Man, I remember my first time looking for a travel credit card and what it meant. Traveling opens doors to new cultures, unforgettable experiences, and memories that last a lifetime. But planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out finances. This is where travel credit cards can be a game-changer and make much sense.
These cards reward you for your everyday spending with points or miles that you can redeem for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Not only can they help you save money on your trip, but they can also incentivize you to explore new destinations and travel more often.
However, with various travel cards on the market, finding and choosing the right card for you can feel daunting. This article will break it down for you, highlighting the best travel credit cards for beginners and new travelers, considering factors like fees, rewards programs, and ease of use.
1. Capital One Venture X Credit Card
Capital One Venture X is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers. The card is a relative newcomer compared to cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It launched in late 2021, aiming to shake up the premium travel card market.
It offers:
- Unlimited miles: You earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases. You can earn even more miles by booking travel through Capital One Travel.
- Travel benefits: These include airport lounge access, a statement credit for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement.
- High annual fee: Compared to other travel cards, the Venture X has a higher annual fee, but the travel benefits and rewards program can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Earn unlimited miles on all purchases
- Travel benefits like airport lounge access and travel statement credit
- Potentially outweighs the annual fee with travel rewards for frequent travelers
Cons:
- High annual fee might not be justifiable for casual travelers
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a credit card designed for people who want to be rewarded for travel and dining expenses. The card debuted in 2010, offering a fresh take on travel rewards for frequent flyers and diners. Back then, the card’s 40,000-point sign-up bonus was a game-changer, jumpstarting its popularity.
You earn points on travel and dining purchases at an accelerated rate compared to everyday spending. The card includes travel benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access (depending on travel partners). The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee than premium travel cards.
Here’s a breakdown of who might find this card valuable:
- Frequent travelers: If you travel a few times a year, the points you earn on travel and dining can add up quickly, which you can then redeem for free travel.
- Diners out: If you enjoy eating out, you can maximize your points by using this card for your restaurant bills.
- People who want travel perks: The travel benefits can be valuable for those who travel, especially if you don’t want to pay the high annual fee of a premium travel card.
3. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Credit Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is a high-end travel rewards credit card with a $400 annual fee. The card debuted in 2017, offering precisely what you would expect from a luxury credit card – a generous sign-up bonus, a lavish rewards program, and a hefty annual fee.
It offers:
- Rewards:
- Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the U.S. Bank Altitude Rewards Center.
- Earn 3x points on travel purchases and mobile wallet spending.
- Earn 1x point on all other purchases.
- Up to $325 annual statement credit for travel and dining purchases.
- Signup Bonus:
- Earn 50,000 points worth $750 in travel after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days.’
- Travel Benefits:
- Includes airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership.
- Has travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
Pros
- Earn lots of points on travel and everyday purchases with your phone
- Redeem points for travel or get travel credits each year
- Get access to airport lounges and travel insurance
Cons
- High annual fee you need to spend a lot to justify
- Points can’t be transferred to airlines or hotels
- To get the most points, you have to book travel through the bank’s portal
Editor’s Note: Sign up for the TravelSpender newsletter for exclusive travel hacks, destination guides, and deals delivered straight to your inbox! Travel more, spend less.
