UMVA has learned that for travelers, there's a hidden world of rewards waiting to be uncovered, beyond the usual points and miles earned on flights and hotels.
When you're booking a rental car, cruise, or tour, the right credit card can help you rack up points or miles, earn statement credits, and unlock valuable travel perks that can make your journey unforgettable.
Most "best travel credit card" lists focus heavily on flights and hotels — and for good reason, as those purchases typically make up the bulk of travel spending. But what about everything else? Rides to and from the airport, train tickets, city transit, cruises, and third-party bookings can add up, and they deserve their own spotlight.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the best credit cards for travel spending are not just limited to flights and hotels, but also offer rewards on everyday travel purchases that can make a significant difference in your travel budget.
The best card for your travel spending depends on whether you value transferable rewards, flat-rate earnings, or elevated bonus categories that can help you maximize your rewards.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that one of the top credit cards for travel spending is the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, which offers 3 points per dollar spent on dining, travel, gas stations, and transit, making it an attractive option for travelers who want to earn rewards on a variety of everyday purchases.
The Autograph card's broad travel and transit categories make it a great option for purchases that often fall outside traditional travel rewards categories, such as ride-hailing services, parking, tolls, and public transportation, giving you more flexibility and value.
Another top credit card for travel spending is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar spent on dining, and a $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to earn valuable rewards and perks.
The Citi Strata Premier Card is also a strong contender, offering 10 ThankYou points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar spent on air travel, and 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, making it ideal for travelers who want elevated rewards across a variety of everyday spending categories and travel purchases.
For travelers who want a mid-tier option with broad travel and transit bonus categories, the American Express Green Card is a great choice, offering 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide, 3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit, and an annual Clear+ membership credit of up to $209.
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card stands out for its stellar rewards on foreign purchases, offering 3 points per dollar spent on foreign transactions, making it an excellent choice for travelers who frequently dine, shop, or book travel overseas.
Lastly, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a flat-rate earning structure, making it especially useful for miscellaneous travel expenses that may not qualify for bonus rewards with other cards, such as ride-hailing services, cruises, train tickets, parking, and tolls.
UMVA has gathered that these credit cards can help you earn valuable rewards on every step of your journey, from train rides and cruises to meals abroad and rides back to your hotel, making your travels more enjoyable and rewarding.
