transferred, with a $99 maximum. If you want, you can use points to cover the fee, albeit with a shoddy redemption value.

If you have multiple credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points, your rewards will be automatically pooled for you, so you don’t have to worry about manually combining them. Points don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Amex transfer partners

Amex offers access to 21 transfer partners, more than most similar rewards programs. Like others, though, it heavily skews toward international airlines, albeit with some key domestic options. You’ll get a 1:1 transfer ratio with each partner unless otherwise noted:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • AeroMexico Rewards (1:1.6)
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Air France/KLM Flying Blue
  • ANA Mileage Club
  • Avianca LifeMiles
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • Choice Privileges

Delta SkyMiles

  • Emirates Skywards
  • Etihad Guest
  • Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
  • Hilton Honors (1:2)
  • Iberia Plus
  • JetBlue TrueBlue (5:4)
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer
  • Qatar Airways Privilege Club
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Amex Platinum Lounge Access

The Platinum Card provides complimentary access to more airport lounge networks than any other credit card that’s publicly available. Both the primary cardholder and authorized users ($195 annual fee for each) will get access to the following networks:

  • The Centurion Lounge
  • Priority Pass 
  • Escape Lounges
  • Lufthansa Lounge
  • Plaza Premium 
  • Delta Sky Club 

Keep in mind, though, that you can only access Delta Sky Club lounges if you’re flying on a Delta-operated flight. Guest policies and costs vary depending on the lounge network.

  • Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card
  • Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay
  • Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required)
  • Get up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only (Terms Apply)
  • Up to $100 per year in credits toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases
  • Up to $155 per year in credits toward an auto-renewing monthly Walmart+ membership
  • Get up to $199 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®
  • Get $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®
  • Gold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors
  • Car rental privileges with Avis, Hertz and National Car Rental
  • Complimentary ShopRunner membership
  • Trip delay insurance
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • Return protection

Learning how to leverage Membership Rewards has been a game-changer for me. No other transferable currency program has as many airline partners as Amex. Last summer I was able to book three flights from Miami to Rome on Iberia by transferring my points to Avios, saving me more than $2,400 if I had paid cash. Adam Frankel, Fortune contributor

Best premium card: Capital One Venture X Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers rich rewards and travel perks, and unlike many other premium travel credit cards, the Venture X doesn’t make you jump through many hoops to earn back the cost of its steep annual fee.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

over 50s travel card

  • 10X 10X Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 5X 5X Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X 2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
  • Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like it: In addition to a Capital One Travel credit and bonus miles each year, you’ll also get complimentary access to a number of airport lounge networks with more than 1,300 locations around the world. 

The card also offers ultimate flexibility when it comes to redeeming your rewards for travel. You can book with miles through Capital One Travel, or if you want more options, you can use your card to pay for travel-related expenses and request a statement credit. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even transfer your rewards to various frequent flyer and hotel rewards programs and potentially get more value from your miles.

For more details, check out our Capital One Venture X review .

  • 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary and $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel  make up for the annual fee
  • Airport lounge access
  • Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
  • Limited cash redemption options

Capital One Rewards 

The Capital One Miles program offers more redemption flexibility than most other travel rewards programs. While you can use the card issuer’s travel portal, it can be more convenient to simply book travel with your preferred provider and request a statement credit. 

Capital One also offers a list of transfer partners, but it skews toward international airlines, making it hard for anyone but points and miles enthusiasts to find great redemptions. That said, if you’re willing to put in the work, partners such as Flying Blue can provide great value. 

Unfortunately, non-travel options aren’t as valuable. If you want cash back, for instance, you’ll get just 0.5 cents per mile compared to the standard 1 cent per mile for travel redemptions. Gift card redemptions typically give you 0.8 cents per mile in value.

Your miles don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Capital One transfer partners

All of the card issuer’s airline and hotel loyalty program partners offer a 1:1 transfer ratio except otherwise noted:

  • Accor Live Limitless (2:1 ratio)
  • Aeromexico Club Premier
  • EVA Air Infinity MileageLands (4:3 ratio)
  • Finnair Plus
  • Flying Blue
  • TAP Miles&Go
  • Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
  • Wyndham Rewards

Venture X Lounge access

The card offers access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world for you and up to two guests. Authorized users will also enjoy this perk with no additional annual fee. Lounge networks include:

  • Capital One Lounges
  • Plaza Premium Group 
  • Priority Pass

Capital One Venture X Card benefits 

  • Up to $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary 
  • Get unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
  • Application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years
  • No fee for authorized users
  • Exclusive access to events and restaurant reservations through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining
  • Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Purchase security

To maximize your credit card rewards, consider pairing at least two cards—with with higher rewards on certain spending and one with a flat rate on all spending. Glen Flanagan, Deputy Editor

Travel rewards can get complicated, which is why the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and its straightforward approach feels like a breath of fresh air.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

over 50s travel card

  • 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x Earn 2x miles on every purchase
  • The Venture offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Why we like it:

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a high, flat rewards rate on your everyday spending, so you don’t need to keep track of different bonus rewards categories. It also offers extra miles on select travel booked through the Capital One Travel platform.

You can redeem your miles by booking travel through Capital One Travel or by using your card to pay for travel on your own and request a statement credit. Alternatively, you can transfer your miles to airline and hotel rewards program partners for more dynamic redemptions. The card also comes with complimentary Hertz Five Star status, which lets you skip the rental counter and get access to a wider selection of vehicles. When you use it to pay the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Capital One will reimburse you.

For more detail check out our Capital One Venture review .

Flexible travel rewards

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
  • Cash redemption value is limited

With Capital One Miles , you’ll have the flexibility to redeem your miles through the card issuer’s travel portal or by booking travel on your own and requesting a statement credit. The card issuer also offers access to several transfer partners, though it’s mostly international airlines. 

In addition to travel, you can also redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, online shopping and experiences, among others. However, you may not get as much value with these choices. Instead of the 1 cent per mile you’ll get with travel, cash back gives you just 0.5 cents per. Gift cards, on the other hand, typically give you 0.8 cents per mile in value.

Miles don’t expire while your account remains open and in good standing.

Capital One Venture Card benefits 

  • Hertz Five Star status

An often-overlooked sweet spot is using Iberia Avios to get to Europe. Off-peak business class flights from the East Coast to Madrid are only 34,000 Avios plus about $100. Making this better, Iberia partners with Bilt Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Miles and “off-peak” is defined very generously by Iberia. I transferred 68,000 points to Iberia to see Taylor Swift in Madrid. Flying in a lie-flat seat having breakfast at midnight was the perfect way to get there. Dia Adams, Senior Editor

If you’re looking for a way to maximize your travel rewards without paying a steep annual fee, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

over 50s travel card

  • 5x 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit)
  • 3x 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • 2x 2x points on travel purchases not booked through Chase
  • 1x 1x points on other purchases
  • 5x 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel)
  • Additional perks: $50 annual hotel credit, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, complimentary Doordash and Instacart+ membership along with quarterly Instacart+ credits

Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers an impressive welcome bonus and several opportunities to earn bonus points on your everyday spending. Annual perks include a $50 credit toward hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, a 10% points bonus on your spending throughout the year and benefits with partners like Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, and Peloton.

The card offers flexible redemption options, including cash back, but you’ll get 25% more value if you use your points to book travel through Chase. Alternatively, you can transfer your rewards to one of the card issuer’s airline or hotel rewards program partners and potentially squeeze more value out of your points. 

For more info, check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card review .

  • Valuable welcome bonus

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is arguably the most versatile credit card rewards programs on the market, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to unlock most of its potential. 

For starters, you can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points in many different ways, including travel, cash back, gift cards, online shopping and more. And unlike some other travel credit cards, you won’t be penalized with a subpar redemption value for using your points for cash instead of travel expenses.

That said, some redemptions, including shopping online with Amazon.com or PayPal, may give you a reduced redemption rate. 

Even with that flexibility, though, travel is still the best way to make the most of your rewards. The Sapphire Preferred gives you 25% more value on travel redemptions through Chase Travel, which includes flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, tours and other activities. 

Also, note that Chase allows you to combine points earned with different Ultimate Rewards credit cards, giving you more opportunities to maximize your rewards. For example, you could pair the Sapphire Preferred with the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® , both of which offer great rewards rates on different spending categories. 

But those cards don’t give you access to transfer partners or the 25% bonus on travel redemptions, so moving your points earned with either card to the Sapphire Preferred gives you that access. 

Points don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners

The Sapphire Preferred offers access to 14 airline and hotel loyalty transfer partners, all at a 1:1 ratio. 

Chase’s list of partners includes a few domestic airlines, as well as the World of Hyatt program, which is a popular one among points and miles hobbyists for its high-value redemptions. Options include:

  • Flying Blue Air France/KLM
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • JetBlue TrueBlue
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • United MileagePlus
  • World of Hyatt
  • Up to $50 in statement credits each year toward hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
  • 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel)
  • Earn 5 points per dollar on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150, up to 25,000 points total through March 31, 2025
  • Complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Baggage delay insurance

I consistently get high value from Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, including using points with Hyatt’s lowest-tier hotels when cash rates are high around holidays. But I also love the ability to redeem points in the travel portal for theme park tickets and activities. This helps me pay for as many aspects of my trip as possible with points, keeping cash costs down. Ryan Smith, Fortune contributor

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers premium perks for the most frequent of Delta flyers. However, its steep annual fee is likely a deal-breaker for more casual travelers who aren’t loyal to Delta.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

over 50s travel card

  • 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
  • 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • 15% discount on Delta award flights
  • Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
  • Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like it: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers several premium perks. For starters, you’ll get complimentary access to multiple airport lounge networks when you fly Delta. 

You’ll also get a flexible companion certificate each year. Other flight-related perks include a 15% discount on award tickets, complimentary seat upgrades, free checked bags, cash back on inflight purchases and more. 

You’ll also get perks that touch on other aspects of your trip experience, such as statement credits for hotel accommodations booked through Delta Stays, Hertz President’s Circle status and statement credits toward rideshare purchases and restaurant reservations. 

Learn more about the card in our Delta Reserve Amex review .

  • Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
  • Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
  • Access to Centurion Lounge network
  • High annual fee
  • Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
  • Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards

The Delta SkyMiles rewards program allows you to earn miles when you fly Delta or more than 20 partner airlines. You can also rack up rewards with other partners, including Starbucks and Lyft, or through the SkyMiles Dining and SkyMiles Shopping programs. 

The best way to use your SkyMiles is typically for award flights with the airline and its partners—you’ll have access to more than a thousand destinations around the world. Alternatively, you can use your miles for the following:

  • Seat upgrades
  • Checked baggage fees
  • Delta Vacations packages
  • Delta Stays accommodations
  • Culinary and travel experiences
  • Magazine subscriptions

If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, you may be able to earn elite status with the airline, which comes with a host of other perks. Depending on which tier you qualify for, benefits may include bonus miles on Delta purchases, complimentary seat upgrades, Delta travel vouchers, fee waivers, priority check-in and boarding and more. Delta SkyMiles don’t expire. 

Delta Reserve Companion Pass

The card’s annual companion certificate could save you hundreds of dollars when flying with a plus-one. The certificate is good for a seat in first class, Delta Comfort+ or the main cabin on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights.

Keep in mind, though, that you need to pay cash for your ticket to use the companion pass. You’ll also need to pay the companion ticket’s taxes and fees, which can be as much as $80 for domestic flights and $250 for international flights. If you cancel the flight after booking, you won’t get a new companion certificate for future use. 

Delta Reserve Lounge Access

The Delta Reserve card offers access to three airport lounge networks, including the Delta Sky Club lounge, the Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounges. The downside is that you have to be flying on a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight to get that access. 

Other premium airline cards that offer lounge access typically don’t restrict access to flights on a single airline.

