A complete guide to the best travel cards broken down by bonus category
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated information. For the most up-to-date card benefits and category bonuses due to the pandemic, read our guide to limited-time COVID-19 card perks.
Despite all of the advanced techniques for generating travel rewards, people are still surprised to hear that daily spending on credit cards is the most reliable way to earn them. The key is to use cards that earn the most rewards for particular spending categories. We consider some of the best travel rewards credit cards for common spending categories.
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Best travel rewards credit cards for each bonus category
- Citi Prestige® Card: Best for dining
- Citi Premier® Card: Best for gas
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for general travel including hotels
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for U.S. supermarkets
- Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for non-bonus spending
In This Post
Comparison of the best cards for each travel rewards credit card category
| Card | best in category (% Return based on TPG’s valuations) | Annual fee |
| Citi Prestige Card | Dining (8.5% return based on TPG’s valuations) | $495 |
| Citi Premier® Card | Gas (5.1% return) | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | General travel including hotels (6% return) | $550 |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Airfare booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (10% return) | $550 (see rates and fees) |
| American Express Gold Card | Groceries from U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases each calendar year; then 1x) (8% return) | $250 (see rates and fees) |
| Citi Double Cash Card | Non-bonus spending (3.4% return when converted to Citi ThankYou points) | None |
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Although the above table shows our top travel rewards card for each spending category, often there are other cards that also perform well — and may even perform better for your specific spending habits and lifestyle. For each category, we’ll present the card that provides the highest return, followed by a table with additional cards you should consider.
Best cards for dining
Overall best dining card — Citi Prestige Card
Return: 5x Citi ThankYou points per dollar spent at restaurants. Points are worth 1.7 cents apiece, according to TPG’s latest monthly valuations, so you’re getting a return of 8.5%
Current sign-up bonus: 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Benefits: You’ll earn 5x points on air travel, 3x points on hotels and cruise lines and 1x on all other purchases. You’ll get automatic statement credits each year for up to $250 of travel spending, a Priority Pass Select membership and a fourth night free on stays of four nights or longer up to twice each year when booked through Citi. The Prestige has no foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $495
Related reading:
- Citi Prestige credit card review
- The best credit cards for dining out and ordering in
- The Citi Prestige offers 5x: Which card should you use for dining?
- Even though the Citi Prestige has lost a lot of benefits, I’m still keeping mine (for now)
Top travel rewards cards for dining
| Card | Dining category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | /Welcome offer |
| Citi Prestige Card | 5x | 1.7 cents | 8.5 cents | $495 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x | 2 cents | 8 cents | $250 (see rates and fees) | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply. |
| American Express® Green Card | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $150 (see rates and fees) | 30,000 points after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $550 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
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.
Best cards for hotels
Overall best hotel card — Chase Sapphire Reserve
Return: 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, including hotels. Points are worth 2 cents apiece, according to TPG’s latest monthly valuations, so you’re getting a return of 6%. Granted, some other cards provide a higher return on select hotel stays — but the winner of this category needed to provide impressive earning on all hotel stays.
Current sign-up bonus: 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
Benefits: In addition to the 3x points on all travel, including hotels, you’ll earn 3x on dining, and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. You’ll get a $300 annual travel credit, travel protections, shopping protections, 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2022 and more. The Chase Sapphire Reserve has no foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $550
Related reading:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review
- The best hotel credit cards for 2020
- Here’s why I keep the Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Top travel rewards for hotels
| Card | Hotel category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5x (only for prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com) | 2 cents | 10 cents | $550 (see rates and fees) | 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first six months of account opening |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express | 14x (only at participating Hilton properties) | 0.6 cents | 8.4 cents | $450 (see rates and fees) | 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
| The World of Hyatt Credit Card | 4x (only at Hyatt properties) | 1.7 cents | 6.8 cents | $95 | 25,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of account opening; an additional 25,000 points after spending $6,000 total in the first six months of account opening |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $550 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening |
| American Express® Green Card | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $150 (see rates and fees) | 30,000 points after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Best cards for airfare
Overall best for airfare — The Platinum Card from American Express
Return: 5x American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Points are worth 2 cents apiece, according to TPG’s latest monthly valuations, so you’re getting a return of 10%. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, earn 5x points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Current welcome offer: 75,000 points when you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first six months of account opening, although you may be able to snag an elevated targeted offer, subject to change at anytime through the CardMatch tool.
Benefits: You’ll also earn 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll get an up to $200 annual airline fee credit, elite status with Marriott and Hilton and access to lounges (including Centurion Lounges) through the Amex Global Lounge Collection.
Also, check out all the limited-time Amex perks, including credits on select streaming and U.S. wireless services. Select cardholders will receive a $100 Dell statement credit (to be used by Jan. 31, 2021)
Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees)
Related reading:
- The Platinum Card from American Express review
- The best credit cards for airfare purchases
- 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum
- Maximizing benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Top travel rewards cards for airfare
| Card | Airfare category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | /Welcome offer |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | 5x (only when you book directly with the airline or with American Express Travel) | 2 cents | 10 cents | $550 (see rates and fees) | 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first six months of account opening |
| Citi Prestige Card | 5x | 1.7 cents | 8.5 cents | $495 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $550 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months |
| American Express Green Card | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $150 (see rates and fees) | 30,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Best cards for general travel
Overall best for general travel — Chase Sapphire Reserve
Return: 3x points per dollar on all travel (and dining), equal to a return of 6% when you use this card to pay for airlines, hotels, rental cars and other purchases that Chase counts as travel
Current sign-up bonus: 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months
Benefits: 3x points on all travel purchases is a huge benefit (excluding the $300 travel credit), made even better by the Ultimate Rewards program’s solid selection of 1:1 airline and hotel transfer partners. Sapphire Reserve cardholders can also redeem points for 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, and the card offers a $300 annual travel statement credit that applies to a wide variety of purchases. The card provides Priority Pass Select membership (including restaurant lounges) and has excellent travel protections.
