Travel rewards and cashback credit cards can help you save money on flights, hotels, and everyday purchases. Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking for premium perks or someone who prefers simple cashback on daily spending, there’s a card that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for travel rewards and cashback, comparing their benefits, annual fees, and redemption options.
Why Use a Travel Rewards or Cashback Credit Card?
Before diving into the best cards, let’s explore why these credit cards are worth considering:
- Earn Free Travel – Many cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and upgrades.
- Cashback on Everyday Purchases – Some cards provide a percentage back on groceries, gas, dining, and more.
- Sign-Up Bonuses – Many cards offer large welcome bonuses (e.g., 50,000+ points after meeting a spending requirement).
- Travel Perks – Premium cards include airport lounge access, travel credits, and elite status benefits.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Ideal for international travelers.
Now, let’s look at the best options in different categories.
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Beginners and frequent travelers
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending 4,000inthefirst3months(worth4,000inthefirst3months(worth750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).
- 2X points on travel and dining.
- 1.25 cents per point value when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation coverage.
Why We Like It:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is one of the best starter travel cards, offering strong rewards and flexible redemption options.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee: $550
Best For: Luxury travelers
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- 3X points on travel and dining.
- **300annualtravelcredit∗∗(effectivelylowerstheannualfeeto300annualtravelcredit∗∗(effectivelylowerstheannualfeeto250).
- Priority Pass™ Select lounge access.
- 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Why We Like It:
If you travel frequently, the Sapphire Reserve’s premium perks (like lounge access and travel credits) make it worth the high annual fee.
3. American Express® Gold Card
Annual Fee: $250
Best For: Foodies and travelers
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines.
- $120 annual dining credit (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.).
- $100 hotel credit on eligible stays.
Why We Like It:
The Amex Gold Card is perfect for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries while earning valuable transferable points.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Flexible travel rewards
Key Benefits:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- 2X miles on every purchase.
- Transfer partners (including airlines like Air Canada and Emirates).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100).
Why We Like It:
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is simple yet powerful, offering easy redemptions for travel purchases.
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $695
Best For: Luxury travelers with high spending
Key Benefits:
- 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- 5X points on flights (booked directly or via Amex Travel) and prepaid hotels.
- $200 annual airline fee credit.
- $200 annual Uber Cash.
- Access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass™ lounges.
- Elite hotel status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
Why We Like It:
If you can maximize the credits and lounge access, the Amex Platinum is one of the most prestigious travel cards available.
Best Cashback Credit Cards
If you prefer straightforward cashback over travel rewards, these cards are excellent choices.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual Fee: $0
Best For: Everyday cashback
Key Benefits:
- **200bonus∗∗afterspending200bonus∗∗afterspending500 in the first 3 months.
- 5% cashback on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3% cashback on dining and drugstores.
- 1.5% cashback on all other purchases.
Why We Like It:
With no annual fee and strong cashback rates, this card is a great all-around option.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
Annual Fee: $0
Best For: Flat-rate cashback
Key Benefits:
- 2% cashback on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- No bonus categories to track.
Why We Like It:
Simplicity at its best—just earn 2% back on everything.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Grocery and gas spending
Key Benefits:
- 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
- 6% cashback on select U.S. streaming services.
- 3% cashback on transit and gas stations.
- **250welcomebonus∗∗afterspending250welcomebonus∗∗afterspending3,000 in the first 6 months.
Why We Like It:
If you spend heavily on groceries and streaming, this card offers unbeatable rewards.
4. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Best For: Unlimited flat-rate cashback
Key Benefits:
- **200cashrewards∗∗afterspending200cashrewards∗∗afterspending500 in the first 3 months.
- 2% cashback on all purchases.
- Cell phone protection (up to $600 per claim).
Why We Like It:
A strong competitor to the Citi Double Cash, with a solid welcome bonus.
5. Discover it® Cash Back
Annual Fee: $0
Best For: Rotating bonus categories
Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%).
- Unlimited 1% cashback on everything else.
- First-year cashback match (effectively doubling your rewards).
Why We Like It:
Great for maximizing bonus categories, especially with the first-year match.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
When selecting a travel rewards or cashback card, consider:
- Your Spending Habits – Do you spend more on dining, groceries, or travel?
- Annual Fees – Are the benefits worth the cost?
- Redemption Flexibility – Can you transfer points to airlines or hotels?
- Sign-Up Bonuses – A large welcome offer can be worth hundreds in rewards.
Final Thoughts
The best credit card for you depends on your lifestyle and spending patterns.
- For premium travel perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum.
- For flexible rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture.
- For cashback: Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
By choosing the right card, you can turn everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, or cash in your pocket.