Last year, travel credit cards were the furthest thing from our minds. However, as the world begins to open up again following the pandemic, now is the time to consider what this means for our wallets. With a travel rewards credit card, you can earn points or miles that can be used for travel.
Furthermore, if you choose the appropriate card, you might get several other perks. Such as no foreign transaction fees, free checked luggage, travel insurance. And even credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.
Here are the 20 best travel credit cards of 2022 to help you pick the finest from the others.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred@ Card:
One of the most popular travel rewards credit cards available in the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Furthermore, the card contains a ton of value that comfortably justifies its $95 annual fee. Thanks to an all-time-high sign-up bonus.
And a great return on travel and dining purchases. Cardholders can use their points to book travel with Chase. Or transfer them to one of Chase’s 13 valuable airline and hotel partners for 1.25 cents per point. All these wonderful features make it one of the best travel credit cards of all time.
In addition, purchases made through Chase Travel will earn you 5x points, 3x points on dining, some streaming services. And online grocery store purchases, 2x points on all other travel, and 1x points on everything else.
This card’s current sign-up bonus is pretty generous. It is valued at $2,000 by TPG. When you book a hotel through Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get a $50 hotel statement credit every year. Premium travel protection benefits include trip cancellation insurance. Primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.
2. Discover it, Miles:
In 2022, what is the best travel card? One of the best travel credit cards in 2022 is the miles credit card. There are no foreign transaction fees, a variable APR of 11.99%, 22.99 percent. (plus, a 0% intro APR on purchases for 14 months and a 10.99 percent intro APR on balance transfers for the same period).
And a generous rewards program that offers 1.5X miles for every dollar spent on all purchases that can be redeemed as a statement credit for travel to restaurants or gas station purchases. There’s also no need to worry about an annual fee.
3. Citi premier card:
Due to its generous bonus spend categories, the Citi Premier Card is one of the finest beginner travel rewards cards. Furthermore, you’ll earn triple points not only on flights and hotels, but also at restaurants, supermarkets, and petrol stations, giving you lots of chances to earn on everyday expenditures.
In addition, the best part is that your points are transferable to a variety of frequent flyer programs across every airline alliance. The transferrable features of the Citi credit card make it one of the best credit cards for travel.
Finally, on single-stay bookings of $500 or more, Citi offers an annual $100 hotel savings bonus (excluding taxes and fees).
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
If you want to earn huge rewards on your next hotel stay, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good option. In addition, all hotel and rental vehicle reservations booked through Capital One Travel earn 5X miles, while all other purchases earn 2X miles.
Furthermore, a $100 credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, no foreign transaction costs, travel accident insurance. There are 24-hour travel help services, and an auto rental collision damage waiver is among the other benefits. Although the card isn’t free, the annual charge is a relatively affordable $95, making it an outstanding choice. And one of the best travel credit cards in 2022.
5. The Platinum card From American Express:
When it comes to travel perks and advantages, the Amex Platinum is unrivaled. Additionally, this card is well worth the premium annual fee if you value lounge access, hotel elite status, and annual statement credits. It is one of the best travel credit cards in 2022.
However, this card’s current welcome bonus is pretty valuable. TPG estimates it to be worth $2,000, excluding any points earned from the temporary 10x bonus categories. Furthermore, this card comes with numerous perks, including access to Centurion Lounges, gratis Hilton and Marriott elite status, and over $1,400 in yearly statement credits, among other things.
Registrations of the Amex Platinum card come with a premium concierge service that can assist you with everything. Arranging difficult-to-get reservations to location guides to help you plan your next vacation.
6. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card:
If the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students offer appeals to you, but you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card may be a better option. Experts consider the Bank of America travels reward credit cards as one of the best travel credit cards in 2022.
Additionally, this card, like the student card, gives 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. Which can be redeemed for qualified travel purchases.
