With a new year comes new expenses. Luckily, with new expenses comes new rewards—well, assuming you have the right travel credit card in your wallet.
If your 2017 is full of travel, you’ll want to make sure you’re earning the proper rewards by using the credit card best fit for your lifestyle and spending habits. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of travel credits cards to choose from. From bonus points to benefits and beyond, these are our favorite travel credit cards right now.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve
Big Bonus & Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has made quite the splash since its release in August 2016. With the card’s insane sign-up bonus of 100,000, worth $1,500 in travel, a lot of frequent travelers have come running. The $450 annual fee can cause a little bit of sticker shock, but after the $300 rebate on travel spend, the annual fee really ends up being $150. Then, factor in the long list of additional benefits below, and this card will quickly become one of your most powerful travel companions.
Update: The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 100,000 bonus point offer will be ending on Jan. 11. You must apply by the to qualify. Starting Jan. 12 the bonus point offer will drop to 50,000 points.
Annual Fee
$450
Earning Points
3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining, 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
Bonus
Earn 100,000 after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months after enrollment
Update: Starting Jan. 12 the bonus point offer will drop to 50,000 points
Benefits
- $300 annual travel credit
- 50 percent more in travel redemption, making your 100,000 bonus points worth $1,500 in travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance
- Trip cancellation/ trip interruption
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Emergency evacuation & transportation
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ fee credit
- Complimentary airport lounge access with Priority Pass
- Special rental car privileges
- The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection benefits
Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN
Small Business
If your credit card bills consist mainly of business expenses, the Business Gold Rewards Card is definitely worth considering. With the ability to pick a category to earn triple points, you can start putting your business spend to work for you. Not to mention, the nice 50,000 bonus points will be great for business or pleasure. This card is great for the entrepreneur on the go.
Annual Fee
$175, waived the first year
Earning Points
3 points per $1 spent on one of the following categories: airfare purchased directly from airlines; U.S. purchases of advertising in select media; U.S. purchases at gas stations; U.S. purchases for shipping; U.S. computer hardware, software and cloud computing made directly from select providers. 2 points per $1 on the remaining four categories and 1 point per $1 on purchase made everywhere else.
Bonus
Earn 50,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months after enrollment
Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Select 1 of 5 categories for triple points
- Travel insurance
- Baggage
- Travel accident
- Purchase protection
- Car rental loss and damage
- Global Assist Hotline
- Extended warranty
- Premium roadside assistance
Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
Hotels
Many turn to the AMEX Starwood Card as one of the best travel credit cards in the hotel category, and for good reason. But with a considerably bigger bonus and 5 points per dollar spent at participating hotels, the Marriot Rewards Premier Credit Card reigns supreme in my opinion; especially, now that Marriott and SPG have joined forces. If a good portion of your travel budget is spent at Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton or Starwood hotels, this might just be the card for you.
Annual Fee
$85
Earning Points
5 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Rewards and Starwood hotels, 2 points per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased directly with the airlines, at car rental agencies & restaurants. Plus 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
Bonus
Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 7,500 bonus points when you add the first authorized user and make a purchase in the first 3 months from account opening.
Benefits
- 1 Free Night Stay at a Category 1-5 hotel every year after your account anniversary date
- Gain status faster by automatically earning 15 credits toward your next Elite membership level every year
- Points don’t expire as long as there is point earning activity
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Beginners
With a low annual fee and endless opportunities to earn double points, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great card for first-timers looking to earn travel rewards. You won’t get the benefits that premier travel credit cards offer, but that will be just about the only thing you sacrifice for the low annual fee. If you’re looking for a practical travel credit card, this is it.
Annual Fee
$59, waived the first year
Earning Points
2 points per every $1 spent
Bonus
Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
