Planning a dream vacation often starts with finding the right travel rewards credit card. With so many options to choose from, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming.
That‘s why Reddit is a go-to source – real users offer no-nonsense advice on the best cards based on personal experience. In this extensive guide, we‘ll highlight Redditors‘ top travel card recommendations and what makes each one stand out.
Whether you‘re a frequent flyer, road trip fan or simply looking to maximize everyday spending, read on to find the ideal card to reward your wanderlust.
An Introduction to Travel Rewards Cards
Before diving into Reddit‘s top picks, let‘s quickly cover the basics of travel credit cards.
What is a travel rewards credit card?
A travel rewards credit card offers incentives like points or miles to book free flights, hotel stays, and more. The rewards you earn typically correspond to how much you spend.
Benefits of a travel rewards card include:
- Welcome bonus offers when you meet a minimum spend requirement
- Earning rates of 2-5x points on travel purchases
- Additional bonus categories like dining, groceries, etc.
- Travel perks like airport lounge access, elite status, rental car discounts
- Flexibility to transfer points to various airline/hotel partners
Factors to consider when applying:
- Annual fees – usually $95-695
- Foreign transaction fees
- Redemption rates for flights/hotels
- Points expiration policies
Now that you know how travel cards work generally, let’s explore the top contenders recognized by Reddit.
1. Capital One Venture X
The Venture X is Capital One‘s new flagship travel card that‘s generating major buzz. Released in late 2021, cardholders and travel experts alike praise its unmatched earning potential and simplicity.
Venture X Benefits & Features
- 75,000 mile welcome bonus after spending $4K in 6 months
- 10x miles on hotels/rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
- Up to $300 back annually towards bookings via Capital One Travel
- Airport lounge access – over 1,300 lounges globally via Priority Pass
- Fee credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- No foreign transaction fees
Capital One aimed to create the ultimate travel card with Venture X. Between the generous welcome bonus, uncapped 2x everyday earn rate, and $300 annual travel credit, it’s easy to maximize value.
Cardholders on Reddit have calculated the 10x earnings on Capital One Travel bookings essentially “pays for” the $395 annual fee. Throw in the other credits and perks, and this card quickly pays for itself.
The Venture X shines thanks to uncapped 2x everyday earnings and a $300 annual travel credit that essentially pays the $395 annual fee. Perks like airport lounge access, travel protections and credits make this a card that quickly pays for itself.
Consider Venture X if:
- You make ample Capital One Travel bookings to benefit from 10x hotels/cars and 5x flights
- You want a premium card with perks like lounge access but hate managing rotating bonus categories
- You value flexibility in transferring miles to various travel loyalty programs
The Downsides
No card is absolutely perfect though. Here are a few drawbacks to weigh:
- High $395 annual fee
- Venture miles may not offer the absolute best redemption value compared to more premium programs
Still – simplicity, strong earning potential, and credits make the Venture X a go-to recommendation for travel rewards and everyday spending.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has earned icon status in the credit card world thanks to its travel redemption options and competitive $95 annual fee. According to Redditors, it remains a top pick for jet-setters.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits
- 60,000 point welcome bonus after spending $4k in 3 months
- 2x points on travel/dining purchases
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel via Chase portal
- Points transfer 1:1 to valuable airline/hotel partners like United, Hyatt etc.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
The Sapphire Preferred makes it easy to maximize rewards thanks to uncapped 2x bonus categories and 25% extra redemption value. Transferring points to partner loyalty programs can squeeze even more value from this card.
It continues to rate well for flexibility – functioning as an everyday card or dedicated travel spender thanks to broad 2x categories. The $95 fee is on the lower end as well.
Consider the Sapphire Preferred if:
- You want travel redemption options and airline/hotel transfer partners
- You regularly dine out and travel but want a lower annual fee
- You appreciate having branches and customer service from a major national bank
3. The Chase "Trifecta"
Savvy travelers don’t rely on just one rewards card – they strategize to maximize flexible programs. Enter the Chase Trifecta: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Flex and Unlimited.
This combo allows you to pool points across cards while taking advantage of bonus categories. Redditors suggest this trio offers one of the highest-earning setups.
How the Trifecta works
The Chase Trifecta enables you to shift points between 3 cards:
- Sapphire Reserve – premium travel/dining card
- Freedom Flex – rotating 5x quarterly categories
- Unlimited – 1.5x flat-rate "catch all" card
You can direct Flex category bonus points to the Sapphire Reserve card. This allows you to redeem at 1.5 cents per point towards travel rather than lower rates on the Flex itself.
Meanwhile, the no-fee Unlimited card offers easy 1.5x all-purpose earnings to supplement your Flex bonuses.
This strategic approach takes more effort but delivers higher redemption value long-term by pooling points. Consider implementing your own "Trifecta" if you don‘t mind a multi-card system.
