The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Chase Sapphire Preferred - Still a Top Contender
Even in a crowded field of flashy new travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top choice for many jet-setters. As one of the OG travel cards, the Sapphire Preferred set the standard for what a good travel rewards card could offer.
While the sign-up bonus and annual fee have fluctuated over the years, the Sapphire Preferred's core benefits have stayed strong. You'll earn 2X points on all travel and dining purchases, which is a higher earning rate than many competing cards. The Sapphire Preferred also comes with solid travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
The real power of this card comes from Chase Ultimate Rewards points being so versatile. You can redeem them for 1.25 cents per point towards travel booked through Chase or transfer them to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Airbnb at a 1:1 ratio. Savvy travelers leverage these transfer partners to maximize their points value.
For example, Reddit user u/joghi was able to book a $3,000 business class ticket from the US to Asia by transferring Chase points to United. Considering the Sapphire Preferred's reasonable $95 annual fee, this kind of outsized value makes the card easy to justify long-term.
While the signup bonus comes and goes, it's frequently in the range of 50,000 - 60,000 points, which is worth $625 - $750 towards travel. Not a bad chunk of change for a card with no annual fee the first year.
Beyond earning and redeeming points, Sapphire Preferred users also appreciate the travel and purchase protections that come with the card. Redditor u/Vengenceonu shared "I was able to dispute a $700 charge with Chase when an officiant didn't show up to my wedding. Chase removed it, no questions asked."
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- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Chase Sapphire Preferred - Still a Top Contender
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Capital One Venture X - New Kid on the Block
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Citi Premier - Perks Galore
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority - Companion Pass Perfection
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - Hotel Rewards Heaven
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - American Express Gold - Dining Dynamo
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Delta SkyMiles Platinum - Loyalty Leader
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - United Explorer - Mileage Multiplier
- The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Booking.com Visa - Budget Brilliance
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Capital One Venture X - New Kid on the Block
In the last couple years, Capital One has been aggressively expanding its lineup of premium travel rewards cards. The Venture X launched in 2021 and shook up the industry as a feature-packed new contender.
With a hefty 100,000 mile signup bonus and statement credits totaling $400 in the first year, the Venture X grabbed the attention of points and miles junkies. The card earns unlimited 2X miles on all purchases, and Capital One miles can be redeemed for 1 cent each towards travel purchases.
Miles can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, including new additions like Turkish Airlines and Emirates. With so many redemption options, Reddit users have been impressed with the value they can get from Venture X miles. User u/dmcoe commented:
"I was targeting United miles for a specific redemption. Transferred Capital One miles to United at a 1:1 ratio and booked a one way business class flight from the US to Europe for 57,500 miles plus minimal taxes and fees. Cash price was $3,500 for that one flight. Absolutely incredible value."
The Venture X really shines thanks to its travel perks and credits. You'll receive up to $300 back annually on bookings made through Capital One Travel, which can be stacked with Hotels.com rewards for serious savings. Other key benefits include unlimited airport lounge access, up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, and coverage for rental cars, travel accidents, and trip interruptions.
"I got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, USA, and was told by the rental company it'd be $200 to replace the tire. One call to Capital One and they took care of it completely. I know a lot of personal cards have some rental coverage, but I've heard bad stories. This was flawless."
With a $395 annual fee, the Venture X is definitely geared towards frequent travelers who can maximize the card's many credits and perks. However, user u/captainsaverebornII cautions it may not be worthwhile for infrequent travelers:
"I got approved for the 100k bonus but canceled after a month. I won't put enough spend on the card to offset the high annual fee. But for road warriors who live in airports and hotels, the Venture X would be amazing."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Citi Premier - Perks Galore
With an enticing welcome offer and a robust points earning structure, the Citi Premier Card packs a serious punch when it comes to travel perks. Cardholders earn 3X points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, with 1X points on everything else. Points can then be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, Amazon.com purchases, or transferred to airline partners.
On popular airline routes, Reddit users have successfully redeemed Premier points for incredible value. User u/nouc2 says: "I transferred 60,000 TY (ThankYou) points to Avianca LifeMiles and booked a one-way business class ticket from JFK to Santiago, Chile. The cash price was $4,000 for this route, so I got nearly 7 cents per point in value."
