Best Travel Credit Cards
One of the keys to traveling the world for next to nothing is having the right credit cards.
Virtually all airlines and hotel chains have co-branded credit cards that allow you to accrue points in your preferred program.
Not only do credit card companies offer huge sign-up bonuses just for being approved for a card, but they also offer bonus points for spending in certain categories.
I earn around a million miles a year through credit cards, about half of which come strictly from the sign-up bonuses earned by being approved for a credit card and completing a minimal amount of spend. The other half I earn through maximizing everyday spend (allowing me to earn anywhere from 2x to 5x points per dollar) and taking advantage of every bonus promotion available to me. Every year I redeem these points for a handful of first class trips around the world.
There are a lot of misconceptions about how credit scores work, as most people believe that applying for a credit card will negatively impact their credit score. As long as you keep your credit utilization low and make your payments on time, you shouldn’t see a negative impact on your credit score from applying for cards. Keep in mind you’ll need Very Good or Excellent credit to be eligible for many of the more lucrative cards below, and I’d never recommend carrying a balance on a rewards-earning card, as the interest payments can negate the value of the rewards.
My credit score is actually much better now than it was before I started applying for lots of credit cards, and I apply for multiple each year.
Featured Cards
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
This is a great card for small businesses, given that this card has no annual fee yet still accrues 5x points in several categories.
Current Offer
Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
The card has a great sign-up bonus, and on top of that has lots of perks that make it valuable long term. I value Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 50,000 points are worth $850, and that's before factoring in the travel credit and other great perks.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This is an excellent card for those who spend a lot on dining and want to earn cash back, rather than travel rewards!
Current Offer
$500 Cash Back after you spend $3000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Card Details
4 % Cash Back on dining. 4 % Cash Back on entertainment. 2 % Cash Back at grocery stores. 1 % Cash Back on all other purchases.
New! Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
This is a great card for small businesses, given the generous welcome offer and the simple earning structure. Pair this with the Ink Preferred to maximize your rewards!
Current Offer
Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
This is a fantastic bonus, especially as these miles can be pooled with any miles you’re earning on your personal account.
Current Offer
For a limited time, earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening*
Card Details
• Designed for businesses
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases*
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations*
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases*
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line*
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights*
• New: 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card*
Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, Hyatt, and many other programs. The card is also great for everyday spend given that it offers double points on dining and travel. This is probably the most-used card in my wallet.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Card Details
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide
The Ink Preferred has a fantastic, practical rewards structure. Triple points on travel, telecommunications, shipping and advertising on social-media and search engines, covers a lot of categories that are actually useful to businesses.
Current Offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
This is a fantastic welcome bonus, especially for a small business card. You'll enjoy complimentary Gold status just for keeping the card, with great opportunities to earn points and free Weekend Night Rewards.
Current Offer
Welcome Offer: Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card Membership
Card Details
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3X Everywhere Else. Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year. Relax with 10 free airport lounge visits each year once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers access to over 1,000 lounges in over 120 countries.
Earning 4X Membership Rewards® for small business expenses is an awesome return, and we especially like that it automatically applies to the categories you use most in a billing cycle, rather than having to choose just one or two each year.
Current Offer
Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
Card Details
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This is an excellent card for those who spend a lot on dining and want to earn cash back, rather than travel rewards!
Current Offer
$500 Cash Back after you spend $3000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Card Details
4 % Cash Back on dining. 4 % Cash Back on entertainment. 2 % Cash Back at grocery stores. 1 % Cash Back on all other purchases.
The card has a great sign-up bonus, and on top of that has lots of perks that make it valuable long term. I value Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 50,000 points are worth $850, and that's before factoring in the travel credit and other great perks.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, Hyatt, and many other programs. The card is also great for everyday spend given that it offers double points on dining and travel. This is probably the most-used card in my wallet.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Card Details
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, including a $200 Airline Fee Credit, which gives you up to $200 a year in baggage fees and more at one airline.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. 5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com. Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. As a Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Membership Rewards has many transfer partners, including Aeroplan, British Airways, Delta, and Singapore, and this card lets you earn great bonuses in the categories that many of us use most often.
