When you are traveling throughout the world, it’s wise to have a beneficial travel credit card. These cards make it easy to earn rewards, like points or miles when you buy things. You can use these rewards for flights, hotels, and other travel stuff.
Some cards let you use rewards for things other than travel, like getting money back. There are different types of cards – some are for specific airlines or hotels, and others work with the card’s own rewards system. Before you get a card, understand how the rewards work and what you can use them for.
But which travel cashback cards for travel are better in benefits, rewards, and maximize savings? Let’s read the following article to find out.
What are the Top Cashback Credit Cards Tailored for Travelers?
You will find a lot of credit cards specially made for travelers. But it’s hard to decide which one is good for your expenses. So we gathered a list of travel credit cards that are good for travel expenses.
Let’s read below to find out.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best Overall
The Chase Freedom Flex has rightfully earned its position as a standout cash-back credit card, and the reasons are compelling. With no annual fee, it kicks off its rewards journey with a $200 bonus after a modest $500 spending in the initial three months of account activation.
Also Read: What Shouldn’t You Buy With a Credit Card? A Guide to Responsible Credit Card Usage
Benefits:
What adds to its appeal is an impressive five percent cash back on up to $12,000 in grocery purchases during your first year—a boon for anyone looking to put money back in their pocket while stocking up on essentials.
This card’s versatility extends to its tiered cash-back system. Users relish a robust five percent cash back on rotating quarterly categories, spanning a range from groceries and gas stations to online merchants, up to $1,500 in spending.
Additionally, dining and drugstore purchases fetch a commendable three percent back, while all other expenses secure a solid one percent cash back, creating a well-rounded rewards portfolio.
Rewards:
For those with an adventurous spirit, the Chase Freedom Flex transforms into a travel-friendly companion. An exceptional perk lies in the extra five percent cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
This translates to substantial savings on flights, car rentals, and hotels, effortlessly accessible through the intuitive online portal. It is one of the best credit cards for frequent fliers that not only provides rewarding incentives but also significantly slashes travel expenses.
Tips for Maximizing Savings:
Now, for savvy users looking to maximize their savings, here are some pro tips: Leverage the rotating categories strategically, aligning your purchases with the five percent cash-back opportunities each quarter. For everyday spending, prioritize using the card at dining establishments and drugstores to make the most of the three percent cash back.
When it comes to travel, seize the additional five percent cash back through Chase Ultimate Rewards for significant savings on your journeys. In essence, the Chase Freedom Flex not only offers great rewards but also provides a roadmap for maximizing your savings potential.
- Citi Double Cash Card: Best for Flat Cashback
For those in search of a simple yet rewarding credit card, the Citi® Double Cash Card distinguishes itself as a leading flat-rate option. Boasting a zero annual fee, this card stands out by offering a generous 2 percent cash back on all purchases—1 percent when the transaction occurs and an additional 1 percent when the payment is made.
Rewards and Benefits:
In practical terms, this translates to earning $20 in rewards for every $1,000 spent with the card. Over time, these accrued rewards can seamlessly offset expenses such as flights or hotel stays, as the cashback is directly credited to your account.
While the Citi® Double Cash Card lacks the option to transfer rewards to Citi travel partners, it compensates with a user-friendly feature: the ability to redeem rewards for travel through the Citi travel portal. This flexibility ensures that your rewards can be strategically utilized to mitigate travel costs, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to maximize the benefits of your card.
Tips for Maximizing Savings:
For savvy individuals aiming to optimize their savings with the Citi® Double Cash Card, consider these tips: Leverage the consistent 2 percent cash back by using the card for everyday purchases, gradually accumulating rewards that can cover various expenses.
Additionally, explore potential opportunities to consolidate larger expenses on the card, maximizing the overall cash back. By strategically aligning your spending patterns with the card’s flat-rate rewards structure, you can enhance your savings and fully unlock the card’s financial advantages.
- Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express: Best for Road-Trippers
For enthusiasts of cross-country adventures, the Blue Cash Preferred card emerges as a transformative asset and the ultimate companion for your travels. With an ample three percent cash back on transit essentials, including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, and buses, coupled with cash back at gas stations, this card ensures that every mile you cover contributes to rewarding experiences.
Benefits:
The benefits extend far beyond the asphalt, presenting an impressive six percent cash back on up to $6,000 in annual U.S. supermarket purchases and U.S. streaming services, along with a reliable one percent cash back on all other expenditures (terms apply).
Refueling your tank becomes more than a routine expense—it transforms into an opportunity to earn money back. However, the perks don’t conclude there. The Blue Cash Preferred card provides a safety net with car rental loss and damage insurance, delivering peace of mind on the road. This not only trims expenses by saving you money on the collision damage waiver at the rental counter but also ensures comprehensive protection throughout your travels.
Rewards:
In a welcoming gesture, new cardholders can seize the opportunity to earn $250 back after a modest $3,000 spending within the first six months of account opening. Moreover, the card extends an introductory annual fee of $0 for the initial year, enhancing its appeal for those who value both rewards and savings.
