Are travel credit cards worth it?
Editor's Note
If you don't travel frequently and are new to the world of credit cards, you're probably wondering if a travel credit card makes sense for your wallet. Because they make up so much of the card landscape, it can be hard to know which type of travel card to apply for, let alone if they're worth it.
For most consumers, though, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Here are a few reasons why a travel credit card might make sense for you.
Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you
Who benefits from travel cards?
Frequent travelers
Unsurprisingly, if you're a globe-crossing jet-setter, chances are you'll be able to get substantial value out of pretty much any travel card out there. If this is you, you'll want to consider cards with perks like lounge access, free checked bags and statement credits for services like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
While these cards sometimes come with high annual fees and lots of bells and whistles, if you're a frequent traveler, you're right in the target market for something like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), meaning you're tailor-made to get value out of it.
Aspirational travelers
If you travel even a little bit or are an aspirational traveler — someone who wants to get more involved in the travel space but maybe without the financial backing or credit card portfolio to justify it — there are plenty of card offerings that will help you get where you want to be, literally and figuratively.
People in this camp will likely want to start with a no-annual-fee card or a mid-tier card like the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). These cards offer lots of benefits at a low or no cost and can jump-start your credit card journey while giving you points to spend and perks to enjoy in the meantime.
Big spenders
Not a jet-setter or interested in that lifestyle? Travel cards might still make sense for you if your monthly budget is high. Putting your day-to-day purchases on a credit card — any credit card — will benefit you more than using a debit card.
If you're a big spender, you'll be able to easily cash in on most cards' welcome offers, easily hitting the spending threshold and getting lots of bonus points to boot. Additionally, if you regularly rack up points on a card, you'll earn benefits like airline and hotel elite status, plus free hotel nights.
Small-business owners
If you have a small business and are looking to cut down on your expenses, plenty of travel cards can help you do so. That's because, like the big spenders, you'll likely be putting out a lot in monthly expenditures. If you put those expenses on a card, those expenditures can lead to travel rewards.
Consider something like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), which earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points that are worth 2.05 cents apiece, per TPG's February 2025 valuations.
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Should you get a travel credit card?
If you're not a traveler at heart and don't spend a lot every month, either on a personal level or with a small business, then a travel card might not make the most sense. You might be better off with a cash-back card that earns simple rewards on everyday spending categories and doesn't require a lot of jumping through hoops.
But as you get deeper into the credit cards world, be sure to consider travel cards — not just because they make up most of all credit cards, but because you can get substantial value out of them whether or not you consider yourself a globe-trotter.
Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?
Bottom line
Even if you don't fly or sleep in hotels frequently, travel credit cards can still offer significant value if you follow a few straightforward steps and leverage their earning rates and welcome bonuses.
Not everyone can fully maximize the benefits of a premium travel credit card. However, there are plenty of options available for everyone. With some research, you can find the right card to help you reduce the cost of your next trip and potentially enhance your travel experience.
Related: TPG's guide to getting started with points, miles and credit cards
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 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
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- 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
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