Unlike certain other cards, points don’t expire and can be redeemed at any time. If new cardholders spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, they will receive 25,000 bonus points.
7. American Express Gold Card:
This isn’t just a pretty picture on a card. It offers 4x points on meals at restaurants and supermarkets in the United States. On the first $25,000 in spending per calendar year; then 1x. it is also considered as having of the best credit cards for travel.
There’s also an annual dining credit of up to $120 at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. As well as an annual Uber Cash credit of up to $120 ($10 per month) that can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the United States.
All of this makes it a great challenger for all food purchases. Which has become a significant segment of spending. For some benefits, enrollment is necessary.
8. Chase Sapphire Reserve:
Chase Sapphire Reserve, named one of CNN’s top travel cards of 2022, offers a slew of perks to users willing to pay the $550 annual premium. Chase sapphire reserve is considered one of the most popular and best travel credit cards.
Furthermore, cardholders can expect a highly flexible rewards program that can be used to book travel with Southwest, United, British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott. And IHG; travel insurance and purchase protection policies, including primary rental car insurance.
A $300 annual travel statement credit; free Priority Pass Select membership. And a $100 reimbursement against Global Entrées.
9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:
According to CNN, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a great alternative if you’re a Hilton frequent flyer who wants to get a lot of extra bonuses without paying hundreds of dollars in yearly fees. It is considered one of the best travel credit cards for Hilton frequent travelers.
You may get complimentary Hilton Gold elite status for a relatively cheap $95 per year. If you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening, you’ll get 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points. And if you spend $10,000 in the first six months, you’ll get another 50,000 points.
10. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card:
The sign-up bonus on the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is one of the best we’ve seen from Chase. Plus, get points in the four bonus areas that are most popular with businesses. (Travel, shipping, advertising, and communications providers).
In addition, the card includes travel and shopping protection as well as primary coverage for you and your employees when renting a car for business purposes.
11. Hotel.com Rewards Visa Credit Card:
The Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card is worth considering if you aren’t tied to a single hotel brand but want to take advantage of a variety of hotel benefits. Meanwhile, It’s a great option for bargain hunters with an eye for the finer things. However, with free rewards nights at a wide range of hotel properties and brands, there is no annual fee. The added benefit of silver membership for the first year. Which includes airport transfers and free breakfast.
12. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card:
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card has a lot to offer. Including an extremely valued reward program called Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. It is also one of the best travel credit cards for travelers in 2022.
However, this card has a lot to offer, whether you’re a frequent Alaska flyer. Or you are a points maximizer trying to diversify your rewards portfolio. To begin, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass for $121.
There are Free checked bags for you and up to six friends on your schedule. And 50% off Alaska lounge day tickets, among other benefits. In addition, Alaska has joined the One World alliance, allowing for limitless redemption possibilities.
13. TD First Class Visa Signature Credit Card:
The TD First Class Visa Signature Credit Card is a good option if you want a low introductory APR. Plenty of points, and a generous welcome bonus.
The rewards program is generous, with 3X miles on travel. It also has dining purchases and 1X miles on all other transactions.
However, the introductory bonus is just as appealing, with 25,000 miles available if you spend $3,000 in the first six months after creating your account. The offer is sealed by a 0% APR for the first 12 months, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fee for the first year.
14. Frontier Airlines World Mastercard:
Money.com recommends the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard as one of the finest travel cards available. Because it is one of the few airline credit cards that allow customers to earn a mile toward elite status for every dollar spent. 14th on our list of best travel credit cards in 2022 is frontier Airlines world Mastercard.
When you gain elite level, you’ll get free carry-on bags, priority boarding, and a designated advanced seat. Additionally, if you spend at least $2500 on purchases over the year, you’ll be eligible for a $100 flight ticket on your account anniversary. During the first year, the reasonable yearly charge of $79 is waived.
15. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card:
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is a terrific option for Delta fans who need a little extra help to achieve elite status. It is considered to be one of the best credit cards for travel in 2022.