That said, if you have the Delta Reserve, you’re likely loyal to the airline, so it might not be too much of an issue most of the time.

  • Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounges locations when flying Delta.
  • Annual companion certificate
  • Complimentary upgrades with priority over other Medallion members with the same elite status level
  • 15% off award travel on Delta that is booked with miles
  • First checked bag free for you and eight others on your reservation
  • 20% back on inflight purchases
  • Up to $200 Delta Stays statement credit
  • Hertz President’s Circle status
  • Up to $120 for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers each year
  • Up to $240 at U.S. Resy restaurants each year
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) each year, plus $1 MQD for every $10 you spend
  • Application fee credit toward Global Entry every four years or TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years
  • Baggage insurance plan
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance
  • Purchase protection 

Best mid-level airline card: United℠ Explorer Card

If you like the idea of enjoying rewards and perks with an airline rather than general travel rewards and benefits, you can’t go wrong with the United℠ Explorer Card.

United℠ Explorer Card

over 50s travel card

  • 2x 2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel stays, and United® purchases (including tickets, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus® and more)
  • 1x 1x miles on all other purchases
  • United perks: 25% back on in-flight purchases checked bag benefit, expanded Saver award ticket availability
  • Travel perks: Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit, trip cancellation and interruption protection

Why we like it: The card offers a sizable welcome bonus and a few different bonus rewards categories. With a strong domestic and international presence, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to redeeming your miles for award flights.

You’ll get some standard airline card benefits, such as a free checked bag for you and a companion, priority boarding, and a discount on select inflight purchases. But you’ll also get some perks that most mid-tier airline cards don’t offer, including expanded access to Saver award tickets, premier upgrade eligibility on award tickets, two one-time passes to the United Club lounge each year, and an application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. 

For more info check out our United Explorer review .

  • Free first checked bag benefit
  • Expanded award availability on United Saver flights
  • Foreign transaction fee:
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95)
  • Subject to Chase 5/24 rule

Earning United MileagePlus miles gives you access to more than 1,000 destinations around the world, with a strong domestic and international footprint. You can earn miles by flying with United and its Star Alliance partners, as well as on purchases through United Hotels, MileagePlus Shopping and the MileagePlus X app.  

Other partners that offer United miles include Avis, Budget, select cruise lines, Marriott, IHG and Villas of Distinction.

The best way to use your MileagePlus miles is to book flights with United and its partners. If you don’t have enough miles to cover a full ticket, you can combine miles and cash. Other redemption options include:

  • Inflight Wi-Fi, food and beverages
  • United Club membership
  • TSA PreCheck membership fee
  • United Hotels accommodations
  • Rental cars with Avis and Budget
  • Cruise bookings
  • Shopping, including Apple products, magazine subscriptions, gift cards and more

If you earn Premier elite status with the airline, you could enjoy a variety of benefits based on which tier you qualify for. Examples include free checked baggage, complimentary seat upgrades, priority boarding, bonus miles on United purchases and more. 

Once you earn United MileagePlus miles, they’ll never expire. 

  • Two United Club one-time passes each year
  • Free checked bag for you and one companion
  • Earn 25 Premier qualifying points (PQPs) for every $500 you spend, up to 1,000 PQPs each year
  • Premier upgrades on award tickets when available
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight and Club premium drink purchases
  • Application fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years

With Chase cards like the United Explorer, each month I spend 5 minutes browsing Chase Offers and adding any and all deals to my account that I think I might use. Last month I ended up using $10 off Turo, 10% off IHG Hotels & resorts and $10 cash back on Chewy purchases for ~$50 savings total. Chris Butsch, Fortune contributor

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is your gateway to elite hotel perks that you can’t get with any other hotel credit card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

over 50s travel card

  • 14x Earn 14X points per dollar on Hilton stays
  • 7x Earn 7X points per dollar on airfare, car rentals and restaurants
  • 3x Earn 3X points per dollar on other purchases
  • All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™.
  • Travel perks including CLEAR membership, accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance

Why we like it: The card offers some impressive rewards, particularly on Hilton purchases. But what makes the card really shine is its perks. 

For starters, you’ll get complimentary Diamond elite status, which is the highest status tier in the Hilton Honors program. Benefits include a 100% bonus points bonus on Hilton stays, space-available room upgrades, executive lounge access, premium WiFi and a 48-hour room guarantee, among others.

You’ll also get an annual free night reward good for most Hilton properties worldwide, plus annual credits for Hilton Resort stays and flight purchases, elite rental car status, property credits and more. 

Learn more by reading our Hilton Honors Aspire review .

  • Highest-tier Diamond status given with card, unique among hotel cards
  • Uncapped free night certificate
  • Over $600 in annual credits
  • Credits take effort to redeem

Hilton Honors 

The Hilton Honors program lets you rack up points on hotel stays, Lyft rides, eligible dining purchases and points promotions. 

The best way to use your points is to book free stays at more than 7,000 Hilton properties around the world—you can even use a combination of points and cash if necessary. Other redemption options include:

  • Concerts, dining, sporting events and other experiences
  • Rental cars with Alamo, National and Enterprise
  • Amazon.com and other online shopping portal purchases
  • Transfers to airline partners

Note that Hilton Honors points can expire if your account remains inactive—no earning or redeeming—for 24 months.

Hilton Honors program tiers

The Hilton Honors program has three elite status tiers that provide a range of benefits when you stay at Hilton hotels and resorts. With the Hilton Aspire Card, you’ll get automatic Diamond status. However, if you don’t have the card, you can earn the lowest tier with just 10 nights, 4 stays or 25,000 base points. 

Depending on which tier you reach, your benefits will vary. Examples include a fifth night free on award stays, bonus points on Hilton purchases, spa discounts, food and beverage credits, room upgrades and more.

Hilton Aspire free night

The card offers a free reward night every year on your anniversary, plus the chance to earn two more when you spend $30,000 and $60,000 in a calendar year, respectively.

While there are some excluded properties, there are no restrictions based on the point value of the stay like you’ll find with other hotel credit cards. 

Card benefits

  • Free night reward each year, plus a chance to earn two more with credit card spending
  • Up to $400 Hilton Resorts credit
  • Up to $200 each year in flight credits
  • Up to $100 luxury on-property credit on eligible stays
  • $199 each year toward a CLEAR Plus membership
  • Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
  • Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status

If you want to focus your efforts on earning free hotel stays, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers an impressive array of benefits.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

over 50s travel card

  • 10x 10X on IHG purchases 
  • 5x Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3x Earn 3X points on all other purchases
  • Additional perks: $50 annual United credit, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to Diamond status

Why we like it: If you want to focus your efforts on earning free hotel stays, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers an impressive array of benefits. The card makes it easy to earn points quickly, though it also requires a lot of points to get free stays with IHG. 

Where it really shines, though, is in its perks, which offer value that far outweighs the card’s modest annual fee. You’ll get a free night reward each year worth up to 40,000 points, plus a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points if you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. When you stay at IHG hotels, you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status, which includes perks like the fourth night free on award bookings, reward night discounts, complimentary upgrades, and a welcome amenity. You’ll also get a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.

Learn more: To learn more, see our IHG Premier review . To see all of the IHG options check our list of the best credit cards for IHG , or if you’re loyal to a different chain check out our list of the best credit cards for hotels .

  • Staggering welcome bonus which when leveraged properly could get you over a week of stays
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status grants free upgrades and early check-in
  • Free night upon card renewal
  • Fourth night free on award bookings
  • Limited redemption options outside of IHG
  • IHG points are worth less than some other rewards currencies
  • Anniversary night certificate is capped

IHG One Rewards

With the IHG One Rewards program , you can earn free hotel stays at more than 6,000 hotels around the world. You can earn points when you book hotel stays, book flights with an eligible airline partner, take advantage of member promotions and more.

When you’re ready to redeem, your best bet is to book award stays with IHG—the program even allows you to mix points and cash. Other redemption options include:

  • Experiences and tours
  • VIP event tickets and experiences
  • Merchandise
  • Movies and eBooks

As an elite member, your points will never expire. But if you cancel your card and no longer have elite status, points will expire after 12 months of account inactivity. 

IHG One Rewards program tiers

IHG offers four elite status tiers. While you’ll get Platinum status with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, you could get bumped up to Diamond status—the program’s highest level—with enough qualified nights or points.

All status tiers give you bonus points on IHG stays, as well as special member rates and promotions and late checkout. With higher tiers, however, you may also enjoy complimentary room upgrades, a welcome amenity, early check-in, guaranteed room availability and more.

  • Get a certificate for a rewards night each year on your card anniversary worth up to 40,000 points
  • Fourth night free on award stays of four or more consecutive nights
  • Automatic Platinum elite status
  • Early access to reward night sales
  • Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points each anniversary year in which you spend $20,000 on purchases
  • Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year when you link your card
  • Complimentary one-year DoorDash DashPass membership when you activate by December 31, 2024

I’ll never get rid of my IHG Premier card. Every single year I get over $500 between the free night certificate and the fourth rewards night free benefit. For under a hundred dollars a year it’s a total no-brainer. Dia Adams, Senior Editor

If you’re looking to build or rebuild, you’ll be hard-pressed to get approved for a true travel credit card. However, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card can be a solid alternative until you have the chance to establish a good credit score.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Who is this card good for.

over 50s travel card

Why we like it : The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Secured Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel, and you’ll earn a solid rewards rate on every purchase you make. Your cash back will never expire while your account remains open and in good standing.

While you need to make a security deposit equal to your desired credit limit when you get started, you don’t have to wait to close your account to get your money back. With responsible use, you can start earning unsecured credit line increases after six months, and you can also qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured Quicksilver card down the road, at which point you’ll get a deposit refund.

Learn more with our Capital One Quicksilver Secured Card review .

  • Minimum of 1.5% cash back on every purchase
  • Automatic credit line review in as few as six months
  • Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card
  • Requires a security deposit

What is a secured card?

A secured credit card can be a great way to build or rebuild your credit history. For the most part, secured cards function similarly to traditional credit cards. However, they require an upfront security deposit, which acts as collateral for your credit limit. If you default on your debt, the card issuer may seize the deposit to satisfy what you owe.

As you use your card responsibly, including maintaining a low balance and paying your bill in full every month, some of the best secured credit cards may offer unsecured credit line increases or even return your deposit, converting your account into an unsecured card. That said, many secured card issuers require you to close your account to get your deposit back.  

  • Automatic reviews for an unsecured credit line increase
  • Refundable deposit with responsible card use

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card offers impressive rewards on travel and dining purchases, making it a no-brainer for frequent jetsetters.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

over 50s travel card

  • 5X 5X points on hotels
  • 4X 4X points on airlines
  • 3X 3X points on other travel and dining
  • 1X 1X points on other purchases
  • Additional perks: Cell phone insurance, travel accident, cancellation and delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement

Why we like it: Interestingly, many top travel credit cards don’t offer great rewards on travel purchases—or they require you to use the card issuer’s travel portal to earn bonus rewards. But with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, you’ll get top-tier rewards on a range of travel purchases with no strings attached.

You’ll also get a solid welcome bonus and a $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases. While there aren’t many other notable travel perks, you’ll get a handful of trip protections to give you some extra peace of mind.  

Learn more in our Wells Fargo Autograph Journey review .

  • High rates on hotels and airlines that you can book directly, keeping status benefits
  • $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases
  • Points transfer to partners
  • Car rental insurance is secondary
  • No everyday bonus categories outside of dining
  • Transfer partners are limited

Wells Fargo Rewards

The Wells Fargo Rewards program offers a lot of flexibility with how you can use your hard-earned points. Regardless of how you use your points, they’re worth 1 cent apiece. Redemption options include:

  • Statement credit
  • Direct deposit
  • Wells Fargo mortgage payment
  • Shop with participating merchants
  • Buy gift cards
  • Buy merchandise

Your points won’t expire while your account remains open and in good standing.

