Top 10 Best Travel Credit Cards of 2023

Planning an exciting trip soon? The right travel credit card can help you unlock substantial rewards, points, perks and bonuses to enhance your vacation or business travel. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which card best suits your needs and travel style.

This in-depth guide covers the 10 best travel credit cards for 2023 based on rewards, fees, bonuses and additional benefits. Read on to find your perfect match!

# What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

Before diving into the top 10 cards, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card:

• Rewards rates – Look for cards that offer 2x or 3x points or miles on common travel spending categories like airfare, hotels, dining, gas stations, rideshares, etc.
• Sign-up bonus – Many cards offer bonuses like 50,000 points after spending a certain amount in the first 3-6 months. This can score you points worth $500-$750 in travel.
• Annual fee – Some premium cards have annual fees of $95-$695. Make sure perks and rewards exceed the fee.
• Redemption value – Do points redeem at 1 cent each or can they be boosted in value? Transferable points are very valuable.
• Travel perks – Perks like lounge access, credits for travel purchases, elite status, etc can enhance your trips.
• Foreign transaction fees – Some cards charge 3% fees on international spending, so no foreign transaction fees is ideal for travel abroad.

Now, let’s review the top 10 travel credit cards for 2023!

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is hugely popular for strong travel rewards. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months – worth $750 in travel booked through Chase. You’ll earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases worldwide. There’s a $95 annual fee.

 

Capital One Venture Rewards

With the Capital One Venture card, earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening – worth $750 in travel. You’ll receive 2x miles on all purchases. Miles can be redeemed to “erase” past travel purchases. There’s a $95 annual fee.

 

American Express Platinum

This premium card comes with a high $695 annual fee but lavish benefits like airport lounge access and hotel elite status. New cardholders can earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within 6 months. You’ll get 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels booked through Amex.

 

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier card offers 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after spending $4,000 within 3 months – worth $750 in travel. You’ll earn robust 3x points on dining, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, hotels, and entertainment. There’s a $95 annual fee.

 

Chase Sapphire Reserve

With premium perks like airport lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within 3 months. You’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining worldwide. Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase.

 

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card offers new cardholders 30,000 points when spending $1,500 in the first 3 months – worth $300 in cash rewards. You’ll earn unlimited 3x points on travel, dining, gas stations, transit and more. There’s no annual fee.

 

Capital One VentureOne Rewards

The no-annual-fee VentureOne card from Capital One offers a 20,000 mile bonus after spending $500 within 3 months – worth $200 in travel. You’ll earn unlimited 1.25x miles on all purchases. It’s a great simple card for casual travelers and commuters.

 

U.S Bank Altitude Connect

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect grants new cardholders 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days – worth $500 towards travel. You’ll earn 4x points on travel and gas and 2x points on grocery store purchases. This card has no annual fee.

 

Bank of America Travel Rewards

With no annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers 1.5x points on all purchases. New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 in the first 90 days – worth $250 in travel. It’s a simple, straightforward travel card for earning and redeeming rewards.

 

Citi Premier Student Card

For student travelers, the Citi Premier Student card offers 2x ThankYou points on dining and entertainment purchases. Cardholders earn 5,000 bonus points by spending $500 within 3 months of account opening – worth $50 in gift cards. There is no annual fee.

 

Find the Best Card for You

Choosing the right card depends on factors like your typical spending, desired annual fee, bonus preferences, and preferred airline/hotel loyalty programs. Airline cards can provide perks when flying with that carrier frequently. Weigh the pros and cons of each before applying. Use this guide to match your needs to the ideal travel credit card for 2023!