As a frequent traveler, I know how important it is to maximize the rewards and perks you can get from your credit cards. Earning travel miles is one of the best ways to save money on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. But with so many credit card options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are truly the best for racking up those valuable miles.After doing a ton of research and testing out different cards myself, I’ve put together this guide to the top credit cards for travel miles in 2024. Whether you’re looking to earn miles for your next big international trip or just want to save on domestic flights, these cards should be at the top of your list.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is consistently ranked as one of the best premium travel credit cards on the market, and for good reason. With this card, you’ll earn 3X points on travel and dining purchases, which are two of the biggest spending categories for most travelers.The sign-up bonus is also incredibly lucrative – you can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Those points are worth $900 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.Other standout perks of the Sapphire Reserve include a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, and excellent travel protections like trip delay insurance and rental car coverage. The $550 annual fee may seem steep, but I’ve found that the value you get from this card more than makes up for it, especially if you travel frequently.
American Express Platinum Card
If you’re looking for a premium travel credit card with unparalleled benefits, the American Express Platinum Card is tough to beat. While it has a $695 annual fee, the long list of perks makes it well worth the cost for frequent flyers.You’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, as well as 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. The current welcome offer is 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months – that’s worth $2,000 in travel.Some of the Platinum Card’s standout benefits include up to $200 in annual Uber credits, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, access to Centurion Lounges and other premium airport lounges, elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and more. If you can maximize all of these perks, the Platinum Card is an incredibly valuable addition to any frequent traveler’s wallet.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
For a premium travel card with a more reasonable annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. You’ll earn 2X miles on every purchase, plus 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.The sign-up bonus is also quite generous – you can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. That’s worth $750 in travel. Other perks include a $300 annual travel credit, access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges, and excellent travel protections.At $395 per year, the Venture X annual fee is significantly lower than the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve. But you still get premium benefits that can more than offset the cost, especially if you maximize the travel credits and lounge access.
Honorable Mentions
While the cards above are my top picks, there are a few other great options for travel miles that are worth considering:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. $95 annual fee.
- Citi Premier Card: Earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants. $95 annual fee.
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, including travel. No annual fee.
No matter which card you choose, earning travel miles can be an incredibly valuable way to save money on your trips. Just be sure to do your research, understand the benefits and fees, and pick the card that best fits your spending habits and travel goals.Happy travels!