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These 4 Travel Credit Cards Do All the Heavy Lifting in My Wallet

Lori Zaino's image
Lori Zaino
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Stella Shon
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I currently hold 11 credit cards, which unlock the ability for me to earn transferable points and miles, airline and hotel rewards, and cash-back. But I get the most value with 4 cards in particular — and that’s where I intentionally allocate most of my spending.

My strategy combines options from different card issuers, allowing me to diversify transfer partners and perks to maximize my rewards potential. Let’s take a closer look.

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Why You Should Diversify Your Credit Cards

Holding a card from each major bank allows me to access the maximum number of transfer partners. While some partners overlap (and some issuers offer better ratios than others), I can access 13 transfer partners with Chase, 20 transfer partners with Amex, 22 transfer partners with Capital One, and 20 transfer partners with Citi.

Iberia A350 business class back to front
Leverage multiple transfer partners to book award flights. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

This means I have extreme flexibility when redeeming my points and miles, with options to transfer to dozens of airlines and hotels or to book travel through Chase Travel, AmexTravel.com, Capital One Travel, or Citi Travel.

As more and more airlines and hotels devalue their points and miles, having many ways to transfer points and miles means I’m always a step ahead.

You Don’t Need Multiple Premium Cards

I’m a firm believer in being practical about how much I realistically spend on annual fees and how much time I have to manage perks.

That’s why cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Platinum Card® from American Express don’t work for me. I’d rather use a valuable but less premium version, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the American Express Green Card®*, which align better with my spending.

Although the fees for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card are admittedly higher, I don’t mind paying them because the benefits of these cards are less complicated to use and provide me with real value and perks like lounge access when and where I need them most.

*All information about the Amex Green card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

I’ve had the Chase Sapphire Preferred card since it first launched 17 years ago. I find Chase Ultimate Rewards and its transfer partners to be incredibly valuable.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 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
$1,500
$95
19.24% - 27.49% 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 card application.
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
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

Case in point: can move points over to World of Hyatt to book affordable hotel stays, which most issuers don’t offer. Ultimate Rewards points also transfer to IHG One Rewards and offer frequent promotions, such as the 70% transfer bonus.

I also appreciate the ability to transfer to Avios, especially to Iberia). The issuer’s frequent transfer bonuses make it easy to accumulate extra points, allowing me to obtain the redemptions I want.

I find the Chase Sapphire Preferred card to be a dependable card with solid bonus categories, including 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and streaming, as well as 2x points on travel.

Hot Tip:

While you only earn 3x points on “online” grocery stores, that category may be more generous than you think. Here’s our secret for getting 3x points at a lot of major supermarkets with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, even when you’re not technically doing online grocery shopping.

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2. Amex Green Card

I downgraded to the Amex Green card shortly after the Amex Platinum card’s first major annual fee increase in 2021, when it jumped to $695. (With the card’s 2025 refresh, that fee has since climbed to $895 (rates & fees).

American Express Green Card®
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

All information about American Express Green Card® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

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.

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
40,000 points
Up to $880
$150
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 card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The American Express Green Card® is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
  • Up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership with the Card.
  • Access to American Express transfer partners
Cons
  • $150 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
  • $209 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express Green Card®.
  • Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
  • Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express Green Card® there are no foreign transaction fees.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Since I live abroad, it’s a lot more difficult for me to keep up with coupon-book-style benefits — I can’t just pop down to lululemon or Saks whenever I want to use a credit, and international shipping for online purchases is a pain. A lot of these perks also require prior enrollment.

The Amex Green card gives me bonus points in categories I spend a lot on, like travel and dining, and simply having the ability to transfer Amex Membership Rewards to airlines like Air Canada and Iberia or hotel loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy makes the $150 annual fee well worth it, even though the card doesn’t have many other perks.

Hot Tip:

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or the Amex Platinum card are still valuable for some, especially those seeking a true lifestyle card or city dwellers who can easily take advantage of the perks.

3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Although Capital One is reducing lounge access on the Capital One Venture X card starting February 1, 2026, it still holds a valuable spot in my wallet. Thanks to the $300 annual Capital One Travel credit, which is flexible and easy to use, the card practically pays for itself.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
Purchases: 19.49% - 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 card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

This is the card I use for all those purchases I can’t get bonus miles on, because it offers 2x miles on all eligible purchases. I’ve used it to buy bikes and even a motorcycle, pay my son’s school fees, cover home renovation and wedding expenses, and for all those random expenses, like passport fees, car mechanics, and fitness classes.

It’s my go-to card for pretty much everything except dining, streaming, travel, and groceries. Because I’m often able to build up a healthy balance quickly on this card, I appreciate its transfer partners like Qatar Airways Avios) and Flying Blue.

4. Citi Strata Elite Card

The Citi Strata Elite card stepped in at just the right time, preserving Priority Pass perks like guest access, as the Capital One Venture X card is cutting them back very soon.

I love having a Priority Pass membership, as my home airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Each of its terminals has at least 1 Sala VIP, which are really nice airport lounges that are part of the Priority Pass program. Being able to access these lounges (especially when traveling with 2 guests, my husband and son) is important to me.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.
Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
100,000 points
Up to $1,600
$595
20.49% to 28.49% Variable
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times
Cons
  • $595 annual fee
  • Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
  • 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3x points any other time
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Up to $300 annual hotel benefit
  • Up to $200 annual Splurge credit
  • Up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
  • 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year
  • Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to partners like American Airlines
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

I also often fly with Oneworld airlines, especially between Madrid and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) on Iberia or American Airlines. The Citi Strata Elite card comes with 4 Admirals Club passes, which means I can access the Admirals Club at O’Hare — even if I’m flying in economy on American — making an upcoming international flight feel much nicer.

Chicago OHare Admirals Club Concourse L bar
Admirals Club in AA’s Chicago hub. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

The second perk I love about this card is its up to $200 Splurge Credit. I’m tired of credit cards making overly specific credits I have to remember to use.

The Citi Strata Elite card lets me choose 2 out of 5 merchants to get up to $200 back each year. American Airlines is an easy choice, as I know I’ll spend more than that amount with the airline annually. Other options include 1stDibs, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation.

Finally, certain Citi cards, including the Citi Strata Elite card, are the only credit cards with American Airlines AAdvantage as a 1:1 transfer partner. I’ve already transferred Citi ThankYou Points to AA for partner redemptions, making this transfer partner a really valuable one.

Beyond that, I’ve easily offset the card’s $595 annual fee by utilizing the up to $300 hotel credit in Citi Travel and the annual up to $200 Blacklane credit.

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Final Thoughts

I’ll continue to evaluate my card strategy regularly, especially as new cards enter the market. For now, though, having a mix of perks and the ability to earn 4 different point currencies gives me the versatility to overcome loyalty program devaluations and offset high annual fees.

Lori Zaino's image

About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and Forbes and has taken points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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Platinum Card® from American Express

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  • 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.
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  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
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  • 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.
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