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When it comes to racking up credit card rewards, the key is to play it smart. Think about it: if you’re using just one card for everything, you’re probably missing out on some serious rewards. The trick is to have a few different cards, each one geared for different spending categories. But let’s be real, the world of credit cards can be confusing, and finding the right ones can be overwhelming. That’s why our guide is a game changer. We spotlight the best of the best cards for major spending categories. You won’t just earn more points or cash back; you’ll also get your hands on some awesome benefits that come with these cards. So, let's make your expenses work for you!

In this edition, here's our rundown of the Best Travel Cards of January 2024, broken down by:

• Personal Travel Cards
• Business Travel Cards

Best Personal Travel Cards

Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an extremely popular choice among travelers, offering a rich blend of rewards and benefits. Cardholders earn 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases on travel and dining purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. Cardholders also earn 5X on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025, as well as 5X on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. These points have even more earning power when they are redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Reward program at a 1.25X value. You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio, often with even more added value. The card features a $50 yearly hotel credit that halves the annual fee of $95, a complimentary DoorDash DashPass for 1 year when you activate by 12/31/2024, no foreign transaction fees, and various travel protection benefits. It’s easy to see why it’s always a top pick for those seeking a rewarding travel credit card.

Best for non-bonus spending: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is highly regarded for its straightforward yet valuable rewards structure. In addition to earning 5X miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, it earns a flat 2X miles per dollar spent on every purchase, making it ideal for both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. One key strength of this card is the flexibility to redeem miles for travel expenses. It also carries no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees), making it ideal for international travel. Other perks: up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and Hertz Five Star Status. Its simplicity and versatility in earning and redeeming rewards make it a standout choice for those seeking a travel rewards credit card.

‍Best for dining at restaurants: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is a premium card that is highly touted for its rewards and benefits, particularly for those who frequently dine out and travel. It offers a substantial points-earning rate of 4X at U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 1X on all other purchases. The card comes with up to a $120 yearly dining credit at selected restaurants and services, which offsets some of the $250 annual fee (see rates & fees). Additional perks include travel protections, such as baggage insurance, access to the Global Assist hotline, and up to a $100 annual hotel credit with The Hotel Collection. You’ll also receive up to $120 in annual Uber credits, which work for both Uber and Uber Eats. Though the card's annual fee is higher than many standard cards, its high-end rewards and benefits more than make up for the cost. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Best for luxury benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is a luxury card with luxury benefits. Though it carries a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates & fees), you can more than offset it by taking advantage of the amazing rewards and benefits. The card racks up a serious 5X points on flights made directly with airlines (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), and airline and hotel bookings made through Amex Travel. It earns 1X point everywhere else. Premium perks include access to the Global Lounge Collection, which offers entry to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, and complimentary elite status, including Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status. Cardholders also enjoy multiple statement credits (which alone cover the cost of the annual fee). These include, but are not limited to: up to a $200 annual airline incidental credit given in statement credits, up to a $240 annual credit for select streaming and digital entertainment services given in statement credits, up to $189 credit towards a CLEAR Plus membership, up to an annual $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit given in statement credits, and up to an annual $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees given in statement credits. The Platinum Card comes with a concierge service and exclusive access to events and experiences. Boasting top-tier airport lounge access, elite status at various hotels, and substantial yearly statement credits, The Platinum Card from American Express stands out as the most rewarding card available. Year after year, it has the potential to become the most valuable card in your wallet, thanks to its exceptional benefits. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for premium travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X is a premium travel credit card offering a wealth of benefits for frequent travelers. Cardholders earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar spent on everything else. These miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. Additional perks include complimentary access to airport lounges, an annual $300 travel credit when booked though Capital One Travel, and no foreign transaction fees. This card is designed for those who want to maximize their travel experiences while earning rewards for their spending.

Best for starter travelers: Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier Card is a versatile travel card that offers rewards for a wide range of spending habits. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who frequently travel or dine out, as it provides generous points on travel, dining, and supermarket expenses. Ideal for international travelers, the card carries no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees). It features a versatile transfer program, allowing cardholders to transfer their Citi ThankYou points to 14 partners. With its combination of high rewards rate in key spending categories and travel-friendly benefits, the Citi Premier Card stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking to maximize their credit card rewards with awesome travel redemptions.

