Are you looking for the best travel rewards credit cards to turn your everyday spend into your next vacation? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top travel credit cards that offer the best rewards in 2021.
Key Takeaways:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a no-annual-fee card with a solid rewards rate on every purchase.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve provides bonus rewards on dining and travel, annual travel credits, and airport lounge access.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers bonus rewards on travel and dining, and the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Card provides bonus offers and extra rewards in spending categories like restaurants, gas stations, and travel.
This curated list of the best travel rewards credit cards of 2021 provides options for various preferences and needs, such as flat-rate rewards, high-end perks, flexibility in redeeming points, and bonus rewards in specific categories. Whether you're a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys occasional vacations, these credit cards can help you maximize your rewards and make your travel dreams come true.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a standout option for travelers, offering 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. This generous rewards rate allows cardholders to earn miles quickly, which can then be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase. Whether you're booking a flight, hotel, or rental car, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides excellent value and flexibility.
In addition to its impressive rewards program, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers a range of valuable benefits. Cardholders can enjoy no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal choice for international travel. The card also provides travel accident insurance and 24/7 travel assistance, ensuring peace of mind while on the go.
Furthermore, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card makes it easy to manage and redeem your miles. You can access and track your rewards through the Capital One mobile app or online portal, making it simple to plan and book your next adventure. Plus, with no blackout dates or restrictions on travel purchases, you have the freedom to use your miles whenever and wherever you choose.
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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for travelers seeking a card with competitive rewards and flexibility. With its generous rewards rate, valuable benefits, and easy redemption process, this card can help you earn and maximize your travel rewards.
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
If you're looking for a credit card that offers solid rewards on every purchase without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great choice. This no-annual-fee card provides a straightforward rewards program that allows you to earn points on all your spending, which can then be redeemed for any travel purchase. With its flexibility and ease of use, this card is ideal for anyone who wants to earn rewards without being tied down to specific airlines or hotels.
With the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, making it a reliable and consistent way to accumulate travel rewards. Whether you're booking flights, hotels, rental cars, or even dining out, every purchase gets you closer to your next adventure.
In addition to its generous rewards program, this card offers other valuable perks. It has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travelers. The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card also features a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases, providing some financial flexibility for new cardholders. Plus, you can enjoy the convenience and security of contactless payments with this card.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card: Key Features
| Earn Rate | 1.5 points per dollar spent |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Introductory APR | 0% for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you're a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys the occasional trip, this card can help you earn rewards on your everyday spending and make your travel dreams a reality.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
While the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a high annual fee, frequent travelers can reap the rewards through bonus rewards on dining and travel, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and more. This premium travel credit card offers an array of benefits that make it a top choice for those who value luxury and convenience.
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its bonus rewards on dining and travel. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and on eligible travel purchases, such as airfare and hotels. This makes it an ideal choice for food enthusiasts and jet-setters who want to maximize their rewards while enjoying the finer things in life.
In addition to the bonus rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an annual travel credit of $300. This credit can be used to offset the cost of eligible travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. This perk alone can help to offset the annual fee for frequent travelers who make full use of the credit each year.
Another major advantage of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the airport lounge access it provides. Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Select. This allows travelers to relax and unwind in style before their flights, with amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments, and more.
| Benefits of Chase Sapphire Reserve: |
|---|
| Bonus rewards on dining and travel |
| $300 annual travel credit |
| Airport lounge access |
In summary, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top travel credit card with no annual fee that offers exceptional benefits for frequent travelers. From bonus rewards on dining and travel to annual travel credits and airport lounge access, this card provides a premium experience for those who value convenience and luxury. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the annual fee and consider your own travel habits and preferences before choosing the best travel rewards credit card for your needs.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top choice for those seeking bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. With this card, you can earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, as well as 2 points per dollar on select streaming services and online grocery purchases. Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where they are worth 25% more, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially even greater value.
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is its generous sign-up bonus. New cardholders have the opportunity to earn a substantial amount of bonus points after meeting the required spending threshold within the specified timeframe. This bonus can jumpstart your rewards balance and set you on your way to earning even more valuable travel benefits.
Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers other valuable perks such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage, and purchase protection. These benefits can provide peace of mind when traveling and help protect your purchases.
