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Advertiser Disclosure Updated: May 9, 2024, 9:21am

Best Travel Credit Cards For Beginners Of May 2024

Dylan Pearl
Dylan Pearl
Dylan PearlDeputy Editor
Over a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mission to see as much of the world as possible, and strives to give everyone the tools to get out and do the same with simple, actionable information.
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Dylan Pearl
Dylan Pearl
Dylan PearlDeputy Editor
Over a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mission to see as much of the world as possible, and strives to give everyone the tools to get out and do the same with simple, actionable information.
See Full Bio
Deputy Editor
Caroline Lupini
Caroline Lupini
Caroline LupiniManaging Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Caroline Lupini has been traveling the world with the help of credit card rewards since 2011. She has visited over 110 countries and is able to utilize her knowledge of credit cards and to make travel both less expensive and more luxurious. Caroline has over 50 credit cards in her wallet and has previously covered credit cards and travel for Business Insider, The Points Guy, USA Today, Lonely Planet, Orbitz and many others.
See Full Bio

Fact Checked

Caroline Lupini
Caroline Lupini
Caroline LupiniManaging Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Caroline Lupini has been traveling the world with the help of credit card rewards since 2011. She has visited over 110 countries and is able to utilize her knowledge of credit cards and to make travel both less expensive and more luxurious. Caroline has over 50 credit cards in her wallet and has previously covered credit cards and travel for Business Insider, The Points Guy, USA Today, Lonely Planet, Orbitz and many others.
See Full Bio
Managing Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Fact Checked

Updated: May 9, 2024, 9:21am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

For anyone who is interested in travel, credit cards can be an excellent resource for booking and paying for your trip. The rewards they offer can offset a significant portion of your out-of-pocket expenses if you plan correctly. The best travel credit cards for beginners often pay for themselves in money saved and headaches avoided.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 113 countries visited
  • 5,500 hotel nights spent
  • 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
  • 29 loyalty programs covered

Read more
Show Summary

Best Travel Cards for Beginners

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Find the Best Credit Card

Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners of May 2024

Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Click Here To Apply Now
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

75,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining – while charging a modest annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
  • Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
  • Many travel and shopping protections
  • Annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through Chase
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Flat-Rate Card for Travel

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on Capital One EntertainmentRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Casual travelers who don’t plan to carry a balance will find good value in this card’s rewards rate.

Expert Commentary
Kimberly Shearer
Kimberly Shearer
Kimberly Shearer
Credit Cards Writer
Kimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nearly free vacations. She has been perfecting the fine art of traveling with kids since 2009 and uses her blog, podcast and social media to teach other parents how to travel more for less.
Kimberly Shearer
Kimberly Shearer
Kimberly Shearer
Credit Cards Writer
Kimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nearly free vacations. She has been perfecting the fine art of traveling with kids since 2009 and uses her blog, podcast and social media to teach other parents how to travel more for less.
Credit Cards Writer

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is extremely low maintenance as far as travel reward cards go. It provides consistent value and flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel and is an excellent alternative for anyone a bit leery of the high Venture X annual fee (rates & fees).

Pros & Cons
  • Solid rewards rate
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® statement credit (up to $100)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Miles are easy to redeem either via partner transfers or by applying against travel purchases
  • $95 annual fee
  • No introductory APR on purchases or transfers
Card Details
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best No Annual Fee Card for Transferable Points

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Bilt's Website
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bilt's Website

Up to 3x Reward Rate

1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travelRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

See terms

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Pay rent, earn rewards and use your earnings for travel. Sounds like a great way to maximize your rent money to us.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent, you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. (Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).