Best for travel rewards with no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our favorite no-annual-fee travel credit card (see rates & fees), ideal for those looking for travel rewards without incurring extra costs. It earns a flat 1.25X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, along with 5X miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, makes it a great choice for travelers looking for value and simplicity.

Best for travel credits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel credit card known for its considerable benefits and rewards. Cardholders earn 3X on dining and travel purchases worldwide, along with 1X on all other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program at a value of 1.5X or transferred to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. The card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which more than cuts the annual fee of $550 in half. Note: points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on purchases in the travel category. The first $300 spent goes towards the $300 Annual Travel Credit. Still, it's an awesome benefit! Cardholders have access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Select and comprehensive travel insurance. Other benefits include: up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, complimentary DoorDash DashPass for 1 year when you activate by 12/31/2024, complimentary Instacart+ for 1 year when you activate by 7/31/2024, and complimentary Lyft Pink for 1 year when you activate by 12/31/2024. Despite its high annual fee, the combination of high reward rates, luxury travel benefits, and additional perks make it an easy favorite among frequent travelers.

Best for renters: Bilt Mastercard®

The Bilt Mastercard is a unique credit card primarily aimed at renters, offering a distinctive reward structure that allows cardholders to earn 1X on rent payments (on up to $100,000 spent each calendar year) without incurring any transaction fees. These points can be used for travel (Bilt currently has 16 travel partners - that's why we're putting this in the travel category for best cards!), fitness classes, or even towards a future home down payment. In addition to rent, the card also earns 5X points on Lyft rideshares, bike, and scooters booked through the Lyft app, 3X on dining, 2X on travel, and 1X on all other purchases. For a $0 annual fee card (see rates & fees), it comes with awesome perks too, including primary car rental insurance, cell phone protection of up to $800 in coverage with a $25 deductible (you must pay your cell phone bill with the card), and trip cancellation/interruption protection. With no annual fee, great benefits, and the inclusion of rent payments in its rewards program - a very rare feature in the world of credit cards - the Bilt Mastercard is the best card for renters who want more from their monthly rent payments. 

Best for American Airlines Loyalists: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a premium credit card designed for frequent flyers of American Airlines. It offers a rich array of benefits, including Admirals Club membership, which provides access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders also enjoy priority boarding, free checked bags, and the opportunity to earn 4X AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, along with 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. The card carries a $595 annual fee (see rates & fees) but makes up for it with its high rewards rate for airline purchases and additional travel perks. Ultimately, this card is ideal for loyal American Airlines customers seeking a luxurious travel experience and faster ways to earn miles towards future trips.

Best for Casual Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a range of elite-like advantages at a cost-effective price, making it an attractive option for occasional Delta travelers. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year. Then $99 (see rates & fees). Key perks such as a complimentary first checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same Delta reservation can cut down on travel costs and add convenience. These benefits can easily offset the annual fee, particularly for those who fly Delta less frequently but still want to save on their travel expenses. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for Delta Loyalists on the Status Fast Track: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a premium credit card tailor-made for dedicated Delta flyers. It stands out for its exclusive airline perks and travel benefits. Though the card has a high annual fee of $550 (see rates & fees), cardholders have access to a ton of benefits, including complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, elevating their airport experience. The card also offers an annual companion certificate, which includes a domestic first-class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip ticket, adding significant value for frequent travelers. Earning miles is accelerated with higher points on Delta purchases, and the card also provides opportunities to achieve Medallion Status through Status Boost. Additionally, cardholders benefit from a first checked bag free, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. These features, along with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, make it an attractive option for those who frequently fly with Delta and seek a luxurious travel experience with added rewards and benefits. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

First Class Travel for Southwest Loyalists: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a top-tier option for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on every purchase, with additional points for Southwest and travel-related expenses. One of the standout features is the $75 annual travel credit, which helps offset the $149 annual fee of the card. Additionally, cardholders enjoy perks like four upgraded boardings per year (when available), and a 20% back on in-flight purchases. The card also offers 7,500 points every Southwest Rapid Rewards account anniversary, further enhancing the card's value. With no foreign transaction fees and lost luggage reimbursement, this card is not only great for earning free flights but also for making travel more comfortable and worry-free. It's a solid choice for loyal Southwest customers looking to maximize their travel rewards and benefits.