In summary, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card provides a compelling rewards program for frequent travelers and dining enthusiasts. With bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases, as well as valuable redemption options, this card is a strong contender for anyone looking to maximize their travel rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Bonus rewards on travel and dining | – Annual fee applies |
| – High value redemption options | – Limited bonus categories |
| – Valuable travel and purchase protections | – Not ideal for non-travel or dining purchases |
Wells Fargo Autograph Card: Top Travel Credit Card with Great Bonus Offers
If you're looking for a no-annual-fee travel credit card with great bonus offers and extra rewards in various spending categories, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is worth considering. This card offers a range of benefits that make it a top choice for frequent travelers.
With the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, you can earn a fantastic bonus offer when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of card membership. This is a great way to kickstart your travel rewards and enjoy even more value from your everyday spending.
What makes the Wells Fargo Autograph Card stand out even more is its extra rewards in spending categories that matter to travelers. Whether you're dining out, fueling up at gas stations, or exploring new destinations, this card offers elevated rewards in these categories to maximize your earning potential.
For those who appreciate flexibility, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card allows you to redeem your rewards for a range of travel options. Whether you prefer to book flights, hotels, or other travel expenses, you can use your rewards to offset these costs and make your next trip even more affordable.
In summary, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a top travel credit card for 2021, offering great bonus offers, extra rewards in key spending categories, and the flexibility to redeem your rewards for various travel expenses. If you're looking for a card that can enhance your travel experience without an annual fee, this card should definitely be on your radar.
The Citi Premier Card: A Rewarding Choice for Travelers
The Citi Premier Card is an excellent option for travelers, with its ability to earn triple points on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining, and gas stations. Whether you're booking a flight, staying at a hotel, or simply stocking up on groceries, this card offers generous rewards that can be redeemed for exciting travel experiences.
Features and Benefits
With the Citi Premier Card, you'll enjoy a wide range of features and benefits that enhance your travel experience. Here are some key highlights:
- Triple Points: Earn three points for every dollar spent on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining, and gas stations. This means you can quickly accumulate points to use towards your next adventure.
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem your points for travel bookings or transfer them to leading airline loyalty programs to maximize their value. The choice is yours, giving you the flexibility to use your rewards in a way that suits your travel goals.
- Solid Sign-Up Bonus: As a new cardholder, you'll have the opportunity to earn a generous sign-up bonus. This bonus can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance right from the start.
Comparison Table: Citi Premier Card vs. Other Rewards Credit Cards
| Card | Earn Rate on Travel | Earn Rate on Dining | Earn Rate on Supermarkets | Earn Rate on Gas Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Premier Card | 3 points per dollar | 3 points per dollar | 3 points per dollar | 3 points per dollar |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2 miles per dollar | 2 miles per dollar | N/A | N/A |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 2 points per dollar | 2 points per dollar | 1 point per dollar | 1 point per dollar |
As shown in the comparison table, the Citi Premier Card offers competitive earn rates on travel, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations. This makes it a strong contender among other popular rewards credit cards.
In conclusion, the Citi Premier Card is a top choice for travelers seeking a rewarding credit card. With its triple points earning potential, flexible redemption options, and attractive sign-up bonus, it's a valuable tool for making your travel dreams a reality.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: A Top Choice for Rewards
With its quadruple points on travel, purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, and ongoing credits to offset the annual fee, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a top choice for rewards. This card offers a generous rewards rate on various spending categories, making it suitable for frequent travelers and those who frequently make purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations.
When it comes to travel, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card excels with its quadruple points earning potential. Whether you're booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, you'll earn four points for every dollar spent. Additionally, this card rewards you for your everyday commuting expenses, with quadruple points on gas station purchases and charges at EV charging stations. These points can add up quickly, allowing you to redeem them for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
One of the standout features of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is the ongoing credits it offers. These credits can help offset the annual fee, making it a more affordable option for cardholders. Additionally, this card provides a range of additional benefits and perks, such as travel and purchase protections, complimentary airport concierge services, and access to exclusive events.
