Start Planning Your Next Vacation With These Credit Cards

Money Talks News has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money Talks News and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

While it may be premature for many people to start traveling again, it’s probably not too early to start thinking about your future travel hopes and dreams and give yourself something to look forward to.

And it’s definitely not too early to start racking up the rewards that will make those hopes and dreams an affordable reality.

Check out some of the best card offers for travel rewards and see if any of these credit cards could shape up your travel plans and brighten your 2021 outlook.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a great option for grocery or general cash-back rewards, offering at least 1.5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on every purchase and more in certain categories. You also earn a $200 cash-back bonus after you spend $500 within the first three months.

What to know:

• 5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on travel purchased through Chase.
• 3{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases.
• 1.5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on every other purchase.
• No expiration on cash-back rewards.
• 0{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} introductory APR on purchases for 15 months.
• No annual fee.

Note: This card has a 3{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} foreign transaction fee, so plan accordingly for international travel.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it: An early spending bonus offer of 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 within the first three months is worth $600 in travel.

What to know:

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
• Get a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA Pre-check.
• Extended warranty protection.
• Travel accident insurance.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• $95 annual fee.

Note: This card has a $95 annual fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card does not, but doesn’t have the same early spending bonus offer and offers a lower rate of return.

Citi Premier Card

Why we like it: You’ll earn 60,000 bonus points with the Citi Premier card after spending $4,000 on purchases in your first three months of card membership, redeemable for travel or for $600 in gift cards.

What to know:

• 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after making $4,000 in purchases within three months of signing up.
• 3 points per $1 for spending at restaurants and supermarkets.
• 3 points per $1 for spending at gas stations, hotels, and on air travel.
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more, once per year, when booked through Citi’s rewards website.
• $95 annual fee.

Note: This card has no foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Why we like it: Like its cousin the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this card offers substantial bang for your buck on travel rewards and currently has a compelling introductory offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, worth $750 toward travel.

What to know:

• Get 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft rides through March 2022.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month through April 2021.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
• Complimentary DashPass delivery subscription.
• $95 annual fee.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Why we like it: The American Express Platinum will rack up enormous rewards while providing stellar ongoing benefits, including 75,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $5,000 in the first six months.

What to know:

• Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 in your first six months.
• 10X points on up to $15,000 eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets in your first six months.
• 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases starting Jan. 1, 2021).
• 5X points on prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com.
• 1X points on other eligible purchases.
• Uber VIP status and up to $200 for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders annually.
• $550 annual fee.

Note: Other current card benefits include up to $100 in statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue each year.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.