In the world of travel, having the right credit card can transform your journey from ordinary to extraordinary. Is travel one of your long term or short term financial goals?
An elite travel credit card may help you reach those goals by earning and burning points.
Elite travel credit cards offer a range of benefits, from luxurious lounge access to significant rewards on travel purchases. Several credit cards stand out for their superior perks and value. Here’s a guide to the best elite travel credit cards that can enhance your travel experiences.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Elite Travel Credit Cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the epitome of luxury travel. With extensive lounge access and a generous welcome offer, this card is designed for the frequent traveler who seeks comfort and exclusivity.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Travel Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
- Lounge Access: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges.
- Annual Fee: $695.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve® is known for its flexibility and value. The $300 annual travel credit and high earning rates on travel and dining make this card a favorite among travelers who want to maximize their points.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Travel Rewards: 3x points on travel and dining, and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Travel Credits: $300 annual travel credit, automatically applied to travel purchases.
- Lounge Access: Priority Pass™ Select membership.
- Annual Fee: $550.
3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 50,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Travel Rewards: 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, and 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Lounge Access: Admirals Club® membership, providing access to over 50 lounge locations worldwide.
- Annual Fee: $595.
For loyal American Airlines travelers, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® offers exceptional value. The Admirals Club® membership is a significant perk, providing a comfortable space to relax before flights.
4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Travel Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other purchases.
- Travel Credits: Up to $300 in statement credits annually for bookings through Capital One Travel.
- Lounge Access: Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass™.
- Annual Fee: $395.
The Capital One Venture X is a strong contender for travelers seeking robust rewards and excellent travel perks at a relatively lower annual fee compared to other elite cards. The high earning rates and travel credits add significant value.
5. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
For business travelers, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled perks. The high earning rates on travel and select business purchases make it an excellent choice for those who travel frequently for work.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 120,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.
- Travel Rewards: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more.
- Lounge Access: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges.
- Annual Fee: $695.
6. United Club℠ Infinite Card
The United Club Infinite Card, offered by Chase in partnership with United Airlines, is a premium credit card that provides numerous benefits and rewards tailored for frequent travelers. Here are some of the key benefits and rewards associated with the card:
Benefits
- United Club Membership:
- Unlimited access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. This is one of the standout features, as a United Club membership alone is quite valuable.
- Travel Perks:
- Free first and second checked bags for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation, potentially saving up to $320 per roundtrip.
- Priority boarding and priority check-in.
- Premier Access benefits, which include dedicated airport check-in lines, security lanes (where available), and priority boarding.
- In-Flight Savings:
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flights.
- Elite Status Benefits:
- Increased chances of complimentary upgrades for Premier members.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit:
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, available once every four years.
- Travel and Purchase Protection:
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible purchases.
7. Citi Prestige® Card
The Citi Prestige Card, a premium travel rewards credit card, offers a range of benefits and rewards designed to appeal to frequent travelers and those looking for luxury travel experiences. Here are the key benefits and rewards associated with the Citi Prestige Card:
Benefits
- Fourth Night Free:
- Receive a complimentary fourth night at any hotel booked through the Citi ThankYou Travel Center, available twice per calendar year. This benefit can provide significant savings for frequent travelers.
- Priority Pass Select Membership:
- Complimentary membership to Priority Pass, offering access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for the cardholder and authorized users.
- Travel Credits:
- Up to $250 in annual travel credits, automatically applied to eligible travel purchases such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit:
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, available once every five years.
- Travel and Purchase Protection:
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible purchases.
- Trip delay reimbursement for delays of six hours or more, covering expenses like meals and accommodations.
Rewards
- Earning Points:
- 5x points per dollar spent on air travel and dining at restaurants.
- 3x points per dollar spent on hotels and cruise lines.
- 1x point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Flexible Redemption Options:
- Points can be redeemed through the Citi ThankYou Rewards program for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or transferred to participating airline loyalty programs.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees:
- No fees on purchases made outside of the United States, which is beneficial for international travelers.
Additional Benefits
- Citi Concierge:
- Access to Citi Concierge services for assistance with travel, dining, entertainment, and more.
- Luxury Hotel Benefits:
- Access to the Citi Prestige Concierge and exclusive benefits at select luxury hotels, including room upgrades, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and more.
- Event Access:
- Exclusive access to presale and preferred tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment experiences through Citi Entertainment.
Annual Fee
- The Citi Prestige Card has an annual fee of $495. Despite the high fee, the card’s benefits, particularly the travel credits, Priority Pass membership, and fourth-night-free benefit, can provide significant value for frequent travelers.
Summary
The Citi Prestige Card is ideal for travelers who can take advantage of its high rewards rates on travel and dining, annual travel credits, and luxury hotel benefits. The fourth-night-free perk and comprehensive travel protections further enhance its value. While the annual fee is substantial, the potential savings and rewards can easily offset the cost for those who travel frequently and utilize the card’s premium features.
Rewards
- Earning Miles:
- 4x miles per dollar spent on United purchases.
- 2x miles per dollar spent on dining and eligible travel purchases.
- 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees:
- No fees on purchases made outside of the United States, which is beneficial for international travelers.
- Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection:
- Access to special benefits at over 1,000 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, which may include daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and more.
- Additional MileagePlus Program Benefits:
- Cardholders have access to exclusive events and experiences through the MileagePlus program, often reserved for elite members.
Annual Fee
- The United Club Infinite Card has a substantial annual fee of $525, which is offset by the extensive benefits, particularly the United Club membership and travel perks.
Summary
The United Club Infinite Card is ideal for frequent United Airlines travelers who can take full advantage of the United Club access, free checked bags, and priority services. The card’s robust travel protections and earning potential on United purchases, dining, and travel further enhance its value. While the annual fee is high, the perks and rewards can easily justify the cost for those who travel regularly with United Airlines.
What Now?
When selecting an elite travel credit card, consider your travel habits and preferences. Key factors to consider include:
- Annual Fees: Weigh the benefits against the cost.
- Lounge Access: Frequent travelers will benefit from extensive lounge networks.
- Travel Credits: Offset costs with annual travel credits.
- Earning Rates: Choose a card that rewards your spending categories
There are also free resources to make sure you are being treated fairly as a consumer. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers free tools to help you when you’re shopping for a new credit card.
TL,DR:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Citi Prestige® Card (Annual Fee: $495).
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Annual Fee: $650
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Annual Fee: $550).
- United Club℠ Infinite Card (Annual Fee: $525).
- Citi Prestige® Card (Annual Fee: $495).