Best Business Travel Cards

Best for freelancers: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a popular choice for business owners who want straightforward rewards and redemption flexibility It earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it an uncomplicated option for a variety of business expenses. The card carries no annual fee and includes an introductory 0% APR period of 12 months for purchases. After that, the variable APR for purchases is 18.49% to 24.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. Additionally, the card provides a $750 sign-up bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months. To get the absolute most out of this card, pair it with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. This allows you to convert the cash back you earn with this card into valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This card is ideal for businesses looking for a simple yet effective reward structure without an annual fee.

Best for bonus earning: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is a strategic choice for businesses looking to maximize their spending efficiency. The card earns rewards in four key business-related categories: travel, shipping, advertising, and services from telecommunication providers. Additionally, the card includes essential features like travel and shopping protection, enhancing its value for business owners. A standout feature is the primary car rental coverage for business use, extending protection to both the cardholder and their employees. Pair with the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card to maximize your rewards potential for your business even more. 

Best for high-spending businesses: Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business is an incredibly solid option for business owners seeking valuable rewards and benefits. This card is particularly well-suited for companies with significant spending, offering generous rewards on travel and everyday business expenses. Cardholders earn 2 miles on every purchase, 5 miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other expenses, making it a versatile choice for diverse business needs. Though it carries a $395 fees (see rates & fees), the card includes awesome travel perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance, enhancing its appeal for business travelers. The Venture X Business Card combines practicality and luxury, making it a compelling choice for businesses looking to maximize their credit card benefits.

Best for business travel luxury: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is an excellent choice for regular business travelers looking to add a luxurious touch to their journeys. Despite its significant $695 annual fee (see rates & fees), the card offers a plethora of benefits and perks. Key features include substantial annual travel credits and access to exclusive lounges, including the esteemed Amex Centurion Lounges, which takes the travel experience to a whole new level. Cardholders earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for business versatility and travel rewards: American Express® Business Gold Card

The American Express Business Gold Card is a versatile card tailored for business owners who want to maximize their spending efficiency. It stands out for its ability to earn 4x points on the top two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle up to the first $150,000 per calendar year (then 1x thereafter). Cardholders also earn 3X Membership Rewards point per $1 spent on American Express Travel and 1X Membership Rewards point per $1 spent on all eligible purchases. Although it carries a $295 annual fee - $375 if your application is received on or after 2/1/2024 (see rates & fees), the card offers valuable perks like access to a suite of expense management tools, making it easier to track and organize business expenses. This card is a great fit for businesses looking to earn rewards on their everyday spending while enjoying the premium benefits that come with an American Express card. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for Southwest Business Travelers: Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card‍

The Southwest Rapid RewardsPremier Business Credit Card is the best choice for business owners who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. This card offers a substantial point-earning potential, with elevated rewards on Southwest purchases and bonus points on other business-related categories like social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Cardholders benefit from four upgraded boardings per year (based on availability), in-flight WiFi credits, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, enhancing the travel experience. Additionally, the card includes anniversary points, adding value each year. With no foreign transaction fees and employee cards at no additional cost, it's an excellent choice for businesses looking to maximize travel rewards and enjoy Southwest Airlines' benefits. The card's perks and rewards structure make it a top contender for business owners seeking to leverage their company spending into travel benefits.

Best for Small Business Owners who fly United: United^SM Business Card

The United Business Card is a superb choice for business travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. This card offers a variety of benefits tailored to enhance the travel experience of United customers. Key features include a significant number of bonus miles after meeting initial spending requirements, making it highly attractive for new cardholders. Cardholders earn increased miles on United purchases, as well as on other business expenses like office supplies, gas stations, and restaurants. An annual bonus in the form of miles adds to the card's long-term value. Additionally, United Business Card members enjoy perks such as free checked first bag, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes each year, enhancing the airport experience. Moreover, the card provides valuable travel protections, including trip delay reimbursement and lost luggage insurance. The inclusion of no foreign transaction fees makes it a great option for international business travel. The United Business Card is an excellent option for business owners who frequently fly with United and want to maximize their travel rewards and benefits.

Interested in seeing our picks for best cashback cards? Make sure to visit our Best Cashback Credit Cards post. Also, don't forget to check out our Best Airline Cards and Business Cards!

Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.