Furthermore, this card comes with several benefits, including an annual companion pass and a free checked bag on Delta flights.
However, when you spend a certain amount on your card in a calendar year. You’ll get a bonus Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and a Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver.
16. World of Hyatt Credit Card:
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a terrific option if you’re searching for a card that gives you great hotel benefits.
In addition, for a low annual cost of $95, you’ll get a slew of benefits, like free night stay vouchers, elite status credits, and a ton of bonus points.
17. United Explorer Card:
The United Explorer Card offers a variety of benefits. Including 25% back on United in-flight purchases, and a free first checked bag when you use the card to book a flight. It is one of the best travel credit cards in 2022.
A $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee credit, priority boarding privileges, two free one-time passes to the United Club. And a generous welcome package that includes 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000. However, the cherry on top is a zero-dollar annual fee for the first year.
18. American Airlines Aadvantage Mileup Card:
Next on the list of best travel credit cards is the American airlines AAdvantage Mileup Card. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card may not be flawless. But it does offer a pretty complete bundle of perks to cardholders, including a highly appealing points program that can be used against expenditures with 25 travel partners, as CreditCards.com points out.
However, there’s no annual fee to worry about, and if you spend $500 in the first three months after opening your account, you’ll get a 10,000-mile welcome bonus.
19. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card:
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is an entry-level card that can enable newcomers to the Bonvoy program to get their feet wet. Marriott Bonvoy boundless is one of the best credit cards for travel in 2022.
Furthermore, the card is best for those who stay at Marriotts, but not enough to benefit from the higher-tier Marriott cards. Additionally, each cardmember anniversary comes with a free night certificate (up to 35,000 points).
In addition, the Silver elite rank is automatic, with a path to Gold. 15 elite night credits every year to help you reach the mid or upper tiers of the Bonvoy program.
20. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card:
Last on the list of best travel credit cards is Southwest rapid rewards plus credit card.
For frequent flyers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers includes 65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months after account activation and an additional 3,000 bonus points on each account anniversary.
Furthermore, after accumulating 125,000 points in a year. You’ll be able to accompany a companion on a Southwest flight of your choice for free.
Conclusion
A decent travel credit card may make traveling more convenient and cost-effective. Additionally, the best travel credit cards enable cardholders to earn free. Or highly reduced vacations, assist in the event of a travel emergency. And keep expenses to minimal (or skip them altogether). You can select the best travel credit cards for you and your travel habits if you have the correct information.
FAQ
The best travel credit card for you will have a high earn rate in your major spending areas, high-value points or miles that you’ll use, and, ideally, some travel-related incentives.
Travel credit cards are divided into three categories: airline, hotel, and general travel rewards cards. Airline credit cards offer airline-specific bonuses as well as earning miles through an airline loyalty program for free trips.
Furthermore, hotel credit cards will earn you points for free stays and other hotel-specific advantages through a hotel loyalty program. In addition, you can utilize general travel rewards cards to earn flexible points and miles that can be used to book any sort of travel or transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Travel credit cards offer points or miles that can be used for flights, hotel stays, cruises, and other travel-related expenses. In addition, the best travel credit cards offer include advantages and safeguards that make travel more convenient and cost-effective.
For anyone who travels frequently and can pay off their credit card debt in full each month, travels credit cards are worthwhile. If you don’t travel frequently enough to justify an annual charge, a no-annual-fee travel credit card is a good option.
Carrying a balance on a credit card, even the finest travel credit card, is not recommended due to the increased interest rates. Any travel rewards you earn will be eaten up by interest fees.
Some credit card companies allow you to combine travel points from different cards as long as they are part of the same rewards program. In addition, you can combine Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® with those earned on the Ink Business PreferredSM Credit Card, for example. Additionally, as long as the hotel points or airline miles are from the same loyalty program, you can combine them with different credit cards.
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