Travel rewards credit cards can make your trips more affordable and enjoyable by offering perks like free flights, hotel stays, and access to airport lounges. But not all travel credit cards are created equal. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of the top five travel rewards credit cards, helping you decide which one fits your travel style.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Pros:

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn a significant number of points (e.g., 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards).

• Flexible Redemption Options: Points transfer to over a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs, making it versatile for international and domestic travel.

• Travel Perks: Includes trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.

• High Points Value: Earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x on all other purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Cons:

• Annual Fee: $95, which may not be ideal for infrequent travelers.

• No Lounge Access: While it offers great rewards, it lacks premium perks like airport lounge access.

2. American Express® Gold Card

Pros:

• Dining Rewards: Earn 4x points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year spent at U.S. supermarkets.

• Transfer Partners: Access to an extensive list of airline transfer partners for international travel.

• Travel Credits: Enjoy a $120 annual dining credit and $120 Uber Cash for eligible purchases, offsetting the card’s cost.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travelers.

Cons:

• High Annual Fee: $250, which might be steep if you don’t maximize its benefits.

• Limited Travel Perks: Lacks complimentary lounge access or robust travel insurance benefits compared to other premium travel cards.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Pros:

• Simple Rewards System: Earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases.

• Flexible Redemptions: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs.

• Low Annual Fee: $95, making it affordable for both frequent and occasional travelers.

• Bonus Miles: Generous welcome offer (e.g., 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in three months).

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit for these application fees.

Cons:

• Limited Transfer Value: While miles can be transferred to partners, the value isn’t always competitive.

• Lack of Premium Travel Perks: No complimentary lounge access or travel upgrades.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Pros:

• Unmatched Lounge Access: Includes access to AmEx Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs.

• Extensive Travel Credits: Enjoy credits for Uber, airline incidental fees, hotel bookings, and more.

• High Rewards Rate on Travel: Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel.

• Luxury Perks: Benefits like complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.

Cons:

• Steep Annual Fee: $695, one of the highest among travel cards, requiring heavy usage to justify.

• Limited Everyday Rewards: Low rewards rates (1x) on non-travel and non-dining purchases.

5. Venture X Rewards Credit Card (by Capital One)

Pros:

• Premium Perks at a Lower Cost: $395 annual fee, but offers $300 in annual travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary.

• Unlimited Rewards: Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2x miles on all other purchases.

• Lounge Access: Includes access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One Lounges.

• Flexible Redemptions: Similar to the Venture card, points are easy to redeem or transfer to partners.

Cons:

• Limited Lounge Network: While offering lounge access, Capital One lounges are currently fewer compared to competitors.

• Restricted Travel Credits: The $300 credit is limited to bookings through Capital One Travel.

Which Card Should You Choose?

• Budget-Friendly Travelers: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offer strong rewards without excessive fees.

• Luxury Seekers: The AmEx Platinum Card is the go-to option for premium perks like lounge access and elite hotel status.

• Foodies and Frequent Flyers: The AmEx Gold Card shines for its dining rewards and valuable airline transfer options.

• Comprehensive Rewards: The Capital One Venture X provides a balance of premium perks and affordability.