Top Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers

If you're a passionate globetrotter or someone on the move a lot with work, you may be missing out on some seriously great reward schemes by not having the right credit cards! From air miles to travel insurance, there are so many perks available for fervent jet-setters if you know which credit cards to utilize. While plenty of excellent cards are on the market, you need to sift through quite a few to find the ones that offer the most incentives for travelers. However, we've done all the work for you to give you all you need to know about the credit cards worth looking into for travel privileges. You'll find all of our top picks below!

How Do I Choose the Most Suitable Travel Credit Card?

There are a couple of things to consider when you go about acquiring the best credit card for travel rewards. Some of the factors you'll want to think about include:

• The specific rewards on offer

• Annual fees

• Annual percentage rates (APR)

• Credit score requirements

• Welcome bonuses

We'll run through a bunch of different cards based on these categories to give you a brief overview of what each one provides to users.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One is known for its top-quality reward programs, and its Venture cards are among the most sought-after travel credit cards out there. 

Travel rewards:

• 2X miles for every purchase (unlimited)

• 5X miles for hotels and rental cars from Capital One Travel (unlimited)

• A maximum of $120 annually for access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

• $50 credit and extras like free room upgrades for each stay at select hotels

• Miles can be transferred to over 15 loyalty programs

Welcome bonuses: 

• 75,000 miles for customers spending at least $4,000 within the first three months

Annual fees: $95

APR: Variable (19.99-29.99%) 

Credit score required: Excellent

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X card is the premium counterpart to the standard edition that typically attracts those who are more frequent voyagers.

Travel rewards: 

• 2X miles for every purchase (unlimited)

• 10X miles for hotels and 5X miles for hotels and rental cars from Capital One Travel (unlimited)

• 10,000 miles bonus each year from your first anniversary

• A maximum of $120 annually for access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

• $300 credit annually for Capital One Travel bookings

• $100 credit and extras for stays at select luxury properties

• $50 credit and extras like free room upgrades for each stay at select hotels

• Free access for you and two others to Capital One Lounges and affiliated lounges

Welcome bonuses: 

• 75,000 miles for customers spending at least $4,000 within the first three months

Annual fees: $395

APR: Variable (19.99-29.99%) 

Credit score required: Excellent

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase's Sapphire Preferred offering is the more inexpensive of its two credit cards, though it still comes with a host of great perks.

Travel rewards:

• Up to $50 in credit statements every anniversary for hotels booked through Chase Travel

• Points are worth 25% more when used for Chase Travel bookings

• 5X points for car rentals and hotels booked through Chase Travel

• 2X points for all other travel-related purchases

• 3X points for dining experiences

Welcome bonuses: 

• 60,000 miles for customers spending at least $4,000 within the first three months

Annual fees: $95

APR: Variable (20.99-29.99%) 

Credit score required: Excellent

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The Sapphire Reserve Card from Chase takes things up a notch compared to the regular edition.

Travel rewards:

• Up to $300 in credit statements each anniversary for travel purchases

• Points are worth 50% more when used for Chase Travel bookings

• 10X points for car rentals and hotels booked through Chase Travel

• 3X points for all other travel-related purchases

• 3X points for dining experiences

• Access to select lounges for you and two other guests

• $120 credit every four years for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Welcome bonuses: 

• 60,000 miles for customers spending at least $4,000 within the first three months

Annual fees: $550

APR: 21.99%–29.99%

Credit score required: Excellent

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Those of you who tend to fly with Delta will love the rewards that come with the SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.

Travel rewards:

• Up to $100 credit a year for bookings with Delta Stays

• Up to $200 credit a year with Delta flights

• Get 20% back on in-flight purchases

• 2X miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases and in any restaurant worldwide

Welcome bonuses:

• No annual fee for the first year

• 10,000 miles for customers spending at least $1,000 within the first six months

Annual fees: $150

APR: Variable (maximum of 29.99%)

Credit score required: Excellent

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is one of the most affordable cards on this list.

Travel rewards:

• 3X points for travel, gas, restaurants, phone plans, and streaming services

• 1X points for all other purchases

• Travel and emergency assistance

• Up to $600 for phone theft or damage

Welcome bonuses:

• 20,000 miles for customers spending at least $1,000 within the first three months

• 0% APR for the first 12 months on purchases and transfers

Annual fees: $0

APR: Variable (up to 29.74%)

Credit score required: Excellent

American Express Gold Card

Unlock a plethora of travel rewards with the Gold Card, the best American Express credit card for travel lovers.

Travel rewards:

• 4X points for restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 a year)

• 4X points in supermarkets in the U.S (up to $25,000 a year)

• 3X points for flights booked with Amex Travel or directly with airlines

• 2X points for select travel purchases and prepaid hotels

• 1X point for every dollar spent on other purchases

Welcome bonuses:

• 60,000 miles for customers spending at least $6,000 within the first six months

Annual fees: $325

APR: Variable (20.74% to 28.74%)

Credit score required: Excellent

Enjoy Unbeatable Travel Perks With These Credit Cards

With the right set of travel cards, you have the potential to make some substantial savings, secure exclusive upgrades, and enjoy enviable extras to make your travel experience more enjoyable. No matter your travel style, there'll surely be a credit card suited to you!