Wells Fargo transfer partners

When introducing the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, the card issuer also announced transfer partners for the first time. As of July 2024, the list is short, but Wells Fargo plans to add more over time. Current partners include:

  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue

The transfer ratio is 1:1 for all partners except for Choice Privileges, which offers a 1:2 ratio. 

  • Cash back deals through My Wells Fargo Deals

While it technically isn’t billed as a travel credit card, the Bilt Mastercard®—the only credit card that offers rewards on rent payments—offers travel benefits that are hard to ignore.

Bilt Mastercard®

Special feature.

over 50s travel card

  • Make at least 5 transactions in a statement period, in order to earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases (purchases minus returns /credits) for that statement period.
  • 3X 3X Bilt Points on dining
  • 2X 2X Bilt Points on flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises when booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
  • 1X 1X Bilt Points on rent paid through the Bilt App with your card account up to a maximum of 100,000 points each calendar year
  • 1X 1X Bilt Points on purchases
  • Rewards and benefits terms.
  • Travel perks: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. See this page for details.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

The card allows you to transfer your points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, a rare feature for a travel card with no annual fee. Just keep in mind that you need to use the card at least five times in a month to earn rewards.

You’ll also pay no foreign transaction fees and get a few trip protections, including trip cancellation and interruption reimbursement, trip delay protection and auto rental collision damage waiver. For more info, check out our Bilt Mastercard review .

T o view rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard®, see this page

  • Uniquely earns points on rent
  • Rent Day bonus every first of the month offers double points (excluding rent)
  • Robust travel transfer partners
  • Cash redemption rate is poor
  • No traditional welcome bonus

Bilt Rewards 

Launched in 2021, the Bilt Rewards program was primarily introduced as the first and only loyalty program to offer rewards on rent payments. Since then, it’s expanded to include rewards on dining at select local restaurants, fitness classes and Lyft rides. 

You can redeem your Bilt Rewards points in a variety of ways, including:

  • Statement credits
  • Fitness classes
  • Amazon.com purchases
  • Rent payments
  • Down payment on a home
  • Art, home decor and lifestyle goods

The value of your points will vary depending on how you use them. That said, the most valuable redemptions include travel bookings (1.25 cents per point) and down payment contributions (1.5 cents). You can also get more value by transferring your points to various partners. 

Points will expire after 18 months of inactivity in your Bilt Rewards account. 

Bilt transfer partners

Bilt offers an impressive list of transfer partners, including valuable options like the World of Hyatt program. All transfers are made at a 1:1 ratio. Here’s a quick list of your current options:

  • Air Canada Aeroplan  
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Avianca Lifemiles 
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Hilton Honors

Bilt Rent Day

Every month on the first day of the month, the Bilt Mastercard offers double points on every purchase other than rent. That means you’ll earn 6 points per dollar on dining, 4 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on other purchases. 

On top of that, Rent Day also comes with a variety of promotions, such as bonuses when you transfer points to partner programs, trivia and more. 

Bilt Card benefit

  • Offers fee-free rent payments
  • Trip cancellation and interruption reimbursement
  • Trip delay protection

Don’t forget that you have to make at least five non-rent purchases with the card each billing cycle to earn points. I usually do this by paying small and recurring household bills, like a streaming subscription and adding money to the app that our building uses for the laundry machines. Louis DeNicola, Fortune contributor

Best 0% intro APR card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Most travel credit cards don’t offer introductory 0% APR promotions, but if that feature is a top priority and you don’t want a cash-back card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card may be worth a look.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

over 50s travel card

  • 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 1.25x Earn 1.25x miles on every other purchase
  • The VentureOne offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

The card offers an introductory 0% APR promotion on both purchases and balance transfers, giving you plenty of time to pay off a large chunk or all of a significant purchase or high-interest debt from another card. The card’s rewards rate isn’t very exciting, but it does offer flexible travel redemption options, including access to transfer partners.

To get more details, read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card review .

  • $0 annual fee

Capital One Rewards

The Capital One Miles rewards program offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to redeeming your miles for travel. 

You can book directly in the Capital One Travel portal and use a mix of miles and cash, or you can book travel on your own using your VentureOne and request a statement credit within 90 days of the transaction date.

You’ll also have access to more than 15 transfer partners, including both airline and hotel loyalty programs. Miles don’t expire while your account is open and in good standing.

Capital One VentureOne Card benefits 

  • 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, after which the variable APR ranges from 19.99% to 29.99%

Venture Miles are ideal if you are just starting out because you can use miles against any travel purchase if you are not ready to deal with transfer partners. Then as you learn more you can use the same card to transfer miles to hotel and airline programs. Dia Adams, Senior Editor

You typically need good or excellent credit to qualify for one of the best travel credit cards, but if you’re not quite there yet, the Credit One Bank Wander® Card should be on your radar.

Credit One Bank Wander® American Express® Card

over 50s travel card

  • 10x 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
  • 5x 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
  • 1x 1x points on all other purchases

Why we like it: The card offers great rewards on select travel purchases and other everyday spending. Points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, but to get a consistent redemption rate, statement credits are your best option. 

For more info, check out our Credit One Wander review .

  • High earnings on travel, gas and restaurants
  • Available to those with fair credit
  • High interest rate

Credit One Wander benefits 

  • Experian IdentityWorks membership

The The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is the perfect choice for business owners who prefer simple rewards rates and don’t spend a lot.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

over 50s travel card

  • 2x 2x Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases for the first $50,000 in purchases per year (1x point per dollar thereafter)
  • To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see rates and fees.
  • Ability to spend beyond credit limit

Why we like it: The card offers 2x Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases for the first $50,000 in purchases per year (1x point per dollar thereafter), along with a decent welcome bonus—though it’s lower than many other no-annual-fee business credit cards.

It’s also one of just a handful of business credit cards that offer a 0% APR promotion on purchases, giving you some flexibility with a large purchase or uneven cash flow. 

While the card comes with a set credit limit, you may be able to occasionally spend more with the Expanded Buying Power feature. It’s important to note, however, that the Blue Business Plus charges a 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Get more details in our Blue Business Plus Card review .

  • Membership Rewards points are valuable if you use them for for travel
  • 0% APR offer is unusual for business cards
  • Minimal perks
  • 2x rewards are capped
  • Cash redemptions worth less than a penny per point

Membership Rewards

The Amex Membership Rewards program offers a handful of redemption options, including travel, statement credits, gift cards and online shopping. However, most of those options give you less than 1 cent per point in value. 

The best use of your points is generally to transfer them to one of the card issuer’s many airline and hotel loyalty program partners.

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening (then a variable APR of 18.49%–26.49%)
  • Spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power
  • Earn rewards and cash back with Amex Offers

If you’re looking to elevate your business and personal travel experiences, it’s hard to go wrong with the Capital One Venture X Business.

Capital One Venture X Business

over 50s travel card

  • 10x 10X miles on hotels and rental cars
  • 5x 5X Miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions

Why we like it: The card is similar to its consumer version, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, in many ways. You’ll get a $300 annual credit for booking through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every year to offset the annual fee, as well complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and membership to Priority Pass and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® . 

You’ll also get the same great rewards rates on your everyday purchases. What really sets the business version apart is its welcome bonus, which is double that of the Venture X. Just keep in mind that the spending requirement is much steeper than most.

There’s also no preset spending limit, but keep in mind that the card is a charge card, which means that you must pay your balance in full each month to avoid penalties.

Get more details in our Capital One Venture X Business review .

  • $300 annual credit for booking through Capital One Travel helps offset the annual fee

With the Capital One Miles program , you’ll get incredibly flexible travel rewards, with the options to use miles to book directly through Capital One Travel or to book on your own and request a full or partial statement credit. 

You’ll also have access to several airline and hotel loyalty program transfer partners, which could give you the chance to squeeze even more value out of your rewards. Miles don’t expire.

  • $300 annual credit for booking through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary year, starting on your first anniversary 
  • Complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and membership to Priority Pass
  • Get up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Best business hotel card: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

If you’re loyal to the IHG hotel brand, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can be a great way to rack up free hotel stays with your everyday expenses.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

over 50s travel card

  • 26x 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts
  • 5x 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants
  • 3x 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Additional perks: $50 annual United credit, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, ability to spend to Diamond status

Why we like it: The card offers a solid welcome bonus and a minimum of 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. You’ll also enjoy many of the same benefits as the consumer IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, including an anniversary free night certificate, a fourth night free on award stays and an annual statement credit and points bonus when you meet a certain spending threshold.

The card also comes with complimentary Platinum Elite status, which offers discounts on stays booked with points, complimentary room upgrades, a welcome amenity, early check-in, late checkout and many more perks. 

You’ll also get a handful of other travel benefits, all with a modest annual fee that’s easy to offset every year. 

Read the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card for more details.

  • Impressive welcome bonus worth up to four free nights at over 4,800 properties
  • Purchase protection up to $10,000 per claim
  • Limited travel protections for a travel rewards card

The IHG One Rewards program lets you redeem your hard-earned points for stays at more than 6,000 properties around the world, with options ranging from budget motels to upscale resorts.

You can earn points with an IHG credit card and on stays at IHG properties, as well as on purchases with select partners. Using your points for free stays will typically give you the best value, but you’ll also have the option to choose things like experiences, tours, VIP event tickets, gift cards and more. 

Points will expire after 12 months of inactivity unless you maintain elite status, which means they will stay active as long as you have the card since it confers Platinum status.

  • Anniversary free night worth up to 40,000 points
  • Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points when you spend $20,000 in a calendar  year
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

Best business airline card: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, you’ll get several impressive benefits that touch on several aspects of the trip experience, including the airport, rental cars, rideshare and even hotel stays.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

over 50s travel card

  • 3x Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels
  • 1.5x Earn 1.5 miles per $1 on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year).
  • 1x Earn 1 mile for each dollar of eligible purchases.

Why we like it: The card offers a solid welcome bonus and decent rewards rates, but where it really shines is in its perks. For its costly annual fee, you’ll get an annual companion certificate, 15% off award flights, complimentary seat upgrades, priority boarding, a first checked bag free for up to eight others and 20% back on inflight purchases.

Other perks include statement credits for rideshare rides, hotel and vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays and restaurant reservations. You can also get a boost toward earning elite status.

Find out if the card is right for you by checking out our Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card review .

  • Benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free, MQD Boost and MQD earned through spending Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American Main Cabin flight each year upon renewal of your card
  • Credits for Resy dining, selected rideshare and Delta Stays
  • Credits are doled out in increments and are hard to redeem

Delta Skymiles

The Delta SkyMiles rewards program makes it easy to earn award flights with credit card spending, flights with Delta and its partner airlines, dining, online shopping and more. 

You can use your miles to book flights, request seat upgrades, cover checked baggage fees, book vacation packages and hotel stays, enjoy various culinary and travel experiences or buy magazine subscriptions. Your miles will never expire.

If you fly enough with the airline, you can earn elite status, which comes with complimentary upgrades, fee waivers and much more. 

Delta Platinum Companion Pass

The card’s annual companion certificate could save you hundreds of dollars when flying with a plus-one. You can use the certificate to buy a plus-one seat in the main cabin on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights. Note that it doesn’t include first class or Delta Comfort+ like the Reserve card.

To use the companion pass, you’ll need to pay for your ticket out of pocket—flights booked with miles are ineligible. You’ll also need to cover the cost of taxes and fees for the companion ticket, which maxes out at $80 for domestic flights and $250 for international flights. Canceling the flight after booking it will cause you to forfeit the certificate. 

  • Complimentary upgrade eligibility with lower priority than Medallion members and Delta Reserve cardholders
  • 15% off award travel on Delta Air Lines booked with miles
  • First checked bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation
  • Zone 5 priority boarding
  • Up to $200 Delta Stays credit
  • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit each year
  • Up to each year
  • Earn $1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 you spend

Our methodology

The Fortune Recommends TM team analyzed more than 50 travel credit cards across various issuers to come up with the top picks. To learn more, see our credit cards methodology .

