Picture breezing through airports with VIP treatment and arriving at luxurious accommodations, all courtesy of your premium credit card. With the right piece of plastic in your wallet, this slice of high-end travel becomes a reality.
Credit cards with travel perks offer a gateway to exclusive experiences, lavish rewards, and unparalleled convenience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional globetrotter with a taste for the finer things, the best luxury credit cards can elevate your journey from ordinary to extraordinary.
Let’s explore the crème de la crème of travel cards, each offering unique benefits tailored to discerning travelers.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Photo credits to the official American Express website
Often considered one of the fanciest credit cards available, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a titan in the luxury travel space. Cardholders enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the coveted Centurion Lounges. The card offers an impressive 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, making it a top choice for frequent flyers.
With up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and a $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, the Platinum Card helps offset its $695 annual fee. Additional perks include elite status with select hotel chains and car rental companies.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Photo credits to the official Chase Sapphire Reserve website
Widely regarded as one of the top premium credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a compelling mix of travel benefits and flexible rewards. Cardholders earn 3X points on travel (after earning the $300 travel credit) and dining, with points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
The card provides a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. With a lower annual fee than some competitors at $550, the Sapphire Reserve balances luxury perks and value, making it a strong contender for the best luxury travel credit card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Photo credits to the official Capital One website
As one of the newer entrants in the top luxury credit cards category, the Capital One Venture X has quickly made a name for itself. It offers 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through the portal.
Cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, effectively reducing the $395 annual fee. The card also provides complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
American Express® Gold Card
Photo credits to the official American Express website
While not traditionally categorized among the best travel credit card options, the American Express® Gold Card offers a strong combination of travel and dining rewards. Cardholders earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.
The card offers up to $120 in annual dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash, which can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. With a more modest annual fee of $325, it’s an excellent choice for those who want premium perks without the highest-tier price tag.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Photo credits to the official American Express website
For Delta loyalists seeking the best credit cards for travel, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is hard to beat. When flying Delta, cardholders enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges.
The card offers 3X miles on Delta purchases and comes with an annual companion certificate valid for domestic first-class, Comfort+, or main cabin round-trip travel. Status-seekers will appreciate earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) through card spending, potentially fast-tracking their way to elite status.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Photo credits to the official American Express website
Rounding out our list is The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, one of the best business credit cards for travel. This card offers a suite of premium perks tailored to business travelers. Cardholders earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com, and 1.5X points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more.
The card provides access to the Global Lounge Collection, a $200 airline fee credit, and a 35% points rebate on eligible flights booked through Amex Travel. Its robust travel protections and business-oriented benefits make it an excellent choice for luxury-minded business travelers.
Luxury travel credit cards offer a wealth of options for discerning travelers. Whether you prioritize lounge access, travel credits, or flexible rewards, there’s a card to suit your needs. Remember, the key to maximizing these best credit cards for travel points is to choose one that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.
| Card Name | Pros | Cons | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
|
|
$695 |
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
|
|
|
$550 |
|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
|
|
$395 |
|
American Express® Gold Card
|
|
|
$325 |
|
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
|
|
$650 |
|
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
|
|
$695 |
However, not everyone can access these high-end cards or wants to pay hefty annual fees. For those seeking affordable travel options without sacrificing quality, innovative platforms like OneAir are revolutionizing how people discover and book flights and accommodations.
OneAir’s AI-powered platform offers members exclusive access to unpublished deals from hundreds of airlines and millions of hotels. With savings up to 70% off public rates, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy luxury travel experiences.
