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    The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards [March 2024]

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    Let’s take a look at some of the best travel rewards credit cards available in 2023, review their perks and benefits, and consider which card might be a perfect match for you depending on how you like to travel.

    Best Card for Big Welcome Bonus

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Overall Top Pick, Huge Bonus)

    POPULAR FIRST CARD
    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

    Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
    Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    60,000 points
    $1,200
    $95
    21.49%-28.49% Variable
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

    Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

    Pros

    • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
    • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
    • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
    • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
    • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
    • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
    • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
    • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
    • 10% annual bonus points
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

    Cons

    • $95 annual fee
    • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
    • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
    • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
    • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
    • Member FDIC

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    One of the most compelling reasons to hold a travel rewards credit card is to fund your travel goals, and one of the most valuable ways to accomplish this is to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

    That’s because Chase Ultimate Rewards points are easy to earn, offer flexible redemption options, and increase in value when redeemed through a premium Chase credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

    You’ll earn a sign-up bonus when you complete the required initial spending on the card, and then you’ll go on to 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases.

    When it comes time to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points — whether you’re transferring your points to hotel or airline partners or using the Chase travel portal to book your travel — the experience will make you a fan forever.

    Bottom Line: You can’t go wrong beginning your travel-rewards journey with any Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards points. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is an especially fine first choice because it allows you to redeem your points for 25% more in value.

    Best Card for Luxury International Travelers

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
    The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    Apply With Confidence

    Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

    If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
    80,000 points
    $1,760
    $695
    See Pay Over Time APR
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

    Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

    Pros

    • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
    • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
    • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
    • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
    • Access to Amex International Airline Program
    • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

    Cons

    • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
    • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
    • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
    • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
    • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
    • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
    • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
    • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
    • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
    • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
    • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
    • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
    • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
    • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
    • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
    • $695 annual fee.
    • Terms Apply.

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    American Express Membership Rewards

    When you prefer the best travel experiences, you want only the best travel rewards card. And if you’re an international traveler who won’t settle for anything less than a nice comfy seat, lounge access, and premium travel perks and benefits, you’re going to want the Amex Platinum card.

    Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
    Enjoy the complimentary hotel elite status that comes with the Amex Platinum card. Image Credit: Hilton

    The benefits of the Amex Platinum card collectively create a stunning package of everything a luxury international traveler needs to elevate their travel experience.

    • The Best Travel Earnings: With the Amex Platinum card, earning valuable Membership Rewards points is simple. Make your flight and prepaid hotel purchases through American Express Travel and you’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent.
    • The Best Lounge Access: Whether you want to visit a Delta Sky Club, a Priority Pass lounge, or treat yourself to a Centurion Lounge visit, your card will grant you access.
    • Savor Those Upgraded Hotel Rooms: Enjoy the benefits of complimentary hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
    • The Best Seat on the Plane: Purchase an upgraded seat and get reimbursed up to $200 for incidental airline fees each year.
    • Make Checked Luggage Fees Disappear: Use your $200 in incidental airline fees reimbursed each year and forget about checked luggage fees or other incidental airline charges.
    • Take Uber for Free: Each month you’ll receive up to $15 in statement credits toward Uber purchases. In December, you receive and additional $20 making the monthly total in December up to $35.
    • No Reservations? No Problem: Just call your private concierge.
    • Ease Through Security: Purchase Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and receive a statement credit of up to $100.
    • Enjoy Those Hotel Perks: Stay for 2 nights at a Fine Hotels and Resorts property and receive a room upgrade, $100 property amenity, late checkout, and more.

    Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card sets the top standard for premium travel cards. If its benefits are some you can use, the value will far exceed the annual fee. There’s even a possibility of getting a 100,000 welcome bonus for the Amex Platinum card. 

    Best Cards for the Frequent Domestic Traveler

    Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

    Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
    Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
    60,000 points
    $1,200
    $550
    22.49%-29.49% Variable
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Excellent (740-850)

    If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

    The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

    Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

    Pros

    • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
    • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
    • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
    • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
    • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
    • $300 annual travel credit
    • Priority Pass airport lounge access
    • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
    • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
    • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

    Cons

    • $550 annual fee
    • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
    • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
    • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
    • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
    • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
    • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
    • Member FDIC

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is not just another premium travel rewards credit card. Yes, it earns rewards on travel and dining, offers a fine collection of premium travel benefits (including lounge access), and grants annual statement credits for travel purchases.