Pros & Cons
  • Earn rewards on rent
  • Primary car rental and cell phone insurance
  • Points can be transferred to partners
  • Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
  • No welcome bonus
  • High regular APR range
  • Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
Card Details
  • Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
  • $0 annual fee
  • 1x points on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
  • 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
  • 3x points on dining
  • Plus 1x points on other purchases
  • Cell Phone Insurance
  • Purchase security (theft and damage protection)
  • Mastercard® World Elite Concierge
  • Lyft Credits
  • No foreign currency conversion fee
  • Rewards & benefits terms
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Earning Membership Rewards

American Express® Green Card *

American Express® Green Card
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit and restaurant purchases including takeout and delivery in the U.S. EarnRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 40,000 points

Annual Fee

$150

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

With its generous rewards on travel, transit, and dining purchases, the relaunched American Express® Green Card is an attractive option. That said, the annual fee is a bit steep, considering the limited perks and lack of Gold or Platinum prestige.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Flexible redemption and points transfer options
  • High rewards rate on dining, travel and transit
  • Mediocre base rewards rate
  • Limited features and perks
  • No intro APR offer
  • No balance transfer option
Card Details
  • Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
  • Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel, transit purchases and eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
  • Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus and $100 LoungeBuddy credits
  • Trip delay insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Travel Card for Fair Credit

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Credit One Bank's Website
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Credit One Bank's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site; earn 5X pointsRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

29.74% Variable

Credit Score

Fair/Good (650 - 699)

Editor's Take

The Wander is the rare card that combines high-value travel and gas earnings and only average credit needed to apply.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers lucrative points-earning opportunities within key travel categories, however, its extra perks and benefits fall short when compared to other premium credit cards.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • High reward potential
  • Issuer advertises requiring an average minimum credit rating
  • $95 annual fee
  • No low introductory APR period
  • High 29.74% Variable APR
Card Details
  • Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
  • Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
  • Earn 1x points on all other purchases
  • Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
  • With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
  • If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
  • See Rates & Fees
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best No Annual Fee Chase card for Travel

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Click Here To Apply Now
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49%-29.24% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

This card has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an over-inflated price tag. The card has an annual fee of $0, yet comes with a pumped-up earnings structure that covers a wide swath of expenses including travel, drugstores and dining plus rotating quarterly bonus categories in areas many households are likely to find appealing.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
  • Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
  • Generous rewards rate in several other categories
  • Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
Card Details
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Beginner Student Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Click Here To Apply Now
4.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website

1.5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees andRead More

Welcome Bonus

25,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Students studying abroad will pay no foreign transaction fees (and no annual fee) while earning flat-rate rewards points with flexible travel redemption options. Plus, the intro APR offer makes this a good card for any students who need to make a big purchase or move debt over from another card.

Pros & Cons
  • Flexible rewards redemption options
  • Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all spending
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
  • No bonus categories to boost rewards
  • High penalty APR and late fee
Card Details
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best No Annual Fee Everyday Rewards Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streamingRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Earning 3 points per dollar spent on a wide range of spending—including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and popular streaming services—for no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph is a powerhouse.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Introductory APR period
  • Plentiful reward points categories
  • Protections include cell phone insurance
  • Balance transfer fee
  • No introductory balance transfer APR
Card Details
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Summary of the Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Rates & Fees
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
American Express® Green Card
American Express® Green Card *
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Rates & Fees
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
Excellent, Good
$95
75,000 bonus points
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best Flat-Rate Card for Travel
Excellent, Good
$95
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Rates & Fees
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Best No Annual Fee Card for Transferable Points
Good/Excellent
$0
N/A
American Express® Green Card
American Express® Green Card *
Best for Earning Membership Rewards
Excellent/Good
$150
Earn 40,000 points
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Rates & Fees
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Best Travel Card for Fair Credit
Fair/Good
$95
N/A
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Best No Annual Fee Chase card for Travel
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Best Beginner Student Card
Good/Excellent
$0
25,000 points
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Best No Annual Fee Everyday Rewards Card
Good, Excellent
$0
20,000 bonus points
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners of May 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Travelers looking to dip their toe into the ocean of travel rewards will appreciate the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as a place to start. It carries a mid-range annual fee, but packs in everything you need. Cardholders earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed in the Chase travel portal. There’s no foreign transaction fees and a wide selection of travel insurance.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Other benefits and drawbacks: Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed through Chase’s travel portal where they’re worth 25% more compared with redeeming for cash or transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners, like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, at a 1:1 ratio. The card also offers a $50 hotel credit when booked through the Chase Travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on annual spending. This means that if you spend $10,000 on the card, you’ll earn an additional 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points when renewing your card.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) offers flat-rate rewards on most purchases, plus a bonus for some travel purchases. Those looking for a simple travel rewards card might find that this one is a great choice.