Current Offer
Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 3 months. Receive 20% back as a statement credit at U.S. Restaurants within the first 3 months, up to $100 back. Offer available to new Card Members who apply by 1/9/2019.
Card Details
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US restaurants. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
The Ink Preferred has a fantastic, practical rewards structure. Triple points on travel, telecommunications, shipping and advertising on social-media and search engines, covers a lot of categories that are actually useful to businesses.
Current Offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Current Offer
Earn up to 60,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus earn 20,000 points after you spend $12,000 within your first year.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
This is a fantastic welcome bonus, especially for a small business card. You'll enjoy complimentary Gold status just for keeping the card, with great opportunities to earn points and free Weekend Night Rewards.
Current Offer
Welcome Offer: Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card Membership
Card Details
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3X Everywhere Else. Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year. Relax with 10 free airport lounge visits each year once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers access to over 1,000 lounges in over 120 countries.
This card has a great return for a cash-back card with no annual fee.
Current Offer
Earn a one-time $150 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Card Details
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, 2% on groceries and 1% on all other purchases; No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn. 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable APR after that; 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months; variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
This is a fantastic bonus, especially as these miles can be pooled with any miles you’re earning on your personal account.
Current Offer
For a limited time, earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening*
Card Details
• Designed for businesses
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases*
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations*
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases*
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line*
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights*
• New: 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card*
Barclaycard Arrival® Plus World Elite Mastercard®
This is one of the best travel cashback credit cards out there, and this is the best offer we’ve seen on the card. And you’re getting a fantastic welcome bonus to top it all off!
Current Offer
Enjoy Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase; Chip card technology, so paying for your purchases is more secure at chip-card terminals in the U.S. and abroad. Get 5% miles back to use toward your next redemption, every time you redeem for travel statement credits.
This card gives you a full Admirals Club Membership for you and access for guests traveling with you*, in addition to complimentary Admirals Club® Lounge access for authorized users.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
Card Details
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases*; Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year*; First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation*
There are no limits to the amount of cash back you can earn. For a card with no annual fee, that’s a return which is tough to beat.
Current Offer
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the APR will vary based on your creditworthiness*
Card Details
Earn 2% cash back on purchases: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay; Balance Transfers do not earn cash back; No categories to track, no caps on cash back, no annual fee*
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
This is a great card for small businesses, given that this card has no annual fee yet still accrues 5x points in several categories.
Current Offer
Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earning 4X Membership Rewards® for small business expenses is an awesome return, and we especially like that it automatically applies to the categories you use most in a billing cycle, rather than having to choose just one or two each year.
Current Offer
Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
Card Details
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
If you make frequent transactions in a month the Amex EveryDay cards are a great option. In addition to accruing points in bonus categories, these cards offer an additional incentive based on how many times the card is used in a month. This can be quite lucrative, especially as these cards accrue Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline partners for the best value, or used to pay for all or part of your flight, prepaid hotel, vacation or cruise through amextravel.com.
Current Offer
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
2x points at US gas stations; 1x points on other purchases. Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Capital One points are most useful for domestic economy flights, particularly if you have to travel over peak dates.
Current Offer
Earn up to 200,000 miles: Earn a bonus of 50,000 miles when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months and 150,000 miles when you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of opening your account. Limited Time Offer
Card Details
Earn 2 miles per $1 on every purchase, every day. Miles won't expire for the life of the account, and there are no categories to limit where or what you buy. Redeem miles for travel, cash back, gift cards and more. No foreign transaction fees and fly on any airline, anytime, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
Current Offer
NEW: Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
Card Details
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services*; Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases*; Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases*; Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights*
American Express Cash Magnet™ Card
Current Offer
Earn up to $250 back. Here’s how: Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional $100 statement credit after you spend an additional $6,500 in purchases within your first 12 months.
Card Details
Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on your purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise.
Hyatt hit it out of the park with the new card. The card is worth holding onto for the anniversary free night certificate and the five elite nights towards status annually, which more than justify the annual fee, not to mention the pathway to elite status based on your spending.
