If you're like most individuals, you'd love to go on a romantic getaway but don't seem to have the time or money for it. What if I told you there was a way to travel for free? All you need is a decent travel credit card!
Enrich your wallet by earning rewards points and miles that can be turned into free airline flights, hotel stays, and other things. We'll talk about how to pick the best travel credit card for you in this post, as well as some of our favorite deals.
You should understand that no one travel card can fulfill all of your requirements or spending habits. Each card offers a different set of benefits, which may be adapted to a range of lifestyles, budgets, and travel goals. The best strategy to choose the right card for you is to assess your needs and pick a card with the most advantages based on those requirements.
American Express: Platinum Card
Best for Experienced Users
Intro offer
100,000 points
Annual Fee
$695.00
Recommended Credit
100,000 points
Important benefits to look for in a travel card
Welcome offer - It's critical to get a card with a generous welcome bonus. You must meet a spending requirement within the first few months of having the credit card, but these points will help you gain momentum in your mileage account and move closer to that dream vacation.
Several credit cards on the market will give you free flights or hotel stays right away if you open an account with them. Unless a card comes with a substantial welcome offer, do not apply for it.
Category spending bonus - The majority of credit cards give you one point for each dollar spent. However, if it's a branded credit card and you make a purchase at a certain brand, you may earn more points. This can help you gain points much quicker.
For example, with the American Express Gold card, you receive 3x points for dining at restaurants, the Chase Ink offers 5x points for office spending, and the American Express Platinum card 5x points for airfare.
That's what you're aiming for. Never accept one point for each dollar spent; instead, look for at least two points per $1 spent. This is critical to earning free flights and travel.
Low spending minimum - Any credit card welcome offer will include minimum spending requirements. To obtain the welcome offer, the customer must spend the requisite amount.
The majority of the time, it's preferable to apply for cards that have a minimum expenditure requirement of $1000-$3000. If you manage to meet or exceed the minimum spend, excellent! You've earned yourself some free points; now it's time to relax and enjoy your trip.
Travel cards also come with additional benefits that can save you money on your trip. For instance, many cards offer travel insurance, rental car insurance, and lost luggage insurance. These are all great benefits that can save you money if you find yourself in a sticky situation while on vacation.
Low Annual fees - Many credit card fees range from $50 to $695 per year, and no one likes paying annual subscriptions for their credit cards. Many credit card premiums cost more than $500 per year. Higher-cost yearly cards usually provide better perks for users. The yearly charge or the benefits are a difficult choice to make.
Some cards will offer a waived annual fee for the first year and then charge you the full annual fee thereafter. If you think you will use the card enough to justify the fee, go ahead and sign up for it.
Have special travel perks – All of these travel credit cards provide significant benefits. Many of them may provide you with special elite loyalty status or other additional privileges. Here are the benefits we value most: waived global elite or TSA precheck, lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and free checked baggage.
Benefits of Amex Platinum
The benefits of Amex Platinum cards are already known as being some of the best around, with access to discounts and offers some of the most prestigious brands around.
Takeaway
Do your research and understand what type of traveler you are. If you fly often, get a card that offers lounge access or elite status. If you're a foodie, find a card that will give you the most points for dining out. And if you love to shop, get a card that will offer extra points at department stores.
Travel cards are an excellent way to earn free travel. Use this guide to help choose the best one for your needs and make sure it fits your lifestyle before applying. Applying for too many cards can result in credit score decreases, so be strategic about which ones you choose.
We hope this article has helped clear up some of the confusion around picking the best travel credit card for you! Consider your needs and find the card that offers the most benefits. With so many options on the market, you're sure to find the perfect card for you.
