Compare the Best Credit Cards For Travel

Credit Cards

I bet you did not know that credit cards could be a way to travel for free. Or do you need to travel to earn these free travel points? Many believe earning points requires traveling, but most are earned on the ground. You can earn thousands of reward points without leaving your home. After earning reward points, you can go anywhere in the world. You’ll be able to travel for less and for free if you’re good at it!

I’ve traveled to Asia for three weeks on nothing but points, and almost every trip I take is funded partly by points I’ve earned!

It is important to note that if you plan to use credit cards as a part of your travel strategy, you must be able to pay off your balances at the end of the month. You do more harm than good if you use credit cards to earn points and cannot pay the balance in full at the end of the month.

Compare the Best Offers Right Now

Brit on the Move™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Brit on the Move™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

If you’ve seen my credit card recommendations or articles on how I earn or spend my points on Brit On The Move™, you are in the right place! Use the links below to CardRatings, where you can continue your research and apply directly for the card that best meets your needs.

The cards we’ve selected offer substantial sign-up bonuses and generous rewards. Find the right deal by comparing these offers, some of which are from our partners.

There is no one credit card that meets the needs of every family, purchase, or budget. Everyone’s spending patterns, goals, and credit is different. Don’t despair; there is a card on which everyone can earn points or cashback.

We have highlighted the best cards by category for you. Here you can see the card’s star rating for its particular type. You will also see reviews of the card and the global star rating.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

Compare All Of The Best Credit Cards of 2022

Travel Credit Cards of 2022

0% APR Credit Cards of 2022

No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Cash Back Credit Cards

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

FAQs About Travel Credit Cards

This is a tricky question because it depends on your goal. No two travel credit cards are created equally. For example, are you looking to earn points for hotel stays, flights or a card that offers both and cash options? Or, are you looking for a card that gives you travel insurance, Global Entry, TSA, Priority Pass or elite upgrades? It really depends on what you want to acheive.

Here are three of the best:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flat-rate travel rewards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Cash back for travel bookings.

One of my personal favorite is the IHG Rewards Card, here’s why:

Holiday Inn has come a long way over the years. Modern, spacious rooms, resort amenities. Lush bedding, premium toiletries. What more can you ask for?

Chase offers two IHG cards: IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card and IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.

Both are fantastic cards, but in my opinion, the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is worth the $89 annual fee for two key reasons:

The annual free night
The automatic Platinum Elite Status

Join IHG Rewards Club to earn and redeem points!

Yes! A travel credit card can save you a lot of money. It might save you a fortune if it’s the only card you use on vacation. Most everyday credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, but specialist travel cards do not. But that’s on;y the beggining of why they are worth getting! The benefits are too long to list, but to give you an example. I travelled to Asia for three weeks on credit card points! You can read all about it here: Three Weeks in Asia – How To Travel For Free

Perhaps you have heard of travel credit cards or travel rewards cards, but you’re not sure how they work. For everyday purchases as well as travel purchases, these cards offer points or miles. The points or miles you accumulate can be redeemed for rewards such as flights and hotel stays once you have accumulated enough of them.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best credit card for hotels abroad.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best value for the annual fee.
Travel insurance and lounge access are the best features of the Platinum Card from American Express.
The American Express Gold Card is the best credit card for dining abroad.