There are lots of great travel rewards credit cards out there, but the reality is that the best one for you is the one that suits your specific travel needs. I review all the details, including bonus offers and perks such as Global Entry fee credits and Priority Pass lounge access. Travel rewards can add up quickly, especially when a welcome bonus is involved, so it’s important to apply and start earning as soon as you can and start maximizing your points and miles! Now, without further ado, here are my top picks for the best travel credit cards.
The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2019:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best Total Value
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for Beginners
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express: Best for Hotel Elite Status
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for Travel Perks and Points
- Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard: Best for American Airlines
- Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express: Best for Occasional Delta Flyers
- Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express: Best for Regular Delta Flyers
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Hotels.com
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining in the US
- Citi Prestige Card: Best for 4th Night Free Hotel Perk, Dining
- United Explorer Card: Best for United
- Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express: Best for Delta Loyalists
Research Criteria
I reviewed numerous travel credit card offers and spent countless hours studying the pros and cons of each offer. My method to assigning value to these cards relied upon assessing the real value of the sign-up bonus, travel perks, APR, annual fees, redemption difficulty and more. Each points program has its own point valuation, which you can study here. The value of the individual point will always be a very important factor when rating travel credit cards and their promotional offers.
Things to consider before applying:
- 5 Things To Understand About Credit Before Applying For Cards
- 3 Key Considerations for Improving Your Credit Score
- Debunking Credit Card Myths: Does Applying For A Card Permanently Impact My Credit Score
- Avoiding Late Payments and Other Silly Credit Card Mistakes
As always, head to the all cards hub to see our best credit cards currently available. With that out of the way, here are more details about the best travel credit card offers available right now.
Comparing Value
 |
The Platinum Card from American Express |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 60,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Terms Apply. | $1,200 | Up to $200 airline fee credit to cover incidental fees, up to $200 annual Uber credits, up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, $250 lounge access ($750 total). Terms Apply. | $550 (See Rates & Fees) | $1,400 |
 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. | $1,200 | N/A | $95 | $1,105 |
 |
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months | $900 | Up to $250 in statement credits for Hilton purchases each card member year, $250 in airline incidental fee credits per calendar year ($500 total). Terms Apply. | $450 (see rates & fees) | $950 |
 |
Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months | $1,000 | $300 annual travel credit | $450 | $850 |
 |
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 60,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months | $840 | N/A | $99* | $840 |
 |
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 60,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months. Get a $50 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the first 3 months. Terms Apply. | $720 | N/A | $95* (see rates & fees) | $720 |
 |
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 75,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Get a $100 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the first 3 months. Terms Apply. | $900 | N/A | $195 (see rates & fees) | $705 |
 |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months | $700 | N/A | $95* | $700 |
 |
American Express Gold Card |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 35,000 miles after you spend $2,000 within the first 3 months. | $700 | Up to $120 in statement credits each year when you pay with the Gold card at participating dining partners. $100 airline fee credit ($220 total). | $250 (see rates & fees) | $670 |
 |
Citi Prestige |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months | $850 | Up to $250 in credit toward travel purchases each calendar year. | $495 | $605 |
 |
United Explorer Card |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 40,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months | $520 | N/A | $95* | $520 |
 |
Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express |
|||
| Bonus Offer | Bonus Value** | Perks Value | Annual Fee | Total Value |
| 75,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Offer ends 7/2/2019. Terms Apply. | $900 | N/A | $450 (see rates & fees) | $450 |
*Annual fee waived the first year.
**Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer.
Detailed Assessments
I’ve done lots of research for you, so let’s take a look at the details of each of these cards and offers, including their bonus values and some of the ways I’ve been able to put the cards’ benefits to use.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Best For: Purchasing airfare, total value
Current Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $1,200
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 5x points on airfare booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel and prepaid hotels purchased through Amex Travel. You can transfer the Membership Rewards points you earn with this card to a total of 20 airline and hotel partners.