Rewards: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Other benefits and drawbacks: You’ll have to book your travel through Capital One Travel to earn the increased earnings rate on travel purchases, and depending on your desired airline or hotel that may not always be an option. The card offers up to a $100 statement credit to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

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The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (rates & fees) offers a unique opportunity to earn rewards on rent without paying processing fees and it has value for anyone seeking transferable rewards points without an annual fee. This card is impressive enough as a travel card even if you don’t pay rent.

Rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Bilt card has a few limitations—you’ll only earn points when you make at least five transactions per statement period and earnings on rent are capped at 100,000 points per calendar year—but it’s otherwise a strong card. Bilt points are transferable to a number of valuable transfer partners including World of Hyatt and, uniquely, American Airlines or you can redeem through their travel portal where point values vary with your redemption option. You can also save your points towards a down payment on a home.

American Express® Green Card *

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The American Express® Green Card* offers an introduction to earning Membership Rewards with a more reasonable fee than many other Amex cards.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and transit including flights, hotels, taxis, rideshare services, trains, parking and more, 3 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Annual fee: $150

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Amex Green Card also offers a $189 annual CLEAR® Plus credit, $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can save even more with access to Amex Offers.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

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If your credit score isn’t quite ready for a travel card that’s packed with more benefits, the Credit One Bank Wander® Card is worth a look. The card earns high rewards rates on travel purchases. Sadly, the card isn’t perfect: you’ll miss out on fancy extras like airport lounge access or the ability to transfer points to other programs and it does charge an annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 10 points per dollar on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5 points per dollar on eligible travel, dining and gas and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $95

Other benefits and drawbacks: Don’t be fooled by this mostly no-frills card. The earning rates alone will have you traveling on rewards in no time. The card is also well-suited to simultaneously work on improving your credit, with options to choose your own due date and track your credit score. Eventually, this could lead you to even better card options in the future.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

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The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers solid earnings rates and is a great entry into the Chase ecosystem for anyone looking for a card without an annual fee. If paired with a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, points can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal for more value.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Freedom Flex offers a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver plus trip cancellation and interruption insurance. But the card does charge foreign transaction fees, so it’s not a great choice for use abroad.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

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Students looking to dip a toe into the ocean of travel rewards should consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students as a beginner card.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases everywhere, every time with no expiration on points as long as your account remains open.

Welcome offer: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Unlike many other student cards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card for Students doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which makes it a great companion for a trip or semester abroad. It also offers an introductory APR and free access to your FICO Score.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a solid pick as an everyday rewards card for beginners. The card’s bonus categories cover several common spending areas and it’s one of the few cards to earn bonus points on phone plans.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers cellphone protection and an introductory APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening. A variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies for purchases after the intro period ends and for balance transfers. The card has a balance transfer fee of up to 5%, minimum $5. Travelers can also benefit from a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver and cardholders won’t pay foreign transaction fees.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case (the card rating you see on a specific “Best” list). The rating for each card changes on different “Best” lists according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre on a list of rewards cards could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a card that earns extra rewards on travel purchases and/or offers rewards that can easily be redeemed for travel. These rewards can come in a variety of ways, such as airline miles, hotel points or flexible points that can be redeemed either with transfer partners or applied towards travel charges.

Many travel credit cards also come with additional benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, access to airport lounges and even discounts on hotels or rental cars. Some cards offer welcome bonuses when you sign up which can provide a nice initial boost to your rewards balance.