Here are the key elements we ranked each card by:

  • Annual fee: Some card issuers require cardholders to pay an annual fee for cards with rewards and extra features or benefits. For most of our rankings, we rated cards with lower or zero-dollar annual fees higher.   
  • Rewards: Travel cards typically provide rewards in the form of points or miles. For some rankings, we rated cards with better rewards rates higher on our list. 
  • Insurance and protections: When you use your card to make purchases, you may be eligible for different types of protections on those purchases. Some cards offer insurance on travel-related expenses, like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and more. Some cards also provide non-travel-related reimbursements like cell phone protection. For some rankings, we rated cards higher based on the number of protections they offered.
  • Welcome bonus: When you sign up for a new credit card, you may be eligible for a one-time welcome bonus in the form of points or miles. You’ll need to spend a certain amount within a few months of card opening to earn the bonus. We ranked cards with higher bonuses and lower spending requirements higher on our list. 
  • Perks: Travel credit cards may offer a variety of perks—like statement credits for TSA PreCheck, airport lounge access, a free checked bag, and more. We rated cards with more perks higher for some of our rankings. 
  • Foreign transaction fees: Some cards charge a flat rate on purchases when you use your card abroad. We rated cards with no foreign transaction fees higher.  

How do travel credit cards work?

Unlike cash-back rewards, which tend to work the same regardless of the card issuer, travel rewards can get complicated quickly. Ultimately, your redemption options and the value of your points and miles will vary depending on the rewards program. For a primer, check out our beginner’s guide to travel rewards .

Flexible travel rewards credit cards offer points or miles through the card issuer’s proprietary rewards program. Some examples include Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One Miles. 

With flexible travel rewards, you’ll typically get several redemption options, and your rewards are worth a set amount — usually between 0.5 cents and 1.5 cents apiece — depending on how you redeem them. Travel redemptions typically get more value, but that can vary by program.

Many of these programs also allow you to transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, giving you access to more dynamic redemptions. If you’re savvy enough, you could get more value with a transfer partner than if you were to redeem through the card issuer’s rewards program.

Airline rewards

Airline miles, or points in some cases, are designed primarily to help you earn award flights with your favorite airline, such as American , Delta , or Southwest . But unlike general points or miles, airline rewards typically don’t have a set value. 

In some cases, the number of points or miles required for a flight may be linked to the cash value of the ticket, but they may be unrelated. As a result, the value of your rewards will vary based on your flight dates, itinerary, cabin choice, and other factors. 

In some cases, you may be able to redeem your airline rewards in other ways, but you typically won’t get as much value that way.

Hotel rewards

Hotel points allow you to book free hotel stays with a single hotel chain, such as Hyatt , Hilton , or Marriott . Like airline rewards, hotel points have dynamic value, so your redemption rate will vary based on your destination, the property, your stay dates, and other variables.

Hotel loyalty programs may also allow you to redeem your rewards in other ways, but it’s generally best to stick to free nights.

Should you pick a travel credit card?

If you frequently travel or you’re looking for opportunities to travel more in the future, a travel credit card can make it easier to earn free or discounted flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. 

What’s more, some of the top travel credit cards also offer perks that can save you more money or give you a better overall experience at the airport, in flight, or throughout your trip. 

That said, most travel credit cards don’t offer as much redemption flexibility as cash-back credit cards. If you’re not sure you want to go all in on travel rewards, a cash-back credit card may be a better choice. 

Also, most of the top travel credit cards charge an annual fee. While many of them make it easy to offset that cost with rewards and perks, the fee is still an out-of-pocket cost. If you’re on a tight budget or you’re generally fee-averse, think carefully about whether you can afford that yearly cost and make sure you can get enough value from a card to make its annual fee worthwhile.

How to choose the best travel credit card

With so many different options available, there’s no single travel credit card that’s best suited for all travelers. To determine which one is best for you, you’ll want to think about your travel habits, spending profile, and general preferences.

Travel habits

Consumers who travel frequently may benefit more from a premium travel card that offers a broad range of perks, while more casual travelers may be better off with a mid-tier or no-annual-fee travel card. 

If you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, it could make sense to get an airline or hotel credit card, but if you don’t want to be tied down to a single brand, a general travel card might be the right move.

You’ll also want to think about how you travel and which travel card benefits would give you the best experience. For example, if your home airport has one or more airport lounges, it can make sense to get a card that offers lounge access. 

Spending profile

Most travel credit cards offer tiered rewards, meaning you’ll earn bonus rewards on certain spending categories. If you spend a lot in certain areas of your budget, try to find a card that will reward you more for those purchases. 

However, if you don’t spend a lot in any single category or you don’t want to earn a low rewards rate on most of your spending, consider a card that offers a high, flat rewards rate on everything.

General preferences

Consider other features you’re looking for in a travel credit card. Options may include transfer partners, straightforward benefits, redemption options, 0% APR promotions, and more. 

As you research and compare travel credit cards, familiarize yourself with all of their benefits to determine which one feels like the best fit based on your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Which card is better for international travel.

Generally speaking, you’ll want a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. With cards that do charge this fee, you’ll typically pay an extra 3% on all of your purchases made abroad.

Additionally, Visa and Mastercard credit cards tend to be better for international travel because they’re more widely accepted than American Express and Discover credit cards. If you have an Amex or Discover card, consider bringing a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

Is Visa or Mastercard better for travel?

Mastercard boasts acceptance in more than 210 countries, while Visa says it operates in more than 200 countries. So, if you’re traveling to a country that’s off the beaten path, so to speak, Mastercard may be a better choice. But for most major international destinations, you’re likely fine with either Visa or Mastercard.

What is the best credit card to accumulate travel miles?

Miles have historically been associated with airline frequent flyer programs, but some card issuers, including Capital One and Discover, use the miles nomenclature for their rewards currency. 

With that said, the best miles credit card for you depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you want to earn miles with a particular airline, check out that airline’s co-branded credit cards to see which one offers the best fit. If you want more general rewards, consider a card that offers miles or points with more flexible redemption options.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

  • Our ranking of the best credit cards makes it easy for you to choose the best card.
  • We’ve done the hard work to find the best business credit card for your small business.
  • Want to earn cash on all your card purchases? Check out the best cash back credit cards .
  • Choosing one of the best secured credit cards can help you rebuild your credit score.
  • Travelers who prefer Delta Airlines should see our ranking of the best Delta credit cards .
  • The best credit cards for Marriott can help you earn points with every booking.

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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Guide: Travel and Discounts Guide for Seniors

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Guide: Travel and Discounts Guide for Seniors

Table of Contents

Senior discounts to help you plan your trip, flight discounts for seniors, hotel discounts for seniors, cruise discounts and information for seniors, travel blogs for seniors, group tours for seniors, trips for seniors off the beaten path, travel insurance for seniors, more travel help for seniors, travel apps for seniors.

If you’re retired, you probably have more time to spend with family and friends or visit the places you’ve always wanted to see.

But sometimes, retirement can present seniors with budgetary constraints like fixed incomes or dwindling savings. In looking for ways to make traveling in your retirement affordable, any discounts and savings will go a long way!

But what is a “senior?”

The answer depends on who you ask. While some companies specify anyone over 50 is a senior, others say you must be 62, and still others require you to be 65. This is why it is important to check the details on any discount, program, or offer to make sure you qualify.

Below we’ve put together a guide that provides an overview of some of the best savings opportunities for seniors, as well as some tips on travel insurance.

Greyhound Bus Tour

As a senior, you are eligible for a variety of travel discounts when you start to plan your trip. By taking advantage of these savings, you may be able to afford to travel more often! Here are a few resources you can use to obtain many of the best bargains available today:

  • AARP : The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a large nonprofit group focused on advocacy and support for people aged 50 and over. By visiting the website, you can join AARP for approximately $16 per year. You can then take advantage of the many travel benefits offered by this organization . Visitors can read more about this on the AARP’s Travel Benefits page, which includes advice on travel deals, travel insurance, and vacation packages.
  • AARP Travel Center by Expedia : In addition to providing information on its own site, AARP has also partnered with the online travel platform Expedia . As a result, these 2 organizations can provide you a comprehensive travel search experience. The Travel Center allows users to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and other activities that are eligible for AARP discounts.
  • Priceline Senior Deals : The travel platform Priceline also offers a senior search function for tracking down special deals. Visitors should take a look at the Senior Getaways calendar , which displays the dates when senior discounts are available.
  • Avis , Hertz , and Alamo : Up to 25% off for AARP members.
  • Budget : Up to 20% off for AARP members, 10% off for non-AARP members.
  • Dollar : Those over 50 can get 10% off.
  • Enterprise : AARP members get 5% off.
  • National : Up to 30% discount for AARP members.
  • Amtrak : Passengers aged 62+ can get a 15% discount on most fares.
  • Greyhound : If you are over 52, you can get a 5% discount on tickets.

Although senior discounts on flights were common in the past, many airlines have stopped offering these special rates. If you can’t find a discount on the flight you want, you could try to concentrate on deals for other parts of your trip, such as meals or lodging. Here are a couple airlines that may occasionally have senior rates:

  • United – Senior Travelers : This United page explains how travelers 65+ can occasionally access flight discounts. It also discusses how to make flying more convenient and comfortable, which is especially useful if you or your travel companions happen to have disabilities or mobility issues.
  • Southwest – Seniors : According to Southwest, the airline has senior fares for both domestic and international flights. They apply to people aged 65+ and require age verification through a government-issued ID. The Southwest Seniors page provides further information on how to access these special fares.
  • Delta : Offers senior discounts in specific areas, but only if you call here to find them.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to check out these great credit cards for seniors and retirees .

Unlike the dwindling flight discounts, hotel discounts for seniors are still going strong. If you are planning to stay in a hotel soon, be sure to look into these savings:

  • Choice Hotel Senior Rates : On this page, you can find information on the discounted hotel rates available to people 60 older. By using this discount, you are also eligible for other Choice Hotel programs, such as Choice Privilege and Choice Airline Rewards .
  • Marriott Senior Discount : A senior discount is available at over 4,000 Marriott hotels . This page shows you how to book cheaper rates if you are at least 62 years old. Rooms booked at the senior rate are also eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points, so you may want to check out that program too.
  • Best Western Senior Hotel Discounts : You can take advantage of the special rate offered by Best Western, which applies to those who are 55 and older. Certain Best Western hotels may provide extra perks like a complimentary room upgrade, continental breakfast, early check-in, or late check-out, so be sure to ask about that when you book your room.
  • Golden Tulip : On this website, you can search for senior deals valid at a variety of Golden Tulip hotels around the world. Senior deals are available to travelers at least 62 years old.

Cruise Ship

Cruises are usually all-inclusive, which makes it relaxing and easy to travel to those faraway places you’ve always wanted to see. Cruise travel is available to everyone – even those with reduced mobility, thanks to planned itineraries, wheelchair-accessible common areas, and activities you can enjoy at your own pace.

For today’s active seniors, there are also plenty of chances to participate in many cultural and leisure activities. Here are some cruise resources you can explore:

  • Best Price Cruises – Senior Discounts : Best Price Cruises is a travel platform dedicated exclusively to cruises. You can search for cruises by destination, cruise line, ship, trip length, and departure date. The site has filters for all kinds of travel rates, including senior rates.
  • Vacations To Go – Senior Discounts : Vacations To Go is a cruise agency catering to all ages, but it also has a special page for travelers 55 and older. You can also choose preferred regions and specific cruise lines to see the senior discounts available.
  • Carnival Cruise Deals for Seniors : By going directly to the website of Carnival Cruise Lines, you can search discounted cruise fares for travelers at least 55 years old. There is a wide selection of search filters, including destination port, arrival port, length of cruise, type of cruise, and ship.
  • Grand Circle Cruise Line : If you are a cruise enthusiast who wants a different kind of cruise experience, Grand Circle Cruise Line offers trips that are more specialized than those offered by the larger cruise lines. On the company’s website, you can discover small ship cruises and river cruises that take between 25 and 100 passengers. This reduced size suits seniors who want a quieter cruise experience.

