Summer travel can be costly, mostly due to higher prices driven by demand. Fortunately, an array of popular travel credit cards can take the sting out of your summer travel budget.
While some cards are best for their initial bonus offers, others make it easier than ever to earn ongoing rewards on all your spending.
WalletHub recently ranked the top travel credit cards for summer travel and beyond. After poring through more than 1,000 card options and comparing their benefits, WalletHub editors named the following as best of their class:
-Best Overall-Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
-Best Bonus-Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
-Airline Rewards-Lufthansa Credit Card
-Hotel Rewards-Starwood Credit Card
-Road-Trip Rewards-PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card
Comparing Top Card Details
It's not surprising at all that the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard earned the top spot overall. For travelers who want utmost flexibility in how they redeem their points, this card is hard to beat.
Currently, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard offers 2x points for each dollar you spend and a 50,000 bonus worth $500 in travel after you use your card for $3,000 in purchases within three months. To redeem your rewards, charge any travel purchase over $100, then cash in your points to cover the charge.
While a $500 bonus is especially lucrative, what makes it even more rewarding is the fact you can spend your $500 travel bonus on any travel expense including airfare, hotels, rental cars or travel packages bought from any discount site.
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is another that definitely earned its spot for the best bonus overall. The main benefit is just how diverse Chase Ultimate Rewards points are.
Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 on your card within three months.
The kicker is, those points are worth $625 in travel if used within the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
You can also redeem your points for cash back or high value gift cards at a rate of one cent each (50,000 points = $500 in gift cards or cash back) or transfer them to popular loyalty programs like Hyatt, Southwest, Marriott, British Airways, and Flying Blue at a rate of 1:1.
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The Lufthansa card, Starwood Preferred card from American Express and PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature card also earned their rankings due to lucrative and flexible rewards programs, signup bonuses and travel benefits for consumers.
If you're in the market for a travel credit card, studies like this one can help you sort the good from the bad. They also help to highlight the best offers available, whether those help you earn flexible travel points, free airfare or hotel stays with your favorite brand.
What's the best card for you? To find out, take a closer look at your travel style, spending habits and travel goals. Then, and only then, can you really decide.
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