4. The Platinum Card from American Express
The Reddit jury is still out on whether the Amex Platinum card is "worth it" given its staggering $695 fee. But if you fly frequently and can use the yearly credits, it may make sense.
Perks of Amex Platinum Card membership
- 100,000+ point welcome offer
- 5x Membership Rewards points on flights/hotels
- Up to $200 airline fee credit per calendar year
- Up to $200 annual Uber Cash benefit
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
- Complimentary airport lounge access – Centurion, Priority Pass etc.
- $695 annual fee
The Amex Platinum markets itself as an ultra premium card for frequent flyers. Between the 5x bonus categories and up to $400 in annual credits, it can present strong value.
However, you must travel regularly to take advantage. Consider if 6-figures of annual spending, lots of flight/hotel bonuses, and high redemption potential justify the steep fee.
Consider the Amex Platinum if:
- You fly frequently, stay at nice hotels, and can use the $400+ in annual credits each year
- Airport lounge access would improve your travel experience
- You appreciateFine Hotels & Resorts amenities, uber benefits etc.
- You spend 5-figures or more annually on flights and hotels
This card has become almost polarizing on Reddit given its high fee and niche audience. Approach with eyes wide open – or explore the other great Amex options if leery.
5. Citi Costco Anywhere Visa
You don‘t have to be a jet-setter or road warrior to benefit from a travel rewards card. The Citi Costco Anywhere Visa makes racking up rewards simple for everyday Costco shoppers and commuters.
Highlights of the Citi Costco Card
- 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases – up to $7,000/year
- 3% cash back on restaurants + eligible travel
- 2% cash back at Costco + Costco.com
- 1% cash back on other purchases
- Access to special financing on large Costco purchases
Costco shoppers gravitate to this card for the 4% gas rewards up to $7k in spending yearly. Meanwhile, the 3% dining/travel earn keeps your Costco runs and meal spending rewarding.
Best of all – combine with a paid Costco membership, and this card has no annual fee. It‘s a simple yet strategic setup.
Consider the Citi Costco Card if:
- You have a paid Costco membership and shop there routinely
- You drive often and can take advantage of 4% gas rewards
- You want secondary travel rewards without an annual fee
- You appreciate special financing offers on big-ticket Costco buys
This uncomplicated Costco co-branded card provides easy bonus rewards that regular warehouse shoppers can appreciate.
Summary: Reddit‘s Favorite Travel Cards
| Card | Key Features | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X | 2x all purchases, 10x Capital One Travel portal, lounge access | $395 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $800+ welcome bonus, 2x travel/dining, 25% redemption boost | $95 |
| Chase Trifecta | Pool points across Freedom Flex, Unlimited & Reserve cards | $550 Reserve fee |
| Amex Platinum | 100k+ bonus, 5x flights/hotels, Fine Hotels & Resorts access | $695 |
| Citi Costco Anywhere | 4% gas (up to $7k/year), no annual fee with paid Costco membership | $0 with Costco membership |
As you can see, choosing the right travel rewards card involves weighing factors like annual fees, bonuses, redemptions, and perks. Consider your habits and needs to select one that aligns.
Bottom Line
Finding your perfect travel credit card match means filtering through lots of options. Let Reddit serve as your guide – with advice from real consumers and experts to cut through advertising claims.
I hope this breakdown of the top travel cards on Reddit right now helps you discover one suited for your lifestyle. Safe travels – and happy spending!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best travel credit card overall?
For combining strong rewards across categories with premium perks, the Capital One Venture X arguably stands above other options now. It offers 2x everyday earning, valuably redemptions, and credits that essentially pay its $395 annual fee.
Of course – cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum have similarly impressive rewards potential for some. Consider your habits, fees tolerance and travel goals when deciding.
How many travel credit cards should I have?
One or two travel rewards cards allow most people to maximize value without becoming overwhelmed. Consider starting with a daily driver option like the Venture X or Sapphire Preferred for robust earning and redemption potential.
Avid travelers can look at implementing the Chase Trifecta long-term to strategically combine rewards across cards. Just be sure you can manage additional accounts responsibly.
What‘s the best travel card for beginners?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred hits the sweet spot for beginners thanks to its 60,000 point bonus (worth $750+ towards travel), $95 annual fee, and user-friendly points program. Balance transfer options and branch access provide additional help.
Novice cardholders appreciate the Sapphire Preferred‘s intuitive interface, redemption flexibility, and visibility into their progress towards the minimum spend.
Should I pay an annual fee for a travel rewards card?
Paying an annual fee comes down to your habits, financial comfort zone and willingness to maximize perks. Aim for cards where the points bonuses, credits and other benefits outweigh the fee cost.
For instance – the Chase Sapphire Preferred‘s 60,000 bonus after meeting the minimum spend essentially pays for 5+ years of $95 annual fees upfront. Meanwhile – the Capital One Venture X provides a $300 annual travel credit alongside the $395 fee.
Analyze each card carefully on a case-by-case basis before committing.
