Card terms checked on October 20, 2026
The best travel credit card for a beginner is one you can pay off in full every month, with an annual fee you’ll actually use enough to justify, and no foreign transaction fee if you’re heading abroad. Below are the travel credit cards I’ve used, from $0 cards to premium ones, and what each one is really good for.
When I gave in my two weeks at the end of 2019, I bought a one-way flight to San Francisco. Well, or should I say, I booked a one-way flight to San Francisco on credit card points.
“How are you able to travel months at a time? Is someone funding your trips? How do you make money while traveling? How do you afford travel so much?” continue to be the most common questions I’ve been receiving since the beginning of my travels.
According to the Federal Reserve, 82% of U.S. adults had a credit card in 2025. That means most people are already one step away from the larger credit card points and miles ecosystem.
Months prior to my flight to San Francisco, I stacked up multiple credit card sign-up bonuses since they didn’t expire and due to limited PTO hours. Until I officially took off, I didn’t realize how much I prepared myself in case I couldn’t afford to fly, which came in handy since I didn’t know how long I’d survive traveling alone for.
So how do you start? Which credit card do you start off with? In this blog post, I won’t be covering my step-by-step process but instead, will be sharing my favorite travel credit cards and what to know before you sign up. This guide focuses on the travel credit cards I have personally used and the benefits that matter most when planning a trip.
Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate and referral links, which I may receive a small commission or bonus points from, at no extra cost to you. It’s one way I’m able to continue sharing my insights as resources for my readers. Learn more about my privacy policy. Thank you for your support!
Digital Currencies
There are so many ways to not pay full price for travel. Yes, when I first started traveling, I was paying full price for most things, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. But over time, I’ve picked up travel tips and “hacks” along the way, making me realize that traveling actually doesn’t have to be as expensive as it seems.
Commonly, I’d get comments like “oh, so you must be rich if you travel so much” and “your parents are probably paying for all your trips.”
Wrong. While I may be rich in experiences, this is a valid, common misconception. But as we’re on the topic of money, there are three currencies to understand. And no, crypto is not one of them.
Credit card points, airline miles and points, and hotel loyalty points.
Maximizing multiple credit card points and miles systems, free room upgrades from hotel loyalty programs, or not paying for luggage fees because of your credit card’s benefits. Yes, these programs are out there and although they sound intimidating, keep reading because they served as one of the biggest catalysts to how I’ve been able to travel for free.
Many travel cards earn points you can transfer to airline and hotel programs. With Chase, most partners transfer 1:1, so 1,000 Chase points become 1,000 United miles (World of Hyatt is now 4:3). I usually transfer to Delta and United, but honestly, I’ve transferred to pretty much all of them. (Heads-up: Amex charges a small fee when you transfer points to a U.S. airline like Delta.)
When I book with points, I look through all my cards (Chase, Amex, IHG and Capital One) and choose whichever one needs the least amount of points. Points bookings usually still come with taxes and fees, so “free” travel isn’t always 100% free.
There’s a lot to teach but for now, let’s fast forward and dive into which credit cards are the best for travel, and which travel credit card may be the best one for you to sign up for today.
How to Choose Your First Travel Credit Card
Before you compare welcome bonuses, ask yourself:
- Do you pay off your credit card balances in full each month? If not, interest will cost you more than any points are worth. You’re not alone, either: 45% of credit card owners carried a balance at least once in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve.
- Do you travel frequently enough to justify an annual fee? Will you remember to use the perks and credits that make up for it?
- Will you use the card outside the U.S.? Then check the foreign transaction fee, not just the annual fee. A $0 annual fee card can still charge 3% on every purchase abroad.
- How do you want to use your points? Some cards let you erase travel purchases with points; others are best when you transfer points to airlines and hotels.
- Can you meet the minimum spend with your normal spending? Welcome bonuses usually require a set amount of purchases in the first 3 to 6 months.