Current Offer
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points - 40,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus an additional 20,000 Bonus Points after you spend a total of $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
Card Details
Earn 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
This is a great bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and the earnings structure can make this a very rewarding card if you want to earn points for Hilton properties.
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in eligible purchase within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands. Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
The way I view it, this is a card that’s worth holding onto for the anniversary free night certificate, valid at a hotel that retails for up to 35,000 Marriott Rewards points per night. That benefit alone should more than justify the annual fee.
Current Offer
Earn 2 Free Night Awards (each valued up to 35,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the new Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card!
Card Details
Earn 6X points for every $1 spent at over 6,500 participating Marriott Rewards and SPG hotels and 2X points everywhere else.
You earn Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as you hold the card. You also have the opportunity to spend $40k in a year and receive Hilton Diamond, though we generally recommend diversifying your spending instead.
Current Offer
Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Card Details
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a participating hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio.
Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
The new earnings rates make this a great way to earn American miles, not to mention the generous welcome bonus. This card also gives you a 10% rebate when you redeem AAdvantage miles, and often has targeted spend bonuses throughout the year.
Current Offer
Earn up to 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles: 40,000 AAdvantage® miles after making $2,000 in purchases in first 3 months and 10,000 after making a total of $6,000 in purchases in first 12 months of account opening*
Card Details
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations*
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants*
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases*
• Earn a $100 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your cardmembership year and renew your card*
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation*
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights*
• Receive 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights*
Certain versions of ThankYou points, including the ones offered with this card, can be transferred to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, which gives you more options for aspirational travel.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
Card Details
Earn 3X Points on Travel, Including Gas Stations; Earn 2X Points on Dining Out & Entertainment; Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases; 50,000 Points are redeemable for $625 in airfare on any airline, anytime with no blackout dates when booked through the ThankYou® Travel Center, or $500 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com; No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Capital One points are most useful for domestic economy flights, particularly if you have to travel over peak dates.
Current Offer
Earn 1.5 miles per $1 on every purchase, every day. Plus, a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Miles won't expire for the life of the account, and there are no categories to limit where or what you buy; Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees; Get online Quarterly and Year-End Summaries; There's no limit to the amount of miles you can earn; Fly on any airline, anytime, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
Capital One points are most useful for domestic economy flights, particularly if you have to travel over peak dates.
Current Offer
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $500 in travel
Card Details
Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Plus earn 10X miles on thousands of hotels; learn more at hotels.com/venture. Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓. Fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime. Travel when you want with no blackout dates. Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn. Named 'The Best Travel Card' by CNBC, 2018.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business
A cash-back card can be a good way to cut costs in other areas, saving money for travel!
Current Offer
Earn up to $2,000 cash back: Earn a $500 cash bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months and $1,500 when you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of opening your account. Limited Time Offer.
Card Details
Earning unlimited 2% cash back could mean thousands of dollars each year going back into your business. Use Spark Cash across all your business spend, with no categories to limit your purchasing. Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount.
This card allows you to earn 60,000 Rapid Rewards® points which is a bit more than 50% of what you need to earn within a calendar year for Southwest's Companion Pass.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
The annual free night certificate valid at many IHG properties and Platinum elite status for as long as you have the card make this a potentially good value, as most of those hotels would cost more than $89 per night.
Current Offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
Card Details
Earn 10 points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
This is a great way to rack up Ultimate Rewards points on a no annual fee credit card. This card complements the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card very well, given that the points from all cards can be pooled. This means that this card accrues 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent. That’s an incredible return on everyday, non-bonused spend.
Current Offer
Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Card Details
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase - it's automatic!
This is a great way to rack up 7,500 Ultimate Rewards points per quarter on a no annual fee credit card. This card complements the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card very well, given that the points from all cards can be pooled.
Current Offer
Earn a $150 Bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories every 3 months you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
British Airways has a distance based award chart which is extremely lucrative for shorthaul travel, as awards outside North America start at just 4,500 Avios one-way. Given that short flights are often disproportionately expensive when paying cash, I’ve found Avios to be invaluable.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Earn an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you spend $10,000 total on purchases within your first year of account opening for a total of 75,000 bonus Avios. Earn a further 25,000 bonus Avios after you spend $20,000 total on purchases within your first year from account opening for a total of 100,000 bonus Avios.
