Disclosure: This post contains links to Travel Rewards Credit Cards we personally use and are happy to recommend. We may receive a referral bonus if you apply through the links below. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
One of the only things on this earth better than travel is traveling for free, and over the past few years, Allie and I have learned SO MUCH about how to do exactly that. One of the best ways is through points and miles redeemable for travel.
In the past year we’ve accumulated over 1MM points and miles without even leaving home! A number of those points and miles came from sign-up bonuses offered by major travel rewards credit cards.
If you’re new to points and miles and not sure where to start, or are just curious about which card to get next, look no further. I’ve done a ton of research and am happy to share my top recommended travel rewards credit cards as of April 2021.
Overview
Chase Sapphire Reserve: My Top Travel Rewards Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Top pick for Beginners. All-Time High Welcome Bonus.
American Express Platinum: Increased Welcome Bonus.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Best for Marriott Loyalists.
World of Hyatt Card: Great for Hyatt fans. High redemption value.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass: Increased Welcome Bonus. Gold Status.
IHG Rewards Club Premier Card: Great for IHG travelers. Instant Platinum Elite Status.
British Airways Visa Signature: Best for British Airways Loyalists.
United Mileage Plus Explorer: Best for United Flyers. Increased Welcome Offer.
Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards as of April 2021
This is my all-time favorite travel rewards card. High points earning on travel and dining, annual $300 travel statement credit, Doordash and Lyft Pink membership and Priority Pass lounge access make this card well worth the annual fee in my book.
- 10X points on Lyft and one year of Lyft Pink
- 3X points on travel and dining (including delivery)
- 1X point on everything else
- $300 annual travel statement credit
- Transfer points to 13 airlines and hotels at a 1:1 rate
- Points are worth 50% more when you book through the Chase portal.
- $100 credit toward TSA Pre or Global Entry
My top recommended credit card for beginners to travel rewards. It’s like the little brother of the Chase Sapphire Preffered with a lower annual fee, and a HUGE welcome offer.
- 5X points on Lyft (through March 2022)
- 2X points on travel and dining
- 1X point on everything else
- Trip Insurance, Purchase Protection, No foreign transaction fees
- Points are worth 25% when you book through the Chase portal
Welcome Offer: 75,000 points + 10X points on gas and groceries in the U.S.
Annual Fee: $95
Much like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Amex Platinum is a Premium Travel Rewards Card loaded to the gills with perks like access to the amazing Centurion Lounge. Plus the Welcome Bonus has been increased for a limited time with increased points earning potential in categories you likely already spend money.
- 10X points on gas and groceries in your first 6 months.
- 5X points on flights
- 5X points on hotels
- 1X point on everything else
- $200 back in statement credits for purchases at home furnishing stores in first 3 months of card opening.
- Centurion Lounge Access
This is one of the best Marriott Bonvoy Card options available. I am personally a huge fan of Marriott properties and love that this card helps you earn status faster. The fact that you get one night free every year makes the annual fee worth it.
- 6X points for every $1 at Marriott hotels
- 2X points on other travel purchases
- 2X points on everything else
- 15 elite night credits per year
- Automatic Silver Elite Status
- Free Night Award every year
The World of Hyatt card is often a fan-favorite hotel card among travel rewards enthusiasts.
- 9X points for Hyatt stays
- 2X points on flights and transportation
- 2X points on dining
- 2X points on gym memberships
- 2X points on everything else (first 6 months)
- Automatic Discoverist Status
- Free Night Every Year
Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 points per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 point.
If you’re a fan of Hilton properties, this is for you! Right now the card has an increased welcome offer of 130,000 points. I like that you get Gold Status immediately.
- 12X points for Hilton purchases
- 6X points on Dining, Gas, and Groceries
- 3X points on everything else
- Complimentary Gold Status
IHG points are not the most valuable points currency in the game, but getting the Fourth Award Night Free and a Free Anniversary Night are solid perks of this card.
- 10X points on IHG purchases
- 2X points on Dining, Gas, and Groceries
- 1X point on everything else
- Fourth Award Night Free
- Free Anniversary Night
- Automatic Platinum Elite Status
- Global Entry or TSA Pre Credit
If you’re a U.S. based traveler like me, you might be thinking “why British Airways”? For starters, British Airways is a transfer partner to American Airlines, and their points currency, Avios are incredibly valuable!
- 3 Avios for every British Airways Purchase
- 2 Avios for hotel purchase
- 1 Avio for all other spend
Allie and I seem to fly United a lot. Most of our international flights from the USA have been through United or United partner carriers. I like this card because it includes a free checked bag, and the United Club passes REALLY come in handy on long layovers.
- 2X miles on United Purchases
- 2X miles at hotels and restaurants
- 1X mile on all other purchases
- First Checked Bag Free
- Priority Boarding
- 2 United Club one-time passes every year
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months.
A note about using credit cards
Credit Cards are like table saws. If you know how to use them safely and respect their power, you can build amazing things (like a tidy sum of points for an amazing trip). But if you aren’t diligent and meticulous about using credit cards responsibly, you can lose an arm and a leg…or your house.
Two rules to always follow:
1. Only use credit cards to purchase things you actually have the money to buy.
2. Pay your credit card on time and in full every month.
If you cannot always follow those two rules, do not apply for this card or any credit card.
Not sure where to start? Let me help you!
No matter where you’re at on your points and miles journey, I would love to help you. Fill out the form on this page for a Free Credit Card Consultation and I will help you figure out your next move!