Post the first year, a reasonable $95 annual fee is introduced, solidifying the Blue Cash Preferred card as a premier choice for road trippers seeking to amplify their rewards and embark on their journeys with confidence.
Tips for Maximizing Savings:
For those aiming to extract maximum value from the Blue Cash Preferred card, consider these strategic tips: Leverage the three percent cash back on transit for all your travel-related expenses, optimizing rewards with each journey.
Capitalize on the six percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets for grocery purchases and U.S. streaming services, ensuring you make the most of these elevated reward rates. Additionally, strategically use the card for all other expenditures to accumulate one percent cash back, creating a well-rounded rewards portfolio.
With these strategies, your Blue Cash Preferred card becomes not just a financial tool but a catalyst for enriching your road trip experiences.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for entertainment and international travel
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out as an excellent choice for those venturing into international travel, offering a stellar combination of benefits. With a notable absence of annual fees and foreign transaction fees, this card provides a cost-effective solution for globetrotters.
Rewards:
Delving into its impressive rewards program, cardholders can enjoy enticing rates on various categories. Notably, there’s a substantial 10 percent cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (until Nov. 14, 2024), 8 percent cash back on Capital One Entertainment transactions, and a lucrative 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The card further extends its appeal with 3 percent cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming subscriptions, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target). For all other purchases, a solid 1 percent cash back is offered.
Benefits:
Beyond its rewarding structure, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card provides valuable travel-related benefits. These include travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services, and complimentary concierge services, offering support for various travel, dining, and entertainment plans.
Additionally, the flexibility to redeem cash-back rewards for Capital One Travel reservations, excluding taxes and fees, adds a convenient layer to the card’s overall utility.
Tips for Maximizing Savings:
For those looking to maximize their savings with this card, consider these strategic tips: Leverage the elevated cashback rates on specific categories, aligning your spending with the highest rewards.
Take advantage of the 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars when booking through Capital One Travel for significant savings on travel expenses. Finally, explore the card’s travel-related benefits, such as travel accident insurance and concierge services, to enhance your overall travel experience while making the most of the card’s perks.
- Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature: Best for Big Spenders
If you are not too shabby to spend your money on a deluxe vacation, then Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature is an amazing card of choice for you. The amazing rewards and benefits won’t disappoint you either.
Benefits:
The Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature stands out with its unique tiered earning system. In Tier 1, enjoy an impressive 2.5 percent cash back on up to $10,000 in purchases per billing cycle, coupled with an unlimited 1.5 percent back on all other expenditures. Qualifying for Tier 1 involves meeting the Alliant High-Rate Checking Account requirements.
For those not meeting these requirements, Tier 2 offers a solid 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. This makes the card an excellent choice for travelers with substantial budgets, as there are no limits on cash-back earnings, and it comes without foreign transactions or annual fees.
Rewards:
To optimize rewards, leverage Tier 1 benefits by meeting the Alliant High-Rate Checking Account requirements. Consider allocating higher spending to capitalize on the elevated 2.5 percent cash back on the initial $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle.
For broader spending, Tier 2 offers a consistent 1.5 percent cash back, making it an attractive option for everyday expenses. Whether jet-setting or making routine purchases, the Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature offers flexibility and rewards tailored to various spending patterns. Always review specific terms to fully grasp the card’s unique advantages.
What to Look for While Choosing Travel Cash Back Cards?
When selecting a travel card, you may want to consider many important features for earning cashback on travel expenses. These include fees, rewards, redemption methods, and supplementary perks.
Let’s read below to find out about the features.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Ensure your chosen card doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees if you plan international travel. These fees, typically 3% of transactions, are common abroad. Opt for travel credit cards, often devoid of such charges.
Annual Fees
Check your card’s rewards offset its annual fee based on your typical spending. A no-annual-fee travel card suits infrequent travelers, but premium cards with fees may offer enhanced perks like annual statement credits.
Rewards
The card’s reward structure is pivotal. It’s better to align it with your spending habits during travel and ensure competitive redemption values. Tailor your choice to match your travel budget, preventing overspending.
Rewards Redemption
You will have to diversify redemption options for optimal value. Also, prioritize airfare or hotel redemptions over statement credits. Explore cards facilitating point transfers to the issuer’s partners for enhanced flexibility.
Travel Perks
Evaluate additional perks. Does the card include annual statement credits or luxury amenities such as airport lounge access? Premium cards may offset fees through benefits, but utilization is key to maximizing their value.
In essence, a discerning choice involves aligning card features with your travel patterns, and spending preferences. The potential for deriving substantial benefits from the card is beyond the primary rewards structure. It’s better if you always weigh the overall value against associated costs to make an informed decision.
Bottom Line
To get the most out of a travel credit card, match your spending habits and how you redeem rewards with what fits your budget and goals. You need to learn how to earn and use rewards wisely.
You should choose a travel credit card that rewards your regular purchases, and make sure the rewards are worth more than any fees you might pay. Aim for a good balance that makes your money work better for you.
By making smart choices, you can consistently get great value from your travel rewards and make your experiences better year after year.
