How to pick the right travel credit card for you
Editor's Note
With dozens of travel credit cards available, there's truly something for every kind of traveler. The key is finding a card that matches your spending habits and helps you get closer to your travel goals — whether that's a weekend getaway or a dream vacation.
Here's what to look for when choosing the best travel credit card for you.
Key features to look for in a travel credit card
The best travel credit card for you depends on how you spend and travel. As you compare options, keep an eye out for:
- Card type: Decide between a cobranded card (tied to one airline or hotel) and a general travel card with flexible rewards.
- Welcome bonus: A strong introductory offer can deliver significant up-front value if you can meet the spending requirement.
- Bonus categories: Look for cards that reward your everyday purchases, like dining, travel and groceries.
- Annual fee versus benefits: Make sure the perks outweigh the cost of carrying the card.
- Travel perks: Benefits like lounge access, free checked bags and elite status can enhance your trips and save money.
Each of these elements plays a role in how much value you'll get — and whether the card truly fits your lifestyle.
Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points
Cobranded vs. general: Which travel card should you pick?
First, consider the type of travel card you want and the rewards you wish to earn.
There are two main categories: cobranded travel credit cards and general travel rewards credit cards.
Cobranded travel credit cards are linked with a particular airline or hotel and often come with brand-specific perks.
For airline cards, this might include free checked bags, priority boarding or inflight discounts. Hotel cards may offer annual free night certificates, property credits or automatic elite status. These cards work best if you're loyal to one brand, like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines or Marriott.
General travel rewards credit cards aren't tied to a single program. Instead, they earn points or miles you can use across multiple airlines and hotel brands, or redeem for travel through the issuer's portal, statement credits or gift cards.
General travel credit cards are typically preferable for those who want flexibility in their rewards without being tied to a specific airline or hotel brand.
Related: My 4 top travel credit cards — and how they elevate my trips
Why welcome offers matter
A welcome bonus is a one-time bonus, usually in the form of points, miles or cash back, that you earn after spending a certain amount on your new credit card within a specified time frame.
It can quickly supercharge your points or miles balance and help offset a card's annual fee. When evaluating offers, think about:
- Bonus size: A welcome bonus of 60,000 to 100,000 points (or more) can offer significant value — often worth hundreds of dollars in travel.
- Spending requirement: Be sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus without stretching your budget or making unnecessary purchases.
- Offer timing: Some cards run elevated offers throughout the year, and timing your application can maximize value.
To stay in the know on the latest welcome offers, sign up for one (or all!) of TPG's newsletters, and check out our running list of the best current welcome bonuses.
Related: The best time to apply for American Express cards based on offer history
Match bonus categories with your lifestyle
The right travel credit card should reward you for the purchases you already make, so to get the most value, look closely at how a card earns points or miles and whether those bonus categories align with your lifestyle.
- Dining and groceries: Many travel cards offer elevated rewards at restaurants and supermarkets, making them great options for foodies or families.
- Travel purchases: Airline and hotel cards typically offer bonus points for spending with their specific brand, while general travel cards often reward broader categories like flights, hotels and even ride-hailing services.
- Everyday expenses: Some cards go beyond travel and dining by offering bonus points on gas, streaming services, online shopping or transit, ideal if you're looking for year-round earning potential.
By choosing a card that matches your regular spending, you'll maximize your rewards and earn rewards faster without changing your habits.
Weigh the annual fee against the benefits
Travel credit card annual fees can range from $0 to nearly $900, and whether a card is "worth it" depends on how much value you can realistically get from its perks.
Here's a good way to think about it: Figure out the card's true cost by subtracting the value of perks or statement credits you'll actually use from the annual fee. This gives you the card's effective annual cost and a clearer picture of what you're really paying.
Let's look at two examples:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee: $795
Key perks and credits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Up to $300 annually with StubHub and Viagogo through Dec. 31, 2027
- Up to $250 annually in complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions through June 22, 2027 (one-time activation per service through chase.com or the Chase Mobile app is required)
- Up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus every four years
- 8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel℠ purchases, 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct, 3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide
Your effective annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve when using these statement credits comes out to $0. You're actually $85 in the green.
Now factor in the value of Priority Pass, travel protections, other statement credits and high earning potential. If you take advantage of these, the card can easily provide more value than you pay in.
To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Annual fee: $895 (see rates and fees)
Key perks and credits:
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by one airline you select
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly up-to-$15 credits plus an up-to-$20 bonus in December); Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card
- Up to $120 Uber One statement credit, fully covering an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership*
- Up to $300 per calendar year in annual digital entertainment credit, given as up to $25 in monthly statement credits when you pay for eligible purchases with the Amex Platinum at eligible partners*
- Up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year to cover your Clear Plus annual membership* (subject to auto-renewal)
- Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent after)
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Your effective annual fee for the Amex Platinum when maximizing these statement credits reduces below $0 — in fact, if you can take advantage of just the credits mentioned above, you'll be $134 in the green.
Add in lounge access and the elevated earning rate on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel, and the overall value can far exceed the cost.
To learn more, see our full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Popular travel cards to consider
- Premium travel cards: The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express come with high annual fees but include airport lounge access, travel credits and elite status perks.
- Mid-tier and beginner cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is great for beginners or casual travelers who want strong rewards without a huge up-front cost. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher $395 fee, but built-in travel credits and anniversary miles can fully offset the cost, making it a great value for frequent travelers.
- No-annual-fee cards: Cards such as the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card can still deliver solid value, though benefits and earning rates may be more limited.
Remember, a travel card is only worth the annual fee if you'll actually use the perks. If the value outweighs the cost — or comes close — it's likely worth it. But if the benefits feel forced, you're probably better off with a lower-fee option.
Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees
Bottom line
The best travel credit card isn't always the one with the flashiest perks — it's the one that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you're looking for luxury lounge access or simple points on groceries and flights, make sure the card you choose matches your spending and helps you get closer to your travel goals without paying for benefits you won't use.
Related: The credit cards that help fuel my luxury travel
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- 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 get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $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 U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- 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 get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $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 U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.