I Have 25 Credit Cards, But These 5 Always Travel With Me

Updated: March 3, 2026, 8:30am CST

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Table of Contents

1. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® Card
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card
3. Capital One Venture X Business Card
4. Platinum Card^® from American Express
5. A Hotel Co-Branded Card (Depends on the Trip)
Bonus Card: Charles Schwab Investor Checking Debit Card
Final Thoughts

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I have more than 25 credit and charge cards. I know it sounds like a lot — and it is — but there’s a method to my madness.

Some I keep around for the bonus categories that earn me elevated rates on certain purchases. Some just stay in my drawer to help build my credit history, particularly if they offer an annual free night or bonus points just for keeping the card, even if I hardly spend with them.

But when it’s time to actually pack my luggage and head to the airport? My wallet gets very selective. No matter if I’m flying across the Atlantic to Europe, hopping down to Latin America or the Caribbean, or taking a quick domestic trip with my family, the same core group of cards comes with me.

1. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® Card

This one usually surprises people. I’m constantly telling readers and friends to focus on earning flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards over airline co-branded cards. So seeing an airline card in the front of my travel wallet feels a little backward.

But Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points aren’t your typical airline rewards. I use them all the time for premium cabin awards — business class flights on Oneworld partners to Japan and Europe, and even American Airlines flights booked through Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program at lower award rates than American sometimes charges for the same seat.

But here’s the real reason the Atmos Rewards Summit card rarely leaves my wallet: It earns 3x points on dining and foreign purchases. That’s a huge deal for me, considering I travel outside of the U.S. a dozen or so times per year.

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

U.P. Rating

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Welcome OfferEarn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days.
80,000 points + 25,000-point Global Companion Award

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,680

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is perfect for any frequent Alaska or Hawaiian flyer who wants a card loaded with great benefits, such as an annual Global Companion Award, Alaska Lounge passes, free checked bags, and a fast-track toward Atmos Rewards elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
1x points on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee
Points aren’t as flexible as other transferable reward programs

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days.
3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
1x points on all other purchases
Receive 10,000 status points each year and 1 status point for every $2 of card spend
10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account.
25,000-point Global Companion Award annually
100,000-point Global Companion Award (after spending $60,000 or more on purchases in a card anniversary year)
$395 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees:

Most travel cards just waive foreign transaction fees, but very few actually give you an elevated return on all spending abroad. When I’m overseas, almost every meal, Uber, souvenir purchase, and random expense goes on this card.

Earning 3x points across the board internationally adds up fast for me. As a result, this card has earned a permanent spot in my wallet when I’m traveling.

Hot Tip:

Alaska Airlines‘ credit card lineup is worth a look even if you rarely fly the airline. The new cards — Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card, Atmos™ Rewards Visa^® Business Card, and Atmos Rewards Summit card — earn valuable Atmos Rewards that unlock excellent partner redemptions across the Oneworld alliance, including incredible value on international business class.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Honestly, if I had to carry just 1 card, this would likely be it: the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. First off, it’s a Visa, which matters more than people realize. Acceptance is about as close to universal as it gets, which is a big deal when you’re in smaller towns or traveling abroad.

Then there’s the earning side. The card racks up 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel, and that travel category is generous — really generous. Parking meters, tolls, trains, buses, flights, hotels, ride-sharing — it all codes as travel, and when you’re constantly on the move, those little charges stack up fast.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

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

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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
Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

But one of the biggest reasons this card earns a permanent spot in my wallet has nothing to do with points. It’s the primary auto rental coverage. I decline the rental company’s insurance because this card’s protection kicks in first, which gives me huge peace of mind when I’m driving somewhere unfamiliar.

Strong travel earnings, dining bonuses, built-in protections, and Visa acceptance everywhere? This is my everyday travel workhorse.

3. Capital One Venture X Business Card

This one’s my backup, but also a secret weapon: the Capital One Venture X Business card.

It runs on the Mastercard network, which gives me some diversification if Visa or Amex isn’t accepted where I’m eating, shopping, or exploring. I’ve had moments, especially when I’m abroad, where a Visa didn’t go through, and having a Mastercard on hand made the difference.

This business card earns 2x miles on everything with no bonus categories to think about. If a charge doesn’t clearly belong on another card, this is where it goes.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Welcome OfferEarn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
150,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to   $2,700

Annual Fee

$395

APR

This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month.

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great all-around premium rewards card that helps you rack up miles on all of your business expenses.

From 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, complimentary employee cards, and more, there is plenty to love about the Capital One Venture X Business card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Business Travel
2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee
10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Business Travel

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass lounges, after enrollment
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

That flat 2x miles is huge when I’m traveling, because a lot of real-world expenses don’t fall into clean categories like tickets, local operators, and random stuff that just comes up during a trip.

Another big reason this card stays with me is the high credit limit. Business travel often means large, unexpected charges, such as last-minute flights, hotel holds, and emergency bookings. I’ve built enough history with Capital One that big purchases don’t usually trigger declines, and that kind of reliability matters to me when I’m away from home.

