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A travel credit card offers many benefits, especially if you’re a frequent globetrotter.
These cards come with rewards programs and perks to help you travel for free — or at least at a significant discount.
Some cards offer exclusive airport lounge access, travel insurance, and membership discounts on Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
With so many options out there, choosing the right card for you can be tough, especially if it’s your first card. Here are some of the best beginner credit card options — all have no (or low) annual fees and generous rewards.
Best beginner-friendly travel cards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular travel rewards card, and for good reason. With this card, you’ll earn 5x points for each dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services and select streaming services), 2x points on other travel purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases.
One of the standout features of this card is the flexibility in redeeming your rewards. You can use points for travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to partner airline and hotel programs. This offers a wide range of options to maximize the value of your rewards.
The Preferred Card often comes with a generous sign-up bonus and added travel benefits like trip cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance. Terms and conditions apply.
Although this card has an annual fee of $95, its exceptional bonus points for travel and dining make it a worthwhile choice for globetrotters.
Pros
- Generous travel rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
2. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
If you’re looking for a travel credit card without the annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card may be a good option.
Cardholders can earn 3x points in certain categories, including restaurants, gas stations, and electric vehicle charging stations. You can earn 3x points on travel, transit, select streaming services, and phone plans. All other purchases earn 1x points.
Cardholders also get Visa Signature status, which includes a dedicated concierge service that you can use to make reservations, book travel arrangements, and secure tickets to sought-after events.
The Autograph Card also has a robust introductory bonus not found on most other no-fee credit cards.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Concierge service for travel reservations
Cons
- No airport lounge access program
- Smaller introductory bonus than other cards
- No airport lounge access
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a straightforward rewards program: Earn miles for every purchase you make and redeem those miles for travel expenses.
There are no complicated bonus categories to worry about – you earn a flat rate of two miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it easy to accumulate rewards.
“I like the flexibility this card offers — most purchases earn two miles per dollar and can be redeemed for 1 cent apiece toward any travel, so it’s basically akin to a 2% cash back card that can be used to offset almost any travel purchase,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.
Redeeming your miles is a breeze. You can use them to book flights, hotels, and rental cars through the Capital One travel portal (which will earn you 5x miles per dollar). You can transfer your miles to other airline loyalty programs, giving you even more flexibility.
While the Venture Rewards Card has an annual fee of $95, it often has a generous sign-up bonus.
Pros
- Low annual fee of $95
- Unlimited flat-rate miles
- No foreign transaction fee
- Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Cons
- No bonus categories
- Limited redemption options compared to other cards
While the American Express Gold Card does come with an annual fee of $250, the potential rewards and perks make it a compelling option for travelers. See rates and fees.
You can earn points on everyday purchases, with higher earning rates when dining at restaurants and shopping at U.S. supermarkets. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or stocking up on groceries, your spending can add up to valuable points — which can get you discounts on travel.
One of the highlights of the Amex Gold Card is its access to the American Express Membership Rewards program, which allows you to redeem your points for a wide range of rewards. You can also get added perks like airline fee credits and complimentary hotel upgrades. These additional benefits enhance your travel experience and provide value beyond your earned points.
The Amex Gold Card often comes with a generous introductory bonus if you meet a certain spending threshold within the first six months.
Pros
- High travel rewards rates on everyday spending
- Annual bonus credits
- Baggage insurance
- Airline and hotel credits
Cons
- High annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- Restricted redemption options
5. Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is another option for those seeking a travel rewards card with no annual fee.
One of the key advantages is its simplicity. You earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases without the hassle of rotating categories or spending restrictions.
Redeeming your points is hassle-free as well. You can use them to offset travel expenses such as flights, hotels, vacation packages, or rental cars. Unlike other travel rewards cards, there are no blackout dates or restrictions. Plus, if you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can earn even more points through the Preferred Rewards program.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Flat-rate earning structure
- Boosted rewards if you’re a Bank of America customer
- Introductory bonus
Cons:
- No bonus categories
- Lower points value for non-travel redemptions
- Less travel perks than other cards
What to consider when looking for a new card
You want to make sure you end up with a card with benefits that match your lifestyle and spending habits. When searching for your first travel rewards card, here’s what you should consider.
Credit score
Many of the best cards require a good to excellent credit score to qualify.
“Typically, the best rewards credit cards are looking for a credit score of at least 670,” says Rossman. “If you’re in the 700s, even better. In other words, good to excellent credit.”
Before applying for a credit card, review your score so that you know where you stand. If your score needs some work and you’re hoping to apply to a top-tier card, consider spending some time building your credit score first.
Some credit-building strategies include paying your balance in full each month, disputing errors on your credit report, and paying down cards with high balances.
Rewards structure
It’s also a good idea to think about how you plan to use the credit card to make sure the rewards align with your lifestyle. If you dine out a lot or stay frequently at hotels, you’ll want to select a card that offers generous rewards in those spending categories.
“A frequent traveler might find value in cards that offer perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or no foreign transaction fees,” says Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner and CEO of Kovar Wealth Management. “Others might opt for cards that offer cashback on groceries, dining, or gas if those better match their spending habits.”
Annual fees
Some cards come with annual fees, and some don’t.
If you don’t intend to use the card enough to offset the expense, or you won’t benefit from all of the rewards, it’s best to choose a card with no annual fee. The same goes for if it doesn’t fit in with your budget.
“[Some cards] come with hefty fees, but also offer substantial benefits like travel credits and extensive lounge access, making the fee justifiable for some,” says Kovar. However, there are solid travel cards without annual fees. It’s all about weighing the fee against the perks on an individual basis.”
Interest rate
Interest rates in the double digits are standard with many credit cards these days. You should avoid carrying a balance, if possible. Not only does it lead to interest charges, it can eat away at the rewards you’re earning.
“Any good rewards strategy starts with paying on time and in full to avoid interest,” says Rossman. “It doesn’t make sense to pay 20% interest (the average credit card rate) just to earn 1%, 2%, or even 5% in cash back or airline miles.”
Ideally, having a credit card with a low APR is best. But when that’s not possible, make a budget and ensure you plan to pay your balance in full each month.
Bottom line
Travel credit cards can be a valuable way to earn rewards on your everyday spending, especially if you like to travel frequently.
If you’re searching for your first travel rewards card, the key is to find credit card benefits that align with your lifestyle and spending. Shop around, compare different card options, and review the fine print to find the best starter card for your needs.
[Disclaimer]: *Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
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