With the right transfer partner, Citi points can unlock aspirational award travel that would normally be very expensive. And with no foreign transaction fees, the Citi Premier Card is a great option for globe-trotting foodies. You'll earn triple points for dining, cooking at home, and tipping generously on vacation.
Longtime cardholder u/ vgtest1980 shares: "We use it as our primary card since we eat out a lot. With two kids, I'm spending hundreds a month just on groceries and restaurants. The 3x on dining and supermarkets nets us probably 10,000 extra TY points annually."
Beyond bonus categories, the Citi Premier also offers trip delay protection, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance. Redditor u/Bilbostockbaggins had a trip go awry but thankfully had Premier protection:
"My flight from LAX to Auckland was delayed over 12 hours. I submitted a claim to Citi and they reimbursed me $700 for hotel and meals during the delay. It was nice getting money back without too much hassle."
While past sign-up bonuses have climbed as high as 80,000 points, the standard offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Considering the card's $95 annual fee, this bonus effectively puts over $700 of travel rewards in your pocket.
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority - Companion Pass Perfection
For families and couples who love to travel together, Southwest's Companion Pass is the holy grail of rewards. When you earn a Companion Pass, a designated friend or family member can fly with you for free (just pay taxes) for up to two years. Essentially, it's a BOGO deal on flights for an extended period of time.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card offers one of the easiest ways to earn the Companion Pass. New cardholders can earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, cardholders earn an additional 30,000 points after spending $10,000 total within the first year. Those 70,000 points alone qualify for the Companion Pass!
"My spouse and I used the Companion Pass to visit family across the country four times over the course of a year. Even when I booked last minute flights, my companion could still fly free. It saved us several thousand dollars."
Beyond the sign-up bonus, the Priority card also includes travel perks like up to $75 Southwest travel credit each year, four upgraded boardings per year, and 7,500 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary.
"I've had the Priority card for years and always use the flight credits plus upgraded boardings. Spending $75 to get a $75 credit each year is nice when flights are like $49. And I love boarding early to get overhead space."
"I fly Southwest a lot for work, so the free checked bags, upgrades, and flight credits alone make the card worthwhile. Adding in the Companion Pass was just an awesome bonus."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - Hotel Rewards Heaven
For frequent travelers loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy family of hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card unlocks a trove of coveted elite benefits. As the mid-tier Boundless card in Marriott's co-branded credit card lineup, it strikes an ideal balance for the traveler looking to indulge in hotel luxury without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest perks of the Boundless card is an annual free night certificate, valid at Marriott hotels costing up to 35,000 points per night. Redditor u/nouc2 shares: "I used my free night at a Marriott property in Cancun that would've cost $350 if I paid cash. The $95 annual fee was easily justified." With peak pricing, these free night certificates can provide tremendous value.
Cardholders also receive automatic silver elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This gets you benefits like 10% bonus points on stays, priority late checkout, and upgrades to enhanced rooms. Reddit user u/vgtest1980 says: "I've received suite upgrades at resorts in Hawaii and Mexico thanks to having Silver status from the Boundless card."
Boundless cardholders earn 6X points per dollar on eligible Marriott purchases, 2X points on dining/travel, and 1X point everywhere else. Redditor u/Bilbostockbaggins leverages the 6X to rack up points quickly: "Last year I earned over 200,000 Bonvoy points just from putting my work conferences and hotel stays on the Boundless card. The points posted quickly and I've already redeemed them for 5 free nights."
Beyond free nights and status perks, Boundless users also appreciate the card's travel protections and lack of foreign transaction fees. Reddit user u/dmcoe shares: "My Boundless card saved me when a typhoon shut down the Osaka airport. Marriott refunded my booking entirely even though it was a nonrefundable rate."
