Travel cards fall into two camps: flexible-points cards (points you can move to different airlines and hotels) and co-brand cards (tied to one airline or hotel, with loyalty perks). Every card below charges no foreign transaction fee, so they won't nick you abroad.
The real question with a travel card is whether its perks and credits outweigh its annual fee for how you actually travel. We picked a card for each stage — from a $0-fee starter to a full premium card. Here they are.
Capital One VentureOne
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
The Platinum Card® (Amex)
United℠ Explorer Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®
How to choose a travel card
- Start with the fee math: add up the credits and perks you'll actually use and compare to the annual fee.
- Flexible points (Capital One, Chase) give you the most options; co-brand cards pay off if you're loyal to one airline or hotel.
- If you fly one airline often, an airline card's free checked bag and priority boarding can cover the fee on its own.
- Premium cards suit frequent flyers who'll use lounges and travel credits — not occasional travelers.
Get the most from it
- Use the card for travel and dining to earn the elevated rates, and pay in full to avoid interest.
- Book through the issuer's travel portal when it boosts your earn rate — but compare prices first.
- Actually use the credits (travel, dining, statement) — they're how premium cards pay for themselves.
- Redeem points for travel or transfers, which usually beats cash-out value.
Common questions
Are travel cards worth the annual fee?
Only if the credits and perks you'll use exceed the fee. A $95 card often pays off with one or two trips a year; premium cards need frequent travel.
Points vs miles — what's the difference?
'Miles' are usually just an airline card's version of points. Flexible points (transferable to many partners) give you more redemption options than fixed airline miles.
Which is best for a beginner?
A no-annual-fee or $95 flexible-points card is the usual starting point — low commitment with room to grow.
Do these charge foreign transaction fees?
No — every card on this list waives foreign transaction fees, which is standard for good travel cards.