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Compare Travel Credit Cards in October 2024

Best for Marriott Hotel loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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4.0
Quicken Compare Score

The Quicken Compare score is based on multiple factors such as the most popular choice, consumer feedback and our internal evaluation. The score is unbiased and its goal is to provide you with a relative recommendation of offers as you compare the brands listed in our marketplaces. We do receive monetary compensation if you utilize the brands listed which allows us to keep this service free.

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Debit Cards
Welcome Bonus
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
Regular APR
20.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Purchase Intro
APR: N/A
Annual Fee
$650
Credit Score Needed
Excellent/Good
Quicken Compare Review
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a co-branded hotel rewards credit card that offers a range of benefits and perks for frequent travelers and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members. Overall, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is an excellent choice for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members and frequent travelers who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. The card offers valuable rewards, exclusive hotel benefits, and various travel-related perks. However, it's important to consider the annual fee and ensure that the benefits align with your travel preferences and habits.
Pros and Cons
pro
Generous Welcome Bonus
pro
Valuable Hotel Benefits
pro
Marriott Bonvoy Points Earning Potential
con
High Annual Fee
con
Limited Earning Potential on Non-Marriott Purchases
con
Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Exclusivity
Featured Card Benefits
  • Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
  • A Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
  • Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Best for frequent travelers and foodies

American Express Gold Card

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4.5
Quicken Compare Score

The Quicken Compare score is based on multiple factors such as the most popular choice, consumer feedback and our internal evaluation. The score is unbiased and its goal is to provide you with a relative recommendation of offers as you compare the brands listed in our marketplaces. We do receive monetary compensation if you utilize the brands listed which allows us to keep this service free.

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Cash Back
Welcome Bonus

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.

Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Purchase Intro
APR: N/A
Annual Fee
$250
Credit Score Needed
Excellent/Good
Quicken Compare Review
The American Express Gold Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and foodies who are looking for a premium credit card with generous rewards and benefits. While the annual fee may be steep, the card's rewards and benefits more than make up for it, especially if you can take full advantage of the dining credit, travel credits, and lounge access.
Pros and Cons
pro
Generous Rewards Program
pro
Welcome Bonus
pro
Travel and Dining Benefits
con
Annual Fee
con
Limited Acceptance
con
No 0% Intro APR
Featured Card Benefits
  • 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.
Best for everyday travel rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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5.0
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Quicken Compare score is based on multiple factors such as the most popular choice, consumer feedback and our internal evaluation. The score is unbiased and its goal is to provide you with a relative recommendation of offers as you compare the brands listed in our marketplaces. We do receive monetary compensation if you utilize the brands listed which allows us to keep this service free.

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Debit Cards
Welcome Bonus
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Purchase Intro
APR: N/A
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Score Needed
700+
Quicken Compare Review
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular travel rewards credit card that offers a straightforward and flexible rewards structure. While the card provides a solid rewards program, it may not offer elevated rewards rates in specific categories like dining or groceries, which could be a drawback if you spend heavily in those areas. The transfer options to airline and hotel loyalty programs can be beneficial, but the transfer ratios may not always be 1:1, affecting the value of your miles. If you're seeking premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status, other premium travel credit cards might offer more comprehensive perks.
Pros and Cons
pro
Flat-Rate Rewards
pro
Flexibility in Redemption
pro
Transfer Partners
con
Annual Fee
con
Limited Bonus Categories
con
Transfer Ratios
Featured Card Benefits
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • 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®
Best for frequent travelers

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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5.0
Quicken Compare Score

The Quicken Compare score is based on multiple factors such as the most popular choice, consumer feedback and our internal evaluation. The score is unbiased and its goal is to provide you with a relative recommendation of offers as you compare the brands listed in our marketplaces. We do receive monetary compensation if you utilize the brands listed which allows us to keep this service free.

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Airline Credit Cards
Welcome Bonus
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®
Regular APR
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Purchase Intro
APR: N/A
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Score Needed
Excellent
Quicken Compare Review
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers a range of benefits and perks. Overall, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a highly regarded credit card for travel enthusiasts who value premium benefits and rewards. It provides an opportunity to earn valuable points, access exclusive travel perks, and receive excellent customer service. However, the high annual fee and foreign transaction fees may be drawbacks for some individuals. It's essential to evaluate your travel habits, spending patterns, and financial goals to determine if the card aligns with your needs and preferences. Additionally, reviewing the official Chase website or contacting their customer service can provide the most up-to-date information on rewards, benefits, and any associated fees with the card.
Pros and Cons
pro
Generous Travel Rewards
pro
Flexible Redemption Options
pro
Flexible Redemption Options
con
High Annual Fee
con
High Credit Requirement
con
Foreign Transaction Fees
Featured Card Benefits
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • 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
  • 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®

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Travel rewards

One of the primary benefits of a travel credit card is the ability to earn travel rewards. These rewards can be in the form of points, miles, or cash back that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. Accumulating travel rewards can significantly offset the cost of your travel expenses.

