Planning your next adventure shouldn’t break the bank, especially when smart credit card choices can actually help you save money. Travel credit cards offer amazing perks like free flights, hotel upgrades, and airport lounge access that make your trips more enjoyable. With so many options available, finding the right card can feel overwhelming.
We’ve researched the best travel credit cards that deliver real value for both flights and hotels, helping you turn everyday spending into unforgettable experiences.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve — Premium One-Card Setup for Flights + Hotels
Chase Sapphire Reserve stands as the ultimate travel companion for serious adventurers who demand premium experiences. This powerhouse card offers exceptional earning rates with 4x points on direct flight and hotel bookings, plus 3x on dining purchases.
What truly sets this card apart are its generous annual credits: $300 for travel expenses, $300 for dining (split into two $150 periods), and an impressive $500 hotel credit for prepaid stays. Priority Pass Select membership grants you and two guests access to airport lounges worldwide.
The $795 annual fee might seem steep, but frequent travelers who maximize these credits often come out ahead financially.
2. Capital One Venture X — Premium Perks at a (Relatively) Lower Fee
Capital One Venture X delivers premium travel benefits without the sky-high annual fee that usually comes with luxury cards. You’ll earn massive rewards with 10x points on hotels and rental cars, plus 5x on flights when booking through Capital One Travel.
The $300 annual travel credit applies to bookings made through their portal, making it easy to offset the card’s cost. Access to Capital One Lounges and partner locations ensures comfortable airport experiences during your travels.
Miles transfer to over 15 airline and hotel partners at favorable rates, giving you flexibility in how you redeem your rewards for maximum value.
3. The Platinum Card from American Express — Best for Lounges and Luxury Hotels
American Express Platinum Card opens doors to an exclusive world of luxury travel experiences that money typically can’t buy. Your membership includes access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and Priority Pass Select locations globally.
The $200 airline fee credit covers incidentals with your chosen U.S. carrier, while lifestyle credits like $240 for digital entertainment and $200 Uber Cash help justify the $695 annual fee. Fine Hotels + Resorts program provides VIP treatment including complimentary breakfast and late checkout.
Luxury-focused travelers who value premium experiences over simple cashback rewards find exceptional value in this prestigious card.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred — High Value at a Modest Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred proves that excellent travel rewards don’t require a premium price tag. With just a $95 annual fee, you’ll earn 5x points through Chase Travel, 2x on other travel purchases, and 3x on dining experiences.
The $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel helps offset the modest fee, while 1:1 point transfers to major partners like United, Southwest, British Airways, Hyatt, and Marriott maximize redemption value. This transfer ability transforms your everyday spending into premium travel opportunities.
Budget-conscious travelers who want access to top-tier airline and hotel programs without breaking the bank find this card perfectly balanced between cost and benefits.
5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey — Outsized Earn on Air and Hotels
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey focuses laser-sharp attention on what matters most to travelers: exceptional earning rates on flights and hotels. You’ll collect 5x points on hotel stays, 4x on airline purchases, and 3x on dining and other travel categories.
The $50 annual airline purchase credit sweetens the deal, while the reasonable $95 annual fee keeps costs manageable. Visa Signature benefits provide solid travel insurance protection, giving you peace of mind during your adventures.
Straightforward travelers who prefer maximizing their core travel spending without navigating complex loyalty program ecosystems appreciate this card’s simplicity and generous earning structure.
6. Citi Strata Premier — Strong Earn Plus an Annual Hotel Discount
Citi Strata Premier combines impressive earning potential with practical travel savings that add up quickly. Booking through Citi Travel nets you 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions, while everyday categories like supermarkets and gas stations earn 3x points.
The standout benefit is a $100 discount on hotel stays of $500 or more once per calendar year through Citi Travel. No foreign transaction fees make this card travel-friendly anywhere in the world.