Hot Tip:  If you’ve booked that exciting adventure on the open seas but you’re wondering how to pack, check out this ultimate guide with a  printable cruise packing list !

If you are a senior who loves to travel, you’re not alone! There are a number of blog writers who are sharing their travel experiences and tips, including the following:

  • Life Part 2 : Senior blogger Jonathan Look gives readers a glimpse into his life of travel with this blog. Jonathan sold all of his belongings so he could set off to experience the voyages and adventures he had always dreamed about. His blog isn’t exclusively about budget travel, but he does address the subject quite often. In fact, there is an entire section called “What Does It Cost to Live for a Month in,” where senior travelers on a budget can gauge the affordability of their desired destinations across the world.
  • The Travelling Boomer : Paul Marshman is a semi-retired news reporter and editor who wants to visit every country in the world in his lifetime. Paul’s eye for interesting stories has led him to create a travel blog that is both exciting and informative. On his blog, he shows off his journalistic side by featuring a lot of practical tips and reports. In his cruising section, he discusses cruise deals, popular cruises, and alternative cruises from the perspective of an active baby boomer who is passionate about travel.
  • Adventures of Empty Nesters : Suzanne Stavert started this blog to “bring together a global community of people who don’t plan to spend this valuable time sitting on the couch.” Each year, she and her husband Craig plan their travel adventures based on the destinations they haven’t seen yet. This can include staying in luxury hotels and eating at famous chef-inspired eateries in both the U.S. and abroad.
  • Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel : Having traveled to over 75 different countries, Barbara Weibel is an excellent example of a senior traveler who loves to go off the beaten path. After stagnating in unfulfilling jobs, Barbara now uses perpetual travel as a way to immerse herself in different cultures and grow as a person. Her destinations have included Nepal, Zambia, Peru, and many other faraway countries. If you relish unique cultural experiences, you’ll be inspired by Barbara’s blog.

Group tours can offer you the opportunity to discover new things while still having the comfort of a planned itinerary with other travelers. The following tour companies focus specifically on the senior market:

  • Seniortours : On the Seniortours website, you can discover a large number of group tours for older travelers all over the world. You can also review numerous descriptions of tours that go through the mountains, sunny shores, wine country, scenic southwest, and more. The website also provides travel news and tips for seniors.
  • Grand European Travel : This tour company offers discounts for AARP members, so participating seniors can visit the website to find out what the latest deals are. Despite the name, Grand European Travel also organizes tours in the U.S. and Asia. You can learn more about their tours on the company’s website, where there is also a variety of travel advice.
  • Adventures Abroad – Senior Tour s : Adventures Abroad offers travel tours made up of small groups of seniors covering 120 different countries. On the website, you can view 350 itineraries that feature culture, hiking, and everything in between. To make it easier to choose an itinerary suited to your abilities and desires, Adventures Abroad rates each itinerary by the level of physical activity.

Travel planning with map

For adventurous types, the following tour companies provide trips that are exotic, educational, philanthropic, and highly cultural:

  • Transitions Abroad – Senior Tours and Travel Programs : Transitions Abroad offers you the opportunity to enjoy exotic vacations and help others as well. Volunteer vacations can last anywhere from 1 week to 3 months. Volunteers are given a choice of 9 different countries from the continents of North America, South America , Africa, and Asia. The Transitions Abroad website also includes stories written by seniors about their volunteer experiences.
  • ElderTreks : As the name suggests, this tour company specializes in exotic tours for seniors. The website gives you a lot to consider with fascinating reports of treks in Iceland, Cuba, and India , just to name a few. The site also highlights discounted and last minute tours for quick trip planning too.
  • Road Scholar : Road Scholar used to be called Elderhostel, and these tours still cater primarily to older travelers. The company offers learning tours in exotic places led by experienced instructors. If you are a lifelong learner, you can visit the website and browse through a range of educational and inspirational travel experiences.

Obtaining reasonably priced travel insurance can become an issue as you get older. Here are some options if you want to acquire coverage:

  • Policybazaar – Senior Citizen Travel Insurance : This website allows you to search for travel insurance that suits your specific needs. It also provides information on what travel insurance coverage for seniors usually includes. Since senior travel insurance may have different terms compared to standard travel insurance, the website gives guidance on which policy terms seniors should pay particular attention to.
  • Allianz Travel Insurance for Seniors : Allianz is a trusted worldwide insurer that also happens to provide coverage for senior travelers. This page is dedicated to senior travel insurance. In addition to providing insurance quotes for seniors, it also lists the reasons why seniors may want to obtain trip coverage.

Hot Tip:  If you want to consider more options, check out our piece on the Best Travel Insurance Companies For All Travelers . 

Here are a few miscellaneous programs you may not know about:

  • ParkRideFlyUSA : You can get a 10% discount on airport parking when you use your AARP card.
  • America the Beautiful Senior Pass : If you are a U.S. citizen who is 62 or older, you can purchase this pass at any national park site for $10. The pass can get you into over 2,000 national parks at no cost for your lifetime. There is an extra $10 charge for processing through the mail or online. Some sites also offer a 50% discount on things like swimming, camping, special interpretive services, and boat launching.
  • Flying Companions : Provides travel companions to accompany seniors who don’t want to travel alone, have flying fears, or deal with physical challenges. They pick you up at your home or meet you at your place of departure, providing assistance for everything from checking in to baggage claims and more.

Everyone loves apps these days, and seniors are no exception! Both the Android and iOS systems offer a number of easy-to-use apps for travelers. Here are the most helpful ones for tech-savvy seniors:

  • XE Currency : Easily convert more than 180 currencies using updated exchange rate calculations. This app works without Wi-Fi, so you can use it even without an internet connection. You can even create a live list to keep track of spending in your own currency.
  • Google Translate : Offers translations of 90 languages, as well as language packs you can download to use offline. It also includes Word Lens, a tool that allows you translate a foreign word in seconds just by pointing your phone at it. Available for Windows, Android , and iOS .
  • FourSquare : Available for Windows, Android, and iOS, this city guide helps you find places to visit, eat, drink, and shop by providing more than 60 million local recommendations and reviews from the experts. It also helps keep track of places you’ve visited and places you want to go for your next trip.
  • LiveTrekker : You can create your own digital diary using this app by pinning videos, audio clips, photographs, and more to your map wherever you are. Track all your trips using the integrated GPS, which also measures altitude and speed.

As you can see, there are a number of discounts, programs, apps, and sources of information for seniors who travel. Because discount programs change often and new ones are being added all the time, always ask about them when booking or calling for more information.

It can’t hurt to ask, and you may be pleasantly surprised! By saving a little here and a lot there, you may be able to afford to travel much more than you ever imagined.

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The ScotRail Club 50 smartcard offers discounted rail travel tickets for people over 50.

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Travel Discounts for Seniors

Take advantage of the perks offered to people 50 and older as you make plans for retirement travel.

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Senior travel discounts are a great way to explore the world without stretching your budget thin.

Key Takeaways

  • Many travel discounts for seniors require proof of age, such as an ID or membership card. Read the fine print and ask for details to see if you are eligible.
  • Seniors can find discounts for many travel-related expenses, including hotels, flights, train travel, car rentals, cruises and admissions to various attractions.
  • Membership organizations like AARP and AAA provide additional discounts and benefits for seniors. AARP members can receive discounts on flights, cruises, car rentals and more, while AAA offers roadside assistance and discounts at various locations, including hotels and restaurants.

Whether you’re planning a long vacation or just a weekend getaway, there are many travel deals exclusively available to older adults . Some senior travel discounts can be found online, while others may require that you join an organization or call to book. Be ready to read the fine print and ask for details to make sure you are eligible for discounts. You will often be required to show proof of age, such as an ID or membership card.

Common senior travel discounts include:

  • Hotel discounts for seniors
  • Flight discounts for seniors
  • Train discounts for seniors
  • Car rental discounts for seniors
  • Cruise discounts for seniors
  • Admission discounts for seniors
  • AAA and AARP senior discounts

Hotel Discounts for Seniors

Many chains and small independent hotels will offer discounts to older guests. Check before booking online or call the hotel directly and ask. Here are a few hotel senior discounts to help you get started:

  • Aqua-Aston Hospitality : Travelers age 50 or older save up to 15% off the best available rate.
  • Best Western : Guests who are 55 and older receive discounted room rates and free breakfast at participating locations.
  • Cambria Suites : AARP members enjoy up to 10% off their stay.
  • Choice Hotel : AARP cardholders and those 60 and older receive up to a 10% discount.
  • IHG : Guests who are 62 and older are eligible for discounts at participating locations.
  • Marriott : Guests age 62 and older receive senior discount rates.
  • Red Roof : Seniors 59 and older enjoy a 10% discount, based on availability.
  • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts : Guests who are at least 60 years old qualify for the senior rate at participating locations.

Flight Discounts for Seniors

In addition to the airline miles you earn through credit card spending , you can also save on flights by taking advantage of senior airfare deals. As airline discount policies change frequently, call to inquire about senior fares even if not advertised online. Here are a few airline senior discounts to consider:

  • British Airways : AARP members can receive between $65 and $200 off round-trip flights.
  • Delta Air Lines : Provides a senior discount in certain markets. Call to ask about availability.
  • JetBlue : Discounts of 5% for retired military and veterans are available for those enrolled in Veterans Advantage.
  • ParkRideFly : AARP members receive 12% off when booking airport parking.
  • United Airlines : Passengers who are 65 and older are eligible for discounted fares to select destinations .

Train Discounts for Seniors

If you want to see the U.S. or Europe by rail, there are special offers available for seniors. Check online or call rail companies for details and to book. You could save between 10% and 30% on your next trip. Try these senior discounts on train travel:

  • Amtrak : Travelers who are 65 and older enjoy 10% off most rail fares.
  • Eurail Passes : Passengers who are 60 and older may purchase a Senior Pass to take 10% off for European train travel.
  • Grand Canyon Railway : Those who are 62 and older receive a 15% discount on train tickets.
  • Senior Rail Card : Ticket purchasers who are 60 or older save one-third off UK rail travel.
  • Vacations by Rail : AARP members receive a 5% discount and are eligible for other benefits.

Car Rental Discounts for Seniors

Many car rental locations offer discounts for senior drivers. Here are a few car rental promotions to help lower your travel costs:

  • Avis : AARP Members can save up to 35% off Avis base rates.
  • Auto Europe : Those who book online are eligible for a 5% senior discount.
  • Budget : AARP members receive up to 35% off at participating locations, plus other benefits.
  • Sixt : Seniors 50 and older receive a 5% discount.
  • Thrifty : Those age 50 and older save 5% on time and mileage charges.
  • Hertz : Travelers 50 and up save of up to 20% off base rates at participating locations.
  • Zipcar : AARP members save $20 on annual membership fees and earn a $40 driving credit.

Cruise Discounts for Seniors

Some cruise lines will offer deals to those who call and ask. Other discounts and special promotions may be available when you book directly through the cruise line's site:

  • Carnival : Although exact prices depend on your sailing dates and chosen destination, Carnival offers lower rates to seniors age 55 and older.
  • Collette Cruise Tours : AARP members can save up to $100 per person on select trips.
  • Grand European Travel : AARP members can save up to $100 per person on certain guided tours.
  • Royal Caribbean : Discounted rates are available on select cruises for guests who are 55 and older.