Card Details
Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, and this is a great welcome bonus on this card.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership
Card Details
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points -- that's 1.5 points per dollar, on each qualifying purchase of $5,000 or more. You can get up to 1 million additional points per year. Plus, continue to get one point per dollar for qualifying purchases under $5,000. 35% Airline Bonus: Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, and you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year. You can enjoy access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection℠ offering access to the most lounges across the globe, when compared with other U.S. credit card offerings. As of 11/2016
The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express
This card offers strong rewards for small businesses. If you can convert those points into “premium” Membership Rewards points in conjunction with another Amex card, you'll get an even better return.
Card Details
Get rewarded for business as usual. Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
This card is worth keeping for Anniversary free night certificate, plus the 15 nights towards elite status annually. And the 6x points per dollar for SPG and Marriott stays certainly doesn't hurt!
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Card Details
• Earn 6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels and 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.
•Enjoy complimentary, unlimited Boingo Wi-Fi on up to four devices at more than 1,000,000 Boingo hotspots worldwide. Enrollment required.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express
This card is worth keeping for Anniversary free night certificate, plus the 15 nights towards elite status annually. And the 6x points per dollar for SPG and Marriott stays certainly doesn't hurt!
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
• Earn 6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at over 6,700 participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels across 29 brands.
• Earn 4 points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Earn 2 points for all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary (redemption level at or under 35,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.
• Plus, earn Gold Elite status after spending $30,000 or more in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Note: effective January 1, 2019, the spend threshold will increase to $35,000.
• Enjoy complimentary Silver Elite status with your Card.
The American Express Membership Rewards cards are generally a better option for accruing Delta SkyMiles, but if you need the MQMs this card is worth considering. The MQD requirement for the qualification year will be waived if you make at least $25,000 in Eligible Purchases in that year with your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.
Current Offer
Earn Earn 35,000 Bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Check your first bag for free and save up to $50 on a round trip Delta flight. Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding. Enjoy 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
Capital One points are most useful for domestic economy flights, particularly if you have to travel over peak dates.
Current Offer
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and pay no annual fee. Plus earn 10X miles on thousands of hotels; learn more at hotels.com/venture. Fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime. Travel when you want with no blackout dates. Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn.
This card gives you Delta Sky Club® access and allows you to earn up to 30,000 Medallion Qualification Miles and 30,000 bonus miles after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a year. If maintaining Delta elite status is important to you, this is definitely a card for you to consider.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases with your new Card in your first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 15,000 bonus miles after you reach $30,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in the calendar year.
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is revenue based, so these points will get you quite a bit of credit towards travel on Southwest. While Rapid Rewards points aren’t the most aspirational currency, they are extremely practical. This sign-up bonus can be especially valuable if you’re going for Southwest Companion Pass.
Current Offer
Earn up to 60,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus earn 20,000 points after you spend $12,000 within your first year.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is revenue based, so these points will get you quite a bit of credit towards travel on Southwest. While Rapid Rewards points aren’t the most aspirational currency, they are extremely practical. This sign-up bonus can be especially valuable if you’re going for Southwest Companion Pass.
Current Offer
Earn up to 60,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus earn 20,000 points after you spend $12,000 within your first year.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
If you make frequent transactions in a month the Amex EveryDay cards are a great option. In addition to accruing points in bonus categories, these cards offer an additional incentive based on how many times the card is used in a month. This can be quite lucrative, especially as these cards accrue Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline partners for the best value, or used to pay for all or part of your flight, prepaid hotel, vacation or cruise through amextravel.com.
Current Offer
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x); 1x points on other purchases. Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
The American Express Membership Rewards cards are generally a better option for accruing Delta SkyMiles, but the MQD requirement for the qualification year will be waived if you make at least $25,000 in Eligible Purchases in that year with your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.
Current Offer
Make business travel more rewarding. Earn Earn 30,000 Bonus miles after you make $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding and enjoy 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit when you use your American Express Delta Card.
New! Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
This is a great card for small businesses, given the generous welcome offer and the simple earning structure. Pair this with the Ink Preferred to maximize your rewards!
