One of the best ways to add value to your travel experience is by leveraging travel credit cards. Now, let’s be clear: credit cards aren’t for everyone, and they do require responsible use. If you treat them like a debit card, paying off the balance in full every month, you can unlock serious benefits that help maximize your travel rewards. The key is to choose cards that best fit your travel habits such as who you fly with, where you stay, and how you spend.
Dipping Your Toes In
When I first started exploring travel credit cards, I wanted to take a low-risk approach and get comfortable with the process. To do that, I chose cards that offered 0% APR for an introductory period and no annual fee which is perfect for easing into the world of travel rewards.
United Gateway® Card
One of my personal favorites for beginners is the United Gateway Card. While it’s a more basic option, it still offers meaningful perks to start earning rewards:
- Sign-up bonus: 30,000 United miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning structure: 2x miles on gas, transit, and United purchases; 1x miles on everything else.
- Extra perks: After spending $10,000 in a calendar year, you qualify for 2 free checked bags on United. Plus, you’ll get 25% back on United inflight purchases and no foreign transaction fees.
- Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases (then a variable APR applies).
This card allowed me to practice using a credit card for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and general spending, without adding unnecessary debt, while still earning miles that helped me book future trips.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
Another excellent beginner-friendly option is the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Instead of earning airline-specific miles, this card offers flexible cash-back rewards that you can apply toward travel, hotel stays, or anything else you choose:
- Sign-up bonus: $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning structure: 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a variable APR applies).
- Annual fee: $0
The flexibility of cash back makes this card a great way to ease into earning travel rewards without being tied to a particular airline or hotel chain.
Diving In
Once you’re comfortable managing a rewards card responsibly, you might be ready to step up to cards with annual fees that offer much richer travel benefits. If you travel frequently, these can easily pay for themselves.
United Quest® Card
For loyal United travelers, the United Quest Card offers a robust suite of benefits that can add up quickly:
- Sign-up bonus: Currently 70,000 United miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (offers change frequently).
- Earning structure:
- 8x miles on United flights
- 5x miles on hotel stays booked through United’s portal
- 3x miles on other United purchases
- 2x miles on other travel, select streaming, and dining
- 1x miles on everything else
- Key perks:
- $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- First and second checked bags free
- $200 annual United Travel Credit
- $150 Renowned Hotels credit
- $100 rideshare credit
- $150 JSX flight credit
- $180 Instacart credit
- $80 Avis/Budget rental credit
- Annual fee: $350
This card is a fantastic option for frequent United flyers who can take advantage of the credits and perks to easily offset the annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you want flexibility beyond a single airline, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular travel cards out there and for good reason:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning structure:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining and online groceries
- 2x points on other travel
- 1x point on everything else
- Key perks:
- $50 annual hotel credit (booked through Chase Travel)
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel (60,000 points = $750)
- DoorDash DashPass through 2027 ($10/month credit)
- Comprehensive travel protections (trip cancellation, baggage delay, primary rental car insurance, etc.)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $95
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a highly flexible card that works well for many types of travelers, especially if you want to redeem points across multiple airlines, hotels, or transfer partners.
Final Thoughts & Disclaimers
Travel credit cards can offer incredible value, turning your everyday spending into memorable trips, upgraded experiences, and valuable travel perks. But it’s absolutely essential to use them responsibly. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can easily outweigh any rewards you earn.
Please note: The benefits, fees, and promotional offers discussed in this post are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change at any time by the card issuers. Be sure to verify all terms and conditions directly with the credit card companies before applying. Approval for any credit card will depend on your individual creditworthiness and financial situation. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor if you have questions about your personal credit or finances.
Remember: Travel credit cards are a tool, and like any tool, they can be incredibly helpful when used correctly, or costly if misused. Start small, educate yourself, and you’ll be well on your way to earning free flights, hotel stays, and experiences that make your travels even more special!