In today’s world, travel rewards have become an essential financial tool for modern travelers. They offer a wide range of benefits to enhance the traveling experience and maximize the card's value. It is common for users to choose cards that adjust to their spending habits and financial goals, whether they are focused on air travel or general expenses.
Given the rising popularity of reward cards, it is important to know how they work, what features they offer, and which one is the best for your own needs, in this case, when traveling.
A travel rewards card is designed to provide benefits to travelers, most often frequent ones. These cards allow users to earn miles, points, or cashback for making specific purchases that can be redeemed for various travel-related expenses, such as hotel stays, air travel, and car rentals.
Travel rewards cards can also include having access to exclusive discounts and travel protection like trip cancellation insurance, travel accident coverage, and reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage.
Discounted flights and hotel stays
One of the most significant advantages travel rewards cards offer is access to discounted flights and hotel stays, often representing a sizeable portion of traveling expenses. These cards typically allow cardholders to get discounts with partnering hotels, airlines, and excursions. The resulting bill can be significantly lower than standard prices. This is great for users who wish to book rooms or flights at a fraction of the usual cost or enjoy perks like free nights or room upgrades.
Travel insurance and purchase protection add another layer of trust to travel reward cards. Although travel insurance features may vary depending on the card, they usually include trip cancellation or interruption coverage, reimbursement of non-refundable expenses, and baggage delay and loss insurance.
Purchase protection is another valuable feature for frequent travelers since it allows them a safeguard against theft or damage of items bought with the card in a specific timeframe, usually up to 90 or 120 days, bringing peace of mind for purchases made while traveling.
Travel rewards cards give users the opportunity to collect miles and points, accumulating these benefits over time help when booking future trips and making travel more affordable in the long run.
These cards often provide rewards for every dollar spent, with higher earnings rates for travel-related expenses such as hotels, flights, and dining. The accumulated points or miles can be redeemed for free or discounted flights with various airlines or hotel upgrades.
General cards with travel rewards are versatile debit or credit cards that, among other benefits, include specific travel rewards—like points or miles—that can later be used, for example, for airfare. They are specially designed for those who seek to maximize rewards while maintaining flexibility to choose from a wide range of travel options.
These cards offer flexibile benefits, as users can redeem rewards with various hotels, airlines, and other expenses, a broad earning potential since users can earn rewards in all purchases, and additional features like travel insurance and no transaction fees.
Prepaid travel cards do not work the same as travel rewards cards. They are an alternative to offer a convenient way to manage travel spending. Users can load prepaid travel cards with funds that can often be spent in multiple currencies, making them ideal for international trips.
Unlike credit cards, they do not require credit checks or the accumulation of points or miles for future rewards. Instead, they work as a convenient tool for secure international spending without the risk of accumulating debt.
In basic terms, co-branded airline cards are credit cards issued in partnership between banks and airlines. Their main goal is to offer specialized rewards for travelers who are loyal to a specific airline.
Some key features of co-branded airline cards include earning frequent flyer miles directly into the airline’s loyalty program, having exclusive benefits like priority boarding or free checked bags, lounge access, and high mile bonuses after reaching an initial spending requirement.
While it is not specifically a travel rewards card, FutureCard Visa® Debit Card offers a unique set of benefits that can not only enhance the travel experience but also provide cashback rewards for every purchase. FutureCard is a green debit card with zero annual fees that provides up to 6% cashback on eco-friendly purchases, such as EV charging, plant-based groceries, and sustainable beauty products, and 1% on all other purchases, whether they are green or not, ensuring earnings on every transaction.
FutureCard can be used internationally in more than 30 countries and has no interest rates or APR. Future partners with more than 50,000 sustainable brands to allow users to earn 5x and 6x points that can later be redeemed for cashback or other exclusive benefits focused on promoting eco-friendly lifestyles.
Frequent travelers who seek to reduce their carbon footprint can benefit from this rewards card since it aligns with environmentally conscious spending goals and rewards you for spending responsibly. They can easily use the cashback rewards to offset travel costs or support sustainable travel practices.
