Travel credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards and save money on travel expenses. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming for beginners to choose the right card. In this article, we will discuss some of the best starter travel cards to help you make an informed decision.
One of the top choices for beginners is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. This card offers flexible travel rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. With a $95 annual fee, the card provides a range of benefits and earns points in popular spending categories, including travel, restaurants, streaming services, and online grocery purchases. The points earned with this card are worth 1.25 cents each when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Another great option for beginners is the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, which has no annual fee. This card offers a flat-rate rewards structure, earning 1.5X points on every purchase. Preferred Rewards members can also earn additional points on purchases. While it lacks premium travel benefits, it is a good choice for those looking to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option. With a $95 annual fee, this card earns 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. The points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel purchases, as well as cash back and gift cards.
If you are interested in earning rewards in specific spending categories, the Citi Premier Card is worth considering. It offers 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, air travel, and hotel purchases, as well as 1X points on everything else. With a $95 annual fee, this card provides access to various benefits and rewards.
Lastly, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a great option for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. With a $149 annual fee, this card offers 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It also provides various travel benefits, such as a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year.
In conclusion, choosing the right travel credit card for beginners can be a daunting task. However, by considering your financial goals, preferences, and other factors, you can narrow down your options. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Citi Premier Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card are all excellent choices for beginners. Compare the features and benefits of each card to find the one that best fits your lifestyle and travel needs.