Using travel credit cards is a great way to make travel affordable, even for a beginner traveler. We have compiled a list of beginner-friendly travel credit cards for you to check out.
These credit cards are by far my favorite travel companions. They have opened doors to new travel opportunities I never imagined I would have. In 2022 I traveled to Europe almost for free, since then I have taken many free flights, had free rental cars, and stayed for free in hotels regularly.
All of these cards are loaded with perks! Some give you access to airport lounges and free seat upgrades and others give you yearly travel credit and travel savings opportunities.
Chase Credit Cards
I started out using credit cards targeted at traveling many years ago when I signed up for a Southwest card with Chase. They were advertising 75,000 bonus miles on my flights and I knew I would be traveling soon so I couldn’t resist.
The Southwest card gives you some free boarding pass upgrades and drink coupons throughout the year and certain levels of the card give you $75 in travel credit yearly.
Later, this was my most recent card, I moved to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. I love this one because you are not restricted to using your points on just one airline.
You can use the points from the Sapphire card for rental cars, hotels, and airlines. This card also gives you Doordash and Instacart credit as well as a $50 hotel credit each year and travel insurance.
Chase Travel Credit Card I Love:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
American Express Credit Cards
Next, I ventured into using American Express Delta SkyMiles credit cards. Delta is one of my favorite airlines and I started traveling with them more often so it seemed like the right move.
With a Delta SkyMiles credit card, you get a free checked bag with any of their cards so that is a huge bonus. I eventually also signed up for the American Express Hilton card, I figured I should have a hotel card in the mix
Delta SkyMiles Travel Credit Cards I Love:
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Hilton Honors Card
A Few Tips About American Express SkyMiles Cards
Start out with the gold card first. Once you hit your spending amount to get your bonus miles you can upgrade to the platinum card, get that bonus, and then upgrade to the reserve card.
If you get the Reserve card right away, you are missing out on a lot of bonus points!
They also have business credit cards so if you are a business owner you can get the gold business card and do the same exact thing with upgrading as you go. That’s what I did!
Capital One Credit Cards
Before my first big trip to Europe, I signed up for the Capital One Venture card and eventually the Capitol One Venture X card as well.
The Venture X requires a pretty high credit score which I did not have at the time that I got the first card but it worked out because I ended up getting both cards eventually which meant double bonuses.
This card is awesome because you get 2X points for all purchases and if you pay for an Airbnb or hotel with it, you can then go back and use points to pay off the purchase at a later date. I love that you don’t have to book with Capital One to redeem your points.
This also works with airlines. However, the Capital One travel website also has some great perks. They often offer deals on bookings and with flights, they will do a price drop guarantee so you can be sure you are always getting the best deal.
Capital One Credit Cards I Love:
- Capital One Venture Card
- Capital One Venture X Card
Takeaways
There are a lot of credit card options out there. Be sure to do your research before you sign up and of course, be sure to pay off your balances monthly (as much as possible).
Many of my interest rates are high but I pay the balances off every time I get paid and then I don’t pay any interest but I get all of the points! I live off of them rather than using a debit card.
Having cards like these makes it possible to explore your country, and the world, in ways you never thought possible. Last year I went to Germany with my entire Airbnb and car rental paid for.
My next trip to Europe will likely be 100% paid and will be 2 weeks long. Also, if you have a partner you will travel with they can also get a card so you can double up.
If you are traveling soon, check out these 5 Must-Have Travel Items.
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