Travel Credit Cards at a Glance
| Card | Annual fee | Foreign transaction fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $0 | 3% | Earning on everyday spending to combine with a Sapphire card later |
| Chase Freedom Flex | $0 | None | Rotating 5% categories; a $0 card you can use abroad |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | None | A first card with transferable points and travel protections |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | None | Simple 2X miles on everything |
| American Express Gold | $325 | None | Dining and U.S. groceries |
| American Express Platinum | $895 | None | Airport lounges and premium travel credits |
| Citi Strata Premier | $95 | None | 3X on everyday categories |
Fees checked on each issuer’s website in October 2026. Welcome offers are listed under each card.
The Travel Credit Cards I’ve Used
Starting with the $0 cards and working up to the premium ones.
Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom, Freedom Flex, and Unlimited. Why are there so many and should you have multiple Freedom Cards? Whether this is your first or fifth time hearing about any Chase Freedom Cards and you’re just as confused as I was at first, let’s catch you up to date.
Today, the two Freedom cards most people compare are the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex. Both have no annual fee. The Freedom Unlimited earns at least 1.5% on everything, while the Freedom Flex earns 5% on rotating categories that you activate each quarter.
Although the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex offer similar benefits, one acts as a better travel credit card more than the other. If you’re traveling abroad, that’s the Freedom Flex: it has no foreign transaction fee, while the Freedom Unlimited charges 3%.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): $200 bonus (20,000 points) after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR
Travel Benefits
Unlike other travel credit cards, if you’re worried about meeting a minimum spend requirement to redeem for cash back, you don’t need to with the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card. On top of that, you’re also earning:
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3% on dining at restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- Unlimited 1.5% on all other purchases
- 2% total on Lyft rides booked in the Lyft app through September 30, 2027
- No minimum to redeem any amount
>> Sign up for the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
What I find extremely convenient is the 5% rewards rate for travel booked through Chase Travel and the 1.5% rewards rate back on all purchases.
Finally, there’s a ton of flexibility moving points across accounts through the Chase ecosystem. The points you’ve earned with your Chase Freedom Unlimited Card can be moved over to your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
For example, if you want the Chase Freedom Unlimited to be your first card, save your points. Then, when you are more comfortable signing up for mid-tier cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, move those points over. With the Sapphire Preferred, Points Boost offers can make points worth up to 1.5x on select hotels and flights booked through Chase Travel.
I also wrote a full post on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Chase Freedom Flex Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): $250 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months (limited-time offer)
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: none
- 5% on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories each quarter you activate. For October–December 2026, that’s grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target), dining, and the American Red Cross.
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3% on dining, including takeout, and on drugstore purchases
- 1% on all other purchases
>> Sign up for the Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is a solid choice, as it’s been a highly recommended travel rewards card for years. From earning 5x points on travel to having complimentary access to services like DashPass, this card is a popular choice for both starters and avid users alike.
Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: none
Travel Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a solid, mid-tier card whether you travel monthly or twice a year. Here’s what you get with it:
- Up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3x points on gas stations, EV charging, and vacation homes at top brands like Airbnb and Vrbo
- 3x points on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 5x points on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027
- Point transfers to airline and hotel partners, most at 1:1 (World of Hyatt is 4:3)
- Up to $120 back every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
- Built-in travel protections, including primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement
Of an accumulation of a high sign-up bonus and highly valued points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is not only a great travel card, but it’s also a solid card for everyday purchases. Just note that Chase updated this card in June 2026: the 10% anniversary points bonus is gone, and the hotel credit went up from $50 to $100.
>> Sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re looking for the best travel credit card to earn miles, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a pretty optimal choice for starters. Especially if you’re not in a rush to travel anywhere anytime soon, you’ll have time to reach the minimum spend and receive a solid welcome bonus. Then, when you’re ready to book, you’ll have enough miles that’ll bring you closer to a cheaper, if not free, flight.
Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus a one-time $300 credit for hotels and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel (expires one year after account opening)
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: none
Travel Benefits
What’s special about the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is that unlike other reward cards, you’re not forced to book travel rewards through a travel portal to redeem miles. Instead, you’re able to pay off your travel-related transactions directly off your statement balance. This is perfect in instances where if you’ve forgotten to book your flight with miles, you’d be able to pay it off with miles instead. Just make sure you do it within 90 days of the purchase.
