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 American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.