Stop Paying Full Price
For Flights
The airlines are ripping you off. These cards help you fight back with miles, points, and free lounge access.
Our Top Travel Picks
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Citi Strata Premier review 2025: The most underrated travel card? 3x points on gas, groceries, dining, and travel for just $95.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve review 2025: The fee jumped to $795, but so did the perks. Is the new 'coupon book' strategy worth it?
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Is the $95 annual fee worth it? We break down the math on the 60,000 point bonus.
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Capital One Venture X review 2025: $395 fee with $300 credit = $5 net cost. 10x on hotels, Priority Pass lounges, 75K bonus. Is this the best premium travel card?
Capital One Platinum Secured
Capital One Platinum Secured review 2025: No annual fee, refundable deposit, and an automatic credit line review. The best card for bad credit?
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Bilt Mastercard review 2025: Earn points on rent without fees. Is it too good to be true? The only credit card renters should care about.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Is the Amex Business Platinum worth the high annual fee? We break down the perks.
How to Choose a Travel Card (Without a Spreadsheet)
Travel credit cards are complicated on purpose. They want you to get distracted by "3X Points" and forget about the $500 annual fee. Here is the simple math to decide which tier you belong in.
Tier 1: The "Once a Year" Traveler ($0 - $95 Fee)
If you only fly home for Christmas and maybe take one vacation, do not get a luxury card. You won't use the perks.
- Look for: Low annual fees and points that don't expire.
- Avoid: Cards with "Statement Credits" that require you to buy things you don't need.
- Best Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Tier 2: The "Digital Nomad" / Business Traveler ($250+ Fee)
If you are in an airport more than 5 times a year, lounge access becomes a mental health necessity, not a luxury.
- Look for: Priority Pass Select (Lounge access) and TSA PreCheck credits.
- Best Pick: Capital One Venture X (It effectively pays you to keep it).
The "Golden Rule" of Travel Points
Never redeem points for cash back on Amazon. That is how the banks win. 60,000 Chase points are worth $600 on Amazon, but they can be worth $1,200 if you transfer them to Hyatt or United Airlines.