Questions and Answers

Hello! I’m going on an extended backpacking trip through Europe that may last me 6 – 12 months. I have some cards I’ve used over the years in the U.S. but I’m trying to at least collect on some of the value offered by credit cards that are more travel oriented. I don’t want to get overwhelmed with hitting $ quotas (as a note I’ll definitely be able to kill off at least one @ $3k – $4k range in first 3 months) in the first 3-4 months of picking up a bunch of cards, so I am just looking for a good first card and I’m going to just run with that one for a while. I am mostly interested in scoring free miles (since that is where the heaviest costs generally land in travel) but I wouldnt be against other benefits / perks showing up overall on the card.

Any recommendations on one good card to get the hang of things? The Chase Sapphire Preffered and Barclays Arrival look like good options.

Thank you!

I’d go with Chase. Ultimate Rewards has great transfer partners, there is a low annual fee, good travel insurance protection.

Barclay’s is great, but it is essentially a cash back card for travel.