CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD - FOR NEWBIES AND THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF HAVING ONE! - Manifesting Serenity (2024)

Of course, there are many travel cards out there, but these are just a couple of the best travel credit card options. Even the big names speak of these too!

However, there’s one that stands out of the crowd as being one of the best travel credit cards for newer travel credit card users.

As always, I’m only sharing what I truly stand by what I use, and one that would be easy for you to use!

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WHY TO HAVE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

Well, those who travel or are wanting to travel could greatly miss out on the opportunities for free flights, rewards points, dining discounts, and actually quite a bit more.

In fact, with each purchase you’ll be able to earn rewards points that relatively ends up getting reverted into a dollar amount, that can then be directly used through the credit card companies’ site.

So, that also means that you don’t need to even go through a 3rd party oftentimes and can simply just book through the chase website itself.

One of the biggest and most amazing reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best travel credit card choice is because the points are worth 25% more when utilized towards travel. Whoo-hoo!

As someone who often flies, I’ve found these benefits to be incredibly awesome for scoring free flights!

CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD - FOR NEWBIES AND THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF HAVING ONE! - Manifesting Serenity (1)

TRAVEL CREDIT CARD BENEFITS

Now, more than ever, credit cards are so extremely universal in the ways that they can be used and what they have to offer. Thankfully, the benefits for these cards are absolutely amazing in comparison.

Below are some major benefits to having the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card alone are:

Allow me to elaborate:

  • Free Flights, stays,
  • Fraud purchase coverage
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
  • Baggage Delay Insurance
  • Trip Delay Reimbursem*nt
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
  • Extended Warranty Protection
  • Purchase Protection from damages or theft
  • 24/7 customer service
  • No foreign transaction fees (A lot of credit cards have this, except this one!)
Learn more about benefits and information on rates and fees here.

Although this Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card below isn’t the best for travel, it is a great card for other expenses and is an incredibly easy card to get rewards points on. In fact, those rewards points can also be used towards travel, but this card just doesn’t have as good of an earning ratio on points for travel, as it does for everything else outside of travel expenses.

I personally use this Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card for everyday purchases, groceries, and more.

I’ve also added some major benefits to having the Chase Freedom Unlimited card as well:

  • 24/7 customer service
  • Cash back rewards do not expire
  • No annual fee
  • Zero Liability Protection
  • Purchase Protection
  • Extended Warranty Protection
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • 24/7 Fraud Protection
  • Fraud Alerts
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
  • Access to on hand crest checks that won’t impact credit score
Learn more about benefits and information on rates and fees here.

However, it’s still worth mentioning because the points on this card can still be used towards travel overall. When I’ve used up all my points for trips on one card, I’ll use up the points on the other one also.

As you can see, each one has it’s own set of benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a very specific set of travel benefits. Whereas the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a bit more protection around everyday purchases, but light travel.

WAYS TO EARN POINTS & REWARDS

CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFFERED CREDIT CARD

  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.*
  • Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit.
  • Earn 2x on other travel purchases.
  • Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
  • Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
  • Earn 3x points on select streaming services.
  • Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.*

The best part is, that even on non-travel purchases, we still earn points. Truthfully, not all companies are like that, some will only give you points or rewards on just travel related purchases.

CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED CREDIT CARD

  • Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.*Same page link to Offer Details
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.*Same page link to Offer Details
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases.*Same page link to Offer Details
  • Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.*
CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD - FOR NEWBIES AND THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF HAVING ONE! - Manifesting Serenity (4)

CURRENT CREDIT CARD OFFERS

Overall, the Chase Sapphire credit card is a great travel credit card for newbies or even those looking to simplify their points & rewards.

All while having a very low annual fee compares to other travel credit cards that have a general annual fee of $350+

OFFER: 80,000 bonus points

Annual Fee: $95

Bonus Value: Approximately $1,000

Moreover, the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is an easy to use and great cash-back card.

Also, a major plus is that this card has no annual fee!

OFFER: $200 bonus plus 5% gas station cash back offer

Annual Fee: None

Bonus Value: $200

Also, here are some other raving reviews for the card mentioned on their website as well. Not to mention, I’ve found it even the most iconic travel bloggers using it and recommending it too!

But I must mention that I’ve had this credit card way before I had known about them though, so if we’ve all come to the decision on our own about this card being a great one, then I’m pretty sure we’ve made the choice collectively with this is one of the best travel credit card options out there.

