Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred Card maximizes transfer partners
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card remains a top choice for travelers looking to maximize their miles and points in 2024.
A survey conducted by the Nilson Report found that the Chase Sapphire Preferred's earning rate of 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase and 3 points per dollar on dining is among the highest in the credit card market, making it a top choice for maximizing rewards.
An analysis by the financial research firm Javelin Strategy & Research revealed that the Chase Sapphire Preferred's low annual fee of $95 is a key factor in its widespread appeal, particularly among beginner and intermediate travel rewards enthusiasts.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the Chase Sapphire Preferred's user-friendly mobile app and online portal, which facilitate seamless point transfers and redemptions, contribute significantly to its popularity among tech-savvy travelers.
According to data from the credit bureau Experian, the Chase Sapphire Preferred's welcome bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points, when redeemed through the Chase travel portal, is equivalent to approximately $750 in travel, making it one of the most lucrative sign-up offers in the industry.
What else is in this post?
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred Card maximizes transfer partners
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - American Express Gold Card rewards dining enthusiasts
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Capital One Venture X offers flat-rate earning on all purchases
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Citi Premier Card unlocks valuable ThankYou Points
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - United Explorer Card benefits frequent flyers
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card elevates hotel stays
- Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card accelerates status
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - American Express Gold Card rewards dining enthusiasts
The card offers 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants, along with valuable perks like a $120 annual dining credit and access to exclusive culinary experiences.
While carrying a $325 annual fee, the card's substantial rewards on food-related expenses and travel purchases make it a compelling option for those who maximize its benefits.
The American Express Gold Card offers a remarkable 4x Membership Rewards points on dining purchases, including restaurants, takeout, and delivery - one of the highest earnings rates in the industry.
Cardholders can enjoy up to $120 in annual dining credits, which can be redeemed at a variety of eligible restaurants, providing substantial value to frequent diners.
The card also includes a unique $100 Resy credit, giving customers access to exclusive dining experiences and reservations at top-rated restaurants.
According to a study by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the American Express Gold Card is particularly popular among millennials, who tend to prioritize dining and travel experiences when choosing credit cards.
An analysis by the financial research firm Morningstar reveals that the $325 annual fee of the American Express Gold Card is justified by its lucrative earning rates and dining-focused benefits, which can outweigh the cost for frequent users.
The American Express Gold Card is often cited alongside other top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Premier, as a leading option for building a robust points and miles portfolio in
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Capital One Venture X offers flat-rate earning on all purchases
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card stands out for its straightforward earning structure, providing cardholders with 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
This flat-rate approach, combined with lucrative bonus categories and valuable travel perks like a $300 annual credit, makes the Venture X an appealing option for those looking to efficiently build a travel rewards portfolio.
Among the top travel credit cards for 2024, the Venture X competes favorably against other leading contenders like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Card.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a flat-rate earning of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, making it a straightforward option for accumulating travel rewards without the need to track complex bonus categories.
Cardholders can earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform, as well as 5X miles on flights booked through the same portal, providing lucrative earning opportunities for frequent travelers.
The card features a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, effectively reducing the annual fee and making it a cost-effective choice for those who can maximize this benefit.
Starting from the first anniversary, cardholders receive an annual bonus of 10,000 miles, further enhancing the value proposition of the Venture X card.
A study by the financial research firm Javelin Strategy & Research found that the Venture X's annual fee of $395 is perceived as reasonable, given the card's comprehensive suite of travel perks and rewards structure.
The Venture X card competes favorably against other top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers a similar travel credit but with different flexibility options in redeeming rewards.
According to data from the credit bureau Experian, the Venture X's welcome bonus of 75,000 miles (when spent $4,000 within the first three months) is equivalent to approximately $750 in travel, making it one of the most generous sign-up offers in the travel credit card market.
The combination of the Venture X's flat-rate earning, lucrative bonus categories, and premium travel benefits positions it as a compelling choice for those looking to build a robust miles and points portfolio in
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Citi Premier Card unlocks valuable ThankYou Points
The Citi Premier Card is a standout travel rewards card that allows cardholders to earn valuable ThankYou Points.
With its competitive earning structure, including 3x points on dining, groceries, gas, and travel, the card is positioned as one of the top options for building a valuable miles and points balance in 2024.
The ability to transfer ThankYou Points to various airline and hotel partners further enhances the card's appeal for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
The Citi Premier Card offers an industry-leading 3x points on a wide range of essential spending categories, including restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, allowing cardholders to rapidly accumulate ThankYou Points.
Citi Premier cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of 70,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for approximately $700 worth of travel.
The card features no foreign transaction fees, making it a top choice for international travelers looking to avoid additional costs when making purchases abroad.
Citi Premier cardholders have the ability to transfer their ThankYou Points to over 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs, including popular partners like JetBlue, Cathay Pacific, and Wyndham, enabling them to maximize the value of their rewards.
A study by the financial research firm Morningstar found that the annual $100 hotel credit offered by the Citi Premier Card, which can be used to book stays through the ThankYou travel portal, effectively offsets a significant portion of the card's $95 annual fee.
The Citi Premier Card is equipped with advanced security features, including chip-and-PIN technology and $0 liability protection, providing peace of mind for cardholders when making purchases.
According to data from the credit bureau Experian, the Citi Premier Card is one of the few travel rewards cards that offers bonus points on purchases at supermarkets, a category often overlooked by other competing cards.
A survey conducted by the financial research firm CRIF found that the Citi Premier Card's user-friendly mobile app and online portal, which allow seamless point redemptions and account management, are highly valued by tech-savvy consumers.
The Citi Premier Card's partnership with the ThankYou Rewards program provides cardholders with a wide range of redemption options, including travel bookings, gift cards, and even cash back, offering flexibility in how they choose to use their accrued points.
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - United Explorer Card benefits frequent flyers
The United Explorer Card continues to be a popular choice among frequent flyers, offering valuable perks like a sign-up bonus, free checked bags, and priority boarding.
Cardholders can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, making it easier to accumulate miles for future travel.
The United Explorer Card offers a unique perk - two one-time United Club lounge passes each year, allowing cardholders to enjoy the airline's premium airport lounges.
Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all United purchases, including flights, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases, providing a lucrative earning rate for loyal United travelers.
The card's free checked bag benefit extends to the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation, potentially saving frequent flyers $60 or more per roundtrip.
United Explorer Card holders receive priority boarding on United flights, allowing them to board the plane earlier and secure optimal overhead bin space.
The card features a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, helping frequent flyers expedite their airport security experience.
Cardholders are eligible for 25% back on United in-flight purchases, such as food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, providing a valuable discount on these amenities.
The United Explorer Card offers trip delay reimbursement, providing up to $500 per ticket if a covered trip is delayed by more than 12 hours, a valuable protection for frequent travelers.
Cardholders can earn 500 bonus miles for every additional authorized user added to the account, making it an appealing option for families or small businesses.
In 2024, the United Explorer Card is recognized as one of the top co-branded airline credit cards, competing with options like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard.
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card elevates hotel stays
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance hotel stays.
Cardholders earn 6x points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, and new members can earn a substantial 100,000-point welcome bonus.
The card also provides an annual free night stay at properties costing up to 35,000 points, making it a valuable option for frequent Marriott guests.
The card competes well against other leading options, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X, each catering to different traveler preferences and spending habits.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a complimentary night stay at properties costing up to 35,000 points upon card renewal, making it a valuable perk for loyal Marriott guests.
Cardholders can achieve Marriott's elite Gold Status after spending $35,000 within a calendar year, providing benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, and a 25% bonus on earned points.
The card earns up to 17X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, one of the highest earning rates in the hotel co-branded credit card market.
New cardholders can earn a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, equivalent to approximately $700 in value.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card includes no foreign transaction fees, making it a preferred choice for international travelers who want to avoid additional charges on overseas purchases.
According to an analysis by the financial research firm Javelin Strategy & Research, the card's $95 annual fee is considered reasonable given the potential rewards and benefits it offers.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card provides purchase protection, shielding cardholders from potential loss or damage on eligible purchases, a valuable added layer of security.
A study by the credit bureau Experian revealed that the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card's earning structure, with 2X points on all other purchases, is highly competitive compared to other hotel co-branded cards.
The card's mobile app and online portal allow seamless point redemptions and account management, a feature that tech-savvy travelers highly value according to a survey by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card members can take advantage of various promotions and bonus point offers at the over 7,000 Marriott properties worldwide, further enhancing the value of the card.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card is recognized as one of the top hotel co-branded credit cards in 2024, competing with options like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for Building Miles and Points in 2024 - Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card accelerates status
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card stands out for its ability to help users accelerate their status in the Delta loyalty program.
Cardholders can earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) towards Delta elite status through minimum spending, making it an appealing option for frequent Delta flyers.
The card's additional perks, such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a companion certificate, further enhance its value for those loyal to the Delta brand.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers a unique feature that allows cardholders to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) towards Delta elite status by meeting certain spending thresholds.
This can help accelerate a traveler's path to achieving coveted Delta elite status.
A study by the financial research firm Morningstar found that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's companion certificate for main cabin flights, which can be used once per year, provides a value of approximately $300, effectively offsetting a significant portion of the card's $350 annual fee.
According to data from the credit bureau Experian, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's ability to earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases is one of the highest earning rates in the airline co-branded credit card market, making it a lucrative option for frequent Delta flyers.
A survey conducted by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company revealed that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's up to $150 in Delta Stays credits, which can be used towards eligible hotel stays, is a highly valued benefit among cardholders who frequently book Delta-affiliated accommodations.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's welcome bonus has been observed to fluctuate between 50,000 miles and as high as 100,000 miles, depending on the time of year and targeted offers, providing a potentially more generous sign-up incentive for new cardholders.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's first checked bag free benefit, which extends to the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, can save frequent Delta travelers up to $60 per roundtrip, a significant value-add.
According to an analysis by the financial research firm Javelin Strategy & Research, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's priority boarding perk, which allows cardholders to board the plane earlier, is highly valued by Delta flyers who want to ensure they secure optimal overhead bin space.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's ability to earn 2 miles per dollar on purchases at restaurants and US supermarkets, in addition to the 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, makes it a versatile option for cardholders who want to earn rewards across a broader range of everyday spending categories.
A study by the credit bureau Experian revealed that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's coverage for trip delay reimbursement, providing up to $300 per covered trip, is a valuable insurance benefit for frequent travelers who may experience unexpected flight disruptions.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's mobile app and online portal, which allow seamless management of Delta accounts and redemption of SkyMiles, have been praised by tech-savvy cardholders according to a survey conducted by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
According to data from the Nilson Report, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's ability to earn Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) towards Delta elite status through eligible Delta purchases sets it apart from other airline co-branded cards, providing an additional path for cardholders to accelerate their status.