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As a travel and credit card expert, the most common question I receive is: “What’s the best travel credit card?”
To answer, I ask about an individual’s travel habits and goals, since the ideal card varies per person. Your preferences and spending patterns evolve, affecting what card suits you best.
Fortunately, the market has exploded with fantastic travel credit card options—far more than when I started this journey over 15 years ago. Whether you aim to earn airline miles, hotel points for luxurious stays, or general travel rewards, there’s a card for you.
If asked about my top recommendations, here’s a list of excellent credit cards to consider, alongside tips for maximizing their benefits.
The Best Credit Cards
*Flying Frugal founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
**Card information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy and hasn’t been reviewed by the issuer.
Comparing the Best Credit Cards
Here are Flying Frugal’s top picks:
| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Beginner travelers | 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 in the first 3 months. |
|
$95 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | Nonbonus spending | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in the first 3 months. |
|
$95 |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Luxury benefits | Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after $8,000 in 6 months. |
|
$695 |
| Capital One Venture X | Premium travel | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in the first 3 months. |
|
$395 |
| American Express Gold | Dining | Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after $6,000 in 6 months. |
|
$325 |
| Ink Business Preferred | Bonus-earning | 90,000 points after $8,000 in 3 months. |
|
$95 |
| Citi Strata Premier | Starter travel | 60,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months. |
|
$95 |
| Bilt Mastercard | Renters | N/A |
|
$0 |
| Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select | Infrequent flyers | 80,000 AAdvantage miles after $3,500 in 4 months. |
|
First year free, then $99 |
| Hilton Honors Aspire | Luxury hotel stays | 175,000 points after $6,000 in 6 months. |
|
$550 |
Tips from The Points Guy
Brian Kelly’s advice on selecting a credit card:
Choosing the Right Card
The best card for you hinges on your spending patterns and travel style. Factors to consider include:
- Your preferred airline for earning extra miles.
- Your go-to hotel chain for potential elite benefits.
- Your desire for transferable points over brand-specific rewards.
- Your interest in premium perks like lounge access or travel statement credits.
Regularly reevaluate your cards and travel goals to optimize rewards.
Preferred Rewards
Identify which loyalty points or miles benefit you the most—whether for airline tickets, hotel stays, or general travel flexibility.
Welcome Bonuses
Track welcome bonuses for rapid point accumulation. Elevate your potential by monitoring deals.
Spending Habits
Align cards with your spending categories to maximize rewards. Ensure your top expenses correspond with your card benefits.
Annual Fees
Consider the annual fee and whether the benefits you’ll use justify the cost. Many rewarding cards have low or no annual fees.
Our Selection Process
We select the best cards based on their earning rates, bonuses, and overall benefits. Regular evaluations of your travel strategy ensure you have the right card mix for your needs.
Redemption Options
Many cards here offer transferable points, allowing flexibility to redeem with various partners. If a specific airline or hotel is your main choice, consider co-branded cards for added perks.
Bottom Line
There’s no singular best credit card; the right choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Stay adaptable and evaluate your strategy regularly for optimal rewards.
Related: How to fine-tune your credit card strategy for 2025.
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