Flexibility is what we like to hear, isn’t it? With the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, here are other flexible perks:
- Unlimited 5 miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Miles transfer to 15+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Hertz Five Star status (enrollment required)
- Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, once every four years
- No foreign transaction fees
One change to know about: the Venture no longer includes free lounge visits. Venture cardholders can buy Capital One Lounge passes at a discounted $45 per visit.
>> Sign up for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
American Express Gold Card
To survive means to eat. To eat, you need food. Whether you’re a foodie or not, the American Express Gold Card should be your next go-to credit card. Not typically known as one of the better travel credit cards, the American Express Gold is one of the best cards for dining at restaurants or shopping at supermarkets.
Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): Amex shows your exact offer after you apply. It’s as high as 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. You may not be eligible if you have or have had the Gold Card or the Platinum Card.
- Annual fee: $325
- Foreign transaction fee: none
Compared with the Freedom Flex’s rotating 5% categories, the American Express Gold Card offers high, consistent reward rates at restaurants and supermarkets.
But that’s not all that’s rewarded on food. Additional rewards include:
Enrollment is required to receive select benefits.
- 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1X)
- 5X on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
- 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com
- $120 Uber Cash ($10 a month for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.)
- $120 dining credit (up to $10 a month at Grubhub, Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder)
- $100 Resy credit (up to $50 twice a year at U.S. Resy restaurants)
- $84 Dunkin’ credit (up to $7 a month at U.S. Dunkin’ locations)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Add up to 5 authorized users for no additional annual fee
Listing out all the perks, how is the Amex Gold on the list of best travel credit cards? Although there are better travel credit card options out there, when you’re not traveling, there’s a high chance that most of your everyday spend will be related to food. And as those points stack up by the day, you’ll have a lot more points available when looking to book that next trip.
However, do note that the dining, Resy, and Dunkin’ credits only work at U.S. locations, and Uber Cash can only be used in the U.S. The good news: the 4X on restaurants now applies worldwide, so you still earn on meals abroad.
>> Sign up for the American Express Gold Card
American Express Platinum Card
Having a premium credit card in your wallet may seem like a flex, but is it worth paying hundreds of dollars to keep every year?
From ongoing debates, is the American Express Platinum Card really all the hype? An annual fee of $895 is a lot of money but if used correctly, the real question should be, how quickly can you make up for the annual fee?
Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): Amex shows your exact offer after you apply. It’s as high as 175,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. You may not be eligible if you have or have had the Platinum Card.
- Annual fee: $895
- Foreign transaction fee: none
Travel Benefits
There seems to be hesitation signing up for this card simply because “a lot of places don’t take Amex” and because “it’s not a good international credit card.” This may be true in some but definitely not all cases. While traveling Korea in 2022, the only credit card I used was my Amex Platinum Card and believe it or not, I ran into more instances where I couldn’t pay with a Mastercard.
Prior to Korea, I traveled across Southeast Asia, where I barely had the opportunity to use my Amex cards, and being abroad also limited which Platinum benefits I could actually use. Back home, I use the airport lounges all the time: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs.
Laying out all the perks and benefits available in the U.S.:
Enrollment is required to receive select benefits.
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year)
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection: 1,550+ airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (enrollment required), and 10 Delta Sky Club visits a year when flying Delta
- Up to $600 a year in hotel credits ($300 twice a year) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel (The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum)
- $200 Uber Cash ($15 a month plus $20 in December, for use in the U.S.) and up to $120 a year toward an Uber One membership
- Up to $200 airline fee credit for incidental fees, like checked bags, with one airline you select
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit ($25 a month) for Disney+, ESPN streaming, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, and YouTube
- Up to $219 CLEAR+ credit
- Up to $400 Resy credit ($100 a quarter at U.S. Resy restaurants), plus Global Dining Access by Resy
- Up to $155 Walmart+ credit ($12.95 a month plus tax)
- Up to $300 lululemon credit, $200 Oura Ring credit, and $300 Equinox credit
- A Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85) credit
- Complimentary premium status with Hertz, Avis, and National (enrollment required)
- Point transfers to airline and hotel partners
- Additional Platinum Cards for $195 each
>> Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card
Understanding that it may be difficult to utilize all the offered benefits, be honest about which ones you’ll actually use. Many of them are monthly or quarterly credits you have to remember, and some only work in the U.S. There may be some perks used quicker than others and some that may not even be used at all, but if there’s a subscription you’ve been eyeing or an international trip that you’ve been wanting to plan, these benefits may make the annual fee worth it.
