Before I consider applying for any travel credit card, I usually look for answers to my 8 main questions about the card:
- Is the card free of foreign transaction fees?
- Does the card offer expedited shipping for a replacement card to an overseas location if lost or stolen overseas?
- Does it provide complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide?
- Does it provide trip cancellation/interruption insurance coverage?
- Does it offer an auto rental collision damage waiver?
- Does it include baggage delay insurance coverage?
- Does it cover lost luggage insurance?
- Does it have trip delay insurance coverage?
Of course, there are other benefits I usually look for in addition to the ones listed above, but those are the main ones. If a card does not offer any of these, I never consider getting it for travel, unless I plan to use it for non-travel purchases.
Is there a credit card that offers these 8 benefits without charging an annual fee?
Unfortunately, there is none.
If a card offers all 8 of these benefits, it most likely has an annual fee.
This is true, but if I have to pay an annual fee to get these 8 benefits, I will try to find out if the card offers additional benefits that will help cover the annual fee. What do I mean by that? Well, if the value of the card’s benefits exceeds the cost of the annual fee, and if I will actually use those benefits, then it is worth paying the annual fee to have a reliable travel card.
Cards with Annual Fees
Below are the top three cards that satisfy my basic travel credit card requirements. Keep in mind they have an annual fee. Some full-time travelers, including me, have all of them, but you can read more about each card to decide which one fits your needs.
1. American Express Platinum (This is an affiliated link)
I use this card for booking flights and renting cars. I transfer the Membership Rewards points I earn from this card to partner airlines to book flights. Occasionally, American Express offers transfer bonuses to select airline partners, so I watch for those deals before transferring my points.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (This is NOT an affiliated link)
I use this card for booking accommodations, dining out, and transportation other than flights. I transfer the Chase Ultimate Rewards points I earn from this card to Hyatt for hotel bookings. Since Hyatt offers the best hotel points redemption value and Chase is the only credit card provider that allows transfers to Hyatt, I take advantage of this transfer option.
3. Citi Strata Premier Card (This is NOT an affiliated link)
This card does NOT offer complimentary access to airport lounges. I use this card for purchases at supermarkets and gas stations. I transfer the Citi ThankYou points I earn from this card to the Choice Privileges hotel program, taking advantage of the 1:2 points conversion ratio.
What if you are looking for a card with no annual fee?
Cards with no annual fee are likely to have limited or no travel benefits. However, if you don’t mind missing out on those benefits, you should still look for a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use it overseas without worrying about extra charges.
Below are some cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees and may offer limited travel benefits. You can read more about each card to determine which one best fits your needs.
Bank of America Travel Rewards (This is NOT an affiliated link)
This card is equipped with chip-and-PIN technology, which is useful when using the card at self-service machines, such as gas pumps or train ticket kiosks, that require a PIN. You can earn more points with this card if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature (This is NOT an affiliated link)
You can earn 2% cash back on all purchases. This card is a great option for customers who have an investment account with Fidelity. You can earn up to $100 in Reward Points when you apply for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This is a great benefit for a card with no annual fee.
Wells Fargo Autograph Visa (This is NOT an affiliated link)
This card allows you to transfer points to partner airlines and hotel programs. If you use the Choice Privileges hotel program, you can take advantage of the 1:2 points conversion ratio. It is one of the few cards that allow points transfers without an annual fee.
Key Consideration
I highly recommend having cards issued by different banks as a backup and keeping them in separate places. This way, if one bank’s system experiences issues or your card is lost or stolen, you have alternatives available.