- $200 annual airline rebate for incidental fees
- Up to $200 in annual Uber credits
- Up to $100 in credit at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Rebate for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
- Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass lounge access, plus Delta Sky Club access when you’re flying Delta
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $550
Why it’s worth it: As you can see in the chart above, a ton of factors contribute to this card’s overall value; it’s not just the 60k bonus that lands it near the top of this list. But even apart from the $200 annual airline fee credit, the $200 in Uber credits awarded each year, the recently added $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit and the various lounge access options, the Amex Platinum is a stellar premium card that can pave the way to some amazing award flights and other redemptions. Among the Membership Rewards program’s 20 travel partners is Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, which is your only option if you want to book the ultra-premium Singapore Suites using miles. Other highlights include an amazing 5 points per dollar on airfare (equal to a 10% return on these purchases), complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and the ability to add three authorized users for a total of $175 (See Rates & Fees).
Further Reading:
- Visit the American Express Platinum card hub
- American Express Platinum Review
- Who Should (and Who Shouldn’t) Get the Amex Platinum?
- Does It Make Sense to Hold an Amex Platinum and Gold Card?
- 10 Things to do with the Amex Platinum
- Maximizing Benefits with the Amex Platinum
APPLY HERE: Platinum Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Best For: Those who are new to award travel, an introduction to transferable points.
Current Bonus: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $1,200
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 2 points per dollar on travel
- Earn points per dollar on dining
- Transfer points to 12 travel partners
- Redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: We’ve long suggested the CSP as a great option for those who are new to earning travel rewards, because it lets you earn valuable, transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee. The card just increased its sign-up bonus from 50,000 points to 60,000 points, so if you’ve been holding out, you’ve been rewarded for waiting. The $95 annual fee is no longer waived the first year, but based on TPG’s valuations the additional 10,000 points are worth $2,000, so it’s still an improvement.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Chase Sapphire Preferred card hub
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Review
- 5 Reasons Chase Sapphire Preferred Should Be Your First Card
- 5 Things to Do When You Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Fun Facts about the Chase Sapphire Preferred
APPLY HERE: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Best For: Hotel elite status
Current Bonus: 150,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $900
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 14 points per dollar on Hilton purchases
- Earn 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at US restaurants
- Earn 3 points per dollar on all other purchases
- Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
- Enjoy one weekend night each year, plus earn an additional night after you spend $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- Up to $250 Hilton resort statement credit each year of card membership
- Up to $250 per calendar year in credits for airline incidental fees
- $100 Hilton on-property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay with the card at HiltonHonors.com/aspirecard
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees)
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $450
Why it’s worth it: As far as hotel cobranded cards go, this one’s pretty impressive. In exchange for the steep $450 fee, you get generous earning rates at Hilton hotels and a variety of annual travel credits (up to $500 between the airline incidental fee credit and the Hilton resort statement credit, and more if you can utilize the $100 on-property credit for Hilton stays). Beyond that you get a Priority Pass airport lounge membership, giving you and up to two guests free access.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Hilton Honors Aspire card hub
- Hilton Aspire Card Review
- Putting the Hilton Aspire’s Benefits to Use on a Trip to Puerto Rico
- 7 Reasons to Get the Amex Hilton Aspire Card
APPLY HERE: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best For: Travel perks and points earning on travel and dining
Current Bonus: Earn 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $1,000
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding $300 travel credit) and dining at restaurants and 1 point per dollar on everything else
- Redeem points directly through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents apiece
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Primary car rental insurance
Annual Fee: $450
Why it’s worth it: The Sapphire Reserve won our battle of the premium credit cards for a reason: It offers a stellar selection of perks, from a $300 annual travel credit that can be used toward a wide variety of purchases, to the ability to redeem points for 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal. Best of all, if you have this card, the Ultimate Rewards points you earn on other Chase cards can also be redeemed at the 1.5-cent rate. You also get an impressive 3x points on travel (after $300 travel credit exhausted) and dining purchases, which equates to a 6% return based on my valuations. This card is a prime example of benefits more than making up for a steep annual fee.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Chase Sapphire Reserve card hub
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
- Using the Sapphire Reserve to Bring Your Vacation Cost Down to Zero
- Which Purchases Count as Dining with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
APPLY HERE: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Best For: American Airlines flyers
Current Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $840
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
- Earn a $125 flight discount after spending $20,000 in a cardmember year and then renew.