Current Offer
Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
A cash-back card can be a good way to cut costs in other areas, saving money for travel!
Current Offer
Earning unlimited 1.5% cash back could mean thousands of dollars each year going back into your business. Plus, a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Use Spark Cash Select across all your business spend, with no categories to limit your purchasing; Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount; Get employee cards at no additional cost, and earn rewards from their business spend
Business Green Rewards Card from American Express
Current Offer
Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points after your first purchase on the Card
Card Details
One Membership Rewards® point for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases
Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
While it might not be the best option for the savvy traveler, it’s nice to see an airline introducing a no annual fee credit card. People often want to have a card from a brand they like, and lots of people like Delta. For a no annual fee card, the card is more generous than I was expecting.
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 2 miles per dollar at US restaurants. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Receive a 20% In-Flight Savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
The MQD requirement for the qualification year will be waived if you make at least $25,000 in Eligible Purchases in that year with your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.
Current Offer
Earn Earn 30,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 2 miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent on other purchases. Check your first bag free on Delta flights - that's a savings of up to $200 per round trip for a family of four. Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This is an amazing cash back rate if you spend a lot of money at supermarkets, department stores, and on gasoline. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cash back is earned only on eligible purchases.
Current Offer
$200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
Card Details
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) - that means spending $60 a week at U.S. supermarkets could earn over $180 back per year; 3% at U.S gas stations; 1% other purchases.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
This is a great no annual fee cash back card option. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cash back is earned only on eligible purchases.
Current Offer
$150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn Cash Back: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 2% at U.S. gas stations & select U.S. department stores, 1% on other purchases.
The new Costco Citi cards have a great rewards structure for Costco loyalists. The bonus categories are compelling, and while it’s still not a card I’d personally use for everyday spend this is a solid option for Costco members.
Current Offer
Receive a reward coupon annually which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at US Costco warehouses.
Card Details
4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The new Costco Citi cards have a great rewards structure for Costco loyalists. The bonus categories are compelling, and while it’s still not a card I’d personally use for everyday spend this is a solid option for Costco members.
Card Details
4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This is a new premium card from Bank of America that is reasonably rewarding, as it offers a $100 airline incidental credit every year, 2x points per dollar spent on dining and travel, and 1.5x points per dollar spent on other purchases. Each point can be redeemed for one cent, meaning the sign-up bonus is potentially worth $500. The real way to maximize the value you get out of this card is by belonging to Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, where you can earn a return that’s up to 75% better.
Current Offer
50,000 bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Card Details
Get up to $200 in travel statement credit rewards
Get up to a $100 Airline Incidental Statement Credit annually for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services, and airline lounge fees - automatically applied to your card statement
Get up to $100 Airport Security Statement Credit towards TSA Pre✓ ® or Global Entry Application fee, every four years
The Plum Card® from American Express
Card Details
Paying early pays off: Get a 1.5% discount when you pay early, with no cap on what you can earn back.
Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, if you pay your minimum due.
Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
Unlock new opportunities with a spending limit that can grow with your business.
This is a great starter card for small businesses, with no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Current Offer
Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, every day
Card Details
Build business credit with responsible use; Fraud coverage if your card is ever lost or stolen; No foreign transaction fees; Enjoy business benefits including Year-End Summaries, employee cards at no extra cost and experienced small business customer service
This is a great starter card geared towards college students.
Current Offer
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 7 months on purchases from date of account opening; after that the APR will vary based upon your creditworthiness* Earn 2,500 bonus points after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 2,500 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $25 in gift cards, electronics and other great rewards when redeemed at thankyou.com
Card Details
Earn 2X Points on Dining Out & Entertainment
- Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- Travel with ease and enjoy global acceptance with Chip Technology
- No annual fee*
A cash-back card can be a good way to cut costs in other areas, saving money for travel!
Current Offer
$150 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn; 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable APR after that; 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months; variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
For a no-annual fee card, this is a pretty rewarding option. And if you have a premium Citi ThankYou® card, you can pool your points for even greater rewards.