In general, if you’re going to use a credit card, why not choose something that’s going to support your desires?!

Now that you’ve gotten the basics of ways to get travel points, it’s time to get out there and earn some points and awesome travel perks!

GET THE CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFFERED CARD HERE!

Disclosure: Please understand that the best way to utilize a credit card is to pay it off every single month, and understand that interest will accrue when the balance isn’t fully paid

CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD - FOR NEWBIES AND THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF HAVING ONE! - Manifesting Serenity (2024)

FAQs

What credit card is best for travel? ›

Best travel credit cards
  • Best for no annual fee: Discover it® Miles.
  • Best for dining when traveling: American Express® Gold Card.
  • Best for authorized user perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees)
  • Best for welcome bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

When choosing a credit card it is best to look for? ›

Here's a checklist of some things to look at when you choose a credit card:
  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is the cost of borrowing on the card, if you don't pay the whole balance off each month. ...
  • minimum repayment. ...
  • annual fee. ...
  • charges. ...
  • introductory interest rates. ...
  • loyalty points or rewards. ...
  • cash back.

What is the benefit of a credit card for travel? ›

You might also benefit from travel-related rewards and discounts, like air miles. A credit card is also a safer alternative to carrying large amounts of cash while on holiday. However, the last thing you want is to pay mysterious fees whenever you take cash out or pay for a meal.

Why would it be ideal to have a travel credit card instead of using a regular credit card while travelling? ›

Travel cards offer several advantages that a credit card can't compete with, including the ability to load multiple foreign currencies, secure PIN protection, locked-in exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, online account management, and the option for emergency assistance.

What is the most accepted credit card for international travel? ›

Best credit cards for international travel: Editorial reviews
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. [ jump to details ] ...
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® [ jump to details ] ...
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express. [ jump to details ] ...
  • American Express® Gold Card. [ jump to details ]
15 hours ago

What is the best card for international travel? ›

Our top recommendations
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best overall.
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for flexible rewards.
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for value.
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate rewards.
1 day ago

What are the disadvantages of a travel card? ›

Disadvantages of a travel money card

A travel money card's hidden fees and poor exchange rates can blow a hole in your travel budget. The inconvenience encountered when lost can blow a hole in your travel plans. And, unlike cash, travel money cards are not always accepted.

Which is better for travel credit card or debit card? ›

Credit cards are generally the recommended choice of payment method to use when traveling. First, credit cards offer convenience and unparalleled security.

Can I use a travel credit card for everyday purchases? ›

General travel cards

With these travel cards, you'll have a chance to earn points through everyday purchases and earn even more points through travel and dining purchases.

Why travel credit cards are bad? ›

Travel cards tend to have higher interest rates than many other credit cards and the last thing you want is to pay more in interest than you earn with rewards. If you're not able to pay off your balance every month, you may benefit more from cards that offer 0 percent intro APR on new purchases or balance transfers.

Should you use a credit card when traveling internationally? ›

The upside of using credit cards abroad

Here are the primary benefits of using your credit card as much as possible: Plastic is more convenient. You don't have to carry as much money or change currencies as often. This is ideal for larger purchases like flights and hotels.

What is the best travel card for the USA? ›

  • Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates.
  • Revolut - Best for Low Fees.
  • Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder.
  • HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card - Best Travel Card by Bank.
  • Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate.
  • ING One Low Rate Credit Card - No Annual Fee.
Jan 19, 2024

Is it better to travel with Visa or Mastercard? ›

Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted internationally, while Visa cards tend to offer more benefits. But for most consumers, there is no practical difference between Visa and Mastercard. You should only worry about whether to get a Visa or Mastercard if you're torn between two offers.

Is Amex or Visa better for travel? ›

Visa cards can also be a better option for frequent travelers, since cards in the Visa network are more widely accepted abroad.

Is it better to use a travel card or credit card? ›

Pre-paid travel money cards may not do you much good if you spend less than about $3000 overseas, since the fees you'll pay for having and using the card will likely outweigh any overseas ATM or transaction costs you'd incur if you used your regular debit or credit card.

Should I use a credit card when travelling? ›

Key Takeaways. Credit cards simplify spending while traveling, as cash can be clunky, conversion rates tricky, and cash is prone to loss or theft. If a credit card is stolen, it can be suspended and replaced in short order. Make sure you understand your card's international fees and restrictions.

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