    But it also does something that no other travel rewards credit card does: when you redeem your points for travel on the Chase Travel portal, 50% more value is added to your points.

    For example, if you redeem 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll receive $750 in value toward your travel purchase.

    While expensive long-haul premium flights can be better secured utilizing Ultimate Rewards airline transfer partners, a sweet spot for redeeming your Ultimate Rewards points is for first-class domestic flights.

    If you’re a frequent domestic traveler, this means you can basically travel in first class for the price of economy.

    Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal redemption
    Redeeming your Ultimate Rewards for travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card gives you 50% more value. Image Credit: Chase

    We should also talk about earning Ultimate Rewards, too, as the card is clearly a winner with earnings of 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1, and purchases using the Chase shopping portal can earn as much as 20 points per $1.

    Benefits of this card include worldwide Priority Pass lounge access, but there are more than 90 lounge and restaurant locations domestically.

    A $300 travel credit each card anniversary year automatically reduces travel expenses, and an annual statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck just adds more value.

    The road warrior will find value in the additional travel coverage that comes with the card, including auto rental collision damage coverage and 24/7 travel and emergency assistance.

    Bottom Line: The world traveler can certainly find value in having the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but the frequent domestic traveler who likes to fly first class, enjoys Priority Pass lounge and restaurant access, and spends a lot on travel and dining will fare very well by having the card. 

    Best Card for the Everyday Spender (Big Bonuses for Supermarkets & Dining)

    American Express® Gold Card

    BEST FOR DINING
    American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    American Express® Gold Card

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    Apply With Confidence

    Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

    If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

    American Express® Gold Card

    This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
    60,000 points
    $1,320
    $250
    See Pay Over Time APR
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

    With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

    There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

    Pros

    • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
    • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
    • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
    • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
    • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
    • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
    • Access to American Express transfer partners

    Cons

    • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
    • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
    • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
    • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
    • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
    • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • Annual Fee is $250.
    • Terms Apply.

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    American Express Membership Rewards

    Want a card that doubles as an everyday spending card and a travel rewards card? Get richly rewarded with the Amex Gold card that offers a stellar 4 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year (1x thereafter), and at restaurants worldwide! Cardholders earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 on all other purchases.

    As a traveler, there’s no need to be loyal to 1 airline — with the Amex Gold card, you’re going to earn 3 valuable Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent for flights purchased directly from the airline and at American Express Travel.

    When it comes to hotels, you can book a 2-night stay at an American Express Hotel Collection property and receive a $100 hotel credit that can even be used toward an extra night.

    You can also redeem those Membership Rewards points for travel with any airline or hotel and for other travel purchases at American Express Travel.

    Everything you need to know about the Amex Gold card, its additional benefits, and how to book travel through the Amex Travel website can be found in our expert guides

    Best Cards for Travelers Who Want Simple Earnings and Redemptions

    Keeping track of bonus spending categories, quarterly registrations, and complicated redemption processes may have deterred you from securing a travel rewards-earning credit card.

    If that’s the case, you’ll find these Capital One travel rewards cards refreshingly simple.

    Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card (rates & fees)

    • Generous welcome bonus worth up to $500 in travel
    • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on every purchase
    • Redeem miles for travel or transfer to airline partners
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
    • $95 annual fee

    Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Card (rates & fees)

    • Welcome bonus worth up to $200 in travel
    • Earn 1.25 miles per $1 spent on every purchase
    • Redeem miles for travel or transfer to airline partners
    • $0 annual fee

    No need to wonder which category of expenses earns more than others — you’ll earn the same on any purchase you make. It’s that simple!

    When it comes time to redeem your rewards, you’ll have many choices. The best value, however, will be to use Purchase Eraser to “erase” prior travel purchases at a value of 1 cent for each mile or transfer your miles to airline partners and book award tickets. Transferring miles to airline partners can result in potentially higher value for your reward miles.

