Ranked & Reviewed
Best Travel Credit Cards
Ranked by current sign-up bonus value. We update this page monthly as offers change. All affiliate links disclosed.
Chase
Sapphire Preferred
Best for: Beginners & flexible travelers
Welcome Bonus
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
≈ $900–$1,200 in travel value
Annual Fee
$95
Min. Spend (3 mo.)
$4,000
- ✓ Transfers to 14 airline & hotel partners
- ✓ 3x on dining, 2x on travel
- ✓ No foreign transaction fees
- ✓ Trip cancellation & delay insurance
- ✓ Primary rental car coverage
Opens on issuer's secure site
American Express
Gold Card
Best for: High spenders on dining & groceries
Welcome Bonus
60,000 Membership Rewards points
≈ $900–$1,500 in travel value
Annual Fee
$250
Min. Spend (3 mo.)
$6,000
- ✓ 4x on dining worldwide
- ✓ 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/yr)
- ✓ $120/yr dining credit
- ✓ $120/yr Uber Cash
- ✓ No foreign transaction fees
Opens on issuer's secure site
United
Explorer Card
Best for: Star Alliance fans
Welcome Bonus
60,000 United miles
≈ $900+ in partner business class in travel value
Annual Fee
$95 (waived year 1)
Min. Spend (3 mo.)
$3,000
- ✓ Books Star Alliance partners (ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore)
- ✓ Free first checked bag for you + 1 companion
- ✓ 2x on United purchases & dining
- ✓ 2 annual United Club passes
- ✓ Priority boarding
Opens on issuer's secure site
Chase
World of Hyatt Card
Best for: Hotel stays & upgrades
Welcome Bonus
30,000 Hyatt points
≈ 1–5 free nights in travel value
Annual Fee
$95
Min. Spend (3 mo.)
$3,000
- ✓ Best-value hotel points program
- ✓ Complimentary Discoverist status
- ✓ 1 free night each cardmember anniversary
- ✓ 4x at Hyatt hotels, 2x on dining & flights
- ✓ Suite upgrade awards
Opens on issuer's secure site