The Best Travel Credit Cards for Budget Travelers

The Best Travel Credit Cards for Budget Travelers

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on rewards and perks. With the right travel credit card, you can enjoy significant savings, exclusive benefits, and valuable rewards that enhance your travel experiences. Here are the best travel credit cards for budget travelers, each offering a range of features to help you get the most out of your journeys without breaking the bank.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a favorite among budget travelers due to its robust rewards program and flexible redemption options. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1x point on all other purchases. Additional benefits include no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. For a $95 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides comprehensive coverage and valuable rewards that can significantly offset travel costs.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is known for its straightforward rewards structure and excellent travel perks. Cardholders earn 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards quickly. New users can earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months. The card also includes benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, and travel accident insurance. With a $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for budget travelers who want a simple yet rewarding travel card.

3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for a no-annual-fee option with solid rewards. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. This card offers 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, with no foreign transaction fees. Points can be used to book travel with no blackout dates, providing flexibility and convenience. The lack of an annual fee makes this card an excellent choice for those seeking to maximize their travel savings.

4. Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles card is an attractive option for travelers who want a simple and rewarding card without an annual fee. New cardholders benefit from Discover’s unique offer of matching all the miles earned at the end of the first year. This effectively doubles the 1.5x miles earned on every purchase, making the first year particularly lucrative. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, and miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or as a statement credit, providing versatile redemption options.

5. American Express® Gold Card

While the American Express® Gold Card has a higher annual fee of $250, its rewards and benefits can be particularly valuable for foodies and travelers. New cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. The card offers 4x points at restaurants and on takeout and delivery, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x point on other purchases. Additional benefits include a $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for frequent travelers who enjoy dining out.

6. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent option for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. New cardholders can earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first three months. The card offers 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations, and 1x mile on other purchases. Additional benefits include the first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, preferred boarding, and 25% savings on in-flight food and beverages. With a $99 annual fee (waived for the first 12 months), this card provides valuable perks for American Airlines travelers.

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is perfect for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. New cardholders can earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. This card offers 2x points on Southwest purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. Additional benefits include no foreign transaction fees, 3,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary, and two EarlyBird Check-In passes each year. The annual fee is $69, making it a cost-effective option for loyal Southwest travelers.

8. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great choice for budget travelers who prefer hotel stays. New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months. The card offers 12x points at Hilton properties, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. Additional benefits include complimentary Gold status, Priority Pass Select membership, and no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee is $95, providing excellent value for frequent hotel guests.

9. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card offers a wide range of rewards with no annual fee. New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. The card offers 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas stations, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, car rentals, and popular streaming services. All other purchases earn 1x point. Additional benefits include no foreign transaction fees and cell phone protection, making it a versatile and valuable card for budget travelers.

10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an excellent option for travelers who want to earn rewards on dining and travel without an annual fee. New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. The card offers 4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery, 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and on streaming services, and 1x point on all other purchases. Additional benefits include an annual $15 streaming service credit and no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious travelers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your travel experiences, even on a budget. The cards listed above offer a range of benefits, from generous rewards and sign-up bonuses to travel protections and no foreign transaction fees. By selecting a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences, you can save money and enjoy a more rewarding journey. Whether you prioritize no annual fees, high rewards rates, or comprehensive travel benefits, there’s a travel credit card out there to suit your needs. Happy travels!