One way I save money on travel and get to fly in style (business and first-class) is by leveraging credit cards as tools. But comparing dozens of credit cards can be overwhelming. Which ones are in my wallet? Here are the credit cards I personally use–and why I think they’re worth keeping year after year (even with the annual fees). If you are interested in one of the cards below, applying through the links below would be a way to support me and the site. I appreciate the consideration!
Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited
“Best no annual-fee card where you can still earn a lot of points”
Bonus: Earn 15,000 20,000 points after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening–valued at $200 in cash back
Annual Fee: None
Why It’s Worth it:
- No annual fee, which makes it a great starter card
- The 5% rotating categories can fast-track your points
- Points can be combined with premium cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve
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“The best all-around travel card”
Bonus: Earn 50,000 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening— that’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Annual Fee: $95
Why It’s Worth it:
- Transfer points to 13 airline or hotel partners, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas
- The points are 25% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Primary car rental coverage, up to the car’s value
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“Most flexible travel card for premium benefits, like lounge access, TSA Precheck and Global Entry”
Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening— that’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Annual Fee: $550
Why It’s Worth it:
- $300 travel credit
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit
- Free airport lounge access with Priority Pass
- Transfer points to 13 airline or hotel partners, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas
- The points are 50% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Primary car rental coverage, up to $75,000
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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
“Most flexible and most valuable points”
Bonus: Earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 within 3 months
Annual Fee: $125
Why It’s Worth it:
- One free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for hotels that cost 35,000 points or less–valuable for expensive destinations like Hawaii, Paris, NYC
- Transfer points to a whopping 45 airline partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (both great for trips to Asia)
- Redeem points for stays at not just Starwood hotels, but Marriott and Ritz-Carlton properties, too
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (the card I have is no longer available, but this is the next best option)
“For luxury hotel lovers who want an alternative to the Chase Sapphire Reserve”
Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee: $450
Why It’s Worth it:
- One free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for hotels that cost 50,000 points or less–valuable for expensive destinations like Hawaii, Paris, NYC
- Transfer points to a whopping 45 airline partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (both great for trips to Asia)
- Redeem points for stays at not just Starwood hotels, but Marriott and Ritz-Carlton properties, too
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status–good for late checkout until 2pm
- $300 travel credit on participating Marriott hotels
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit
- Free airport lounge access with Priority Pass Select
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas