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By just about any measure, 2020 was a year spent at home - according to data from the TSA, 178 million fewer Americans flew in the last 3 months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.* It should come as no surprise then that prospective passengers are gearing up now more than ever for a much-needed getaway as vaccines are becoming more widely available.
The good news is that it’s never been easier to save hundreds on a trip with the right travel credit card and a little planning. Many of the top travel cards have truly staggering welcome offers that usually kick in after spending a certain amount on the card after 3 months, so if you’re eyeing a post-vaccination vacation, now is the perfect time to apply.
Read on to discover how much a travel card could work for you – you might even be able to fly practically free:
Travel Rewards: Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee. There’s a reason this card is a favorite among frequent travelers – it’s simple, easy-to-use and incredibly powerful.
Welcome Offer: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Annual Fee: It’s so nice we’ll say it twice: this card comes with a $0 annual fee.
Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Rewards Rate
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
0% Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 14 months on purchases on purchases, then 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Highlights
UNLIMITED BONUS: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
No Blackout Dates. Simply pay for travel purchases like airlines, hotels, rental cars, and more with your Discover it® Miles card.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, number of recent inquiries and more.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Discover Match® details & other information.
Travel Rewards: This card one of the simplest – but most impactful – travel rewards programs out there: earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
Welcome Offer: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel.
Annual Fee: All the rewards above come with a $95 annual fee, but this can easily be offset in your first year with this card’s solid welcome offer.
Travel Rewards: unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire. Those points can be redeemed for nearly any travel purchase in the form of statement credit, so you’ll always get the most out of your rewards.
Welcome Offer: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $0 – and since this card also doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees, you’ll be earning rewards without having to worry about costs adding up abroad.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Flexible Redemption
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. After the intro APR ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 2.62 points for every $1 spent.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Travel Rewards: If you’re a foodie, take note: cardholders earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases.
Welcome Offer: This is where this card really moves into the top-tier. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual Fee: This card comes with a $95 annual fee, but as with some other cards on this list, the astonishing welcome offer more than outweighs this in your first year.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards Rate
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases
Bonus Perks
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy new benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Travel Rewards: Earn 3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1X per $1 spent on all other purchases – unlike some of the other cards on this list, the rewards on the Citi Premier® Card make it equally as strong at home or abroad.
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95, but don’t forget about the amazing welcome offer and exceptional ongoing rewards rate.
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels. Earn 1 Point on All Other Purchases. Annual Hotel Savings Benefit.
Sign Up Bonus
Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Travel Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases in rotating categories, 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. Since those rotating categories change each month, this card gives you incredible flexibility in how you choose to maximize your rewards.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Annual Fee: Even though this card has a premium rewards package, it still comes with a $0 annual fee.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Travel Rewards: This card has a solid three-tiered rewards program if you’re a frequent American Airlines flyer. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $0 – this is an incredible deal if you favor American Airlines.
Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Rewards Rate
Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores & for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Extra Perks
No annual fee & 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases
Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
No Annual Fee
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Travel Rewards: Earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services, and a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify®. Plus, you’ll earn 1X points on all purchases outside those categories, so you’ll be earning no matter where you use this versatile card.
Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Annual Fee: The good news is you won't have to pay in your first year: $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, after that $95.
Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Rewards Rate
Earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services, and a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify®
Extra Perks
Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck ® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations.
Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services.
$30 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify®
Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck ® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
Travel Rewards: Cardholders earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel with this premium travel card, with an additional 10,000 bonus miles rewarded every year, starting at the first anniversary. Plus, you could enjoy unlimited access to the Capital One Lounge and 1300+ Priority Pass lounges at airports and other venues worldwide - and if you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll receive up to a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening if you’re a new cardholder.
Annual Fee: This top-shelf card comes with an annual fee to match: $395 per year. While that may seem high, don’t forget the ongoing benefits and 10X miles multipliers available on travel booked through Capital One – with frequent use, those rewards dollars could add up fast.
Receive up to $200 back in statement credits for vacation rentals charged to your account within your first year
Sign-up Bonus
Earn 100,000 Miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening
Rewards Rate
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, equal to $1,000 in travel
Limited-time Offer: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits for vacation rentals charged to your account within your first year
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Escape the airport crowd and recharge before your flight with unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Travel Rewards: Not only is the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card a solid travel card, but it’s also an amazing card for everyday use. Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and food delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services and gas stations, and 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: This card immediately moves to the top of the heap with a $0* annual fee.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Rewards
Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and food delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services and gas stations, and 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
Intro APR
0% for 12 billing cycles on purchases*, then 14.99% - 23.99%* (Variable) and 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening, then 14.99% - 23.99%* (Variable)
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more
Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
$15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
No annual fee*
1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
Travel Rewards: Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases, so even if you aren’t regularly flying you can still earn a significant amount of rewards miles.
Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $99, waived for first 12 months – this is almost unheard of for cards that have an annual fee. Coupled with the strong welcome offer, this card makes a big impression in its first year.
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
No Foreign Transaction Fees
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Travel Rewards: Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply.
Welcome Offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: This card comes with a $250 annual fee. That may seem high, but keep in mind the best-in-class points multiplier and the generous welcome offer.
To see rates & fees for American Express® Gold Card please click here.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply.
Extra Perks
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
Rose Gold is here to stay. Card Members can choose between a Gold or Rose Gold Card.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
Travel Rewards: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. It should come as no surprise that this is a significantly stronger offer than the American Express® Gold Card – if you use American Express Travel, you won’t find a better rewards program on this list.
Welcome Offer: 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $695. That may seem eye-wateringly large, but remember that you’re absolutely getting what you pay for in this card’s top-of-the-line rewards.
To see rates & fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please click here.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards
Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Extra Perks
Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
There’s never been a better time to apply for a new travel rewards credit card. Looking to apply? It’s quick and easy. Click Apply Now to fill out the application on the issuer’s secure site - you may be able to find out within minutes if your application is approved.
Methodology
Each month, the CompareCards team reviews over 100 credit card offers examining the features most valuable to consumers including rewards, sign-up bonus, the interest rate, fees and other features to identify the best offers shown here.
*According to TSA checkpoint travel numbers, total throughput in Q4 2020 (September 1-December 31) was 99,029,511; for the same period in 2019 total throughput was 277,634,770 passengers.
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About Our Ratings
Our editors rate credit cards objectively based on the features the credit card offers consumers, the fees and interest rates, and how a credit card compares with other cards in its category. The ratings are the expert opinion of our editors, and not influenced by any remuneration this site receives from card issuers.
Excellent Credit
Between 720 - 850
Credit cards for excellent credit are intended for those with a credit score between 720 - 850.
Good Credit
Between 660 - 719
Credit cards for good credit are intended for those with a credit score between 660 - 719.
Fair Credit
Between 600 - 659
Credit cards for fair credit are intended for those with a credit score between 600 - 659.
Poor Credit
Between 300 - 599
Credit cards for poor credit are intended for those with a credit score between 300 - 599.
No/Limited Credit
- - -
Credit cards for no credit are intended for those without an established credit score.
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion.
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