Offered by Truist Bank, this card allows users to earn miles on qualifying purchases and double miles on purchases made with Delta, including flights, upgrades, and in-flight purchases. The card is also co-branded with Delta Air Lines, making it ideal for frequent Delta travelers.
This is another Truist Bank debit card that is partnered with Delta Air Lines. Cardholders can earn 1 SkyMile for every 2 dollars spent on qualifying purchases, and miles earnings are capped at 4,000 miles per month for premium checking accounts and 2,000 miles for standard accounts.
This card is issued by the Bank of Hawaii, and its main partner is Hawaiian Airlines, so it is highly useful for travelers loyal to Hawaiian Airlines. Although there are no foreign transaction fees, the card has an annual fee of $36. For every $2 spent, cardholders earn 1 HawaiianMile, with a monthly cap of 1,000 miles.
Disney’s debit card, issued by Chase, is perfect for Disney enthusiasts who seek benefits on Disney-related expenses. As a debit card, it has zero annual fees and no interest or APR, making it an affordable option. Additional features include discounts on Disney cruises, spa treatments, tour packages, and exclusive offers for Disney Broadway shows and Disney+ streaming services.
This unique offering from Bask Bank is designed for travelers who wish to earn airline miles and avoid traditional interest. It partners exclusively with the American Airlines AAdvantage program, allowing customers to earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 saved annually, with no minimum deposit required. Miles are valued at approximately 0.42 cents for tax purposes, which translates to 4.85% APY, depending on the value of the miles when redeemed.
This highly rewarded travel rewards credit card offers frequent travelers a wide range of benefits. Its annual fee is $95, and the variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges between 21.24% and 28.24%, depending on creditworthiness. Users can earn up to 5x points through the Chase Travel portal.
The next credit card provides access to Citi’s extensive transfer network, allowing users to redeem points or miles with multiple airlines and loyalty programs. As a welcome bonus, new members can earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
This premium travel card offers various valuable features for frequent travelers. It has an annual fee of $395, and users can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and upgraded earnings for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel.
This premium travel reward card provides a robust selection of benefits, making it perfect for those who seek premium perks and generous earnings. This card also includes travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per person), primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000), and baggage delay and lost baggage coverage.
American Express offers extensive benefits through its platinum card and provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including those in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Other membership rewards include membership points and up to $200 statement credits for prepaid hotel bookings and a $300 annual Equinox gym credit.
This travel rewards credit card is designed for Air Canada frequent flyers. It includes a significant sign-up bonus, with 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first year. Other valuable rewards include 3x points on Air Canada purchases, dining, and US supermarket purchases, and 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
This card is especially useful for those who want to maximize their Avios rewards (British Airways frequent flyer points). In addition to a 10% discount on British Airways flights, users can earn 3 Avios per 1 dollar spent on British Airways purchases, 2 Avios per 1 dollar spent on travel purchases, and 1 Avios per 1 dollar spent on all other purchases.
United Airlines frequent travelers will benefit the most from this travel rewards card, as it offers several features, such as 2x miles per $1 on travel, dining, and select streaming services, and 3x miles per $1 on United purchases, Free first and second checked bags for the primary cardholder and a companion, and priority boarding.
Issued by Chase, this card offers various premium benefits for United's frequent flyers. It has a $525 annual fee, and cardholders can enjoy access to United Club and Star Alliance lounges. Moreover, users earn 4 miles per dollar spent, 2 miles per dollar on other travel and dining expenses, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
This travel rewards card's most significant features include earning 3 SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, access to Delta Sky Club, and a Companion Certificate for a round-trip flight. Although there are no foreign transaction fees, the card carries a $550 annual fee. Other travel benefits are priority boarding, free checked bags, and in-flight discounts.
Thanks to its partnership with City Bank and Barclays, American Airlines features a variety of AAdvantage® credit cards designed to cater to their travelers’ preferences. These cards help users earn miles that can be redeemed for flights with American Airlines and its oneworld® alliance partners.