Admission Discounts for Seniors

When booking tickets for a concert, museum, national parks or even film screenings, you may be eligible for discounted senior deals. Many venues will offer a discount if you meet their age requirements and can show proof of age:

  • AMC Theatres : AMC provides a discount to ticket purchasers who are 60 and older at participating locations.
  • America the Beautiful Senior Pass : Senior travelers can purchase a $20 annual senior pass or $80 lifetime pass for use at national parks and federal recreational lands.
  • Art Institute of Chicago : Seniors age 65 and older receive an $8 discount.
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City : Seniors receive $8 off ticket prices.
  • Regal Theatres : Regal provides discounts to moviegoers who are 60 or older for certain performances.
  • The National Baseball Hall of Fame : Seniors who are 65 and older receive a $6 discount on admission.
  • Ticketmaster : AARP members receive discounts on selected events.

AAA Senior Discounts Versus AARP Discounts

The American Automobile Association, commonly called AAA , charges an annual membership fee. In exchange, members receive roadside assistance and additional benefits. The classic membership costs $64.99 a year and provides standard towing, identity theft monitoring, emergency fuel delivery and discounts at over 100,000 locations, including hotels and restaurants. Beyond travel deals, members can expect to receive additional discounts at participating retailers and restaurants including LensCrafters, 1-800-Flowers, Hard Rock Café and Landry’s.

An AARP membership costs $12 with automatic renewal. For subsequent years, you’ll pay $16 annually. Members receive benefits related to products and services including insurance, health care, entertainment, travel, restaurants, groceries, and technology and wireless services. Retirees can connect with AARP communities in person and online. There are additional opportunities through AARP including help with job searches and volunteer positions.

When choosing between AAA and AARP, consider your location and lifestyle . There could be certain benefits with one organization that align with your preferences and budget. After joining one, remember to ask when booking if there are discounts available for your membership.

Where $100K Will Buy a Home Overseas

Maryalene LaPonsie May 22, 2024

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15 Discounts Seniors Can Use to Cut Travel Costs

Seniors can get discounts on flights, train tickets, car rentals, entertainment, and more. You just need to know where (and when) to look.

happy senior couple hugging each other on road with tourist bus in background

This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies .

Seniors can get discounts on many items and services, from restaurants to transit tickets to national parks. Retirees with wanderlust can use these discounts to reduce the overall cost of vacations.

Those traveling on a budget should also choose the best travel credit card to earn miles, extra perks, or upgrades. This can help maximize the total amount you save to see the world.

Here are 15 senior discounts you may not know about that can cut your travel costs — and make vacation budgeting much more enjoyable.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today  — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here , select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important : Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Hotels and accommodations

beautiful interior of hotel room with LCD bed and lamps during day time

Many hotels offer discounted rates for seniors, but the offers vary greatly in total savings and qualifying age. Some hotels let qualifying customers book with a senior discount on their website, while others require guests to go through AARP.

Some large hotel chains offer discounted rates to people under 65. Best Western begins at age 55, and Marriott begins at age 62.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, it pays to research and see what discounts are available to avoid wasting money .

Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance.

Car rentals

cars for sale standing in rows outside car dealership showroom during day time

If you need to rent a car while you’re away, look into which services in the area offer discounts for seniors. Major car rental companies — like Avis, Budget, and Hertz — all offer senior discounts. Certain customers may even be able to score up to 30% off.

Before booking, make sure you understand what age qualifies as “senior” and which vehicles the discounts apply to.

aeroplane flying above the clouds during day time

Several major airlines, including United, British Airways, and Delta, offer discounted ticket prices for travelers in their late 50s and beyond. Savvy travelers can save on flights, rental cars, hotels, and more by keeping their eyes peeled for senior savings.

Those looking into booking these flights may need to contact the airlines directly rather than booking online to get access to senior discounts.

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Amtrak tickets

amtrak passenger train traveling from chicago to detroit during day time

Do you enjoy traveling by train? If so, Amtrak offers a 10% discount for travelers aged 65 and over for most trips. The age is reduced to 60 for those traveling between the U.S. and Canada on cross-border services operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Other transit tickets

train waiting for commuters to get on board at vacant train station during day time

Those aged 60 and over should check their local rail and bus systems to see if they can get discounted fares. 

For example, seniors (65+) in major cities like New York and Chicago can get discounted rates when traveling on the subway. New Jersey Transit offers half-off rail tickets for people over 62.

Seniors should look for discounts on local buses, trains, light rail, and other modes of transportation at their destinations. You may even save on transportation to and from the airport.

Concert or show tickets

band playing modern jazz music on stage

Seniors can also save cash when booking tickets to concerts or shows. AARP members, in particular, can land discounts through Ticketmaster for select events.

If live entertainment is part of your travel plans, look into senior discounts before buying tickets for events at local theaters or concert halls.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Museum admissions

paintings at display inside the metropolitan museum of art with visitors

Many attractions in major cities, including museums, offer discounts for seniors. If you’re visiting an area with a thriving arts scene, you should definitely look into discounts that may be available.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, for example, offers $8 off standard ticket prices for visitors aged 65 and over, and the Art Institute of Chicago offers $6 off.

The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program offers free admission to hundreds of museums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico if you’re a member of any of their member museums.

luxury cruise ship sailing in the middle of the sea at sunset

Cruises are a great option for retirees as they tend to offer bargain vacation packages even without a specific senior discount.

Major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer special discount packages for customers aged 55 and older.

Restaurants

dining tables in resturant

Many restaurants offer senior discounts, which is another great way to stretch your restaurant budget if you plan to dine out during your trip.

National chains like Denny’s and Chili’s offer discounts to diners over 55, but discounts may also be available at local eateries, so it’s always worth asking.

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No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

National parks pass

colorado springs mountains and greenery with sun rise

Retirees looking to take some road trips across the U.S. should consider the America the Beautiful senior national parks pass. 

Those aged 62 and over can apply for an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. The pass covers admission to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. In many hot spots, pass holders can also get discounts on amenity fees (like camping or guided tours).

Grocery stores

grocery store interior with shelves

If you plan to stock your hotel or Airbnb fridge, another way to save is to shop for groceries using a senior discount. Some stores offer discounts for seniors on certain days of the week.  Hy-Vee, for example, offers 5% off for shoppers aged 55 and older every Thursday.

Pro Tip: Doing a Costco haul is a great way to stock up before vacation and get the most out of your membership . Non-members can even use Costco Travel to save money on flights, hotels, and vacation experiences.

chairlift having tourists in mountains full of snow

Ski resorts all across the U.S. and Canada offer discounts for senior skiers and snowboarders. Some even offer free day passes for those over a certain age.

Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania, for example, offers discounts for skiers 65 and older and free skiing for those 70 and older.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Movie tickets

movie theater with empty chairs

If you have a few rainy days during your vacation, many movie theaters offer senior discounts. Like all moviegoers, seniors can save by taking in matinee shows, but many theaters also offer a percentage off for viewers in their 60s and beyond.

AMC Theaters, for example, offers discounts for viewers aged 60 and over for most films. Showcase Cinemas offers discounted prices for the 60+ crowd every Wednesday.

pharmacist holding medicines in drugstore

Several major pharmacies offer senior discounts on specific days if you need to stock up on essentials before or during your vacation.

For example, Rite Aid offers 5X the points for Rite Aid Rewards members aged 65 and over on the first Wednesday of every month (plus a free consultation with a pharmacist). 

Walgreens has “Seniors Day” promotions on the first Tuesday of every month when 55+ shoppers can score additional discounts.

new jersey good will store from outside during day time

Goodwill can be a great place to shop for your vacation wardrobe on a budget — and shoppers aged 55 and over can nab a 15% discount off their total purchase every Tuesday through the organization’s “Terrific Senior Tuesdays” program.

Whether you’re looking for a new beach outfit for an island getaway or a winter wardrobe to hit up the ski resort, Goodwill stores tend to have an eclectic mix of clothing and goods at already discounted prices.

Bottom line

multi ethnic friends meeting in outdoor park working out together during day time

Many retirees worry that they need to make extra money to satisfy their wanderlust. Still, so many senior discounts can  significantly cut vacation costs and  stretch your social security income   beyond what is listed here.

Financially-savvy vacationers should look into senior discounts on travel tickets, resorts, restaurants, stores, and other popular attractions. Don’t ever be afraid to ask if you can get a discount because if you don't, you might end up costing yourself some money.

More from FinanceBuzz:

  • 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
  • Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
  • 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.

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over 50s travel card

Europe by train with 10% discount

                                    

Interrail is for YOU

Think Interrail is just for youth? It’s also for you! The freedom and adventure of Interrailing through Europe has no age limit. Whether you want to tour Europe’s famous cities, relax in nature, or experience a bit of everything, get there in comfort and style by train with an Interrail Pass.

  • Plan your own rail route through up to 33 European countries (no fixed itinerary)
  • Go at your own pace – pick the number of travel days that’s right for you
  • Choose 1 st class for the most comfortable ride
  • Arrive directly where you want to be, with most train stations located right in the city centre
  • Enjoy a 10% discount on Interrail Passes if you are aged 60 or over on the date you start your trip (German Rail Pass not included)
  • Book additional seat reservations for selected routes, such as night trains

Pick your Global Pass

Global pass: 7 days in 1 month.

✔  7 days  of unlimited train travel

✔ Perfect for visiting  6–8 destinations

✔  Mobile Pass  – no shipping required

Global Pass: 5 days in 1 month

✔  5 days  of unlimited train travel

✔ Perfect for visiting  4–6 destinations

What's included in the Pass?

What's included.

  • Hop on and off most trains in 33 countries just by showing your Pass (some high-speed and night trains require an extra seat reservation).
  • Download the free Rail Planner app  to plan your trip and show your ticket as you go.
  • Get extra benefits and discounts as you travel with our 100+ partners across Europe.
  • I nterrail has flexible  exchange and return policies  that let you book with confidence.

What's not included?

  • Seat reservations.  These are mandatory on most high-speed trains and night trains and must be booked in advance at an additional cost . Check whether seat reservations are required for your journey and how much they could cost by  searching our timetable .
  • Public transport like trams, buses and rental bikes is not covered by your Pass (though  you can get a discount in some cities ).
  • You'll need to pay for accommodation  (though  you can get a discount with our accomodation partners ).

usps mobile

Seat reservations

What's a seat reservation .

For some trains, like high-speed and night trains , it's mandatory to buy a seat reservation (this reservation guarantees your seat on the applicable train). Please note that you can only buy reservations when you have a valid Pass. 

Don't have your Interrail Pass yet? Not sure whether you need seat reservations or how much they cost? Don't worry; we have all the answers. Find out more about reservations here →

When do you need a seat reservation? 

If you're planning to see a lot in a short space of time on your Interrail trip, then you'll most likely need to buy some seat reservations for high-speed routes before you go. 

Where will you go?

france-marseille-Calanques-Sormiou-mediterranean-sea-bay-boats-small

The sunny south

Travel the Mediterranean coast by train through Spain, France, and Italy.

norway-bergen-oslo-railway-small

Top scenic trains

Take in the unique views from these 10 spectacular rail routes.

france-provence-heather-sunset-small

Best of France

Go one stop further in France with this itinerary from Paris to Lyon.

Planning a family getaway?

Two friends looking at the Rail Planner app

25% youth discount

Travelers aged 12 to 27 years can travel with a Youth Pass, available for 25% less than the price of standard Adult Passes.

family-travelling-together-train-metro

Kids travel FREE

Travelers aged 11 or younger on the date you start your trip can travel for free by using our family discount.

europe-map-new

Where in Europe do you want to be? Interrail is the unique and exciting way to get there. One train Pass to help you open doors to new destinations, cultures and friendships all over Europe.

The Interrail Pass is a train ticket that allows you to travel on almost all trains in Europe. You can choose from over 40,000 destinations in 33 countries, designing a European adventure that’s personal to you.