In summary, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card offers a compelling rewards program with its quadruple points on travel, gas station purchases, and EV charging station charges. With its ongoing credits and additional benefits, this card is a top choice for individuals seeking a travel rewards credit card that provides excellent value and flexibility.
| Card | Points Earning Potential | Ongoing Credits | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | Quadruple points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations | Credits to offset the annual fee | Travel and purchase protections, airport concierge services, exclusive events |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that provides exceptional benefits through its online booking portal, such as high rewards rates and credits to offset the annual fee. With this card, you can earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
One of the standout features of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is its flexibility in redeeming points. You can use your miles to book travel directly through the Capital One Travel portal, or you can transfer them to over 15 airline partners for potentially even greater value. There are no blackout dates or restrictions when redeeming your points, so you have the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want.
In addition to its generous rewards program, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a range of valuable travel benefits. Cardholders enjoy up to a $300 annual statement credit for travel purchases, which can help offset the card's annual fee. You'll also receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit, access to airport lounges through the Priority Pass Select program, and a complimentary subscription to the CLEAR airport security screening service.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + High rewards rates | – Annual fee |
| + Flexible redemption options | – No introductory APR |
| + Valuable travel benefits | – Only available to those with excellent credit |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best travel rewards credit cards of 2021 offer a range of options, from flat-rate rewards to high-end perks, flexibility in redeeming points, and bonus rewards in specific categories. These cards provide opportunities for travelers to earn miles, points, and cashback on their purchases, allowing them to save money and enhance their travel experiences.
For those seeking simplicity, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards structure, with 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. This card allows users to redeem their miles at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase.
If you prefer a card with no annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great choice. It offers a solid rewards rate on every purchase and allows points to be redeemed for any travel purchase without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards.
Frequent travelers who prioritize luxury and benefits may find the Chase Sapphire Reserve appealing. Despite its high annual fee, this card offers bonus rewards on dining and travel, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a boost in point value when redeeming points for travel.
FAQ
Q: What are the best travel rewards credit cards of 2021?
A: The best travel rewards credit cards of 2021 include Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Wells Fargo Autograph Card, Citi Premier Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Freedom Flex, The Platinum Card from American Express, American Express Gold Card, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Q: What are the benefits of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card?
A: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase.
Q: What are the key features of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
A: The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a no-annual-fee card that offers a solid rewards rate on every purchase. Points can be redeemed for any travel purchase without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards.
Q: What makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve a great travel rewards credit card?
A: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers bonus rewards on dining and travel, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a boost in point value when redeeming points for travel. Although it has a high annual fee, frequent travelers can benefit from its features.
Q: How does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stand out?
A: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or they can be transferred to airline and hotel partners.
Q: What are the benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card?
A: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a no-annual-fee card that offers a great bonus offer and extra rewards in spending categories such as restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming, and more.
Q: What features make the Citi Premier Card appealing to travelers?
A: The Citi Premier Card earns triple points in categories such as airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining, and gas stations. It also offers a solid sign-up bonus.
Q: What are the perks of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
A: The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card earns quadruple points on travel, purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, and offers ongoing credits that can offset the annual fee.
Q: What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer?
A: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that delivers benefits through the issuer's online booking portal, such as high rewards rates and credits that can offset the annual fee.
Q: What features make the Chase Freedom Unlimited a good choice?
A: The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders also receive a 0% introductory APR period and a cash bonus.
Q: How does the Chase Freedom Flex differ from other travel rewards credit cards?
A: With the Chase Freedom Flex, cardholders can earn bonus cash back in quarterly categories that they activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, restaurants, and drugstores.
Q: What are the luxury travel perks offered by The Platinum Card from American Express?
A: The Platinum Card from American Express offers extensive airport lounge access, travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits, and a high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases.
Q: Why is the American Express Gold Card a popular choice?
A: The American Express Gold Card offers big rewards on everyday spending, including U.S. supermarkets, restaurants, and certain flights booked through amextravel.com. It also provides dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer.
Q: What are the premium perks offered by the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
A: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card, a credit union rewards card, offers premium perks for a $95 annual fee, such as a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access.
Q: What are the advantages of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
A: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers bonus rewards on Delta flights, as well as at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. It also includes a checked-bag benefit and priority boarding.
Q: What benefits does the World of Hyatt Credit Card provide?
A: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a high value on non-Hyatt spending, a great sign-up bonus, free nights, and automatic elite status.
Q: Why is the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card ideal for small businesses?
A: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is great for small businesses, offering a big sign-up bonus, bonus rewards in common business spending categories, and the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