4. Platinum Card^® from American Express

It’s almost a habit at this point. This card has lived in my wallet for years and never really comes out. That said, it absolutely serves its purpose, especially if I’m in an airport with a Centurion Lounge nearby: the Amex Platinum card.

For starters, I rarely use it for everyday purchases while traveling. I carry it because it’s one of the most benefits-rich premium cards out there.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

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

Apply Now(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.

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.

Welcome OfferYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted. 
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), 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 and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon 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 and Amex International Airline Program
Access to Amex transfer partners
No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

$895 annual fee (rates and fees)
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
$200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
$600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
$209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
$300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
$895 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Lounge access is the main reason. Between Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass (requires enrollment), it’s my go-to when airports get chaotic. Then there’s the concierge and travel support. Help with reservations, sorting out travel issues, or just knowing a major issuer has my back if things go astray — that matters to me.

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Made to Order Capuccino — Some Amex lounges even have a coffee bar! Image Credit: Stella Shon

The Amex Platinum card isn’t my main points-earning card; it’s my access and backup card. I keep the card year after year because, when you actually maximize its perks, the value can add up to thousands: lounge access, hotel perks, travel credits, and more (enrollment required for some benefits).

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

5. A Hotel Co-Branded Card (Depends on the Trip)

This spot in my wallet isn’t dedicated to a single credit card. It goes to whichever hotel brand I’m actually staying with on that trip. If I’m at a Hyatt, I’ll bring The World of Hyatt Credit Card with me.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome OfferEarn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Up to 60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

If I’m at a Marriott, it might be a Bonvoy card. Or maybe I’m staying at a Hilton hotel? I put a Hilton card in my wallet.

The reason is simple: Co-branded hotel cards give cardholders higher earning rates when staying and spending at their hotels, and I can stack them with the elite benefits I already have. That means more points on the room rate, dining, spa, and parking — all the stuff that adds up fast during a stay.

Alaia Belize Juan Ruiz Pool — Where I stay determines which hotel credit card I throw in my wallet before a trip. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

For example, for Hyatt stays, I earn 4 points per $1 with the card and 5 points per $1 as a World of Hyatt member, but with my Globalist status, I additionally earn a 30% bonus — that’s a whopping 10.5 points per $1 on Hyatt spending.

That return beats any general travel credit card I carry. I take the same approach with other brands, too: a Hilton stay means the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card comes with me, IHG trips call for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and Marriott stays mean carrying my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Apply Now(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.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome OfferEarn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/15/2026.
175,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to   $875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
7x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

High annual fee of $550 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/15/2026.
Enhance your hotel stay with complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status and enjoy a world of hotel privileges and benefits. Get exclusive perks at any of Hilton’s 25 hotel brands, like a 100% Bonus on Base Points earned on every stay, Premium Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
$400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
$200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
$209 CLEAR+ Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
$100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
Pay It Plan It^®: Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist^® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Card is active and in good standing.
$550 annual fee.
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome OfferEarn 140,000 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 175,000 Bonus Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$875

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$99 annual fee
Does not earn transferable points

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Card Highlights

Limited Time Offer! Earn 175,000 Bonus Points
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG^® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Hotel Indigo^® & Holiday Inn^®
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome OfferEarn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Redeem your Free Night Awards for a one-night stay at properties with a redemption level up to 50,000 points per night, a total value of 250,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Earn 5 Free Night Awards

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to   $1,750

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

$95 annual fee
Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

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Card Highlights

Our best offer is back and better than ever! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
2026 Exclusive Offer: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Bonus Card: Charles Schwab Investor Checking Debit Card

You may have noticed my final choice, the Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account Debit Card, isn’t a credit card. That said, I take it with me everywhere for 1 simple reason: ATM fee reimbursements worldwide.

ATM Currency Conversion — I don’t leave home without my Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account Debit Card, which reimburses ATM fees for all withdrawals. Image Credit: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke via Pixabay

I don’t worry about tracking down my bank’s ATM network overseas, and I don’t travel with a stack of cash from home. I land, use a local ATM, take out what I need, and move on. Schwab refunds the ATM fees, and the exchange rates are usually solid.

This convenience is invaluable. When you’re in a new country, the last thing you want to do is go hunting for an ATM just to avoid fees. This card makes getting local currency easy, which is why it’s one of the most practical pieces and a must-have in my travel wallet arsenal.

Final Thoughts

You definitely don’t need 25 travel cards in your wallet. You just need a handful that cover strong earnings, are widely accepted, offer insurance and travel protections, and have access to cash. These 5 — plus a debit card — check every box for me, trip after trip.

1. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

3. Capital One Venture X Business Card

4. Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

5. A Hotel Co-Branded Card (Depends on the Trip)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

Bonus Card: Charles Schwab Investor Checking Debit Card

Final Thoughts

1. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® Card

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

4. Platinum Card^® from American Express