- Get a free checked bag on domestic AA itineraries
- Enjoy preferred boarding on AA
Annual Fee: $99 (waived the first year)
Why it’s worth it: The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select now offers bonus miles on purchases beyond airfare. In addition to earning 2x miles on spending with American Airlines, with this card you’ll get 2x miles at restaurants and gas stations. It’s not the most rewarding card for these spending categories, but if earning American miles is your top priority and you use this card for most spending, this is welcome news, as is the just-added ability to earn a $100 flight discount after you spend $20,000 on the card in a membership year. Another reason to sign up now: The card’s offering an elevated sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard card hub
- Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Review
- 7 Reasons to Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- 5 Lesser-Known Benefits of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
APPLY HERE: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Best for: Occasional Delta flyers
Current Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months. Get a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $720
Standout Benefits:
- Get a first bag checked for free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- 20% off inflight purchases
- Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, and 1 miler per dollar on everything else
Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year)
Why it’s worth it: This card could definitely be worth a look if you want to enjoy some freebies like a checked bag when you travel on Delta. Unfortunately it’s not currently offering an elevated welcome bonus, but we see those on a pretty regular basis.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Gold Delta SkyMiles Amex card hub
- Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Review
- Choosing the Best Credit Card for Delta Flyers
- Should You Get the Gold or Platinum Delta Amex?
APPLY HERE: Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Current Bonus: Earn 75,000 SkyMiles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and a $100 statement credit after you make an eligible Delta purchase in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $900
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on everything else
- Get a companion certificate for a domestic round-trip flight in the main cabin each year upon renewal of your card
- Earn 10,000 MQMs toward status and 10,000 redeemable miles when you spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year, and earn an additional 10,000 MQMs and 10,000 redeemable miles when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year
- Priority boarding
- First bag checked free
Annual Fee: $195
Why it’s worth it: Aside from a higher welcome offer than the more entry-level Gold Delta Amex, the Platinum Delta Amex comes with a companion certificate each year (you only need to pay taxes and fees) and the ability to earn additional MQMs toward Delta elite status by meeting spending thresholds.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Platinum Delta Amex card hub
- Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Review
- Save Your Family Money With an Annual Delta Companion Ticket
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Hotels.com purchases, diversifying your transferable point currencies
Current Bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $700
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 10x miles on Hotels.com purchases at Hotels.com/Venture
- Earn 2x miles on all other purchases
- Get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Transfer your miles to a selection of airline partners at a 2:1 or 2:1.5 ratio
Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year)
Why it’s worth it: The Venture Card was already a very strong value proposition with 10x miles at Hotels.com and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee, but now you can also transfer the miles you earn with this card (as well as the VentureOne card and Capital One’s two Spark Miles cards) to 15 airline transfer partners including Avianca, Etihad and Singapore Airlines. The transfer ratio is 2:1.5 for 12 partners and 2:1 for two, meaning for every dollar you spend on this card you’re getting 1-1.5 points or miles with a partner airline. This greatly enhances the potential value you can get with this card, as miles are no longer worth a fixed 1 cent apiece.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Capital One Venture Rewards card hub
- Capital One Venture Card Review
- These Are the Capital One Airline Partners With Instant Transfers
- 6 Reasons to Get the Capital One Venture Rewards Card
APPLY HERE: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
American Express Gold Card
Best For: Dining
Current Bonus: Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $700
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 4x points at US restaurants
- Earn 4x points at US supermarkets, on the first $25,000 spent each year; then 1x
- Earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- Up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold card at participating dining partners
- Up to $100 annual airline fee credit
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $250
Why it’s worth it: Amex revamped its Premier Rewards Gold Card and reintroduced it as the Amex Gold Card, with new bonus categories and a strong focus on dining. With 4x points at US restaurants, the card now offers the most competitive return on dining spending (8% based on our valuations), though you’ll want to use another card to earn bonus points when you eat abroad. The card also earns 4x points on the first $25,000 spent per year at US supermarkets, and 3x points on flights. With this card, Amex finally has a strong option for dining purchases. The annual fee is now $250 and not waived the first year, but thanks to the new earning rates and benefits it could be worth it for you.
