Finding the Perfect Card for Your Flight Style
Our experts considered a wide range of factors when making their recommendations, including welcome bonuses, earning rates on different spending categories, travel perks like lounge access and statement credits, and annual fees. They also took into account different flying styles and travel goals, ensuring there's a card on this list for everyone.
Below is a handy chart summarizing their top picks, broken down by common traveler profiles:
Traveler Type Recommended Card Key Benefits Why It's Great For Them The Occasional Leisure Traveler Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Bonus points on travel and dining, trip delay insurance, no foreign transaction fees. Offers solid rewards on common spending categories for leisure travelers, decent travel protections, and a manageable annual fee. It's a great starter travel credit card. The Budget-Conscious Flier Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Simple rewards structure (miles on every purchase), flexible redemption options, travel accident insurance. Easy to understand rewards and simple redemption, the signup bonus offsets the annual fee for the first year or longer and great for earning miles on all purchases. The Luxury Traveler The Platinum Card from American Express Extensive lounge access, hotel elite status, numerous statement credits, high earning rates on flights and hotels. Offers unparalleled access to luxury travel perks and experiences. The high annual fee can be justified by frequent travelers who maximize its benefits. Great for earning airline miles. The Airline Loyalists Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card (Example) Access to Delta Sky Clubs, priority boarding, companion certificate, mileage bonus on purchases. Loyal to a specific airline? An airline-branded card will help you rack up miles and enjoy perks like priority boarding. Choosing the right airline credit card depends on your preferred airline. The Business Traveler Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Bonus points on travel and select business categories, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver. Offers high rewards on business-related spending and valuable travel protections, making it ideal for frequent business travelers. A smart business travel credit card is key.