My 3 Favorite Travel Credit Cards (and Why They’re Hard to Beat)

If you've ever asked me, “What are the best credit cards to get started with for travel?” there's a good chance I’ve brought up one of these three. Whether you're just getting into points and miles or you're a seasoned traveler looking to maximize your rewards, these three cards consistently rank at the top for good reason.

Let’s dive into my top 3 favorites — and why they deserve a spot in your wallet.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

This is the go-to travel card for beginners, and honestly, it’s still in my top 3 even after trying so many others.

Why I love it:

• 3x points on dining, which adds up fast if you're eating out (we like to a lot).

• Flexible Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to partners like Hyatt, United, and Air Canada — this is where the real value kicks in.

• Strong sign-up bonus — often 60,000 points or more, which can be worth $750+ when used strategically.

• Low annual fee at $95, especially considering the value you get.

• Primary rental car insurance — underrated perk for frequent travelers!

✅ Great for: Travelers who want flexibility and solid value without a high annual fee.

2. Capital One Venture X

This one’s a bit newer to the game but quickly became a heavy hitter. And honestly, it’s my favorite premium card right now.

Why I love it:

• 2x miles on everything — simple, easy, and no need to track categories.

• $300 annual travel credit through the Capital One portal.

• 10x on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights (booked through Capital One Travel).

• Priority Pass + Plaza Premium lounge access — airport lounges make travel so much better. This is one of the best cards for airport lounge access.

• 75,000-mile welcome bonus — often worth over $1,000.

• Authorized users are free — and they get lounge access too!

Oh, and the $395 annual fee? It’s mostly offset by the travel credit and 10,000-mile anniversary bonus — so you’re basically breaking even or coming out ahead if you travel at all. Not to mention that it ALSO comes with up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck!

✅ Great for: People who want premium perks but don’t want to overthink categories or justify a $695 fee like with Amex Platinum.

3. Chase Freedom Flex℠

People often sleep on this one since it's a cashback card. But that’s just on the surface. When paired with a Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, it's a points powerhouse.

Why I love it:

• 5% rotating quarterly categories (like gas, grocery stores, or PayPal — they change every 3 months).

• 3% back on dining and drugstores, which is amazing for a no-annual-fee card.

• 1% back on everything else, with easy tracking in the Chase app.

• When paired with Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, you can convert cashback into Ultimate Rewards points which is a gamechanger.

It’s honestly one of the most valuable no-annual-fee cards out there, especially for racking up extra points in categories you’re already spending in. If you hit the rotating categories right, you can earn points faster with this card than some annual fee cards!

✅ Great for: Maximizing points with no annual fee — perfect companion to other Chase cards.

Honorable Mentions

There are a ton of other great cards out there — and I could easily talk about the Bilt Mastercard (especially if you’re paying rent), Amex Gold, Ink Business Preferred, and more. But these three stand out because they’re:

• Versatile

• Easy to use

• Packed with value for most people

Final Thoughts

If you're building your travel credit card lineup, these three make a killer combo:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred for flexible travel points and redemptions

• Venture X for premium benefits and simplicity

• Freedom Flex for bonus categories and extra points

Start with one, build from there, and always focus on cards that match your travel goals and spending habits. Everyone spends points differently, and that’s okay!

Got questions about which one’s right for you? Feel free to check out my recommended cards page, shoot me a message, or book one of my consultations for a 1:1 game plan tailored to your goals.