The ultimate sense of freedom

Interrail gives you the travel tools that put you in charge. You can use the Interrail Pass to hop aboard trains, check train times using the Interrail  timetable  and  app , and even book seats in advance using the  Interrail Reservation Service .

Interrail isn't a tour operator. We don't tell you where to go or how. We just make sure you can get to wherever you want to be.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

The Train Hacker

Saving You Money on Train Travel

Cheap & FREE UK Train Tickets for Over 50s & Senior Adults

By Chris P King

over 50s travel card

Seniors and adults over 50 can get cheap and FREE rail tickets for journeys across the UK in 2023.

The deals are harder to find, so we’ve worked hard to give you a comprehensive guide to the best senior rail discounts.

Making the most of Railcard offers, train company discounts, and regional and local concessionary fares can save you £££s.

Cheap & FREE UK Train Tickets for Over 50s & Senior Adults – Quick Links

Senior railcard – 1/3 off train travel in britain for over 60s, other railcard discounts – two together, family & friends & network railcards, 60+ london oyster photocard – free rail travel in london, scotrail club 50 – 20% discount on off-peak and advance tickets.

  • C2C – Senior Rover Travel from Only £7

UK Regional, Urban and Local FREE Senior Rail Travel & Discounts

Cheap rail tickets for over 50s and senior adults in britain – recommendations.

Railcards for Over 50s and Senior Adults

A few Railcard options are available to those over the 50s – travel in pairs Two Together Railcard, travel with grandchildren Family & Friends Railcard, for flexibility to travel on your own get a Senior Railcard – Image credit: Street Photography Addict

Senior Railcard

Senior Railcards are available for anyone over 60.

And you can get money off the card before travelling in 2023.

  • SAVE £20 three-year Senior Railcard
  • 10% OFF one-year Senior Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Senior Railcard discounts

* Senior Railcard discounts are not available on peak time services Monday to Friday wholly within the London & South East Network Railcard area .

Other railcard options for seniors may work out cheaper, depending on your circumstances.

Two Together Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

  • 10% OFF one-year Two Together Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Two Together Railcard discounts

Family & Friends Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

  • SAVE £20 three-year Family & Friends Railcard
  • 10% OFF one-year Family & Friends Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Family & Friends Railcard discounts

* Family & Friends Railcard discounts are unavailable during peak services within the London & South East Network Railcard area on Monday to Friday morning.

Network Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

Adults get 1/3 OFF and children 60% OFF all services after 10.00 in the London & South East Network Railcard area.

SAVE money with Network Railcard discounts

‘Picture yourself in a boat on a river…’ And why not enjoy a day out in Richmond travelling there for FREE with your 60+ London Oyster Photocard – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

You must be over 60 to be eligible.

What’s the 60+ London Oyster Photocard Deal?

The 60+ London Oyster Photocard costs £20 and gives FREE travel on:

  • London Overground
  • TfL (Transport for London) Rail
  • some National Rail services

Over 60-year-olds living in a London borough. Anyone eligible for a Freedom Pass can’t get this offer.

You can use the 60+ London Oyster Photocard anytime on London Overground and TfL Rail services. Anytime or after 09.30 on some National Rail services.

As well as all London Overground and TfL Rail services, you can use the 60+ London Oyster Photocard on some National Rail services on the:

  • Chiltern Railway
  • Great Northern
  • London Midland
  • Greater Anglia
  • Southeastern

No further railcard or promotional discounts are available with the 60+ London Oyster Photocard.

Where can I buy 60+ London Oyster Photocard?

Buy 60+ London Oyster Photocards from:

  • Online, Post Office & Post

Get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard and SAVE on London rail travel

Scotrail Club 50 membership gets discounts on travel throughout Scotland; why not visit Glasgow? – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Scotrail Club 50 is a great way to get savings on train journeys in Scotland for those who aren’t yet eligible for a Senior Railcard .

What’s the Scotrail Club 50 deal?

Scotrail Club 50 members enjoy:

  • 20% OFF selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when bought via the ScotRail website
  • 10% OFF selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when purchased at a train station or over the phone
  • FREE hot drink when travelling with a Club 50 ticket on a route with catering facilities
  • occasional special offers and promotions that save you money

Scotrail Club 50 is open to anyone aged 50 or over.

All Single and Return tickets. Anytime at weekends. Off-peak services Monday to Friday. Restrictions on train services arriving into Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen before 09.30.

Scotrail Club 50 is available on services across the Scotrail and TransPennine Express networks.

No further railcard or promotional discounts are available with the Scotrail Club 50.

How can I buy Scotrail Club 50 tickets?

To get discounted Scotrail Club 50 tickets, you must be a Club 50 member . This only costs £15; you’ll need a photo and email address.

Scotrail Club 50 ticket discounts

Discounts for Scotrail Club 50 members, depending on where you buy your tickets:

  • Online – 20% discount
  • Ticket offices and telephone – 10% discount

Get Scotrail Club 50 membership and save on train tickets in Scotland

Enjoy unlimited one-day travel and visit places like Southend with a c2c Senior Rover ticket – Image credit: Bernie Lampert

c2c – Senior Rover Travel from Only £7

The Senior Rover ticket is an excellent deal for those over 65s to explore Southend, London, The Thames Estuary and everywhere on the c2c network .

What’s the c2c Senior Rover deal?

The c2c Senior Rover allows senior travellers unlimited travel across the c2c network. It costs just £7, or £10, including London destinations.

c2c Senior Rover tickets are available to anyone aged 65 years and over.

All travel from Mondays to Fridays after 09.30, excluding trains within London Travelcard (Zones 1 to 6) from 16:00 to 18:59.

c2c Senior Rover discounts are available at all stations on the c2c rail network. London rail travel on other networks isn’t included, and you can’t use it on London Underground.

You can’t combine the c2c Senior Rover offer with any railcards.

Where can I buy c2c Senior Rover tickets?

You can only buy c2c Senior Rover tickets from ticket offices and bring your passport or driving licence for ID.

Find out more about c2c Senior Rover tickets

There are even more rail discounts for older adults at the regional and urban levels. And in many cases, rail travel is FREE for senior travellers.

England – FREE and discounted senior rail travel

  • Scotland – discounted senior rail travel
  • Wales – discounted senior rail travel
  • Northern Ireland – discounted senior rail travel

Take advantage of UK regional, urban and local FREE and discounted rail travel schemes – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Most people know that seniors in England get FREE bus travel but can also get selected FREE and discounted rail travel.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) covers senior travel discounts in England. ENCTS passes – commonly known as senior bus passes – are issued locally but give cardholders FREE bus travel throughout England.

The ENCTS bus pass also allows FREE and discounted rail travel in some regional and local areas.

Recent age change in England for senior travel concessions

You must now be 66 to get your ENCTS to pass in England. Find out if you’re eligible for FREE bus and train travel .

London – Freedom Pass

The Older Persons Freedom Pass allows FREE travel on most London rail services between 09:30 and 04:30 the following morning. Eligibility is based on age and if you’re a resident of Greater London.

Get FREE senior rail travel with London Freedom Pass

Greater Manchester – £10 per year

Senior travellers who qualify for a state pension get annual off-peak rail travel in Greater Manchester for £10 per year. It includes all trains in Greater Manchester after 09:30 Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Greater Manchester.

Get senior rail travel for £10 per year in Greater Manchester

Merseyside – Over 60s Travel Pass

People aged 60 and over get FREE rail travel in Merseyside after 09:30 Monday to Friday and anytime on weekends and public holidays. The first pass costs £10, but after that, they’re FREE. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Merseyside.

Get FREE senior rail travel in Merseyside

South Yorkshire – Senior Travel Pass

Senior travellers aged 66 years and over get 50% OFF rail fares within South Yorkshire between 09:30 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in South Yorkshire.

Get 50% OFF senior rail travel in South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear – Senior Travel Pass

English National Concessionary Travel Pass (CT Pass) holders in Tyne and Wear combined with a Metro Gold Card (£12 per year if you live in Tyne and Wear) get FREE Northern Rail journeys between Newcastle and Sunderland. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Tyne & Wear.

Find out about reduced senior rail tickets in Tyne & Wear

West Midlands – Older Person’s Travel Pass

Senior citizens eligible for FREE bus travel in England get FREE rail travel in the West Midlands inner Blue Zone from 09:30 to 11:59. Eligibility is based on age and residency in the West Midlands.

Get FREE senior train travel in West Midlands

West Yorkshire – Senior Pass

Older people get 50% OFF off-peak rail fares within West Yorkshire Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in West Yorkshire.

Get 50% OFF rail travel in West Yorkshire

English Local Councils – Senior Rail Travel Discounts

Living outside England’s largest urban areas may still benefit from discounted rail fares for older people.

Find your local council’s website and see if they offer rail deals for seniors.

Scotland – Discounted Senior Rail Travel

Senior adults in Scotland are eligible for FREE bus travel and reduced rail fares throughout Scotland.

National Entitlement Card (NEC)

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) allows older people in Scotland to get travel discounts. Although you get your NEC locally, they let anyone living in Scotland access all discounted travel schemes throughout Scotland.

To get an NEC card, you must be 60 years old and resident in Scotland.

Get a Scottish 60+ National Entitlement Card (NEC)

Rail Discounts in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the Over 60s

Scotland’s largest cities offer the following rail travel discounts:

  • Glasgow – discounted rail travel on journeys within Strathclyde and Glasgow Subway
  • Edinburgh – FREE tram journeys in Edinburgh

Rail Discounts Around Scotland

Reduced train fares for 60+ NEC holders are also available in other parts of Scotland. Find out from your local authority or Transport for Scotland .

Wales – Discounted Senior Rail Travel

You can get FREE bus travel if you live in Wales and are 60 or over. But some don’t realise that FREE rail travel is available in areas where bus travel is limited.

Welsh Concessionary Travel Pass

The Welsh Government Concessionary Travel Scheme covers travel discounts for older people in Wales. It offers FREE bus travel throughout Wales to residents aged 60+. Also, depending on the route, you get FREE and discounted rail travel.

Find out more about discounted senior rail travel in Wales

Northern Ireland – Discounted Rail Travel

SmartPasses cover travel discounts for senior citizens in Northern Ireland. These allow FREE bus and rail travel within Northern Ireland and throughout Ireland.

60+ Smartpass

If you’re between 60 and 64 and a permanent Northern Ireland resident, you can get a 60 Plus SmartPass. It entitles you to FREE bus and rail travel throughout Northern Ireland.

Senior (65+0 SmartPass

If you’re over 65 and a permanent Northern Ireland resident, you can get a Senior SmartPass. It entitles you to FREE bus and most rail travel throughout the whole of Ireland.

Find out about how to apply for SmartPasses

Senior rail travellers in the UK have plenty of options to get cheap train tickets, while others will be delighted to get them for FREE – Image credit: Nicolas Alejandro

If you’ve reached 50, you can benefit from cheaper rail tickets in Scotland. To make the most of the deals, you’ll need to weigh the costs of train tickets plus Club 50 or Senior Railcard membership.

You can still get deals in other parts of Britain if you’re 55 and over. Most run through the latter half of autumn and during the winter months.

It only takes travelling a few times a year for a Senior Railcard to save you money. These are available only for those over 60s.

Another option if you regularly travel with a partner or friend is to buy a Two Together Railcard , where you both save. A Family & Friends Railcard offers excellent savings if you like to take the grandchildren on trips out.

And don’t also forget to take advantage of regional and local council deals. London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland residents can start benefiting from FREE or discounted rail travel when they’re 60. People throughout the rest of England have to wait until they’re 66, but there are still deals for those that look.

