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The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

April 17, 2024

Travel can be both exciting and costly, but the right travel credit card can help you earn significant rewards and enjoy substantial perks. Whether you're looking for the best travel credit cards of 2024 for luxurious escapes or cost-effective adventures, selecting the right card can drastically enhance your travel experience.

Here’s our rundown of the top travel credit cards of 2024.

Best For: Overall Travel Rewards

Recognized as one of the best travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a robust rewards program with excellent rewards on travel and dining. It's a prime choice for those seeking the best credit card for points and travel with an affordable annual fee of $95. This card is also great for earning travel credits and comes with a significant travel bonus, making it one of the top travel credit cards.

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Best For: Luxury Travel Perks

For luxury seekers, the Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the best travel credit card for enjoying premium 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. Known for its extensive access to airport lounges and top-tier hotel status, this card is ideal for those who frequently use credit cards abroad and desire the best in travel and dining credit cards.

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.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Luxury Travel Perks", "headerHint" : "TRAVEL IN STYLE" } ]]

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Best For: High-Value Travel Rewards

As a top contender in the best travel credit cards 2024 list, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card delivers excellent value with its travel credits and lounge access. It's especially beneficial for those looking to compare travel credit cards that balance premium perks with an attainable annual fee (see rates & fees).

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Best For: Comprehensive Travel Protections

The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, a top rated travel credit card, is celebrated for its comprehensive travel protections. Offering peace of mind with extensive insurance benefits, it's the best travel credit card for those prioritizing safety and security while earning exceptional rewards on travel and dining.

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Best For: Dining Rewards

The American Express® Gold Card is the best travel and dining credit cards option for those who enjoy earning rewards at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. It offers a substantial 4X at restaurants worldwide 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). It is an excellent travel credit card, offering a good travel bonus and superb flexibility in points transfer to travel partners.

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.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Dining Rewards", "headerHint" : "RELISH NIGHTS OUT" } ]]

Best For: Straightforward Travel Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card simplifies earning and redeeming travel rewards, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a no-fuss approach to accumulating travel miles (see rates & fees).

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Straightforward Travel Rewards", "headerHint" : "CLEAR-CUT EARNING" } ]]

Best For: No Annual Fee Travel Card

For those who prefer a no annual fee card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card is a top contender (see rates & fees). It provides respectable rewards with no annual cost, making it an ideal choice for casual travelers who still want to earn on their travel and everyday purchases.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "440", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "No Annual Fee Travel Card", "headerHint" : "EARN WITHOUT AN ANNUAL FEE" } ]]

Best For: High Everyday Cash Back

Although not a traditional travel card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers excellent cash back in essential categories: a whopping 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1% thereafter), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, and 1% Cash Back on other purchases. These categories can be incredibly beneficial for families looking to save on their daily and travel-related expenditures.

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.

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Comparing Top Travel Credit Cards

When deciding between the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X Rewards, consider your travel habits and preferences. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers great value with a lower annual fee, making it ideal for most travelers. In contrast, Amex Platinum is best for those who frequent airports and appreciate luxury travel perks, albeit at a higher cost. For a balance of cost and premium benefits, Cap One Venture X provides significant value through travel credits and lounge access, suitable for regular travelers who enjoy comfort without the highest fees.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right travel credit card can help you turn every trip into a more rewarding experience. Whether you're after luxury perks, solid all-around rewards, or specific benefits like dining or family travel, there’s a card in 2024 that fits the bill. Safe travels and happy spending!

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Editorial Disclosure: 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.

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