Travelers who can commit to one significant hotel booking annually through Citi’s portal, combined with those who appreciate broad 3x earning categories, find excellent ongoing value in this versatile card.
7. Bilt Mastercard — Earn Transferable Points on Rent
Bilt Mastercard revolutionizes how renters can earn travel rewards by turning monthly rent payments into valuable airline and hotel points. With no annual fee, you’ll earn points on rent payments without additional costs, then transfer them 1:1 to partners like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Qatar Airways.
The expanding roster of transfer partners continues growing, offering more redemption flexibility over time. Activation rules apply, so check Bilt’s current requirements to ensure you’re maximizing your earning potential.
Renters who want to transform their largest monthly expense into meaningful travel rewards without paying card fees discover this unique opportunity incredibly valuable for long-term travel planning.
8. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire — Instant Top-Tier Hotel Status
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire instantly elevates your hotel experience with complimentary Diamond status, the highest tier in Hilton’s loyalty program. You’ll earn an incredible 14x points at Hilton properties, accelerating your path to free nights.
Premium credits include up to $400 in Hilton resort credits (split semiannually), $200 flight credit, and $100 credit for Waldorf or Conrad properties on eligible two-night stays. Free Night Reward opportunities provide additional value throughout the year.
Dedicated Hilton guests who frequently stay at the brand’s properties and can leverage Diamond perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and executive lounge access find this card’s benefits transformative for their travel experiences.
9. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express — Rich Perks at Premium Price
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express caters to Marriott loyalists with a powerful combination of elite status and valuable credits. Complimentary Platinum Elite status provides enhanced experiences across Marriott’s extensive portfolio of brands worldwide.
The annual Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points can cover premium properties in major destinations, while $300 in dining credits (typically issued monthly) help offset the card’s premium annual fee. These benefits create substantial value for frequent Marriott guests.
Marriott enthusiasts who regularly stay within the brand’s ecosystem and can maximize both the high-value free night certificate and Platinum Elite benefits annually find this card’s premium pricing justified by its rich reward structure.
10. World of Hyatt Credit Card (Chase) — Best Value for Aspirational Hotel Redemptions
World of Hyatt Credit Card delivers exceptional value for travelers who appreciate Hyatt’s award chart and premium properties. The annual free night certificate covers Category 1-4 properties, while 5 elite night credits each year help you progress toward elite status faster.
Accelerated earning of up to 9x total points (combining card and program earning) on Hyatt stays maximizes your rewards accumulation. Solid travel protections provide additional peace of mind during your journeys.
Travelers who value Hyatt’s consistent award pricing, luxury properties, and elite benefits—even for occasional stays—find the modest $95 annual fee easily justified by the card’s generous benefits and earning potential.
11. IHG One Rewards Premier (Chase) — Stretch Your Hotel Points
IHG One Rewards Premier maximizes your hotel stays with smart benefits that stretch your points further. The anniversary free night worth up to 40,000 points (with top-off allowed) opens doors to quality properties worldwide, while automatic Platinum Elite status enhances every stay.
The standout fourth night free benefit on award stays creates massive value for longer trips, effectively giving you 25% more nights for the same points. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $120) and no foreign transaction fees add practical value.
Families and road-trippers who frequently book four-night award stays find this card’s unique benefits perfectly suited to extended travel, making their points work harder for memorable experiences.
12. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (Bank of America) — Flight Savings You Can Plan Around
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature offers the famous annual Companion Fare starting from $99 plus taxes and fees, which can easily save hundreds of dollars on flights. Your first checked bag flies free, reducing travel costs for longer trips.
Starting July 2025, you can use the Companion Fare on select Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America, expanding your savings opportunities. This predictable annual benefit allows you to plan money-saving trips well in advance.
West Coast travelers and those frequently visiting Alaska or Hawaii who can commit to using the Companion Fare annually find this card’s straightforward benefits structure delivers consistent, measurable value that’s easy to calculate and maximize.