Also, check out all the limited-time perks including bonuses on Instacart, streaming and gas.
Annual fee: $550
Related reading:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review
- The best cards for travel purchases
- 4 things to do once you get your Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Six little-known Chase Sapphire Reserve perks
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Top travel rewards cards for general travel
| Card | Travel category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $550 | 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening |
| American Express Green Card | 3x | 2 cents | 6 cents | $150 (see rates and fees) | 30,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months of account opening |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 2x | 2 cents | 4 cents | $95 | 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Best cards for groceries
Overall best for groceries — American Express Gold Card
Return: 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent. At a value of 2 cents per point, these rewards are worth 8% back on your purchases.
Current welcome offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.; you may find a better offer by using the CardMatch Tool (subject to change at any time).
Benefits: You’ll also earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. You can transfer points to airlines and hotels that partner with the Membership Rewards program. You’ll also get an up to $120 annual dining credit.
Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees)
Related reading:
- American Express Gold card review
- The best credit cards for groceries
- Maximizing the American Express Gold Card
- Who should (and who shouldn’t) get the Amex Gold Card?
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Top travel rewards cards for groceries
| Card | Grocery category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
| American Express Gold Card | 4x at U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 per year, then 1x | 2 cents | 8 cents | $250 (see rates and fees) | 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Terms apply. |
| Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express | 3x at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year, then 1x (50% bonus when you use the card 30 times a month) | 2 cents | 6 cents (9 cents with 50% bonus) | $95 | 15,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
| The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express | 2x at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year, then 1x; 20% bonus when you use the card 20 times a month | 2 cents | 4 cents (6 cents with 20% bonus) | None | 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of account opening |
The information for the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card and Amex EveryDay® Credit 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.
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Best cards for gas
Overall best for gas — Citi Premier® Card
Return: Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar spent on the following categories, with no caps or annual limits:
Current bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening
Benefits: You can transfer your ThankYou points to airline loyalty programs, which allows you to maximize your points. Your points are also worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed toward airfare booked through the ThankYou Travel Center. This card also waives foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $95
Related reading:
- Citi Premier credit card review
- The best credit cards for gas purchases
- 4 reasons to get the Citi Premier card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier: Which card is better?
Apply here: Citi Premier® Card
Top travel rewards cards for gas
| Card | Gas category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
| Citi Premier® Card | 3x | 1.7 cents | 5.1 cents | $95 | 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5x | 0.85 to 1.27 cents** | 4.35 to 6.35 cents | None | $100 statement credit after you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening |
| Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express |
2x at U.S. gas stations; 50% bonus when you use the card 30 times a month | 2 cents | 4 cents (6 cents with 50% bonus) | $95 | 15,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
**TPG does not assess the value of PenFed points. However, PenFed has provided examples to us that indicate points are worth 0.85 cents toward gift cards, and perhaps a little more for merchandise. When booking travel, points are worth around 0.85 to 0.90 cents each for air travel, but as much as 1.27 cents toward hotel bookings, with many hotel reservations returning about 1.18 cents in value per point redeemed.
Best cards for non-bonus spending
Overall best for non-bonus spending — Citi® Double Cash Card
Return: Up to 2% cash back on all purchases with no limits (1% when you buy, plus 1% as you pay). While this is technically a cash-back card, you can convert your cash back to ThankYou Points via a linked ThankYou account. Since Citi ThankYou points are worth 1.7 cents each based on TPG valuations, you’re looking at a return of up to 3.4%.
Current sign-up bonus: None
Notes: Don’t use it for non-bonus spending outside of the U.S. because it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Annual fee: $0
Related reading:
- Citi Double Cash credit card review
- The best credit cards for everyday spending
- Best no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards for at home and abroad
Apply here: Citi Double Cash Card
Top travel rewards cards for non-bonus spending
| Card | Non-bonus earning | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee | Welcome offer |
| Citi Double Cash Card | 2x (2% cash back: 1% when you buy, 1% as you pay) | 1.7 cents if converted to ThankYou points | 3.4 cents | $0 | None |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5x (1.5% cash back on purchases) | 2 cents if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card | 3 cents | $0 | $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2x Venture Rewards miles per dollar | 1.4 cents | 2.8 cents | $95 | 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
| Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card | 1x Membership Rewards points (50% bonus when you use the card 30 times a month) | 2 cents | 2 cents (3 cents with 50% bonus) | $95 | 15,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Related: Which card should I use? A guide to navigating COVID card bonuses and benefits
Related guides
- Battle of the premium travel rewards cards: Which is the best?
- The best travel credit cards
- Maximize your wallet with the perfect quartet of Chase credit cards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?
- Starter card showdown: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture
- The best airline credit cards
- The best credit cards for flying United
- Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
- The best hotel credit cards
- Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you?
- Choosing the best Hilton credit card for you
- Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Additional reporting by Chris Dong
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of Amex Platinum Card, please click here.
Featured photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images11537241590191921153724159019192
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