Look for at least 2% rewards on a card with an annual fee and 1.5% on a no-fee card. As a general rule, avoid cards that give you less than 1 cent per point or mile when you redeem. Check out our rewards program reviews for our current estimate of average point values.
Best travel credit cards
| Category | Credit card | Estimated rewards earned after five years |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | American Express® Gold Card | $2,719 |
| Runner-up | Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card | $2,931 |
| Best welcome bonus | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $2,028 |
| Best for luxury travel | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $2,755 |
The best travel credit card for beginners is the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students because it's easy for students to get with limited credit history, it has $0 fees, and the many rewards points it gives cardholders can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel purchases.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card would be much more appealing if more people could get it. Instead, you need a credit score of 750 or higher to have a good chance of being approved.
Airline cards — and travel cards in general — typically require good or excellent credit scores, meaning 690 or higher.
How to Travel for Free With Credit Card Rewards
One of the best benefits any travel rewards credit card can offer earning multiple points or miles per dollar in various spending categories. ... With the variety of credit cards out there and the bonus earning opportunities they afford, you should be earning multiple points per dollar on nearly every purchase.
What is the 5/24 rule? Many card issuers have criteria for who can qualify for new accounts, but Chase is perhaps the most strict. Chase's 5/24 rule means that you can't be approved for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.
Centurion® Card from American Express
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
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