If you want to get maximum benefits for holiday shopping or get a jump start on your next 2020 vacation, take some time to understand the best credit cards for frequent travelers. Experts, Jake Song and Donny Fuego are co-founders of FlyCredit, a platform where you can learn how to leverage credit cards for points, cash back, and making passive income. “Due to an ever-increasing number of new credit cards offers, it has become ever harder for consumers to choose the best fit for them,” says Song. The solution: according to the experts of FlyCredit, these are the five best travel credit cards for maximizing cash back on everyday purchases and travel rewards points:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best for Travelers
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 670-850
Welcome Bonus: Earn $750 sign up bonus after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $450
REWARDS EARNING RATE: Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants worldwide. 1 point per $1 for all other purchases
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE 0%
Who is this for? For frequent travelers, this card has the most flexible travel points and redemption options. Not only you can get $750 worth of travel sign up bonus, but also you can get a $300 annual travel credit. With hefty travel benefits like exclusive airport lounges access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement waved, travel protection for delayed/canceled flights, and rental car insurance. Overall, the tremendous benefits of this card outweigh the $450 annual fee, even if you’re traveling a few times a year.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Best Overall
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 670-850
Welcome Bonus: 150 sign up bonus after spending $500 in first three months
ANNUAL FEE: $0
REWARDS EARNING RATE: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE 0%
Who is this card for? This is the most well-rounded card because of the no annual fees and hefty benefits. Earning cash back simple, and there are no earning categories limitations. If you have large spending coming for the holidays, this is the best card because of 0% APR for 15 months.
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard®
Best Sign-Up Bonus
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE 670-850
ANNUAL FEE: $99
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 AAvantage bonus miles. Flycredit value points to be worth up to $840.
REWARDS EARNING RATE
Earn 2X miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE 0%
Who is this card for?
With a low $99 annual fee and generous miles offer, the Aviator card is a great option for someone who wants to get the most sign up bonus. To receive the signup bonus, all you have to do is pay the annual fee and make one single purchase. If you’re flying with American Airlines even once a year, you should consider having this card in your wallet.
Credit One Bank American Express
Best for Bad or Fair Credit
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 580-850
ANNUAL FEE: $39
REWARDS EARNING RATE: 1.0% cash back on eligible purchases
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE 3%
Who is this card for?
This card offers a great opportunity to build a credit score while earning 1% cash back. It offers very generous credit line when compared to other competing cards. Plus, Capital One automatically reviews your account, so you may qualify for credit increase easily.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. We value the points to worth three qualifying hotel stays.
ANNUAL FEE: $95
REWARDS EARNING RATE: Earn 6x points on eligible Marriott Bonvoy purchases; 2x points on everything else
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE: 0(%)
Who is this card for?
The card offers a generous signup bonus that you can easily use to plan your next vacation hotel stays. Marriott is one of the largest hotel chains that have over 7,000 properties in its reward program. Truly, the massive hotel options to choose from make this reward program valuable. Plus, every year, the card offers a free night award stay. That alone will make up for the annual fees of $95
