The Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Credit Cards in 2023

Credit cards and travel have become inextricably linked. Traveling can be an expensive undertaking, but with the right credit card in your wallet, it can also be a rewarding one. In this blog post, we will explore the best travel credit cards in 2023, and how they can transform your travel experiences by offering benefits like airline miles, hotel points, and other perks that can significantly cut down on travel costs.

What Makes a Good Travel Credit Card?

Before we delve into the specifics of the best travel credit cards, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a good travel credit card. Here are the key attributes to consider:

1. Rewards Rate: Look for a card that offers at least 1.5-2 points or miles per dollar spent. The best cards offer higher rates for specific categories, like travel or dining.
2. Sign-up Bonus: Many cards offer bonuses for spending a certain amount in the first few months. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars in travel.
3. Redemption Flexibility: The best travel cards allow you to use your points or miles without many restrictions — no blackout dates, plenty of partner airlines and hotels, and the ability to book any flight or hotel you want.
4. Travel Perks: Look for cards that offer benefits like free checked bags, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
5. Annual Fee: Many travel cards charge an annual fee. Make sure the benefits outweigh the cost.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore some of the best travel credit cards in 2023.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a perennial favorite among travelers. With a generous sign-up bonus, high rewards rate for travel and dining purchases, and flexible redemption options through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, it’s a solid choice for both frequent and occasional travelers.

Key Features:

• Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• No foreign transaction fees.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers a simple and straightforward rewards structure, making it a good option for those who prefer simplicity. All purchases earn the same high rate, and miles can be redeemed for any travel purchase, giving you a lot of flexibility.

Key Features:

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
• Use your miles for any travel expense, without worrying about blackout dates or award availability.
• No foreign transaction fees.

3. The Platinum Card from American Express

Although it comes with a high annual fee, the Platinum Card from American Express is packed with travel benefits that can more than make up for the cost. Frequent travelers will appreciate the airport lounge access, hotel status upgrades, and other luxury perks.

Key Features:

• Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
• Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
• Receive up to $200 in Uber credits each year, and up to $200 in airline fee credits for incidental charges like checked bags and in-flight refreshments.

4. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a good choice for occasional travelers and those who prefer a no-annual-fee card. It offers a solid rewards rate on all purchases and a flexible redemption policy.

Key Features:

• Earn 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, with no limit to the points you can earn.
• Points can be redeemed for any travel purchase, with no blackout dates or restrictions.
• No foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.

5. Discover it Miles

The Discover it Miles card is unique in that Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This effectively doubles your rewards rate for the first year. The card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Key Features:

• Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Redeem miles for any travel purchase or as a statement credit.

6. The World of Hyatt Credit Card

For those who prefer earning hotel points to airline miles, The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a top choice. It offers a high rewards rate for Hyatt purchases, as well as a free night at a Hyatt hotel every year on your cardmember anniversary.

Key Features:

• Earn up to 9 points total per dollar spent at Hyatt – 4 bonus points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels, and 5 base points per dollar you can earn as a World of Hyatt member.
• Earn 2 bonus points per dollar spent in the restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club and gym memberships.
• Receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year on your cardmember anniversary.

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your travel experiences by helping you earn free or discounted flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. The best card for you depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and the type of rewards you value most. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a hotel loyalist, or an occasional traveler, there’s a travel credit card out there that’s a perfect match for your needs.

Remember, while these cards can offer impressive benefits and rewards, it’s essential to manage your credit responsibly. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest, and make sure the benefits you earn outweigh any annual fees.

With careful planning and strategic spending, a good travel credit card can make your travel dreams a reality. Here’s to your next adventure!

Disclaimer: The information related to the above-mentioned credit cards has been collected independently by the author. It is always recommended to check with the card issuer for the most accurate and up-to-date information.