MEET LAUREL
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT TRAVELING THE WORLD FOR NEARLY FREE WITH POINTS?
I did too but didn't know what to do or where to start! So 6 months ago I went down a rabbit hole and decided to figure this whole "points earning" thing. I've learned a lot and made a couple mistakes as I have been educating myself and I want to share my successes along with my mistakes as well.
Using a credit card is an important step in building a strong credit history and score, so why not earn travel rewards while paying for everyday purchases?
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I’ve put together this easy-to-use guide to help you pick a travel rewards credit card that’s perfect for you—whether you’re running a business, saving up for your first big trip, or flying all around the world! MORE EDUCATION IS COMING SO STICK AROUND!
Let's Find Your Perfect Card
With numerous credit cards boasting fantastic perks, the question arises: how do you select the right one? I've gathered my top travel reward credit cards right here. Explore the benefits of my favorite cards below or utilize the icons to navigate to a specific category!
BUSINESS
Disclaimer: I’ve partnered with Card Companies to help recommend my favorite travel credit card products. Point me 2 the World and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers if you choose to apply through these links. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. The site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. As always, my recommendations, opinions, and reviews are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
My First Travel Credit Cards
MY FIRST TRAVEL CARDS: I APPLIED FOR THE CHASE INK FIRST AND THEN I REFERRED MY SPOUSE FOR HIM TO APPLY A MONTH LATER.. AFTER MEETING OUR SPENDING LIMITS WE HAD A TOTAL OF 200,000 POINTS (FROM THE BONUS) PLUS THE POINTS FROM SPENDING, GAVE US A TOTAL OF 240,000 POINTS WHICH WE USED TO BOOK 2 ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA.
I use the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for my small business! I love that my business expenses can help build up points for personal travel, and I can pool those points together with my other Chase travel credit cards to redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It's a win - win for me
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Air, Southwest,, United, virgin Atlantic
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card stands out as one of the top choices for comprehensive airline rewards. If your aim is to have checked bags for free and 15% off on flights booked on Delta and you frequently spend on travel, this card presents the optimal opportunity to achieve your goals.
CURRENT OFFER: First checked bag free,, earn Delta credit for everyday spending, 20% Back On Eligible Delta In-Flight purchases, Take off 15% when booking your own flights on Delta.com
ANNUAL FEE: No annual fee
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Delta Only
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as one of the top choices for perks and benefits, offering over $1,000 in annual statement credits. Cardholders enjoy access to Amex Centurion Lounges globally, travel protection, and Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 250,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $695 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Delta, Aer Lingus, Aero Mexico, Aero Plan, KLM, ANA, Avianca, British Airways Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian, Iberian Plus, JetBlue, Qantas, Qatar,, Singapore Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
Best Travel Cards for "First Timers"
In my view, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal choice for newcomers to the world of points travel. With straightforward mile transfers and minimal fees, it's the perfect entry-level credit card for travelers seeking clarity and optimal rewards.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn $75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Air, Southwest,, United, virgin Atlantic
The American Express® Gold Card serves as a versatile option, particularly appealing to food enthusiasts. Why, you might wonder? Because you earn 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants, including takeout and food delivery services. In essence, you accumulate points for every meal, making it I can get behind!
CURRENT OFFER: Earn more 60,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $250 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS: Delta, Aer Lingus, Aero Mexico, Aero Plan, KLM, ANA, Avianca, British Airways Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian, Iberian Plus, JetBlue, Qantas, Qatar,, Singapore Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
Finally a card that lets you earn points on rent (with no transaction fee). Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points. Earn even more on Rent Day with 6X on dining, 4X on travel, and 2X on other purchases (except rent). Bilt Points ranked as the most valuable rewards points (above Amex Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards), byBankrate.com.
CURRENT OFFER: No current sign up offer
ANNUAL FEE: No annual fee
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Alaska, American, Flying Blue, Cathay, Aeroplan, United, Virgin Atlantic,, Avianca, Turkish, Iberia, British Airway,s, Aerclub, Emirates, and Hawaiian.
Best Travel Cards for the "Frequent Traveler"
In my view, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal choice for frequent travelers with a straightforward mile transfers and minimal fees, it's the perfect travelers credit card for travelers seeking clarity and optimal rewards.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn $75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Air, Southwest,, United, virgin Atlantic
With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can accumulate miles on every single purchase. There are no restrictions on the number of miles you can earn annually or how you earn them, making it an ideal choice for individuals who prefer using one credit card for all their expenses!
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
ANNUAL FEE: $395
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aero Mexica, Aeroplan, KLM, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, EVA, Finnair, Qantas, Singapore, TAP, Turkish, Virgin Red
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as one of the top choices for perks and benefits, offering over $1,000 in annual statement credits. Cardholders enjoy access to Amex Centurion Lounges globally, travel protection, and Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 250,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $695 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Delta, Aer Lingus, Aero Mexico, Aero Plan, KLM, ANA, Avianca, British Airways Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian, Iberian Plus, JetBlue, Qantas, Qatar,, Singapore Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
Best Travel Cards for "Airline Loyalty"
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card stands out as one of the top choices for comprehensive airline rewards. If your aim is to have checked bags for free and 15% off on flights booked on Delta and you frequently spend on travel, this card presents the optimal opportunity to achieve your goals.
CURRENT OFFER: First checked bag free,, earn Delta credit for everyday spending, 20% Back On Eligible Delta In-Flight purchases, Take off 15% when booking your own flights on Delta.com
ANNUAL FEE: No annual fee
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Delta Only
If your loyalty lies with Southwest Airlines or if you often travel domestically, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could be the perfect fit for your travel credit card needs! One of the best perks of this card is reaching their threshold for companion fares.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. and 7,500 anniversary points each year..
ANNUAL FEE: $149 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Southwest Only
Best Travel Cards for the "Business"
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as one of the top choices for perks and benefits, offering over $1,000 in annual statement credits. Cardholders enjoy access to Amex Centurion Lounges globally, travel protection, and Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 250,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $695 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Delta, Aer Lingus, Aero Mexico, Aero Plan, KLM, ANA, Avianca, British Airways Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian, Iberian Plus, JetBlue, Qantas, Qatar,, Singapore Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
I use the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for my small business! I love that my business expenses can help build up points for personal travel, and I can pool those points together with my other Chase travel credit cards to redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It's a win - win for me
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Air, Southwest,, United, virgin Atlantic
Best Travel Cards for "Hotel Stays"
If your loyalty lies with Marriott and if you love this fabulous hotel chain, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Credit Card could be the perfect fit for your travel credit card needs! One of the best perks of this card is how many airlines you can transfer these points to as well as making easy to earn points on a daily basis.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS::Members have access to more Airline Partners than ever before, with more than 35 total Airline Partners. Click here for a list of all their
In my view, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal choice for hotel stays and frequent travelers with a straightforward mile transfers and minimal fees, it's the perfect travelers credit card for travelers seeking clarity and optimal rewards.
CURRENT OFFER: Earn $75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95 annually
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Air, Southwest,, United, virgin Atlantic
With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can accumulate miles on every single purchase. There are no restrictions on the number of miles you can earn annually or how you earn them, making it an ideal choice for individuals who prefer using one credit card for all their expenses!
CURRENT OFFER: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
ANNUAL FEE: $395
AIRLINE PARTNERS:: Aero Mexica, Aeroplan, KLM, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, EVA, Finnair, Qantas, Singapore, TAP, Turkish, Virgin Red