Introduction
Traveling can be both exhilarating and expensive, but with the best credit cards for travel in your wallet, you can maximize the benefits, earn significant rewards, and even save money. In 2023, several credit cards stand out as the best choices for travelers, whether you’re a frequent flyer, a road tripper, or an occasional vacationer.
This comprehensive guide highlights the best credit cards for travel this year, detailing their features, benefits, and why they might be right for you.
Top-tier Travel Cards for the Avid Traveler
The Platinum Voyager Card
- Rewards: 5x points on flights and hotel bookings, 2x on dining and entertainment.
- Perks: Complimentary airport lounge access, $200 airline fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Why it’s great: The Platinum Voyager caters to frequent flyers, offering unparalleled luxury and convenience.
Global Explorer Elite Card
- Rewards: 3x points on travel and dining worldwide, 1x on other purchases.
- Perks: Annual travel credit of $300, Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit, and luxury hotel collection benefits.
- Why it’s great: A versatile card with broad earning categories and solid travel perks.
Best for No Annual Fee
Wanderlust Freedom Card
- Rewards: 3x points on travel, 2x on dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees and travel protection benefits.
- Why it’s great: For travelers wary of annual fees, this card offers competitive rewards and valuable travel benefits.
Best for Flexible Redemption Options
Universal Points Plus Card
- Rewards: 2x points on every purchase.
- Perks: Points transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners, no blackout dates for redemptions, and premium travel insurance.
- Why it’s great: For those who want flexibility in how they use their points, this card offers one of the broadest arrays of redemption options.
Best for road-trippers
Highway Rewards Card
- Rewards: 4x points on gas and tolls, 3x on dining, and 2x on lodging.
- Perks: Cashback on car rentals, no foreign transaction fees, and roadside assistance.
- Why it’s great: Tailored for those who love hitting the open road, this card offers high rewards for driving-related expenses.
Best for Occasional Travelers
Casual Travels Card
- Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x on other purchases.
- Perks: Low APR, easy reward redemption, and no expiration on points.
- Why it’s great: For those who travel occasionally but still want to earn relevant rewards, this card strikes a balance between rewards and simplicity.
Conclusion
Travel credit cards are a fantastic tool for those looking to earn rewards on their adventures, access valuable travel perks, and even save money. The right card for you will depend on your travel habits, spending patterns, and what perks you value most. Take your time to evaluate each option, and you’re bound to find a card that makes every journey more rewarding.
FAQs
1. What should I consider when choosing a travel credit card?
When selecting a travel credit card, consider the annual fee, rewards rate, redemption options, and additional perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access.
2. Do all travel cards come with foreign transaction fees?
Many travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
3. Can I transfer points between different credit cards?
Some credit cards allow for point transfers to partner airlines or hotels, while others might let you combine points across cards within the same issuer’s lineup.
4. Is it worth paying an annual fee for a travel card?
It depends on how frequently you travel and how you value the card’s benefits. If you travel often and can make use of perks like lounge access or annual travel credits, the annual fee can easily be offset by the card’s benefits.
Remember, while rewards and perks are tempting, always use credit responsibly. Safe travels!
