The HowTo NetworkTravel

Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Select a card based on your primary airline or hotel loyalty, or choose a flexible, bank-issued points card if you want to transfer rewards to multiple partners. Focus on cards that waive foreign transaction fees and offer travel insurance benefits to maximize value.

Budget
Free to apply; fees vary by tier
Duration
1 hour of research
Best Time
Anytime, but apply 3 months before a major trip to hit bonus spending targets
Visa Required
N/A

Step by step

  1. Audit your spending habits

    Look at your last 6 months of bank statements. If you spend more on dining and travel than on groceries, pick a card with a 3x-5x multiplier on travel and food rather than one geared toward general merchandise.

  2. Choose between branded and flexible

    If you are loyal to one airline or hotel chain, get their co-branded card for free checked bags or late checkout. If you want variety, pick a flexible points card (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) that lets you transfer points to various partners.

  3. Compare the 'Net Cost'

    Don't be scared by a high annual fee. If a card costs $550 but gives you a $300 travel credit, a $100 airline incidental credit, and lounge access worth $200, you are net-positive before you even use your points.

  4. Verify travel protections

    Ensure the card offers primary rental car insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and baggage insurance. These protections can save you hundreds if a flight is canceled or a rental car is dinged.

Questions people ask

Does applying for a travel card hurt my credit score?

Yes, you will see a temporary dip of 5-10 points due to a hard credit inquiry. This typically recovers within a few months of responsible use.

Should I pay the annual fee?

Only if the credits, lounge access, and rewards earned outweigh the cost of the fee. If you don't travel at least twice a year, stick to a no-annual-fee card.

Minimum Spend
Prepare to spend $3,000 to $4,000 in the first 3 months to unlock sign-up bonuses, which are the fastest way to earn a free flight.
Annual Fee Range
Expect to pay between $95 and $695 per year, depending on the tier of perks (lounge access vs. basic points earning).

Packing

  • A secondary backup card with no foreign transaction fees
  • A slim wallet that fits both your travel and daily-use cards
  • A digital copy of your credit card insurance benefit guide