When you travel a lot, the right credit card isn’t just a nice accessory; it’s like having your own personal travel assistant. It saves you money on flights, lets you board a little earlier, gets you into those quiet airport lounges, and even acts as your safety net when things go sideways on a trip. Picking the perfect card can feel overwhelming with so many out there, though. Don’t worry—I’ve done the digging so you can focus on planning your next adventure instead.

Below, I’ll walk you through some of the best options for frequent travelers, covering what they offer and why they stand out. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips to help you find the one that fits your travel style best. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to pack your new companion for your next getaway.

What Makes a Credit Card Great for Travelers?

Before we jump into specifics, it’s good to know what to look for in a travel-friendly credit card. Generally, the best ones pack these benefits:

  • Travel rewards like miles or points
  • No foreign transaction fees (those 2%-3% charges can really add up!)
  • Access to extras like airport lounges
  • Travel insurance protections, including trip cancellations or lost baggage help
  • Generous bonuses for new cardholders
  • Easy ways to redeem rewards for flights, hotels, or other travel perks

Keep in mind that some cards shine brightest for international travel, others for domestic trips. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” option, but there’s absolutely one that will work beautifully for you.

Top Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you ask any traveler what card they use, odds are Chase Sapphire Preferred will come up. And there's a reason for that.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. That’s worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • Rewards:
  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase’s portal
  • 3x on dining
  • 2x on all other travel purchases

Perks:

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Comprehensive trip insurance
  • Flexible redemption options, including transferring points to airline partners

Why it’s great? This card keeps things simple yet rewarding. Even if you’re new to travel cards, you’ll find this one an easy pick thanks to its value-packed rewards program. Plus, the under-$100 annual fee is a lot more manageable than some premium cards.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

If you like luxury touches when you’re on the go, this is the card for you. Think lounge access, upgrades galore, and all the perks that make layovers and long-haul flights feel a little less stressful.

  • Annual Fee: $695 (yes, ouch—but hang tight, it might be worth it for some)
  • Sign-up Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in six months. That’s a lot of potential mileage.

Rewards:

  • 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked directly with the airline or on the Amex Travel portal (when conditions are met)

Perks:

  • Access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges (arguably some of the nicest lounges out there)
  • Up to $200 airline fee credit annually
  • Coverage for up to $500,000 on travel accidents
  • No foreign transaction fees

Why it shines? If your travel tends to lean more towards business class than budget, this card basically pays you back with premium benefits that make the steep fee feel justified.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

This one’s a steady crowd-pleaser for people who want travel perks but don’t want a card that feels like a commitment.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Sign-up Bonus: Enjoy 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

Rewards:

  • 2x miles on every purchase, every day
  • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel

Perks:

  • TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement (up to $100!)
  • No foreign transaction fees

What makes it special? Capital One has a fuss-free rewards program that keeps things straightforward. The 2x miles on every purchase means no need to overthink when or where you're swiping.

How to Pick the Right Card for You

Here’s the thing about travel credit cards: the “best” one depends on you. Here are a few things to think through before you apply:

The right credit card doesn’t just save you money while you travel; it can enhance the experience in ways you might not have known were possible. Whether you're sipping cappuccinos in a lounge or earning free flights, the right card makes every trip smoother and more rewarding. Take a close look at your travel habits, compare the options above, and go with the one that feels like it’s made for you. Safe travels!