The Best Travel Credit Cards for Earning Miles and Points

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Written By Caleb Michael Howard

Travel rewards credit cards have become one of the best ways to earn miles and points for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Whether you're an experienced globetrotter or a casual traveler, having a card that offers lucrative rewards can significantly reduce the cost of your trips. From bonus miles to exclusive perks like airport lounge access, the right travel credit card can unlock a world of benefits.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best travel credit cards for earning miles and points, helping you make an informed decision on which one fits your travel style.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for: Versatile Travel Rewards and Sign-Up Bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often hailed as one of the best all-around travel cards, offering a great mix of rewards, flexibility, and travel protections. With a generous sign-up bonus and a robust points system, it’s perfect for travelers who want to earn points without committing to one specific airline or hotel chain.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Points: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on other purchases.
Points Redemption: Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. You can also transfer points to over 14 airline and hotel partners.
Annual Fee: $95

The flexibility of Ultimate Rewards points makes this card especially appealing for those who like to mix and match their travel options. Points can be transferred to partners such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt, and Marriott.

2. American Express® Gold Card

Best for: Dining and Restaurant Rewards

For food lovers who want to earn points while dining out, the American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice. With its strong earning potential at restaurants and its valuable rewards program, it stands out as a go-to card for frequent diners.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
Earning Points: 4x points on restaurants (including takeout and delivery), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x point on other purchases.
Points Redemption: Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed for travel, shopping, or transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
Annual Fee: $250

The Amex Gold card provides fantastic value for those who dine out often. Its high earning rate at restaurants and its ability to transfer points to top travel partners like Delta, British Airways, and Hilton Honors make it a versatile travel card.

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for: Premium Travel Perks and Luxury Benefits

If you're looking for top-tier benefits and the ability to earn lots of points, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option. It's designed for frequent travelers who want access to premium benefits, such as airport lounge access, elite status with hotels, and more.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earning Points: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1x point on other purchases.
Points Redemption: Membership Rewards® points can be transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel partners or used for booking travel through Amex Travel.
Annual Fee: $695

In addition to the great earning potential, The Platinum Card® offers numerous travel benefits, including access to the Centurion Lounge network, Hilton Honors Gold status, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. It also provides access to the Global Lounge Collection and other premium travel perks.

4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Flat-rate Earning on Every Purchase

For those who prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards program, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an ideal choice. It offers 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to rack up rewards without worrying about category spending.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Miles: 2x miles on every purchase.
Miles Redemption: Miles can be used to erase travel purchases, or they can be transferred to over 15 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains.
Annual Fee: $95

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is one of the best options for those who want a straightforward, no-hassle way to earn miles. It also offers valuable travel protections, including rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and more.

5. Citi Premier® Card

Best for: Earning Points on Travel and Dining

The Citi Premier® Card offers a great combination of earning potential on travel and dining, along with valuable points that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. If you travel frequently and want to earn on both everyday purchases and travel-related expenses, this card is an excellent option.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Points: 3x points on travel (including gas stations), 2x points on dining and entertainment, 1x point on other purchases.
Points Redemption: ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, or transferred to over 15 airline partners.
Annual Fee: $95

Citi’s ThankYou® Points program allows cardholders to transfer points to a variety of airline partners, including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. This makes it a solid choice for international travelers looking for flexibility.

6. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Best for: Premium Travelers Who Want More Value

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want maximum value for their points. Although it comes with a high annual fee, the card offers top-tier rewards and benefits, including a 50% bonus on points when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Points: 3x points on travel (after earning your $300 travel credit), 3x points on dining, 1x point on other purchases.
Points Redemption: Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be redeemed for travel at a 50% bonus, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.
Annual Fee: $550

The Sapphire Reserve® is packed with premium benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, access to Priority Pass airport lounges, and comprehensive travel insurance. If you're someone who values luxury and flexibility, this card offers exceptional value.

7. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best for: Earning Miles with Delta Airlines

If you’re loyal to Delta Airlines, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is an excellent option for earning miles. This card offers great rewards for Delta purchases and a host of perks for frequent flyers.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn 70,000 SkyMiles® after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Miles: 2x miles on Delta purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 1x mile on other purchases.
Miles Redemption: SkyMiles® can be used for Delta flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel purchases.
Annual Fee: $99 (waived the first year)

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card gives cardholders priority boarding and a free first checked bag on Delta flights. It’s an ideal card for anyone who frequently flies Delta and wants to earn miles toward free flights or upgrades.

Conclusion

The best travel credit card for you depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. Whether you want a flexible rewards program like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, a card that maximizes dining rewards like the Amex Gold, or one that provides premium travel perks like the Platinum Card® from American Express, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Before applying for a travel credit card, consider your goals for travel rewards and how you typically spend. Also, always weigh the card’s annual fee and benefits to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and travel plans. With the right travel credit card, you can earn miles and points faster, making your next trip that much more rewarding.