Image credits: Street Photography Addict , Bernie Lampert, Nicolas Alejandro

  • Renew my Railcard
  • Manage my Railcard

over 50s travel card

About Railcards

Whether it’s a day out in the city or in the countryside, a trip to catch-up with your friends or visiting the family, with a Railcard you can save 1/3 on your train trips.

A Railcard saves you money on almost every journey you take. Take one long journey, or a few shorter ones, and you’ll already have made your money back. And no matter who you are, there’s a Railcard for you. So, get yours now.

*Annual saving is based on the average savings made by combined Railcards holders between April 2023 and March 2024, excluding price of Railcard. 

Train at station

There are currently nine main types of Railcards available, they are:

16-17 Saver

16-25 railcard, 26-30 railcard, disabled persons railcard, family & friends railcard, network railcard, senior railcard, two together railcard, veterans railcard, railcard prices.

Most Railcards can be purchased online with the option to download as a digital Railcard to your smartphone or device with our Railcard App. Some 1-year Railcards can also be purchased at any National Rail staffed ticket office.

You can book your train tickets online or in person, but in order to qualify for a reduced rate ticket you must be able to present your Railcard during your journey. Failing to do this will invalidate your train ticket.

Take a look below at the range of Railcards on offer.

friends talking outside

If you are already lucky enough to be aged 16 or 17 you can now save up to 50% on your rail travel as well. You can use it to travel to school, college or work as well as for leisure travel for days or nights out with your friends.

A 16-17 Saver costs just £30 for one year.

young person on their phone

Whether you are travelling to college, university, work or just for leisure, if you are aged between 16 and 25 or a mature student in full-time education you can save 1/3 on your rail fares.

Purchase a 1-year 16-25 Railcard for just £30 or a 3-year Railcard is even better value at just £70 and start making savings right away.

couple at a festival

If you are aged 26-30 then you can save 1/3 on rail fares off-peak across Britain for just £30 a year.

The 26-30 Railcard is the first digital-only Railcard and it is available to buy online and download to the Railcard app on your smartphone. Once downloaded you can then start travelling (and saving) straight away.

walking in the woods

For people with a disability meeting the eligibility criteria, the Disabled Persons Railcard offers 1/3 off rail travel for you and a friend or travel companion.

Just £20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years, discounts are applicable on both peak and off-peak tickets.

Family in the fields

Get out and about - go shopping, visit a museum, explore the countryside - and make some fantastic savings on your rail travel. With a Family & Friends Railcard up to four adults get 1/3 off and up to four children (aged 5 to 15) get 60% off - and as the name suggests, the users do not need to be related, you just need to travel together. 

Only £30 a year, you could save this cost and more in just the first trip.

greeting outside a train station

Enjoy 1/3 off rail fares in the South East England area for you and up to 3 other adults and up to 4 children. The Network Railcard spans more than 16 counties in the South East including Greater London and in the area bounded by places as far afield as Exeter, Worcester, Northampton and Kings Lynn so you could travel further than you think.

A Network Railcard costs just £30 a year.

grandparents with children at the river

The smart way to save money on your rail travel for anyone aged 60 and over.

Costing just £30 a year, the Senior Railcard saves you 1/3 on all Off-Peak journeys offering you immediate savings. Even better, value is the 3-year Railcard at only £70.

Over 50 but not quite 60? You may want to look at other Railcard options including Network Railcard for the South-East area, Two Together Railcard if you travel regularly with someone or Family & Friends Railcard.  

couple at a festival

Enjoy a 1/3 discount on your Off-Peak rail travel for you and the person you travel with most - not just if you are a couple, it could be with a family member or your best friend.

Just £30 a year - split the cost between you and that is just £15 each and as everyone is eligible this could be the best value Railcard for you.

father holding daughter

The new Veterans Railcard is now on sale. For UK Veterans who have served at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

  • Renew my Railcard
  • Manage my Railcard

over 50s travel card

The official retailer of Railcards by National Rail

Get 1/3 off train travel with a Senior Railcard

Buy now renew my railcard.

over 50s travel card

How much can I save?

People with a Senior Railcard  save on average £96 per year** , or  £5.26 per journey^ . If you’re travelling here’s an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets:

Icon

Railcard price

over 50s travel card

Get special offers and rewards from our partners

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FREE Sustainable Self Care Treats Worth Up to £43!

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Virgin Wines

£50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!

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Railbookers

We've teamed up with Railbookers to give Railcard holders a 5% discount on holidays...

How does using a Railcard work?

over 50s travel card

Get your Railcard

over 50s travel card

Buy your discounted train tickets

over 50s travel card

Have your Railcard with you when you travel

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Eligibility and terms of use

  • Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
  • Save on most tickets including Advance tickets
  • Valid in London & SE after the morning Peak

Read full eligibility and usage terms

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Can't figure out what card to buy? Or just have a question?

Can I use my Senior Railcard at any time of day?

Show faq answer

Your Railcard is not valid during the morning peak period when travelling between two stations in the  Network Railcard area  of validity.  Check locally to confirm morning peak times as these do differ.  This restriction does not apply on public holidays.

How do I purchase my Railcard online?

Please click ‘’Buy Now’’ on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide a valid passport or UK driving licence or National Identity number to verify your date of birth online and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section.

If you have ordered a plastic Senior Railcard, please allow 10 days for delivery. You can choose to pay for ‘Special Delivery’, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).

If you have ordered a digital Railcard, a download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. 

You will not be able to travel on discounted tickets until you have your Railcard.

What is a digital Railcard?

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

Click here for more information on managing your Railcard

Can I buy a Senior Railcard in advance of my 60th birthday?

If you order online then yes, you can order one up to 14 days in advance of your 60th birthday. Please note that you cannot buy Railcards in advance of your 60th birthday from rail stations.

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COMMENTS

  1. Club 50 Railcard & Train Pass

    Whenever, wherever and however you want. Go for a day, a weekend, a week or longer. If you're over 50, you can discover Scotland with Club 50 for only £15 per year and enjoy exclusive flat fares and discounts. For those everyday adventures or the once in a lifetime experiences, join the club and discover how far your ticket will take you.

  2. Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

    Find the best travel credit card to maximize your rewards or enjoy luxury perks. ... Simple tax filing with a $50 flat fee for every scenario Hassle-free tax filing powered by Column Tax is $50 ...

  3. 17 best travel credit cards of September 2024

    That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee.

  4. 16 best travel credit cards September 2024

    We reviewed over 50 cards to find the best travel credit cards offering premium travel rewards, no foreign transaction fees, free hotel nights and more. We analyzed more than 50 cards to find the ...

  5. Senior Discount

    Seniors Save 10%. Amtrak travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.

  6. Club 50

    Overview. A new ScotRail membership club called Club 50, for customers aged 50 and over, giving them access to great rail offers on journeys inside Scotland, plus additional benefits. 20% discount on selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when purchased via the ScotRail website. 10% discount on selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when purchased ...

  7. Guide: Travel and Discounts Guide for Seniors

    Avis, Hertz, and Alamo: Up to 25% off for AARP members. Budget: Up to 20% off for AARP members, 10% off for non-AARP members. Dollar: Those over 50 can get 10% off. Enterprise: AARP members get 5% off. National: Up to 30% discount for AARP members. Amtrak: Passengers aged 62+ can get a 15% discount on most fares.

  8. Seniors Travel by Train

    Driving a long distance can be stressful and costly and taking a bus just isn't all that appealing. Traveling by train is easy, comfortable and safe. Many stations are located in or near downtown for convenient heart-of-the-city arrivals and departures. And since Amtrak travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount ...

  9. Join Club 50 For Big Train Travel Discounts

    A Club 50 railcard is a membership you pay for to get access to discounted train tickets. It's a great investment because if you use your discount a few times, you can easily make your money back in savings. Receive 20% savings on Off-Peak & Advance fares online. Get 10% savings on Off-Peak & Advance fares at the station.

  10. ScotRail Club 50 Smartcard

    The ScotRail Club 50 smartcard offers discounted rail travel tickets for people over 50. As the Club 50 smartcard is ITSO-enabled you can load travel tickets from other transport operators and modes onto it. However, if you wish to take advantage of the discounted rail travel, you must present the Club 50 smartcard upon purchase and travel, so ...

  11. 15 Best Travel Credit Cards Of September 2024

    The World of Hyatt Credit Card. $95. 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening, plus up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points ...

  12. Travel Discounts for Seniors

    Budget: AARP members receive up to 35% off at participating locations, plus other benefits. Sixt: Seniors 50 and older receive a 5% discount. Thrifty: Those age 50 and older save 5% on time and ...

  13. 15 Discounts Seniors Can Use to Cut Travel Costs

    The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.

  14. Up to 10% discount for Seniors

    Choose 1 st class for the most comfortable ride. Arrive directly where you want to be, with most train stations located right in the city centre. Enjoy a 10% discount on Interrail Passes if you are aged 60 or over on the date you start your trip (German Rail Pass not included) Book additional seat reservations for selected routes, such as night ...

  15. Cheap & FREE UK Train Tickets For Over 50s & Senior Adults

    Senior Railcard - 1/3 OFF Train Travel in Britain for Over 60s. Other Railcard Discounts - Two Together, Family & Friends & Network Railcards. 60+ London Oyster Photocard - FREE Rail Travel in London. Scotrail Club 50 - 20% Discount on Off-Peak and Advance Tickets. C2C - Senior Rover Travel from Only £7.

  16. Types of Railcard

    The smart way to save money on your rail travel for anyone aged 60 and over. Costing just £30 a year, the Senior Railcard saves you 1/3 on all Off-Peak journeys offering you immediate savings. Even better, value is the 3-year Railcard at only £70. Over 50 but not quite 60?

  17. ScotRail gives over-50s a welcome boost

    ScotRail's 28,000 Club 50 members are to be given a welcome boost after the train operator announced plans to extend their memberships for free until the end of April 2022. If you signed up for Club 50 between 17 April 2019 and 17 March 2020, you qualify for the extension. The scheme is open to the over 50s and has proven so popular that membership soared by almost 10 per cent in 2019 ...

  18. Senior Train Tickets

    Buy a Senior Railcard. For just £30 a year, anyone aged 60+ can get 1/3 off train travel in Britain with a Senior Railcard. You can also buy a 3-year Senior Railcard for just £70. Enjoy discounts on Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets, and link your Senior Railcard with an Oyster Card to get 1/3 off Off-Peak travel ...

  19. Railcards

    A Railcard is a discount card that gives you up to 1/3 off your rail travel. It comes in either a digital format, which you have on your mobile phone or device, or a physical version. Railcards are valid for either 1 year or 3 years. The average cost is £30 for 1 year and £70 for 3 years, with the Disabled Persons Railcard costing just £24 ...

  20. Senior Railcard

    Details. With a Senior Railcard anyone 60 years or over can save 1/3 on all Standard and First Class, Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares for £30. Take a look at all the ticket types you can make savings on with a Senior Railcard. There are plenty of ways you can use your Railcard, for both long and short trips.

  21. Senior Railcard

    A Senior Railcard can save an average of £98 a year on train travel. Eligibility is from your 60th birthday - Find Out More. ... For everyone aged 60 and over. How much can I save? People with a Senior Railcard save on average £96 per year**, ... £50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!

  22. Buy the Senior Citizen (60+) Railcard for £30

    A Senior Railcard, also known as the Over 60 Railcard, the Senior Citizens Railcard, or OAP Railcard, is a discount card that makes train travel cheaper for anyone aged 60+. With a Senior Railcard, you can save 1/3 on all Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance tickets throughout Britain. You can also link your Senior Railcard ...

  23. Over-50s' MoneySaving: Tips incl discounts, freebies & pensions

    English Heritage offers those 65 and over memberships of £49/yr for a single membership (normally £56) or £74 for couples (normally £99). Historic Scotland offers folks aged 60 and over membership for £39.60/yr via direct debit (normally £49.50). It's £69 for couples (normally £86).