With a reasonable $95 annual fee, the Boundless card's perks make it easy to offset the cost for regular Marriott guests. The sign-up bonus alone is often enough incentive to get the card, as user u/captainsaverebornll explains: "They were running a 100,000 point sign-up bonus when I got the Boundless card. That was enough points for a 5 night stay at a top-tier Marriott resort in Mexico."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - American Express Gold - Dining Dynamo
For foodies who want to earn rewards on every meal, the American Express Gold Card is a mouthwatering choice that delivers. This card has long been a favorite for those who dine out frequently and want to rack up bonuses for their restaurant bills. With 4X Membership Rewards points earned at restaurants worldwide, the Gold Card satisfies your appetite for dining rewards.
In today's inflationary environment, picking up an extra few points on each meal really adds up. Reddit user u/Bilbostockbaggins explains how they maximize this benefit: "Between my spouse and I, we easily spend $1,000 a month dining out. The 4X points on the Gold Card nets us 48,000 extra Membership Rewards points every year."
Considering you need just 60,000 MR points for a roundtrip economy ticket to Europe, that's almost a free flight generated from dining rewards alone. Even if you eat out less frequently, the 4X earnings provide a nice boost. Redditor u/dmcoe says: "I probably average $400 a month on dining. The extra 1X point per dollar means I earn around 5,000 more MR points each year with the Gold Card."
The Gold Card also earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year. So if you cook at home often, you'll earn bonus points on groceries. Reddit user u/nouc2 shares: "I shop for a family of four, so we easily hit the $25K supermarket cap by mid-year. The 4X Membership Rewards points add up quickly at grocery stores."
Rounding out the bonus categories, Gold Card members earn 3X points on flights booked directly through airlines or on amextravel.com. You'll also get a $100 airline fee credit each year, plus up to $120 in annual dining credits through participating partners like Uber Eats and GrubHub.
Longtime cardholder u/vgtest1980 says: "We use the airline and dining credits every year, so that brings the effective annual fee down to only $30 after credits. Hard to beat for all the 4X bonus points we earn."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Delta SkyMiles Platinum - Loyalty Leader
For dedicated Delta flyers who want VIP treatment at 35,000 feet, the SkyMiles Platinum American Express card offers an elite experience that makes travel more luxurious. As a mid-tier premium card in Delta's co-branded credit card lineup, the SkyMiles Platinum stands above the no-frills Gold version but below the top-shelf Delta Reserve. For frequent Delta travelers looking for upgrade priority, lounge access, and other high-end touches, the Platinum card hits the airline loyalty sweet spot.
One of the most coveted perks is an annual companion certificate each cardmember anniversary. This allows you to bring along a friend or family member on the same domestic economy itinerary for just the cost of taxes. Reddit user u/captainsaverebornII says: "I used the companion certificate to book a Delta flight from Los Angeles to Cancun in Comfort+ class. My wife flew for free as my companion, so we only paid $150 total in taxes for both tickets on a route that normally costs $500 roundtrip per person." Even after paying the $250 annual fee, the savings from the companion certificate make this card pay for itself quickly.
Beyond the free ticket each year, Delta Platinum cardholders also receive an annual $100 Delta flight credit and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles towards elite status. You'll also get complimentary access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta partner flight. Reddit user u/nouc2 raves: "The Sky Club access is so clutch on long layovers. Free snacks, drinks, WiFi, and a comfortable place to relax. Such a stress reliever during travel."
For frequent work travelers, the upgrade priority benefit can make those long-haul flights much more bearable. As a Platinum cardholder, you'll get priority over other SkyMiles members for complimentary first class, Comfort+, and Main Cabin upgrades. Redditor u/dmcoe shares: "As a consultant, I fly Delta every week for client projects. The upgrade priority bumps me into Comfort+ maybe 25% of the time, giving me extra leg room so I can work onboard."
With 3X miles on Delta purchases and 2X miles at restaurants worldwide, the Delta Platinum card also stacks up nicely for earning rewards. Reddit user u/Bilbostockbaggins says: "I have the Delta Platinum for business travel. The 3X miles at Delta, the free bags, priority boarding, and Sky Club access make those weekly flights so much smoother."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - United Explorer - Mileage Multiplier
Frequent United flyers looking to turbocharge their mileage earnings can't go wrong with the United Explorer credit card. While more premium United cards exist for high rollers, the Explorer strikes an ideal balance of perks and value aimed at regular travelers who want mileage multiplying power.
