Which Travel Rewards Credit Card is Best for You?

7 min read

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Travel rewards credit cards may offer rewards for travel purchases or allow you to redeem rewards for travel expenses.
Some travel cards offer rewards with specific airlines and hotels, while others have more flexible redemption options.
You may need a strong credit score to qualify for most travel cards.

If you like to travel, you know that costs like transportation, hotels, food, and excursions often add up quickly. A travel rewards credit card may help you maximize your vacation budget.

Ask yourself: Where do you use your credit card most often? Do you take a few little trips throughout the year or save up for one extravagant getaway? The best travel rewards credit card for you depends on your unique spending habits and travel preferences.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards are rewards credit cards that may offer special perks or benefits related to travel. You might earn miles, points, or other rewards on both travel expenses, like rental cars, and everyday expenses, like gas.

Some travel credit cards may offer a higher rewards rate in certain categories, like airfare.

Other cards offer a flat rate on all eligible purchases. With the Discover it^® Miles Travel Credit Card, earn 1.5x Miles on every purchase¹, at home or away from airfare and hotels to groceries and online shopping.

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Redeeming rewards

Earning miles every time you use your travel rewards card is only an advantage if you have redemption options that you’ll actually use.

Some travel cards offer limited ways to redeem miles or points, like booking a hotel stay or buying airfare. If you’re a frequent traveler, that may be an advantage. But if you only book a vacation or two each year, you may want to consider a travel card with more flexible redemption options.

With the Discover it^® Miles Travel Credit Card, you can turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.¹

What credit score is needed for the best travel credit cards?

Each credit card issuer may have its own travel credit card requirements. But, generally, you may need a strong credit score to qualify for the widest range of travel cards, especially if you’re looking for premium benefits.

You may want to check your credit score and review your credit report to determine whether it may be a good time to look for a travel card. If your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like it to be, you may want to pay down your balances and work on building a positive payment history before applying.

Types of travel credit cards

Typically, travel cards fall into two categories: co-branded cards and flexible travel cards.

Co-branded travel rewards cards

Sometimes, travel companies partner with a credit card company to offer a co-branded credit card. The rewards you earn on a co-branded card may apply to the brand’s loyalty program instead of your credit card account.

There are a few types of co-branded travel cards.

Airline credit cards

Airline cards may offer miles in an airline’s frequent flyer program. You might only be able to redeem rewards for airfare with the airline (or airlines). Some cards may come with perks that make flights easier, like priority boarding, free checked bags, and airport lounge access.

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards may allow you to earn points in a hotel chain’s loyalty program. Some hotel cards may also offer bonus points on hotel and vacation rentals within the brand’s network.

Other co-branded travel cards

You may also find credit cards connected to other types of travel companies, like cruise lines and rental car agencies.

If you’re loyal to a particular hotel chain or use a specific airline when you travel, it might make the most sense to use a credit card offered by them.

Flexible travel rewards cards

Flexible travel rewards credit cards offer points or miles in the card issuer’s rewards program, not another brand’s loyalty program. With a flexible travel rewards card, you may earn miles at grocery stores and restaurants and redeem them for a travel purchase, like a hotel stay. Or you may redeem the rewards you earn as a gift card or statement credit.

Flexible travel cards also allow you to earn rewards for vacation rentals and flights from a wide range of companies. So, if you prefer to shop around for the best deal or new experiences when you travel, a more flexible card may be the best fit.

Choosing the travel rewards credit card that’s best for you

Comparing the following features may help you narrow down your options for the best travel credit card.

Travel rewards

To maximize your miles, look for cards that offer a high rewards rate at the places you shop most, like your local grocery store or your favorite online retailers.

Redemption restrictions

Some credit card issuers may not allow you to redeem miles on certain “blackout dates,” usually during popular travel times. Plus, in certain cases, you may have to redeem your travel rewards by a set date or risk losing them.

Limitations may affect your travel plans, so it’s important to understand your credit card company’s guidelines. At Discover, your Miles won’t expire for the life of the account.²

Travel perks

Certain credit cards may offer premium benefits to help you travel in comfort and style, like priority boarding, free checked bags, a free hotel stay or room upgrade, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and more.

Cost and fees

Some travel credit cards charge an annual fee around your account anniversary. It may be worth paying the fee if you earn more valuable rewards or gain extra benefits. But if you don’t earn enough rewards to offset the fee, you may prefer a travel rewards card with no annual fee. Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards.

If you plan to travel internationally, you may also want to consider whether your credit card charges foreign transaction fees, which are additional costs incurred for transactions in a different currency. Discover^® has no foreign transaction fee on international purchases, either.

Welcome bonus

To entice new cardmembers, some credit card companies may offer additional miles or points during the first year that you have your travel credit card. You may have to reach a minimum spending requirement in the first few months after account opening to qualify for the extra rewards.

Did you know?

You may not need to meet a spending minimum to get extra rewards. With Discover, you get an unlimited Mile-for-Mile match of all the Miles you earn at the end of your first year automatically. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.³

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Security

Credit cards may offer more security than other payment methods when you’re traveling. If you lose your card, you may easily freeze your account. Plus, you may have additional protection from unauthorized charges. You’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.⁴

The bottom line

Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, snowcapped mountains, or luxury hotels, the right credit card may be a great travel companion. As you compare your options, identify the features that would make travel more exciting, comfortable, or affordable. But you should also take the time to consider how a travel card may fit into your overall financial life.

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