Current Offer
Enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months from date of account opening and 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer; after that, the APR will vary based upon your creditworthiness*
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater*
Card Details
- Earn 2X Points on Dining Out & Entertainment
- Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases
- Points are redeemable for gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and department and home stores. 2,500 ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for a $25 gift card at thankyou.com.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No annual fee*
This card is designed for students, and encourages good habits and responsible credit use.
Current Offer
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
Card Details
There's no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, and rewards won't expire for the life of the account; Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time; Pay no annual or foreign transaction fees; Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen; Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
This card allows you to earn 30,000 Alaska miles which are very valuable due to their current award chart. Great for Alaska Airlines/Virgin America frequent fliers as the card allows you to earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and Virgin America and you will receive a companion fare which can be useful.
Current Offer
Get 30,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening
Card Details
Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines and Virgin America and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases; Free checked bag on Alaska and Virgin America flights for you and up to six other passengers on the same reservation; Get a Companion Fare for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from just $22)
Having Chip + PIN technology helps make this card easy to use when traveling overseas, but you won't earn travel rewards with this card.
Current Offer
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable 13.99% APR will apply
This card allows you to earn 3 miles per $1 spent directly on Virgin Atlantic purchases and 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases with no limit.
Current Offer
20,000 Flying Club bonus miles after your first retail purchase; 50,000 additional Flying Club bonus miles after you spend at least $12,000 in qualifying purchases within six months; Earn up to 15,000 additional bonus miles upon anniversary — 7,500 bonus miles if you spend a total of $15,000, and an additional 7,500 bonus miles if you spend a total of $25,000; Earn up to 5,000 Flying Club bonus miles when you add additional authorized users to your card
Card Details
3 miles per $1 spent directly on Virgin Atlantic purchases; 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases with no limit to the number of miles you can earn; Earn up to 15,000 additional Flying Club bonus miles every anniversary after qualifying purchases and up to another 5,000 Flying Club bonus miles when you add additional authorized users to your account
This card gives you two annual $100 statement rebates on the ticket purchase of Asiana Airlines-operated flights from the United States
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after your first purchase
Card Details
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from Asiana Airlines; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases; Earn two annual $100 statement rebates on the ticket purchase of U.S. departure Asiana Airlines operated flights when using the Asiana Visa Business card.
This card allows you to earn 2 miles for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores, you also receive 10,000 bonus miles every year you have the card.
Current Offer
Get 30,000 Bonus Miles after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
Card Details
3 miles for every $1 you spend on Asiana Airlines purchases; 2 miles for every $1 you spend on gas and at grocery stores; 1 mile for every $1 you spend on all other purchases; 2 Asiana Airlines lounge invitations, 10,000 Bonus Miles Certificate, and an automatic $100 annual rebate on Asiana Airlines ticket purchases every year
This card allows you to earn 40,000 LifeMiles after one transaction and you earn 2 LifeMiles $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores. If you travel between the US and Central America/Colombia quite often on Avianca, the 50% discount on an award ticket for spending $12,000 and $24,000 each year can be useful.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 Bonus LifeMiles after first card use
Card Details
Earn 3 LifeMiles per $1 spent on Avianca purchases; Earn 2 LifeMiles per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores; Earn 1 LifeMile per $1 spent on all other purchases; 15% discount on purchases of miles with Multiply Your Miles; Free additional piece of baggage for travel between the United States and Central America; A 50% discount on an award ticket redeemed for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States after $12,000 spent each year; An additional 50% discount on an award ticket redeemed for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States after $24,000 spent each year
This card can be a good option for people looking to build their credit over time.
Current Offer
Pay no annual fee; Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time; Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen
Card Details
Use online banking to access your account, even from your smartphone, with our mobile app; Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you; Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
If you're just starting out, or have limited credit, this is a good product for responsibly building your credit.
Current Offer
No annual fee, and all the credit building benefits with responsible card use;
Unlike a prepaid card, it builds credit when used responsibly, with regular reporting to the 3 major credit bureaus; You will get an initial $200 credit line after making a security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, determined based on your creditworthiness
Card Details
Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time with no additional deposit needed; Easily manage your account 24/7 with online access, by phone or using our mobile app; It's a credit card accepted at millions of locations worldwide
