Travel Credit Cards
Money & Travel
Travel Credit Cards That Make Every Trip More Rewarding
Compare two leading U.S. travel credit cards for earning flexible rewards, accessing useful travel benefits and getting more value from the money you already spend.
Flexible travel rewards
No foreign transaction fees
Travel benefits
BLAK BEIGE TRAVEL GUIDE
Earn rewards.
Travel smarter. Compare the card with benefits that suit you.
Travel smarter. Compare the card with benefits that suit you.
The opportunity
Your Everyday Spending Could Help Fund Your Next Trip
Paying for flights, hotels and everyday purchases with a standard card may mean missing opportunities to earn useful travel rewards. The right travel card can turn eligible spending into points or miles while providing benefits that make traveling more convenient.
Earn Travel Rewards
Collect points or miles from eligible travel and everyday purchases, then redeem them toward future trips.
Transfer Your Rewards
Both featured programs provide options for transferring eligible rewards to participating airline and hotel partners.
Travel With Added Benefits
Depending on the card, benefits can include travel credits, airport lounge access and certain travel protections.
Our featured choices
Two Leading U.S. Travel Credit Cards
These cards serve different types of travelers. One provides flexible rewards with a moderate annual fee, while the other focuses on premium travel benefits.
Issued by Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A versatile travel rewards card for people who want strong earning categories, access to transfer partners and useful travel protections without paying a premium-level annual fee.
Annual fee
$95
Best suited to
Everyday travelers
- 5X points on eligible purchases through Chase Travel
- 3X points on dining and several eligible everyday categories
- 2X points on other eligible travel purchases
- Up to $100 in annual Chase Travel hotel statement credits
- Transfer options with participating airline and hotel programs
- No foreign transaction fees
- Includes a selection of travel and purchase protections
Eligibility, approval, rates and terms are determined by Chase.
Issued by Capital One
Capital One Venture X Rewards
A premium travel card designed for frequent travelers who value simple everyday earning, elevated travel rewards and access to participating airport lounges.
Annual fee
$395
Best suited to
Frequent travelers
- 10X miles on eligible hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on eligible flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on other eligible purchases
- Access to Capital One Lounge and Landing locations
- Access to participating Priority Pass lounges after enrollment
- Transfer options with participating travel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
Eligibility, approval, rates and terms are determined by Capital One.
Make your decision
Which Travel Credit Card Is Right for You?
The better choice depends on your travel frequency, normal spending habits and whether you will genuinely use the card’s benefits.
Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred if:
- You want a lower annual fee
- You spend regularly on travel and dining
- You want flexible points and transfer partners
- You value travel protections
- You do not require regular airport lounge access
Choose Capital One Venture X if:
- You travel frequently enough to use premium benefits
- Airport lounge access is valuable to you
- You prefer a simple 2X miles structure on general purchases
- You are comfortable booking eligible travel through Capital One Travel
- You can justify the higher annual fee
Side-by-side comparison
Compare the Main Features
Use this overview as a starting point, then confirm the current offer and complete terms on the card issuer’s website.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture X |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $395 |
| General earning | 1X point on eligible purchases outside bonus categories | 2X miles on eligible general purchases |
| Portal hotel and rental-car rewards | 5X points on eligible Chase Travel purchases | 10X miles on eligible hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel |
| Portal flight rewards | 5X points on eligible Chase Travel purchases | 5X miles on eligible flights through Capital One Travel |
| Dining rewards | 3X points on eligible dining | 2X miles as part of general earning |
| Airport lounge access | Not a core included benefit | Participating Capital One and Priority Pass lounges |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
| Ideal user | Occasional or regular traveler seeking flexible value | Frequent traveler seeking premium benefits |
Before choosing
How to Evaluate a Travel Credit Card
Rewards can be valuable, but they should never distract from annual fees, interest charges or how you actually travel.
Review Your Spending
Check how much you normally spend on travel, dining and everyday purchases without increasing your budget.
Calculate Real Value
Estimate the rewards and benefits you are likely to use, then subtract the annual fee.
Check Redemption Options
Review travel portals, statement-credit options and participating airline or hotel transfer partners.
Read the Current Terms
Confirm eligibility, APR, fees, exclusions and offer requirements directly with the issuer before applying.
Use Travel Credit Cards Responsibly
Credit-card rewards are rarely worth paying interest for. Consider applying only if the card suits your budget and you expect to pay the statement balance in full and on time. Carrying a balance may result in interest charges that exceed the value of the rewards you earn.
Frequently asked questions
Travel Credit Card Questions Answered
What is a travel credit card?
A travel credit card allows eligible purchases to earn
points or miles that may be redeemed for travel or other
available rewards. Benefits, redemption values and
restrictions vary by issuer and card.
Which card has the lower annual fee?
Chase Sapphire Preferred currently lists a $95 annual fee,
while Capital One Venture X currently lists a $395 annual
fee. Always verify the latest pricing before applying.
Which card is better for airport lounge access?
Capital One Venture X is the stronger option of these two
for lounge access. Eligible primary cardholders can access
participating Capital One Lounge, Landing and Priority Pass
locations, subject to enrollment, capacity and current terms.
Do these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
The official issuer pages currently state that neither
featured card charges foreign transaction fees. Other fees,
exchange-rate considerations and account terms may still apply.
Do I need good credit to apply?
Approval is not guaranteed. Issuers may consider your credit
history, income, existing debt, recently opened accounts and
other information when reviewing an application.
Should I choose a card based on the welcome offer?
A welcome offer can provide short-term value, but it should
not be the only consideration. Look at the ongoing rewards,
annual fee, redemption options and benefits you can use over
the longer term.
Can credit-card rewards expire?
Expiration policies vary. Rewards may remain available while
an account is open and in good standing, but they can be lost
in certain circumstances. Check the current rewards-program
agreement before closing or changing an account.
Can card benefits and reward rates change?
Yes. Issuers can change welcome offers, benefits, reward
categories, fees and terms. Always rely on the issuer’s
current application page and account agreement.
Compare before you apply
Choose Benefits That Match the Way You Travel
Review the current offers, eligibility requirements and complete pricing terms directly on each card issuer’s official website.
Editorial disclosure: BLAK BEIGE provides educational information to help readers compare travel products. Product details, offers and eligibility requirements may change. Always verify the current information directly with the card issuer.
Important: This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial, credit, legal or tax advice. Credit approval is subject to the issuer’s criteria. Terms, limitations and exclusions apply.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a registered trademark of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Capital One Venture X Rewards is issued by Capital One. BLAK BEIGE is not a bank, lender or credit-card issuer.
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