Best Credit Cards for Travel
Travel cards vary widely — some require booking through a portal, others reward any travel purchase, and point values range from 0.5 to 1.7 cents each. Here are the top cards ranked by travel rewards rate, with all the details you need to compare fairly.
These rankings are estimates based on published card terms. Actual rewards depend on your spending patterns, how you redeem, and whether your purchases qualify for bonus categories. Rates and terms may change — verify current offers on the issuer’s site.
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#1
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business
8% on travel ~12.0% cash value via portal $795/yrEarns 8% on travel with no spending cap. Points valued at ~1.5¢ each 8x on Chase Travel, 4x on flights/hotels direct, 3x on ads.
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#2
U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard
6% on travel $0/yrEarns 6% on travel with no spending cap. 2x on all, 2.5x on mobile up to $5k/quarter, 6x on prepaid travel.
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#3
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
5% on travel $0/yrEarns 5% on travel with no spending cap. Unlimited 3% on dining, entertainment, groceries, and streaming; 5% on travel through Capital One.
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#4
Chase Freedom Flex
5% on travel via portal $0/yrEarns 5% on travel with no spending cap. 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores.
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#5
Chase Freedom Unlimited
5% on travel via portal $0/yrEarns 5% on travel with no spending cap. 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel.
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#6
Citi Double Cash Card
5% on travel $0/yrEarns 5% on travel with no spending cap. Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
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#7
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
5% on travel $0/yrEarns 5% on travel with no spending cap. 5% on two chosen categories up to $2,000/quarter, 2% on one everyday.
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How We Rank
Cards are ranked by their stated rewards rate in this spending category. This ranking does not account for: the cash value of points (which varies by card and redemption method), spending caps, annual fees, or portal booking requirements. All of these are shown per card so you can factor them in.
For a personalized comparison that weighs your actual spending, accounts for caps, subtracts annual fees, and estimates real dollar value, use our calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card gives the most travel rewards?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business earns 8x on Chase Travel portal bookings. However, many high-rate travel cards require booking through the issuer's portal. Our rankings show these conditions so you can compare fairly.
Do travel card bonus rates require booking through a portal?
Many do. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred (5x), Capital One Savor (5x), and Citi Double Cash (5x) earn their top travel rates through their issuer's booking portal. Direct bookings may earn a lower rate.
How much are credit card points worth for travel?
Point values vary significantly by card. Chase points are worth ~1.25-1.5 cents, Amex points ~1 cent, Capital One miles ~1 cent, and IHG points ~0.5 cents. Our rankings show the cash-equivalent value next to each rate.
Is a travel credit card worth the annual fee?
It depends on how much you travel and which perks you use. Many premium cards offset their fee with credits (e.g., $300 travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve). Enter your spending in our calculator for a personalized comparison.
Your Spending Is Unique
These rankings are based on stated rates. The card that actually earns you the most depends on how much you spend in each category, annual fees, and spending caps. Enter your numbers to see your personalized ranking.
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