Travel rewards credit cards are a fantastic way to enhance your travel experiences, offering enticing welcome offers and benefits that go beyond just points and miles. In a landscape of rising travel costs, understanding how to leverage travel credits can be a game-changer. Many premium rewards cards now feature ongoing travel perks, including valuable annual travel credits that can significantly offset your out-of-pocket expenses.
These credits can range from hundreds of dollars applicable to a wide array of travel purchases to more specific credits designed for airline incidentals or hotel stays. Whether it’s covering airport lounge access, speeding through security with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits, or simply enjoying statement credits towards everyday travel expenses, these perks add substantial value.
This guide dives into the world of Credit Cards With Travel Credit, highlighting the top cards that offer these benefits and explaining how you can best utilize them for flights, hotels, and everything in between.
Exploring Credit Cards with Annual Travel Credits
Annual travel credits are a standout benefit offered by numerous credit cards, designed to reduce your travel costs. However, it’s crucial to understand that the terms and conditions for using these credits vary significantly from card to card. Let’s take a look at a comparison of cards offering annual travel credits, including the credit amount, welcome bonuses, and annual fees, before we delve into the specifics of how to maximize these credits.
| Card | Annual Travel Credit | Welcome Offer | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Gold Card | Up to $120 in Uber Cash for U.S. services (up to $10 Uber Cash each month) | 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months | $325 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | Up to $100 in annual statement credit for airline incidental fees | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 90 days | $95 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card | Up to $300 in annual statement credit for airline incidental fees | 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in 90 days | $550 |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Up to $200 in statement credits for incidentals on one selected airline | 150,000 points after spending $20,000 in 3 months | $695 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel | 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months | $395 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Up to $300 credit for general travel | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months | $550 |
| Citi Prestige® Card | Up to $250 for general travel | No longer available to new applicants | $495 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Up to $400 per year on Hilton Resorts and flights | 150,000 points after spending $6,000 in 3 months | $550 |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Up to $200 in statement credits for airline incidentals and Uber Cash | 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in 6 months | $695 |
| Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card | Up to $300 in statement credits for airline incidentals | No longer available to new applicants | $450 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Up to $325 for general travel and dining purchases | 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in 90 days | $400 |
Note: Welcome offers and card details are subject to change. Verify the most current information with the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card: Uber Cash for City and Travel
The American Express Gold Card is well-regarded for its rewards on dining and groceries, but it also incorporates travel-adjacent benefits through Uber Cash.
Annual Travel Credit: Cardholders can receive up to $120 annually in Uber Cash, distributed as $10 monthly credits. This Uber Cash can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S., providing flexibility for both local and travel-related transportation and dining needs. Enrollment is required.
Current Welcome Offer: New cardmembers can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $325
Other Benefits: Beyond the Uber Cash, the Amex Gold card is a powerhouse for earning rewards. It offers 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The Membership Rewards points earned are highly valuable due to their transferability to numerous airline and hotel partners. Additionally, cardholders can take advantage of monthly dining credits at select restaurants, further offsetting the annual fee.
For a deeper dive, check out a comprehensive review of the American Express Gold card.
Apply Here: American Express Gold Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: Airline Incidental Credits for Frequent Flyers
The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is a solid option, particularly for those who are part of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, offering enhanced rewards and travel benefits.
Annual Travel Credit: This card provides up to $100 in statement credits annually to cover airline incidental fees. These fees can include checked baggage charges, seat selection fees, and flight upgrades, directly reducing out-of-pocket expenses associated with air travel.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Other Benefits: The card earns a straightforward 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. For Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, these earning rates can increase significantly, up to a 75% bonus. Points can be redeemed for statement credits, travel through the Bank of America portal, or cash deposits. Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees and a reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years.
Learn more in the full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.
Apply Here: Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card: Elevated Airline Credits for Bank Loyalists
For those deeply invested in the Bank of America ecosystem, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card offers a more premium experience with enhanced travel credits and rewards.
Annual Travel Credit: The Premium Rewards Elite card boosts the airline incidental credit to up to $300 annually. This significant credit can be used for the same qualifying airline incidentals as the standard Premium Rewards card, providing substantial savings for frequent flyers.
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $550
Other Benefits: Earning rates mirror the standard Premium Rewards card, but the bonus points for Preferred Rewards members remain. Cardholders also receive a 20% discount when redeeming points for airfare through the Bank of America Travel Center and the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Notably, it also includes up to $150 in lifestyle statement credits annually for streaming services, food delivery, and ride-hailing, adding value beyond travel.
Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
The Business Platinum Card from American Express: Airline Fee Credits for Business Travelers
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is tailored for business owners with significant expenses, offering substantial rewards and travel perks, including airline fee credits.
Annual Travel Credit: Cardholders benefit from up to $200 in statement credits annually for airline incidental fees. This credit applies to a single selected airline each year, covering expenses like baggage fees and seat upgrades.
Current Welcome Offer: New cardmembers can earn a substantial 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $695
Other Benefits: The Business Platinum card shares many benefits with the personal Platinum version, but with added business-centric perks. These include statement credits for Dell, Adobe, and Clear Plus purchases. It earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and offers a 35% points rebate when redeeming points for airfare on a selected airline or for premium cabin tickets through Amex Travel. Access to Amex Centurion Lounges and other airport lounges is also a key perk.