United Airlines partners with Chase Bank to offer a range of Mileage Plus credit cards tailored to different traveler needs. In addition to earning miles, some other benefits include a United Club membership, no foreign transaction fees, and Premier Access® travel services.
When new members sign up for a new card, the issuer can offer gift sign-up bonuses to welcome cardholders and encourage them to start using the card. For instance, FutureCard offers instant access to its green debit card—without credit checks or hidden fees—and also rewards new members with a $5 welcome bonus. Other cards may offer other options like a 60,000-point bonus after meeting spending requirements.
To get the most out of a rewards card, analyze your spending habits and select an option that aligns with your needs and values. This includes searching for a card with high earning rates to get higher rewards. FutureCard offers 5-6% cashback for green purchases, such as recycled clothing, public transit, and refurbished electronics, and 1% on all other purchases, ensuring continuous rewards no matter the type of purchase.
Flexibility is of utmost importance when it comes to redemption options. For instance, some cards allow users to transfer points to various travel partners, including airlines and hotels, while others, like Future, allow cardholders to redeem points for cashback or other sustainable benefits through Future’s app in a few simple steps.
Although many travel rewards cards charge elevated annual fees—ranging from $95 to $695—and other related expenses, others, like FutureCard, do not require annual fees or other related charges, making them a cost-effective option for everyday spending.
The card’s main partners are another important aspect to consider, since you’ll receive discounts and rewards connected to the card’s partnerships. For instance, eco-conscious spenders can greatly benefit from searching for products in Future’s marketplace to find more than 50,000 sustainable brands that align with their moral values.
Given the importance of transparency, principles, and moral values a card issuer might have, cardholders must analyze the issuer’s goal and what types of businesses it supports. FutureCard offers clear, sustainable rewards with no foreign transaction fees and focuses on providing simple cashback options for those committed to reducing their environmental impact.
For travelers heading to New York, the best alternative is FutureCard because it offers exclusive benefits for using public transit in New York City. After signing up and receiving a $5 bonus, new members receive 100% cashback on the NYC subway and MTA bus rides for the first 7 days of membership. Then, they’ll get 5% cashback rewards and a 5% weekly bonus each time they hit OMNY's 12-ride fare cap.
When it comes to traveling sustainably and affordably, both New Yorkers and eco-conscious travelers can greatly benefit from these rewards while supporting sustainable practices, such as using public transit, to reduce their carbon footprint.
Although having travel-related benefits is always a great feature, it is important to choose a card that provides everyday spending rewards to have earnings even if you’re not traveling. The key is choosing one that adapts to your lifestyle entirely, and some cards, like FutureCard, can provide numerous rewards on every purchase, whether they are travel expenses or not.
FutureCard stands out for having the highest cashback rates, especially in specific sustainable categories like EV charging and community solar. In these categories, users can earn up to 10x points that can later be redeemed for cash back or other benefits.
Despite the myriad of options available when it comes to selecting a travel rewards card, one card stands out from the rest because it combines everyday spending benefits with travel rewards without annual fees or other additional charges.
FutureCard is designed for eco-friendly travelers who wish to maximize rewards for both everyday spending, such as plant-based groceries or renewable energy, and travel-related expenses, such as public transit or EV charging.
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FAQs
Rewards cards can be an excellent idea for those who seek to maximize financial benefits for everyday spending. They offer various rewards, such as exclusive discounts, points, miles, or cashback.
If you’re seeking a credit card that offers travel-related benefits, such as earning miles or points for eligible purchases, then you should get a travel rewards card. However, if you’d like to load the card with a specific amount of money to be spent internationally in multiple currencies, then getting a prepaid travel card is the best alternative.
For US citizens, the best option to earn airline miles is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card has a versatile rewards program, allowing users to earn 2x points on travel and dining-related purchases. Such points can be transferred to numerous airline partners, including United, Southwest, and British Airways.
FutureCard stands out for being the best travel card option for US citizens because it offers unique benefits to eco-conscious travelers, including up to 6% cashback rewards for green purchases and 1% on all other purchases. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a digital, transparent, and easy-to-use debit card that provides financial rewards on every transaction.
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