After doing the research — I can confirm that the process of choosing a travel credit card is not a simple one. This card is meant to take you places and god damnit, you want to get there faster while spending less!
I personally carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve and am an advocate, even with the hefty $450 annual fee. Choosing a credit card is a personal decision, but picking one specifically for travel purposes comes with its own considerations — which takes me to my first point.
How will you use this bad boy?
I am able to swallow the $450 annual fee because I know that I will put that $300 annual travel credit to work as soon as January rolls around. You bet I also signed up for Global Entry to take advantage of the $100 credit the card also grants me. My point is — if you’re the type to sit on your miles year after year, then a travel credit card with a $450 annual fee is not for you.
However, if you know you’ll cash those babies in as soon as they amount to a flight outta here… then join me in my exclusive club [that I’m just now discovering allows access to airline lounges around the world!?].
Are you Airline Loyal?
No judgment if you are, but think it through before you reach for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card pamphlet in the back of the seat in front of you. This is a great option if you’re keeping your trips limited to the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean — but not the right fit if you’re dreaming of Italian men (same girl, same).
However, an airline specific credit card could be a fantastic option if you frequently travel within the states for work. If you’re able, put those flight purchases on your card – get reimbursed and then take a free vacation!
For those aiming to go anywhere and everywhere, know that several credit card options allow you to transfer miles to major airlines or the option to book with airlines you’ve never heard of through the company’s travel portal.
Are you using [Travel] Protection?
You know that option right before you purchase your flight, where it asks you “Do you want to protect this trip?”
With Chase Sapphire Reserve, I get to say no to that question with confidence.
You know when you’re renting a car and they’re like, “Do you want to add car insurance?” And you look at your partner trying to suss out how reckless they’re feeling…?
With Chase Sapphire Reserve, I get to look that lady in the eye and say “No, thanks. We’re good.”
This extent of this coverage ranges greatly between credit cards and is something to research deeply before committing. You can always buy these
A Quick Lesson in Being Financially Responsible
Tbh, I’m not very educated when it comes to the APR column. I know what it stands for [Annual Percentage Rate] and also know that higher numbers = higher interest fees, but that doesn’t matter to me because I’ve never paid interest before. This is not me bragging. This is me saying that just because these cards promise you X after you spend Y in 3 months after getting the card — does not mean it’s time to start swiping left and right beyond
To activate my 100,000-mile bonus [a limited time offer that has now passed], I had to spend $4k in 3 months. So, I put all of my normal purchases on the card that I could [not rent], and when I realized it would require “excess” spending — I reached out to my parents and asked if I could pay my family’s auto-insurance bill to then be reimbursed by Pops. Think creatively. I’d hate to recommend a bunch of credit cards and then hear my friends suddenly found themselves in credit card debt all to earn enough miles to find their Francesco.
Without further ado — here is the link to my Travel Credit Card Comparisons spreadsheet. If there is a travel credit card not here that you would like to compare, please reach out and I will add it to the list!
I also highly recommend articles on Creditcard.com or ThePointsGuy.com on this topic!
Disclaimer: This blog post and spreadsheet are written with flights in mind — but know that there are credit cards that cater to specific hotel chains as well.
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