For a detailed review, see the full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
Apply Here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Travel Portal Credits and Broad Travel Rewards
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has quickly become a favorite in the premium travel card space, offering a strong combination of rewards, benefits, and a valuable travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Venture X cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit specifically for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal. This credit provides a direct dollar-for-dollar reduction on travel expenses booked through their platform.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $395
Other Benefits: The Venture X earns impressive rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through the portal, and 2x miles on all other purchases. Capital One miles are transferable to over 15 airline and hotel partners. Additional benefits include access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and the ability to add authorized users for free, sharing lounge access and other perks.
Read more in the full review of the Capital One Venture X.
Apply Here: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Flexible Travel Credits for Versatile Travel
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is consistently ranked among the top travel credit cards, largely due to its robust rewards program and highly flexible annual travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: The Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that is automatically applied to a wide range of travel purchases charged to the card each account anniversary year. This credit is exceptionally flexible, covering everything from airfare and hotels to taxis and train tickets.
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $550
Other Benefits: Beyond the travel credit, the Sapphire Reserve earns 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly valuable due to their transferability to a strong network of airline and hotel partners. Cardholders also enjoy Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and comprehensive travel insurance benefits.
Explore the full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply Here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi Prestige Card: Broad Travel Credits for Existing Cardholders
While the Citi Prestige Card is no longer available to new applicants, it remains a valuable option for existing cardholders, particularly due to its broad-reaching travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Citi Prestige cardholders receive up to $250 in annual travel credits, applicable to a wide array of travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, car rentals, and even commuter transportation. This credit is applied automatically, simplifying redemption.
Current Welcome Offer: Not available to new applicants.
Annual Fee: $495
Other Benefits: The Citi Prestige earns 5x points on restaurants, air travel, and travel agencies, and 3x points at hotels and cruise lines. Citi ThankYou points transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners. Other benefits include Priority Pass lounge access and a fourth-night-free benefit on hotel stays booked through Citi concierge.
Learn More: Citi Prestige Review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Hilton Resort and Airline Credits for Hilton Enthusiasts
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is Hilton’s top-tier card, offering significant benefits for loyal Hilton customers, including substantial travel credits focused on Hilton properties and airlines.
Annual Travel Credit: Aspire cardholders can receive up to $400 in travel credits annually: up to $200 semi-annually for purchases at Hilton Resorts and up to $200 annually (distributed quarterly) for flight purchases made directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. Enrollment is required.
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $550
Other Benefits: The Aspire card earns an impressive 14x points on Hilton purchases, 7x points on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on everything else. It also provides automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night reward, and credits for Waldorf Astoria and Conrad stays.
Learn More: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Review
The Platinum Card from American Express: Airline Incidental and Uber Cash Credits for Premium Perks
The Platinum Card from American Express is synonymous with premium travel benefits, and while it carries a high annual fee, the array of credits and perks, including travel credits, can justify the cost for frequent travelers.
Annual Travel Credit: The Platinum card offers up to a $200 statement credit for airline incidental fees with a selected airline each calendar year. It also includes up to $200 annually in Uber Cash ($15 per month Jan-Nov, $35 in Dec) for U.S. services. Enrollment is required.
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Targeted offers may be higher.
Annual Fee: $695
Other Benefits: The Amex Platinum earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. It provides access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (limited visits). Other significant credits include hotel credits for Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, a Clear Plus membership credit, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Complimentary Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold Elite status are also included.
For a complete overview, see the full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply Here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card: Airline Incidental Credits and Hotel Perks for Marriott Loyalists
Although no longer available to new applicants, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card remains an option for product changes and offers valuable travel credits and hotel benefits for Marriott loyalists.
Annual Travel Credit: Cardholders can receive up to $300 in statement credits for airline incidentals, including lounge day passes, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and inflight amenities. These credits require manual requests to Chase for redemption.
Current Welcome Offer: Not available to new applicants.
Annual Fee: $450
Other Benefits: Beyond the travel credit, the Ritz-Carlton card offers an annual free night award, Priority Pass Select membership, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. It also includes Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit and a $100 hotel credit for stays at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties.
Related: Best Marriott Credit Cards
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: Broad Travel and Dining Credits for Flexible Redemption
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is often considered an underrated premium travel card, offering a flexible travel credit and strong rewards on mobile wallet spending.
Annual Travel Credit: Altitude Reserve cardholders receive up to $325 in statement credits annually for purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, taxis, trains, and cruise lines. Notably, this credit also extends to restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and bar purchases, offering exceptional versatility.
Current Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 within 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $400
Other Benefits: The Altitude Reserve earns 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals through the Altitude Rewards Center, 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases, and 1x point on everything else. Points can be redeemed for 1.5 cents each towards travel booked through the Altitude Rewards Center, providing a solid return. Additional perks include Priority Pass airport lounge access (8 passes annually), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
Learn More: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card Review
Bottom Line: Leveraging Credit Cards with Travel Credits for Maximum Value
Credit cards with travel credits offer a valuable way to offset travel expenses and enhance your overall rewards strategy. Whether you prefer transferable points, hotel loyalty, or fixed-value points, there’s a card with travel credit that can align with your travel style and spending habits.
By carefully selecting a credit card with travel credits that match your needs, you can ensure you’re getting continuous value beyond welcome bonuses, effectively reducing your annual travel costs while enjoying premium benefits.
Related: 12 Credit Cards That Can Get You $1,000 or More in First-Year Value
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here. For rates and fees of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, click here.