Travel credit cards may offer value for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards quickly and easily while they’re on the go. These credit cards often charge no foreign transaction fees, which means there is no extra charge from the credit card company when you make purchases abroad.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

Learn More

How Does a Travel Credit Card Work?

A travel rewards credit card accrues miles or points for each purchase made with the card, often offering a bonus on travel purchases. There are usually a few redemption options including redeeming for travel directly with the credit card company’s own travel portal, redeeming for statement credits that can be applied to any type of purchase or sometimes by transferring to a travel partner.

How To Choose a Starter Travel Credit Card

With so many types of travel credit cards to choose from, selecting a travel credit card can feel like a complicated process. However, it should be relatively easy for you to prioritize which benefits you’ll actually use and determine what type of rewards best fit your lifestyle.

For those looking for a starter travel credit card, it might make the most sense to consider cards that offer flexible rewards points with many redemption options or cards that earn points that can easily be turned into cold hard cash compared to airline cards or hotel cards.

When evaluating general travel credit cards, consider:

  • Annual fees. Some travel cards may be available without an annual fee while others cost $500 or more per year. All of the cards on this list are available for an annual fee of $100 or less.
  • Redemption options. Some cards have the ability to transfer to partner airlines or hotels while others may only be redeemable for travel through in-house portal bookings. Some may also offer the option to redeem for non-travel rewards, such as cash back.
  • Luxury benefits. Premium cards may come with statement credits, lounge access or trusted traveler application reimbursements. Determine if you’ll actually use these perks. If you are sure you will, it may make sense to consider a premium travel rewards card.
  • Trip protections. Travel insurance might not be glamorous, but cards that offer protection against trip cancellation, flight delays or lost baggage could save you money when things don’t go according to plan.

Maximizing Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

The best way to maximize your credit card is to use a card that aligns with your spending patterns and always pay your balance off in full so you don’t incur interest charges. Paying interest will quickly eat into the value of any rewards earned on your card. From there, take some time to understand your card’s rewards program so you can redeem your points for maximum value.

Bottom Line

If you love to travel, getting a travel rewards credit card probably makes sense. These cards may offer higher rates of rewards on travel purchases, valuable travel redemption options or other travel-specific benefits that can come in handy. If you’re new to travel rewards cards, take the time to research and understand each card’s benefits and fees before deciding to apply.

To view rates and fees for Bilt World Elite Mastercard® please visit this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest travel credit card to get?

Most travel credit cards require good to excellent credit scores. However, generally speaking, no-annual-fee travel cards are typically easier to be approved for than the ultra-premium travel cards with high annual fees. The Credit One Wander Card is marketed to people with average credit.

What is the best credit card with travel insurance?

Forbes Advisor’s best credit cards for travel insurance list has a variety of cards offering solid travel insurance. Although you probably shouldn’t get a credit card for this feature alone, it can be a useful money-saving extra. Credit cards that offer travel insurance tend to have high annual fees, so keep this in mind when weighing whether or not you are likely to use the feature. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one card that offers travel insurance without a high annual fee.

What is the best travel credit card?

When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, there’s no one “best” card for everyone. That’s because everyone’s spending and travel patterns are different. It’s important to consider your own spending habits and travel goals when choosing a travel rewards credit card that’s right for you.

What is the best card for international travel?

Many credit cards are well-suited for international travel. When choosing a credit card for international travel, it’s important to make sure that the card has no foreign transaction fees. It also helps if the card’s points are suitable for the locations where you wish to travel. If you want to go to Japan, for example, an airline card co-branded with a U.S.-based airline that doesn’t fly to Asia (like Southwest or JetBlue) won’t help you.

Next Up In Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: American Express® Green Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Dylan Pearl
Dylan Pearl
Deputy Editor

Over a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mission to see as much of the world as possible, and strives to give everyone the tools to get out and do the same with simple, actionable information.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
N/A
Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
N/A
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
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