Best Travel Credit Cards 2024

Travel credit cards, which provide many benefits that enhance our travel experiences, have completely transformed how we see the globe. These cards are now a necessary tool for tourists, offering perks like access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and the ability to accrue points and miles.

There is a card to fit every kind of traveler in 2024 when the market is more competitive than ever. There is a great fit out there, whether you’re an avid traveler, are just getting started with travel rewards, or are searching for a card without an annual fee.

In this article, we will discuss the best travel credit cards in 2024, their characteristics, advantages, and ideal traveler kinds.

Best Travel Credit Cards for International Travelers

The best travel credit cards 2024 for international travelers have no foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, travel insurance, and rewards that can be used to pay for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Here are some of the top travel credit cards for international travelers in 2024:

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is an excellent option for the best travel credit cards for international travelers and the best travel credit cards for beginners. It offers 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines.

Key Features:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Baggage insurance plan
• Global Assist® Hotline
• Dining credits and Uber Cash benefits

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great choice for those who travel abroad. It has a strong rewards program and numerous travel bonuses. Cardholders receive double points for travel and eating, and single points for all other transactions. The points can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, allowing for greater flexibility in award redemption.

Key Features:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Primary rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is popular because of its straightforward and beneficial program. This is also the best travel credit card for beginners Every transaction earns you 2X points, which you can quickly redeem for travel expenses such as flights and hotels. If you enjoy traveling, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice, as it provides superior travel benefits at a cheaper rate than competitors.

Key Features:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit
• Travel accident insurance
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Choice Privileges Mastercard

For travelers who frequently travel and stay at Choice Properties hotels, the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is a great option. For a $95 annual fee, you’ll earn a substantial welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months. You’ll also earn points on various transactions, including 10 points per $1 on Choice Hotels stays and point purchases and 5 points per $1 on petrol.

Key Features:

• Large annual bonus
• Strong travel benefits
• no foreign currency conversion fee
• Cellphone protection

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

If you’re shopping for one of the best travel credit cards in 2024, try the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card. This card is great for frequent travelers because it earns four points for every dollar spent on travel and petrol and benefits for other purchases. New cardholders can also receive a $500 welcome bonus after reaching the spending limit.

Key Featured:

• Sign-up bonus
• Statement credit for the TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee
• Streaming service credit
• Annual fee after the first year

Hilton Honors American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a leading contender for the best travel credit cards in 2024¹. It includes new advantages including up to $240 in annual statement credits on qualified Hilton expenditures and a simplified rewards structure that allows cardholders to earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all purchases. Cardholders can earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for every dollar spent directly with a Hilton-branded hotel or resort.

Key Featured:

• Complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status.
• An annual free night award.
•  Compatible Priority Move on. Choose a membership.
• $189 Clear membership credit.

How to Know Which Premium Travel Credit Card Is Best for You

When it comes to premium travel credit cards, you need to make an informed decision because you will most likely just have one or two options. Assess your top goals and concentrate on the most important rewards to make the best option. Unfortunately, no card provides all these benefits, including airline and hotel status, lounge access, and travel credits. However, some cards are nearby.

Some of the top candidates include American Express’ Platinum Card®, which has an annual charge of $695, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which has an annual fee of $550. The Citi Prestige® Card, which has an annual charge of $495, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which costs $395 per year, are also worth considering.

If you frequently fly with United Airlines, consider the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which has an annual charge of $525. Finally, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, with a $550 annual fee, is an excellent alternative for Hilton followers.

Can You Get Credit Card Companies to Waive the Annual Fee?

While card issuers generally stick to their stated fees, there are times when they may ma an exception. Your probability of receiving a fee waiver is based on your card history. If you’ve been a loyal customer for a long time and have always paid on time, you’re more likely to receive a waiver. New cardholders, on the other hand, or those with a history of late payments, may not be so fortunate.

Even if the issuer does not completely waive the fee, they may provide alternative benefits such as more rewards points, card privileges, or a statement credit equivalent to the fee amount.

To improve your chances of getting the fee waived, use these tactics:

1. Call Customer Service

Make contact with your card issuer’s customer care department and request a waiver of the yearly charge. Explain that you appreciate the card but are thinking about options without an annual fee. Be assertive but kind. Emphasize your consistent payment history and dedication.

2. Highlight Your Usage

Mention how often you use the card and how much business you bring to the issuer if you use it frequently. Businesses that regularly generate transaction fees and interest from valuable clients are more willing to waive costs for them.

3. Request Offers of Retention

Retention offers are a common tactic used by credit card firms to retain consumers. These deals may consist of a statement credit, extra points, or the yearly charge waived. It can be useful to just inquire about any retention offers that may be available.

4. Take a look at downgrading

Ask about upgrading to a no-cost card within the same issuer’s portfolio if they won’t waive the fee. In this manner, you can avoid paying the annual charge and keep your credit limit and account history.

By using these techniques, you could be able to have the annual fee on your credit card removed, which would allow you to keep the perks of the card while saving money.