From points to sign-on bonuses, these are some of the best credit cards that will essentially pay for your next trip.
With the right credit card, your spending can actually earn you travel perks.
When it comes to getting the most rewards from your stays, there are a few things to think about. Do you usually book hotels or go for vacation rentals like Airbnb? Are you loyal to a specific hotel chain, or do you jump around based on the best deals?
These days, experts like Max Do, founder of Max Miles Points, suggest ditching brand loyalty and picking a card that works across multiple hotel groups and accommodation types.
“My strategy is simple—the more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have, and the better your chances of redeeming miles and points for maximum value,” says Do. “Having access to different hotel programs opens up more opportunities for snagging the travel deals or trips you really want.”
A flexible card (instead of one tied to a specific chain) also protects you from devaluations—when the points needed for a purchase go up, reducing their worth. Do recommends keeping things simple and choosing a card that fits your lifestyle best.
“There are endless ways to strategize, but the simpler you keep it, the easier it is to actually use your points,” he adds.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Most recommended by points experts.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card came up again and again in expert recommendations, thanks to its strong rewards potential. You’ll earn:
- 5x points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel (like flights),
- 3x points on dining, select streaming, and online groceries,
- 2x points on all other travel, and
- 1x point on everything else.
With rewards like that, it’s hard not to earn money back. Plus, the $95 annual fee makes it a solid pick for all kinds of travelers.
Cardholders also get a $50 annual hotel credit and 25% more value when redeeming points for hotels, flights, or rental cars through Chase Travel. Trip cancellation and travel insurance are also included for free on bookings made through their site.
“A smart move for hotel stays is transferring points from a flexible rewards program,” says Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel. “Some of my favorite ways to use flexible points include booking Hyatt stays with Chase or Bilt points—you can do this with the BILT card or Chase cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred.”
That’s why this card is a great all-around option, especially for travelers who chase the best rates rather than sticking to one chain.
“If you’re not loyal to a specific hotel brand, I’d start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred,” adds Katie Holden, founder of Katie’s Travel Tricks. “It gives you the flexibility to book hotels through Chase Travel—or transfer points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio for stays.”
Capital One Venture X Rewards
For the everyday traveler.
The elite perks on this card more than justify its $395 annual fee. Cardholders earn:
- 10x points per dollar on hotels and rental cars,
- 5x points on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and
- 2x points on all other purchases.
Points transfer easily to 15+ travel loyalty programs, and you can upgrade stays in the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with perks like experience credits and room upgrades.
There’s also a 75,000-point sign-up bonus (worth ~
750intravel)afterspending∗∗
750intravel)afterspending∗∗4,000 in the first 3 months**. Plus, you’ll get:
- A $300 annual travel credit,
- 10,000 bonus points every year (starting at your first anniversary), and
- Lounge access for you and two guests at 1,000+ airports worldwide.
Menez recommends using Capital One points at Wyndham Vacasa properties (similar to Airbnbs), starting at just 15,000 points per night.
And with up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, this card is a powerhouse for frequent travelers.
The World of Hyatt
For the loyalists.
Hyatt’s network isn’t as big as some chains, but their World of Hyatt Visa card delivers unbeatable value for regulars. The free annual night and high point redemptions easily cover the $95 annual fee.
Cardholders earn:
- Up to 9x points per $1 at Hyatt (4x bonus points + 5x base points as a member),
- 2x points at restaurants, on direct airline tickets, transit, and gym memberships.
You also get:
- A free anniversary night,
- Discoverist status, and
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Hyatt’s category-based system (unlike Marriott or Hilton’s dynamic pricing) means point values stay steady—even during peak demand.
“With Hyatt, if a hotel costs 30,000 points, it doesn’t matter if there’s a concert or game driving up cash prices,” says Menez. “That’s how you get serious value from your points.”
American Express Gold
For the foodies.
At $395/year, the Amex Gold might seem steep, but its rewards are worth it. You’ll earn:
- 4x points at restaurants (up to
- 50,000/year∗∗)andU.S.supermarkets(upto∗∗
- 50,000/year∗∗)andU.S.supermarkets(upto∗∗25,000/year), plus a $120 dining credit.
The 60,000-point welcome offer gives you a strong start, and you’ll get a $100 hotel credit on Amex Travel bookings.
While not marketed as a travel card, its everyday spending rewards make it a lifestyle favorite, says Owen Beiny of The Points Partner.
*”Earning points is just 25-30% of the game,”* he notes. “The real magic is in how you use them.”
Stay on top of offers and transfer programs, and your regular spending could cover your travels completely.