    Best Card for the Low Spender

    Stacks of coins
    You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find value in a travel rewards-earning credit card. Image Credit: Singkham via Shutterstock

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    Apply With Confidence

    Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

    If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
    Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    $200
    $0
    19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

    This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

    Pros

    • 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
    • 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
    • 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
    • Monthly credit towards The Disney Bundle
    • Monthly credit towards Home Chef

    Cons

    • Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
    • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    • No Annual Fee.
    • Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
    • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
    • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
    • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
    • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
    • Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
    • Terms Apply.

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

    Card Categories

    You don’t have to be a big spender to earn travel rewards. With a relatively low minimum spend requirement once you’re approved for a card, you can earn a welcome bonus and jumpstart the rewards-earning process.

    Perhaps you haven’t pursued a rewards-earning credit card because you don’t spend a lot and might be wondering whether it’s worth the effort at all. You may be surprised to learn that the purchases you’re already making can earn rewards to help you fund a trip, or just add some cash to your bottom line.

    Because you’ll be earning rewards on your everyday purchases with the Blue Cash Everyday card, you don’t have to spend big for the cash-back to start adding up. On groceries alone, you’ll earn $180 after getting 3% back from $6,000 in annual purchases at U.S. supermarkets.

    Add that to your 2% earnings at U.S. gas stations and selected U.S. department stores, and you’ve paid for your hotel nights without spending any more than you’d normally spend!

    Whether your travel goal is a weekend trip away with the family or a flight to visit an old friend, you can utilize the cash-back you earn on the Blue Cash Everyday card to help offset the cost of your adventure.

    Hot Tip: If you’re working toward a travel goal and using a cash-back credit card, you may want to purchase gas, hotel, or other travel-related gift cards with your rewards to help save for your trip. 

    Best Card for Family Road Trippers

    Travel with Kids car and child
    Be a road trip hero with the right travel rewards credit card. Image Credit: HTeam via Shutterstock

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    HIGHEST CASH BACK
    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    U.P. Rating
    The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

    This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    Apply With Confidence

    Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

    If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
    Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    $250
    $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
    Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

    With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

    Pros

    • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
    • 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
    • 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
    • 1% cash-back on all other purchases

    Cons

    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
    • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
    • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
    • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
    • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
    • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
    • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
    • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
    • Terms Apply.

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

    It’s Friday afternoon and the workweek is done. You’re ready to high-five the family when you arrive home because you’re hitting the road for a weekend adventure. It doesn’t happen often… but this weekend it’s on!

    We’re certain the Blue Cash Preferred card was created with family road trippers in mind. After all, you’ll earn cash-back on all the purchases you’ll be making during your trip, and you can use the cash-back you earned previously on everyday expenses to actually help fund your trip.

    It’s a win-win cash-back solution for the family that hits the road together or those who just want a little extra cash flow.

    Earning 6% cash-back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) delivers up to $360 each year in cash-back. Add all the cash you’ll earn with 3% cash-back on your U.S. gas stations, plus a generous cash-back introductory bonus, and you’ll have plenty of travel funds for that weekend road trip.

    Not only do you earn cash-back on groceries and gas, but the card also offers 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% cash-back on transit, including taxis and rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.

    The Blue Cash Preferred card just might make you a family road trip hero!

    Final Thoughts

    There’s a lot to think about when it comes to selecting a travel rewards-earning credit card. Fortunately, each card has its own distinct characteristics that match up with certain travel and spending profiles. This makes it possible to zero in quickly on which travel rewards credit card might be a good fit for you.

    Remember: because Chase plays a prominent role in the travel rewards credit card arena, you’ll want to consider the Chase 5/24 rule in your selection process.

    Regardless of which card you choose, we know for sure that travel rewards credit cards can change the way we travel and the way we live. They allow us to earn points, cash, or miles on purchases we would be making anyway and give us the ability to offset the cost of travel we may have never considered otherwise.

    The information regarding the Capital One Venture Card, and Capital One VentureOne Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

    For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
    For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
    For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
    For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, please click here.

    Upgrade your travel experience

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