From the amount of earning potential this premium travel credit card has to offer, do note that not all perks and benefits can be redeemed outside of the U.S., like the Uber credits.
Citi Premier Card (Now the Citi Strata Premier)
I used to have the Citi Premier Card, which Citi relaunched as the Citi Strata Premier Card in 2024. Ranging across a variety of bonus spend categories, it’s a close competitor to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and a solid card for everyday spend.
Overview
- Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026): 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: none
- 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
- 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, at supermarkets, and on gas and EV charging stations
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year, booked through cititravel.com
- Point transfers to partners including American Airlines, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay, EVA Air, and Choice Hotels
>> Learn more about the Citi Strata Premier Card
Hotel and Airline Credit Cards
Beyond the main travel cards, I also have hotel and airline credit cards with IHG, Marriott, Hilton, and Delta. These earn points with one brand, so they make the most sense once you know which hotel or airline you use the most.
| Card | Annual fee | Foreign transaction fee | Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026) | Standout benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IHG One Rewards Premier | $150 | None | 180,000 points after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | Anniversary free night (up to 50,000 points), 4th reward night free, Gold Elite status, up to $100 airline credit each year |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | $95 | None | 3 Free Night Awards (up to 50,000 points each) after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | Annual free night (up to 35,000 points), Silver Elite status, 15 Elite Night Credits a year |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire | $550 | None | 200,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends January 13, 2027) | Hilton Diamond status, up to $400 Hilton resort credit, annual free night, up to $200 flight credit |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express | $650 | None | Two round-trip Delta Comfort certificates plus 50,000 miles after $10,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends November 4, 2026) | 15 Delta Sky Club visits a year, Centurion Lounge access when you book your Delta flight with the card, annual companion certificate |
When I got the IHG One Rewards Premier, the annual fee was $99. It’s now $150.
>> Sign up for the IHG One Rewards Premier
>> Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
>> Sign up for the Hilton Honors Aspire
>> Sign up for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Business Travel Credit Cards
Since I run my own businesses, I also have Chase Ink business cards: the Ink Business Unlimited, Ink Business Cash, and Ink Business Preferred.
| Card | Annual fee | Foreign transaction fee | Welcome offer (checked October 20, 2026) | How it earns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | 3% | $750 cash back after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | Unlimited 1.5% cash back |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | $0 | 3% | $750 cash back after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | 5% on the first $25,000 a year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone; 2% on the first $25,000 a year at gas stations and restaurants; 1% on everything else |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | None | 100,000 points after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | 3X on the first $150,000 a year in travel, shipping, social media and search ads, and internet, cable, and phone; 1X on everything else; points transfer to airline and hotel partners |
If you travel internationally for work, the Ink Business Preferred is the one without a foreign transaction fee. It also includes cell phone protection (up to $1,000 per claim with a $100 deductible) when you pay your phone bill with it. Chase may not give you the welcome bonus on the Ink Business Unlimited or Ink Business Cash if you’ve ever had that card or another no-annual-fee Chase business card.
>> Sign up for the Ink Business Unlimited
>> Sign up for the Ink Business Cash
>> Sign up for the Ink Business Preferred
No Annual Fee vs. No Foreign Transaction Fee
When people look for the best travel credit cards with no fees, they usually mean one of two different fees:
- Annual fee: what you pay each year just to have the card.
- Foreign transaction fee: usually around 3% of every purchase you make outside the U.S.