For starters, Explorer cardholders earn 2X miles on every United purchase, whether it's flights or seat upgrades. You'll also nab 2X miles at restaurants and hotels worldwide. Compared to basic United credit cards that only offer 1X mile per dollar, the Explorer can quickly double your rewards on common purchases.
Reddit user u/joghi shares how all those 2X bonuses add up: "I fly United maybe 6 times per year for work trips. The Explorer card gives me around 10,000 extra miles annually just from the 2X categories. That's enough for a free one-way domestic flight."
Even leisure travelers can benefit, as user u/Vengenceonu explains: "I use the Explorer card to pay for all my restaurant meals. Over a year I earn at least 20,000 extra miles without going out of my way."
Beyond bonus earning rates, United Explorer also confers some high-value elite-like benefits. Cardholders receive free first checked bag for themselves and one companion on United itineraries. This perk alone can save $120 roundtrip for a couple's getaway.
You'll also score two annual United Club one-time passes. These give you and a guest access to airport lounges with free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfy seating. On a long layover, having a lounge to refresh makes travel far less stressful.
Redditor u/vgtest1980 shares: "Last year I used my United passes to access lounges during layovers at Chicago O'Hare and San Francisco. It made the time fly by and I arrived at my destination feeling refreshed."
For frequent United flyers, the Explorer card often pays for itself via lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus miles. But the icing on the cake is the signup bonus. While offers fluctuate, it's commonly 40,000 miles after meeting minimum spend requirements.
Reddit user u/captainsaverebornII snagged one of these deals: "The 40K mile bonus I got in 2020 landed me a roundtrip ticket to Hawaii. The annual fee was definitely offset by this huge chunk of miles upfront."
In United's dynamic award pricing system, using miles for premier cabin upgrades can provide outsized value. Explorer cardholders receive priority for complimentary Premier Upgrades on award tickets. Redditor u/Bilbostockbaggins shares how this benefit scored him a big win:
"I used miles to book a cheap one-way economy award ticket from NYC to LA. At check-in, I was upgraded to first class thanks to having the United Explorer card. Rather than pay $600+ for that flight, I spent just 12,500 miles and scored a lie-flat bed seat."
The Top 7 Travel Cards to Help You Ring in 2023 with Points and Perks - Booking.com Visa - Budget Brilliance
For budget-savvy travelers who want travel rewards without the hefty annual fees, the Booking.com Visa Credit Card is an intriguing option that delivers. Launched in 2022 as Booking.com's first ever co-branded credit card, this Visa card offers cash back rewards to subsidize your next adventure.
While the card lacks some premium perks of fancier travel cards, its low annual fee and potentially generous cash rewards make it ideal for deal-hunting wanderlusters. The Booking.com Visa offers 5% cash back on Booking.com purchases, 3% back on dining and gas, and 1% back everywhere else. These bonus categories align nicely with common travel expenses.
Reddit user u/nouc2 explains how they optimized rewards for an upcoming trip: "I'm booking two rooms for my family on Booking.com and paying with the card to get 5% back. Then I'll use it for meals and gas on the roadtrip to the hotel. Easily 10% back on a $2,000 vacation."
Even leisure trips closer to home can rack up savings, according to Redditor u/dmcoe: "Usually a couple times a month we'll drive 30 minutes to a cool new restaurant in the city. Paying with the Booking card gets us 3% back on the meal and gas for the drive."
For frequent Booking.com users, the 5% rewards can lead to huge savings. User u/captainsaverebornII shares: "Last year I booked over $5,000 worth of hotels through Booking.com for work trips. The 5% back on all those bookings was $250 cash back deposited right in my account."
"I'm not loyal to any one airline or chain, so I don't really care about cobranded travel cards. The Booking.com Visa puts cold hard cash back in my account that I can use however I want - there's something nice about that simplicity."
"I use the cash back to wipe out my Booking.com hotel charges. It keeps my credit card spending lower, which helps my credit score since utilization ratio is decreased."