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    The 9 Best Travel Credit Cards in September 2023

    The 9 Best Travel Credit Cards in September 2023

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    BEST OVERALL VALUE
    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
    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)

    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 Ultimate Rewards portal
    • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $250 (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 Ultimate Rewards 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
    • Complimentary Spot Club Platinum status with The Parking Spot for 2 years, 20% off of your first reservation, and points for 1 free day of parking (enroll by October 26, 2023)

    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 Ultimate Rewards®.
    • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
    • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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

    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    BEST LOUNGE CARD
    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.

    This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
    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 card application.
    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 $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
    • 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, SiriusXM, 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.
    • $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

    GREAT LOUNGE CARD
    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit 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.

    The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

    Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

    Capital One Venture X Rewards 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
    21.99% - 28.99% 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 (740-840)

    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

    • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
    • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
    • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
    • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
    • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
    • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
    • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fees

     

    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

     

    • 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 booked through Capital One Travel
    • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
    • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
    • 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
    • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
    • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Capital One Miles

     

    BEST FOR POINTS
    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 go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

    Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

    American Express® Gold Card

    This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 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 card application.
    Good to Excellent (670-850)

    The American Express® Gold Card is definitely 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 a number of other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

    Pros

    • 4x points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 4x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
    • 3x points per $1 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 $4,000 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

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit 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.

    Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

    Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
    Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
    75,000 miles
    $1,350
    $95
    20.99% - 28.99% 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 Credit (670-850)

    As a frequent traveler with excellent credit, you’re always on the lookout for a credit card that comes with all the bells and whistles. And the easier it is to understand, the better!

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great sign-up bonus, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

    Pros

    • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
    • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges each year
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Capital One transfer partners

    Cons

    • $95 annual fee
    • Limited elite benefits
    • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
    • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
    • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
    • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
    • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
    • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
    • Enrich every hotel stay from our Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
    • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 20.99% - 28.99% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Capital One Miles

    BEST NO ANNUAL FEE
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    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 all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

    Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
    Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back.
    Additional 1.5% cash-back
    $0
    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)

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

    When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

    Don’t forget too, there’s 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.

    Pros

    • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
    • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
    • 1.5% back on all other purchases
    • No annual fee
    • Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
    • Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
    • Ability to pool points

    Cons

    • 3% foreign transaction fee
    • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
    • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
    • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
    • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC

    Financial Snapshot

    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    Citi Premier® Card

    Citi Premier® 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.

    Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

    Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

    Citi Premier® Card

    Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.
    Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
    60,000 points
    $960
    $95
    21.24% - 29.24% 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 (670-850)

    The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

    Pros

    • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
    • Access to Citi transfer partners
    • Annual hotel credit
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Cons

    • $95 annual fee
    • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
    • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
    • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
    • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
    • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
    • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
    • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

    Financial Snapshot

    • APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Citi ThankYou Rewards

    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.
    60,000 points
    $1,200
    $550
    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 (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 points on car rentals, hotels, and dining booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
    • 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 via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
    • 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 Ultimate Rewards®
    • $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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. 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

    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Card Categories

    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    Travel Credit Card Comparison Table

    Here’s a quick look at the best travel credit cards available today.

    Credit CardWelcome Bonus & Annual FeeMain Benefits
    Chase Sapphire Preferred®
    • Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual fee of $95
    • 5x points on all travel booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
    • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
    • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 10% annual bonus points
    The Platinum Card® from American Express
    • Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
    • Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)
    • Access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (upon enrollment), and more
    • 5x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
    • Generous annual and monthly statement credits
    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card(rates and fees)
    • Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual fee of $395
    • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
    • 5x miles on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
    • Up to $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
    • Access to Priority Pass Lounges, Capital One Lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges
    • 10,000 anniversary bonus miles
    • APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
    American Express® Gold Card
    • Earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
    • Annual fee of $250 (rates and fees)
    • 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
    • Up to $120 annual dining credit. Up to $120 Uber Cash 
    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates and fees)
    • Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual fee of $95
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounge each year
    • APR: 20.99% - 28.99% Variable
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
    • Annual fee of $0
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
    • 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases
    Citi Premier® Card
    • Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
    • Annual fee of $95
    • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels
    Chase Sapphire Reserve®
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual fee of $550
    • 10x points on car rentals, hotels, and dining booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 5x points on airfare booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Up to $300 annual travel credit
    • Priority Pass airport lounge access

    For Hertz benefits of Capital One products, enrollment is required through Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024.  Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier.  Additional terms apply.

    For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

    The information regarding the American Express® Green 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.

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