The Blonde Abroad
Hey there! It’s Kiersten from The Blonde Abroad! Have you ever heard people talk about traveling the world for free with ‘points?’ Using a credit card is an important step in building a strong credit history and score, so why not earn travel rewards while paying for everyday purchases? There are countless credit cards that offer some pretty awesome perks– but how do you know which one to pick? I’ve put together an easy-to-use guide to help you pick a travel rewards credit card that’s perfect for you, based on your spending, and your travel goals– whether you’re running a business, saving up for your first big trip, or flying all around the world.
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World Traveler
World Traveler
This is my personal favorite travel reward credit card! Since I'm a frequent traveler (and a small business) Chase Sapphire Reserve gets me TONS of travel perks and points.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 3X points on travel and on dining at restaurants
- $300 Annual Travel Credit each account anniversary year
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Access to Priority Pass™ Select lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
Bonus Value*
$1,000Annual Fee
$450Regular APR
18.74% - 25.74% VariableRecommended Credit
Excellent Credit
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
First-timer
First-timer
For your first reward credit card, look no further!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
- Get 25% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
Bonus Value*
$1,200Annual Fee
$95Regular APR
17.74% - 24.74% VariableRecommended Credit
Excellent/Good
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
No-brainer
No-brainer
If you're new to the whole "points" thing, this easy-to-use card could be perfect for you!
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Plus earn 10X miles at hotels.com/venture
- Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- No foreign transaction fees
Bonus Value*
$700Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after thatRegular APR
17.49% - 24.74% (Variable)Recommended Credit
Excellent, Good
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer
If you frequently pay for airfare and hotels, the AMEX Platinum is one of the most rewarding travel cards on the market!
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months
- Up to 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com
- Up to $200 per year in Uber credits
- Access to Amex Centurion Lounges
- Up to $200 per year in fees and more at one qualifying airline
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Terms Apply, See Rates and Fees
Bonus Value*
$1,200Annual Fee
$550Regular APR
N/ARecommended Credit
Excellent/Good
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
The Foodie
The Foodie
If you frequently dine out, the Amex Gold is one of the most rewarding travel cards on the market!
American Express® Gold Card
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- Earn up to 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- Up to $120 in statement credits at select restaurants. Enrollment required.
- Up to $100 Airline Fee Credit for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Terms Apply, See Rates and Fees
Bonus Value*
$700Annual Fee
$250Regular APR
See Rates & FeesRecommended Credit
Excellent/Good
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
Big Spender
Big Spender
A lower fee business card than the AMEX, but just as perky!
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No foreign transaction fees
Bonus Value*
$1,600Annual Fee
$95Regular APR
17.74% - 22.74% VariableRecommended Credit
Excellent Credit
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer
TRAVEL LIKE A PRO WITH THE POINTS GUY
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.