Sign-up bonuses

Many travel credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within a specified time frame, and in return, you receive a large number of points or miles. Sign-up bonuses can give you a head start on earning rewards and allow you to enjoy significant savings on your travels.

Travel-related perks

Travel credit cards often come with a range of travel-related perks that can enhance your travel experience. These perks may include airport lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, travel insurance, concierge services, and hotel upgrades. Such benefits can make your journey more comfortable and convenient while saving you money on additional services.

Foreign transaction fees

Many travel credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. This means that you can use your card for purchases made abroad without incurring additional fees typically imposed by other credit cards. Avoiding foreign transaction fees can result in significant savings, especially if you frequently travel internationally.

Travel insurance and protection

Travel credit cards often provide various forms of travel insurance coverage. This can include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay/loss coverage, rental car insurance, and emergency medical coverage. Having these protections can offer peace of mind and save you money in unexpected situations during your travels.

Exclusive travel offers and discounts

Some travel credit cards provide access to exclusive offers, discounts, and perks through partnerships with airlines, hotels, and travel booking platforms. These benefits may include discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, special access to events, and more. Taking advantage of these exclusive offers can lead to additional savings and unique travel experiences.

Currency conversion

Certain travel credit cards offer favorable currency conversion rates when you use your card for purchases made in foreign currencies. This can help you avoid unfavorable exchange rates and save money on your international transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a travel rewards credit card?

Let’s start with the basics. A travel rewards credit card offers users benefits related to travel when they use the card. When users make purchases with the card, they can get rewards and cashback bonuses from use.

What are different types of travel credit cards?

Travel rewards credit cards come in two forms.

There are cards that carry a brand and are associated with a specific airline, hotel chain or rental car company. The rewards from this card will typically come with rewards back to travel purchases with that brand.

An airline credit card will want you to use your rewards for airfare on their airline. Free hotel stays that are earned would need to be with the brand of hotel that gave the reward.

General travel cards offer rewards that can be used for a variety of travel depending on how the user cashes in the rewards. The points could buy airline tickets or car rentals. You could also take cashback rewards and use them for travel or nontravel related purchases.

How to choose the best rewards credit card for you?

This is a time when it pays to do your homework. It is also helpful to consider your travel habits and spending habits before doing the credit card application and opening the card. Because there are often yearly fees, you want to weigh if the rewards you get give the necessary return on investment.

The credits cards might offer rewards a few ways. They can offer reward points on purchases. These points might be worth more if used for travel-related expenses. The rewards might also come in the form of cashback rewards earned from purchases overtime.

Some other perks might include:

  • Free hotel stays
  • Free airfare
  • Reduced rate airfare
  • A ticket bump to first class
  • Credits towards ride-share services like Uber or Lyft
  • Waiving of international transaction fees
  • Free checked bags
  • Priority boarding with their card

With rewards coming in so many different forms, a consumer needs to do their homework to find the card that will give them the most benefits for future rewards.

What to consider if a card is worth owning?

Again, this is a time to do careful research. You have to weigh whether you will earn enough rewards to merit any fees associated with the card.

Eventually, with regular use, you are sure to earn some kind of reward from most of the travel credit card programs. The caveat to all good credit card use is to make sure you are regularly paying them off too.

Can you get a travel credit card with a low credit score?

Many of the best travel credit cards are available to those with good to great credit. If you have less than perfect credit, 650 or below, this can leave you without as many options.

Be sure to join your preferred travel companies’ rewards programs even if they are not credit connected.

Work to improve your credit by paying bills on time and reducing the amount of credit you have. Pay attention to your credit score by monitoring your credit report.

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Quicken Compare Score

The Quicken Compare score is based on multiple factors such as the most popular choice, consumer feedback and our internal evaluation. The score is unbiased and its goal is to provide you with a relative recommendation of offers as you compare the brands listed in our marketplaces. We do receive monetary compensation if you utilize the brands listed which allows us to keep this service free.

Editorial Note

Quicken Compare, a LMB Opco, LLC company, is compensated by third-party advertisers, however, any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in editorial content are of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the advertiser. We make every effort to provide up-to-date information, however we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented. Consumers should verify any terms and conditions with the institution providing the products. Articles may contain some sponsored content, content about affiliated entities or content about clients in the network. QuickenCompare does not include all lenders or offers available in the marketplace. The content displayed on QuickenCompare or in this video does not provide legal, financial, accounting or tax advice. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.