Travel credit cards can be your best asset on your trip; they offer various benefits that can save you money, enhance your travel experience, and provide peace of mind. If you’re wondering which credit card is best to travel with? or curious to understand the pros and cons of travel credit cards, you’re in the right place as we will discuss the best travel credit cards in USA.

Why Should You Use Travel Cards While Traveling? 

Travel credit cards are essential for all travelers, offering various benefits that can make your travel experience delightful. Firstly, they provide valuable rewards such as points or miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses, effectively reducing your overall trip costs. 

The best travel credit cards in USA also come with great travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage delay and lost luggage, and rental car insurance, offering you a peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events. 

These cards also grant access to exclusive airport lounges, priority boarding, and concierge services, making your travel experience more comfortable and convenient. Furthermore, many travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, saving you money on purchases abroad, like renting hybrid car using your card. In essence, travel credit cards not only reward you for your spending but also provide essential protections and perks that make your trip smoother and enjoyable.

Best Travel Credit Cards In USA

Here, we’ll explore the five best travel credit cards in USA, learn about their unique features, and how they can help you while traveling.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is known as one of the best travel credit cards in USA. It offers various rewards, benefits, and travel protection. Here are the key features this card offers:

– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

– Points on Purchases: 2x points on travel and dining at restaurants, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

– Flexible Redemption: Points can be transferred to various travel partners or redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

How Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card Benefits Travel Insurance? 

– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip.

– Primary Rental Car Insurance: Coverage for collision damage and theft.

– Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Includes medical and legal referrals, emergency transportation, and more.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards – Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:

Pros:

• Generous sign-up bonus.
• High earning rates on travel and dining.
• Comprehensive travel insurance benefits.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• Foreign transaction fees can apply to some partner transfers.

2. American Express® Gold Card 

When asking which credit card is best to travel, the American Express® Gold Card often comes up, thanks to its impressive rewards structure, especially for food lovers and frequent travelers. Here are the key features this card offers:

– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first six months.

– Points on Purchases: 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

How American Express® Gold Credit Card Benefits Travel Insurance?

– Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.

– Trip Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for delays over 6 hours.

– Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Secondary coverage for rental vehicles.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards – American Express® Gold Card:

Pros:

• High earning rates on dining and groceries.
• Valuable sign-up bonus.
• Solid travel insurance benefits.

Cons:

• $250 annual fee.
• It is not universally accepted outside the USA.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a strong contender among the best travel credit cards in USA, especially for those seeking simplicity in earning and redeeming miles. Here are the key features this card offers:

– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months.

– Miles on Purchases: Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, every day.

How Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Benefits Travel Insurance:

– Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for common carrier travel.

– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Secondary coverage for rental vehicles.

– 24-Hour Travel Assistance Services: Including lost card replacement and emergency cash advance.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards – Capital One Venture Rewards:

Pros:

• Easy-to-understand rewards system.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Flexible redemption options.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• Limited travel insurance benefits compared to some competitors.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express 

For luxury travelers wondering which credit card is best to travel, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled perks and premium benefits. Here are the key features this card offers: 

– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months.

– Points on Purchases: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on Amex Travel.

How Platinum Card® from American Express Credit Card Benefits Travel Insurance:

– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per trip.

– Global Assist® Hotline: 24/7 emergency assistance.

– Premium Car Rental Protection: Primary coverage for rental vehicles.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards – The Platinum Card® from American Express:

Pros:

• Extensive travel insurance benefits.
• Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
• Generous points on travel-related purchases.

Cons:

• $695 annual fee.
• Benefits best utilized by frequent travelers.

5. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card rounds out our list of the best travel credit cards in USA with strong rewards and flexible redemption options. Here are the key features this card offers:

– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first three months.

– Points on Purchases: 3x points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, 3x points at supermarkets and gas stations, and 1x points on all other purchases.

How Citi Premier® Card Credit Card Benefits Travel Insurance?

– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection: Coverage for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.

– Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases if your baggage is delayed.

– Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for travel-related accidents.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards – Citi Premier® Card:

Pros:

• High earning rates across multiple categories.
• Flexible points redemption.
• Comprehensive travel insurance benefits.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• Less premium travel benefits compared to high-end cards.

Conclusion

Choosing the best travel credit card in USA depends on your travel habits and what benefits you value most. Each card we’ve discussed has its unique strengths, from crest card benefits travel insurance to lucrative points on everyday spending. By understanding the pros and cons of travel credit cards and evaluating which credit card is best to travel for your needs, you can make your travel more delightful.