Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?
Even if you aren’t an international jetsetter, travel credit cards are worth the investment. But which card is right for you; are travel credit cards worth it, really? Keep reading to learn more about their awesome benefits.
Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
Many novice travelers don’t understand the full experience that comes with owning a travel credit card. What are some of the primary benefits of signing up for one and how can you use these benefits to your advantage?
Point Redemption
For every dollar you spend on travel-related expenses, your travel credit card will have some cash back or point redemption amount sent back to you. While it depends on the specific card you’re approved for, all travel credit cards offer you an incentive to keep spending money on travel.
Some cards let you redeem your points for flights or hotel stays; others simply give you the cash right back into your account. You can typically choose and customize how you want your points spent, affording you more flexibility in how you spend your hard-earned reward points.
Bonus Offers
Depending on the time of year and travel credit card you’re considering, many will offer bonuses or extra perks for signing up. Some of these sign-up offers are generous, with certain cards rewarding over $500 in tickets, hotel stays, points or cash back opportunities. These bonus offers may also increase if you’re able to refer a friend or family member too.
Travel Insurance Inclusions
The average travel credit card comes with an annual fee, something that can be a fairly large turn-off to some. However, these cards include countless perks that may make you forget the annual fee entirely, especially when it comes to emergency situations.
Many travel credit cards have travel insurance built into them, including medical benefits, rental car options and flight cancellation protection. If you are hesitant about an annual fee card, consider what this card may include, especially if the worst happens.
Member Lounges, In-Flight Deals and More
One of the main reasons people with travel credit cards take vacations so frequently is because of how much money they’re able to save on comfortable travel opportunities. Many credit cards focused on airlines and hotels offer perks to card members, including access to member-only lounges, in-flight meals or beverages and more. Some cards will even waive your checked bag fees or resort fees. Keep an eye out for which card suits your needs best!
Top Travel Credit Cards to Apply For in 2025
There are hundreds of travel credit card options out there. Doing your own research and determining which card might be right for you takes time. Here are three potential options for 2025 and why you may want to apply for them sooner rather than later.
Best Overall: American Express Gold Rewards Card
While it comes with a $250 annual fee, the American Express Gold Rewards Card is a fantastic choice for those of you who are nervous about using your travel credit card enough to be worth it. You earn 2x cash back on travel purchases as well as basic purchases like groceries, with 1x cash back on everything else.
Not only do you get access to American Express lounges in airports around the world, you also get $100 in statement credits every year to put toward your next flight. You can apply for this card here if it fits what you're looking for.
Best for Flying: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
A longtime favorite for travel enthusiasts, the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel credit card continues to impress with its limited-time sign-up deals. With an annual fee of only $95 and up to 5x cash back if you book your flights, hotels and more through Chase Travel, this card pays for itself in terms of savings.
Plus, you get 3x cash back on dining and 2x back on travel purchased outside of Chase, making it an extremely competitive card. Apply for it here before the sign-up deals disappear.
No Annual Fee: VentureOne Rewards From Capital One
This options is best for those of you booking hotel stays instead of flights. The VentureOne Rewards card from Capital One doesn’t come with a pesky annual fee. Instead, you’ll earn 5 miles back per every dollar you spend when booking rental cars or hotel stays through Capital One’s travel program. You can spend those miles on flights or any other travel perks, and this card comes with no foreign transaction fees to make travel easier. Apply for it here.
Apply For a Travel Credit Card and Visit Your Dream Destinations
Even if you don’t travel very often, travel credit cards are typically worth it. As long as you understand your individual card and how to rack up the most points, these lines of credit can be far more beneficial than most people realize. All that’s left is to pack your bags, book your trip and bring your travel credit card along for even more deals!