Here’s how the cards in this guide break down:
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fee: Chase Freedom Flex
- No annual fee, but a 3% foreign transaction fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Ink Business Unlimited, Chase Ink Business Cash
- An annual fee, but no foreign transaction fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, Citi Strata Premier, Chase Ink Business Preferred, and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ($95); IHG One Rewards Premier ($150); American Express Gold ($325); Hilton Honors Aspire ($550); Delta SkyMiles Reserve ($650); American Express Platinum ($895)
Even with no foreign transaction fee from your card, some merchants and ATMs abroad add their own fees.
Using Travel Credit Cards Abroad
I shared my experience in Korea and Southeast Asia above, in the Amex Platinum section. Here’s the short version of what to know before you travel internationally:
- Pack a card with no foreign transaction fee. See the list above.
- Card acceptance can vary by country. In Korea in 2022, my Amex Platinum worked more often than a Mastercard did, but in Southeast Asia I barely used my Amex cards, and I couldn’t use a lot of the Platinum’s benefits while I was abroad. Bring more than one card.
- Many U.S. credits don’t work abroad. Amex Uber Cash, the Amex Gold dining, Resy, and Dunkin’ credits, and the Platinum’s digital entertainment credit are U.S.-only.
- You can still earn points. The Amex Gold’s 4X at restaurants applies worldwide.
For more of my tips from the road, read The Ultimate Solo Travel Survival Guide.
Is Airport Lounge Access Worth It?
I use airport lounges all the time: Priority Pass lounges, Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. But access depends a lot on the card, and guest rules have gotten stricter.
- American Express Platinum: 1,550+ lounges, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass, plus 10 Delta Sky Club visits a year when flying Delta. Centurion Lounge guests cost $50 each ($30 for ages 2–17) unless you spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. In Priority Pass lounges, you can bring up to two guests for free.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve: 15 Delta Sky Club visits a year when flying Delta, plus Centurion Lounge access when you book your Delta flight with the card. Delta Sky Club guests cost $50 each.
- Capital One Venture: no free lounge visits, but you can buy Capital One Lounge passes for $45.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom cards, and Amex Gold: no lounge access.
If you only fly a couple of times a year, lounge access probably isn’t the reason to pay a big annual fee.
Overall
Whether you’re looking to sign up for a travel credit card to prepare for that big international trip or if you’re looking to maximize rewards on everyday purchases, signing up for the best travel credit card truly depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals.
Before you apply, go back through the questions at the top of this post, especially whether you can pay your balance in full every month.
Being aware of everyday spend and comparing all reviewed credit cards are big first steps. Opening up a travel credit card with an annual fee can be intimidating, but a small investment can take you a long way.
From churning and managing personal and business credit cards for years, points and miles is easily one of the biggest reasons how I’ve been able to travel for free for so long. Traveling truly doesn’t have to be as expensive as it seems and as there are so many ways to make it affordable, which travel credit card is best for you? I’d love to hear in the comments section below, or personally reach out to me at [email protected]!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best travel credit card for beginners? There isn’t one card that’s best for everyone. If you want a $0 card, start with the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex. If you’re ready for an annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture are both $95. Either way, only open a card you can pay off in full each month.
Which travel credit cards have no fees? In this guide, the Chase Freedom Flex is the only card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. The Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee but charges 3% on purchases abroad.
Is Visa or Amex better for international travel? It depends on where you’re going. In Korea in 2022, my Amex Platinum worked more often than a Mastercard did, but in Southeast Asia I barely got to use my Amex cards. Bring more than one card with no foreign transaction fee.
Do travel credit card perks work outside the U.S.? Some do and some don’t. Lounge access, travel protections, and points earning generally travel with you, but many Amex statement credits (Uber Cash, Resy, dining, and digital entertainment) only work in the U.S.
How do travel credit card points work? You earn points on purchases, then use them to pay for travel, book through your card’s travel portal, or transfer them to airline and hotel programs. When I book, I check all my programs and go with whichever needs the least amount of points.
Do I need airport lounge access? Not as a beginner. Lounge access comes with higher annual fees, and guest rules have gotten stricter. It’s worth it if you fly often and will actually use it.
Card details and welcome offers were checked on each issuer’s website in October 2026 and can change at any time. Check the issuer’s page before you apply.
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