Further Reading:
- Visit the American Express Gold card hub
- American Express Gold Review
- 5 Lesser-Known Perks of the Amex Gold Card
- Amex Platinum vs. Amex Gold
APPLY HERE: American Express Gold Card
Citi Prestige Card
Best for: 4th Night Free hotel perk, dining
Current Bonus: Earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $850
Standout Benefits:
- Get a fourth night free on paid hotel stays booked through Citi
- Earn 5x on air travel
- Earn 5x at restaurants
- Earn 3x at hotels
- Earn 3x on cruise lines
- Up to a $250 travel credit every calendar year
- Priority Pass Select lounge membership
Annual Fee: $495
Why it’s worth it: The Citi Prestige recently added some new benefits, including 5x points on airfare and at restaurants, cell phone protection and the ability to use the annual $250 travel credit toward any eligible travel purchase, not just air travel. Those additions were accompanied by some less positive news, such as an annual fee increase from $450 to $495 and a twice-a-year cap on 4th Night. Free stays starting later this year, but it’s still a very solid premium rewards card, especially if you book expensive hotel stays and can find value in Citi’s selection of airline transfer partners.
Further Reading:
APPLY HERE: Citi Prestige Card
United Explorer Card
Current Bonus: Earn 40,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months
Current Bonus Value: $520
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on tickets purchased from United, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
- Access to enhanced award availability
- Priority boarding and a free checked bag for you and one companion on the same reservation
- 2 United Club passes each year
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $95 (currently waived the first year)
Why it’s worth it: Just as the Citi / AAdvantage cards make sense if you frequently travel on American, this cobranded option can make your life easier if you often fly with United. This United card is currently waiving the annual fee for the first year, so now could be an ideal time to add it to your wallet, especially because it’s also offering an elevated sign-up bonus of up to 60,000 miles. One of the most appealing benefits is the extra United award seat availability you get access to, letting you book seats that non-card holders can’t. Another solid perk is the ability to waive the Premier-Qualifying Dollar (PQD) requirement for United elite status (excluding Premier 1K) when you spend $25,000 on the card (or across multiple United cards) in a calendar year.
Further Reading:
APPLY HERE: United Explorer Card
Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express
Best For: Delta loyalists
Current Bonus: Earn 75,000 SkyMiles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Current Bonus Value: $900
Standout Benefits:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on everything else
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when you’re flying Delta
- Get a companion certificate for a domestic round-trip flight in the main cabin, Comfort+ or first class each year upon renewal of your card
- Earn 15,000 MQMs toward status and 15,000 redeemable miles when you spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, and earn an additional 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 redeemable miles when you spend $60,000 in a calendar year
- Priority boarding
- First bag checked free
Annual Fee: $450
Why it’s worth it: If you want Delta Sky Club access (and you don’t have it through the Amex Platinum) and the ability to earn extra MQMs toward Delta elite status, this top-of-the-line card is your best bet. Also, note that with the Delta Reserve’s annual companion certificate, your companion can fly in first class or Comfort+; not just in the main cabin, as is the case with the Platinum Delta Amex.
Further Reading:
- Visit the Delta Reserve card hub
- Delta Reserve Credit Card Review
- Battle of the Premium Travel Rewards Cards
APPLY HERE: Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express
Final Notes on Ranking Criteria
As you can see, the bulk of the value comes from the bonus itself — I used my latest valuations to calculate a dollar amount for each offer. From there, I added in the value of perks such as annual travel credits and lounge access. For the Platinum Card from American Express, which offers Centurion Lounge access plus Delta Sky Club access when you’re flying Delta, I assigned a value of $250 for these perks. Yes, the cards do offer Priority Pass lounge access as well, but this benefit is available through many cards so I opted to leave this — along with Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credits — out of my calculations.
Also, a few of these cards offer tiered bonuses. For these cards, if the total spending requirement across multiple tiers is higher than $5,000, I focused on the value you’d get by meeting the lowest spending requirement.
Related Guides:
- The Best Airline Credit Cards of 2019
- Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees of 2019
- The Top Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Gold Delta Amex, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Delta Amex, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, please click here.
This is The Points Guy’s permanent page for the best travel rewards cards, so you can bookmark it and check back regularly for updates. Keep in mind you may see some reader comments referring to older offers below.
0 coment�rios: