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10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2024

Written By Sean Callery

Reviewed by Shaun McGowan

Last updated 19 August 2024

See our picks of the best travel credit cards based on foreign exchange fees, travel perks and more. Plus get expert tips on using your credit card overseas from a veteran frequent flyer.

Featured travel credit cards

NO ANNUAL FEE OFFER

$0 annual fee with Qantas points

Qantas American Express® Discovery Card

Enjoy a $0 annual card fee and earn Qantas Points with no limit on the number of points you can earn.

SPECIAL OFFER

Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points

American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

That's 70,000 when you apply online by 3 September 2024, are approved, and spend $3k on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, 20,000 in your second year upon annual fee renewal ($450). T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.

Find out more

200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points

American Express® Platinum Card

When you apply online by 1 October 2024, are approved, and spend $5k on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months. New American Express Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

Top travel credit cards in Australia (Money picks)

These cards were selected based on our expert analysis of more than 200 credit cards on Money's database. We selected the cards based on features and costs relevant to travellers and they are ordered by the lowest annual fee.

How to compare travel credit cards: 6 key questions to ask

What’s the foreign transaction fee.

It will be somewhere between 0% and 3% of the transaction value depending on the card. If you spend a lot overseas, it’s worth minimising this fee as much as possible.

Will the card be accepted where I’m travelling?

Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is a bit more limited but still widely accepted in the countries Australians travel to in numbers.

What’s the interest rate?

Ideally you’ll be clearing the balance of the card within the interest-free period, but if not, a lower interest rate will help you minimise your travel costs.

What’s the annual card fee?

There are some credit cards with no annual fee that offer benefits for travellers, but most do come with a fee. If there is a fee, look carefully at what you’re getting in return.

Is travel insurance included?

A credit card that comes with travel insurance included could save you hundreds of dollars if it means you don’t need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy. Pay attention to what is covered by the policy and if it’s suitable for you.

Are there any other travel benefits thrown in?

Some travel credit cards offer lounge access (usually a limited number of passes per year), plus travel discounts credits you can put towards flights, accommodation and dining. These can be a nice ‘cherry on top’ if the rest of the card fits the bill.

Expert tips for using your credit card while travelling

Cover as many of your costs as you can before you travel

As soon as you leave Australia (or buy from an overseas retailer) you become a much more profitable customer for your bank because of the fees they charge. Avoid foreign exchange fees by prepaying for as many expenses as you can (e.g. your accommodation) assuming you can do so in AUD.

Get clear on fees

If you’re going to be spending overseas regularly, it’s worth seriously considering a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees. This could save you up to 3.65% on every transaction. This fee is often overlooked when people apply for a credit card. Also be clear on what you’ll be charged for using an ATM. Chances are it will be a lot.

Don’t accept the “Do you want to pay in Australian Dollars” option

When you’re making a card payment overseas, a lot of the time you’ll get the option to pay in the local currency or have the amount converted to Australian dollars. Paying the AUD amount shown would seem like the sensible choice here, but trust me, it’s almost always a rip off. That option involves what’s called dynamic currency conversion which means the conversion rate is determined by the merchant and it’s usually a much worse rate than what your credit card provider will give you if you pay in the local currency.

Don’t withdraw cash overseas using your credit card

Using a credit card to withdraw cash at an overseas ATM is going to be very expensive. You’ll be stung with a fee from the local ATM operator (unless it happens to be a Westpac card and the ATM is part of the Global ATM alliance), a foreign transaction fee, plus a cash advance fee. You won’t get any interest-free days, meaning you’ll immediately be paying a high rate of interest on the funds you withdrew. Basically unless it’s an emergency, don’t go near an ATM with your credit card.

Make sure you ‘trigger’ your card’s travel insurance

Even if your credit card comes with travel insurance , there’s a good chance it won’t cover your trip automatically. You usually need to trigger the cover, in many cases by booking the travel/accommodation using the card itself. If you pay in full with card points (e.g. with Qantas credit card points ), that mightn’t be enough to trigger the insurance – you usually need to make an actual card purchase.

Have at least one backup payment option

When it comes to travel in particular, one card does not fit all. You might like the idea of using a single card for all your spending, but there are situations when a debit card will be better. Having a card from a different financial institution can also be a life-saver if your primary bank has an outage while you’re away.

Bonus tip: Bring the physical card with you

In Australia we’re very used to paying through a phone or watch using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay. But that kind of payment is not as widely accepted overseas. You’ll need to use the physical card and, for a dose of nostalgia, you may even need to insert it into a card chip reader and enter a PIN. You will also likely need to have the physical card if you’re using your card for pre-authorisation when checking into a hotel or renting a car.

Sean Callery

Sean Callery is the Editor of Money.com.au. He has over 15 years of international experience. He is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) and is compliant to provide general advice in Tier 1 General Insurance (RG 146) products.

Reviewed by

Shaun McGowan

Shaun McGowan is the founder of Money.com.au. He's determined to help people and businesses pay as little as possible for financial products, through education and building world class technology. Previously Shaun co-founded CarLoans.com.au and Lend.

The best credit cards in Australia (seriously, we sorted through 250+)

We actually enjoyed it too. here are our 8 best credit card picks for august 2024..

In this guide

Top pick for 0% interest

Finder score methodology: how we chose our top picks, how do i find the best credit card for me, how to find the best credit card for your situation, frequently asked questions.

There isn't one best credit card on the market. And all credit cards can't be compared equally. So our experts have chosen a top pick for each type of credit card offer that appeals to a wide variety of people in Australia.

Our picks for the best credit cards for August:

These credit cards have the highest Finder Scores in each category. That's a score of a 9 or 10.

• Best balance transfers credit card: St.George Vertigo Credit Card
• Best frequent flyer credit card: Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
• Best rewards credit card: American Express Platinum Card
• Best business credit card: AMEX Qantas Business Rewards Card
• Best low rate credit card: Westpac Lite Card
• Best cashback credit card: St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer
• Best no annual fee credit card: Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer
• Best 0% interest credit card: Citi Rewards Card - Purchase and Balance Transfer Offer

The top picks were updated by our team of credit card experts and reviewed by money editor Richard Whitten in August 2024.

Top pick for balance transfer

St.George Vertigo Card

• 0.99% Balance Transfer Offer
• $55 Annual fee
• 13.99% Purchase rate

Pros & cons

• Balance transfer rate of 0.99% p.a. for the first 28 months, with no balance transfer fee
• A low ongoing annual fee
• Shopping cashbacks through ShopBack
• Competitive purchase interest rate of 13.99% p.a.
• Additional cardholder at no extra cost
• Balance transfer rate reverts to 21.99% p.a. at the end of the introductory period
• No rewards program, travel perks and insurance covers

Why we like it

Top pick for frequent flyer

Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

• Up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points
• $450 Annual fee
• 23.99% Purchase rate
• Up to 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases in Australia, uncapped
• $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year
• 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year
• Complimentary travel insurance
• High $450 annual fee
• High 23.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases
• 3% foreign currency conversion fee
• Only offers up to 44 days interest-free on purchases, compared to other cards that offer 55 days

Top pick for rewards

American Express Platinum Card

• 200,000 Bonus Points and Yearly $450 Travel Credit
• $1,450 Annual fee
• N/A Purchase rate
• 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points
• $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year
• Airport lounge access at over 1,400 locations with the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Up to $400 back per calendar year at participating restaurants with American Express Global Dining Credit
• High $1,450 p.a. annual fee
• American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard

Top pick for business

American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

• 150,000 Bonus Qantas Points and $200 credit
• 150,000 bonus Qantas Points
• $200 credit
• No pre-set spending limit and up to 51 days cash flow
• 2 complimentary domestic Qantas Club lounge passes per card membership year
• $450 annual fee

Top pick for low rate

Westpac Lite Card

• 0% Foreign Transaction Fees
• $108 Annual fee
• 9.9% Purchase rate
• 0% foreign transaction fees
• $0 fee for missed payments
• Low purchase interest rate of 9.9% p.a.
• 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost
• Only offers up to 45 days interest-free on purchases as opposed to other cards that offer up to 55 days
• No rewards points or complimentary insurances
• The 9.9% p.a. variable interest rate on purchases is much lower than the average standard credit card interest rate in Australia (currently 20.16% p.a.)
• This card charges 0% on foreign transaction fees , which can help you save around 2-3% compared to cards that charge a foreign transaction fee.
• Mobile payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Top pick for cashback

St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer

• Up to $500 Cashback Offer
• Up to $500 cashback offer
• Cashback offer could make it tempting to spend more than usual
• No rewards program
• Does not offer travel perks or insurance covers
• Offers up to $500 cashback . You'll get 10% cashback as a statement credit when you shop at major supermarkets and petrol stations for the first 180 days (capped at $500 back).
• Both the 13.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases and the $55 annual fee are competitive for a low rate credit card.
• A low $500 minimum credit limit means you can choose to put controls on your spending.

Top pick for no annual fee

Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer

• 0% Balance Transfer & 9.99% Purchase Rate Offers
• $0 Annual fee
• 21.99% Purchase rate
• No annual fee
• 0% p.a. for 18 months on balance transfers
• Low 9.99% p.a. purchase rate for 18 months
• Uncapped reward points
• Complimentary Kogan First membership
• Balance transfer offer has a 1% BT fee
• A high 22.74% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers after the introductory period
• A 21.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases applies at the end of the introductory period
• No interest-free days if you have a balance transfer

Citi Rewards Card - Purchase and Balance Transfer Offer

• 0% Interest Offers
• $199 Annual fee
• 21.49% Purchase rate
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, with no BT fee
• Earns 1 point per $1 spent
• Complimentary travel and purchase protection insurance
• High 21.49% p.a. interest rate for purchases after the introductory period
• 22.24% p.a. cash advance rate applies to any remaining balance transfer after the introductory period

Finding a great credit card is confusing. But the Finder Score makes it easy.

We score all the credit cards in our database (that's hundreds!) and crunch the numbers on rates, fees, points and more to find the true best in market credit cards.

We judge cards based on several categories. Because different people need a good credit card for different reasons.

Here are our Finder Score credit card categories and their methodologies:

• Balance transfer credit cards
• Frequent flyer credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Low rate credit cards
• Cashback credit cards
• No annual fee credit cards
• 0% interest credit cards

Some cards might score highly in one category but not as highly in others. We only score cards that meet the eligibility criteria for a given category.

What the Finder Scores mean

• 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the best value in their category. That means low interest rates, long 0% balance transfer offers, low fees, plenty of points and good value for money.
• 7+ Great - These cards offer decent value and may be a really good choice depending on what you're looking for.
• 5+ Standard - These are average cards that get the job done. You probably won't get the most points, the lowest rates or the best deal possible.
• Less than 5 – Basic - These aren't the best value cards on the market. Some of them may be higher scoring in another category but are not strong offers for the category being scored.
• Work out what you are looking for in a credit card. Before you do anything else, you have to know what you want in a card. The best credit card for a young person struggling with debts is very different to the best card for a cashed up frequent flyer.
• Compare rates, fees, points and perks. For every type of credit card, the best cards will either have low fees and low rates, or offer a level of rewards, points and perks that more than make up for the high fees.
• Use the Finder Score. We've developed a simple score out of 10 for different types of credit cards. This way you can figure out which cards are the best in seconds. We balance fees, rates, and all the features and benefits most customers need for different types of cards.
• The best credit card is one you can actually get approved for. Don't let a giant bonus points offer or a razor sharp rate distract you. Check you're eligible before applying for a card. Make sure you meet the minimum income requirements and check your credit score for any issues.

"If you use a credit card properly, it's a great way to manage your spending, earn reward points or get your existing card debts under control with a balance transfer. But if you find you're struggling to pay it off and getting charged interest, it's time to reavaluate how you're using the card — and whether you need it."

The best credit card looks a little different depending on your needs and goals.

Here are the most common types of credit card and tips to find the best ones in each category.

I want to get rewarded when I spend on my card

• Rewards, frequent flyer or cashback credit cards. You're probably looking for a reward credit card that gives you points when you spend money. This includes cards that let you earn frequent flyer points . But there are also cards that let you earn reward points with various banks, which can be used on gift cards and other incentives. And there are cards that offer cashback when you spend.
• How to get the best rewards card. Figure out what kind of rewards you want, based on how much value you can get from the points and how easy it is to earn them. Make sure the benefits you get outweigh the cost of fees.

I want to earn more frequent flyer points and get travel perks

• Frequent flyer credit cards. You're probably looking for a card that lets you earn either Qantas Points or Velocity Points .
• How to get the best frequent flyer card. Look at both the earn rate (how many points you get per dollar spent) and the bonus points offer. You should be able to earn tens of thousands of points in the first few months with a good bonus offer (if you can meet the spending criteria). Make sure you factor in the annual fee. Cards with more points have higher annual fees.

I am struggling with credit card debts

• Balance transfer credit cards. You're probably looking for a card that has a balance transfer offer . These cards let you transfer an existing credit card balance to a new card and pay 0% or almost 0% interest for up to 28 months. There's often a fee for doing so. This gives you time to pay off your debt without sky-high interest charges.
• How to get the best balance transfer card. The best balance transfer offer will be 0% for 28 months with either a 1% or 0% balance transfer fee. But you should also look at all the card's details, like the annual fee and the purchase rate. Because you will get charged interest on new spending you do with the card.

I just need a basic credit card for emergencies

• No annual fee credit cards. Finder researc h shows 41% of Australians got their last credit card for emergencies. When that's the case, a no annual fee card costs you nothing to keep. And if you pay it off in full each month, it could cost you nothing at all.
• How to get the best no fee card. Look at the card's purchase rate and any other perks or benefits it offers. And be aware that some cards may waive the annual fee in the first year only, while others never charge a fee.

I can't pay my credit card balance off each month

• Low rate credit cards. Carrying a balance (not paying off your credit card in full each month) gets expensive. Some credit cards have interest rates above 20%. But sometimes you can't help it. If you're in this situation look for a low rate credit card . These cards don't offer great perks or bonus points but they have rates from
• How to get the best low rate card. These cards don't offer great perks or bonus points but they have rates from 8–15% p.a. The lower the rate the better. But do look at card fees too.

I need a credit card for my business

• Business credit cards. The name says it all. If you're a sole trader or a business owner, a business credit card offers expense management tools and features such as detailed statement breakdowns, automatic feeds for accounting software and cards for employees.
• How to get the best card. These cards come in many shapes and sizes. Look out for the card's rate and annual fee, obviously. But some business cards let you earn points on spending. And make sure the card offers integration with your business accounting software.

New to credit cards?

If you're not sure what some of the terms on this page mean, you can check out Finder's guide to credit cards for beginners to learn how they work. It also has a comparison of cards typically suited to new cardholders, including low rate, no annual fee and student credit cards.

"When I first moved to Australia 9 years ago, I took out an Amex that earned Velocity Points and gave me a solid earn rate of 1.2 points per dollar spent. The card had an annual fee of $375, 2 free lounge passes, a free return domestic flight and 120,000 bonus points and away we went. After Virgin halted many of its international flights – especially to LAX – the novelty of earn rates and lower annual fees was trumped by wanting airline miles I could more easily use. On top of this, there is only a Woolies near my house which means my groceries earn Qantas Points and Amex is not accepted everywhere. Very happy with my ANZ Qantas Visa."

What is the most accepted credit card in Australia?

Mastercard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted across Australia and make up 91.8% of all credit card purchases, according to RBA data. American Express is also accepted at most major retailer stores and many service providers, with Finder analysis showing it added over 194,000 new merchant locations added between January 2017 and December 2022.

What credit card is suitable for travel?

The Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard was named the Best Travel Credit Card in the 2024 Finder Credit Card Awards . However, while this card has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee, it no longer offers complimentary travel insurance.

When you're comparing credit cards for travel, you should also consider these details:

Before you travel

A rewards or frequent flyer credit card can help you save on flights and travel bookings that you pay for with points.

Credit cards with complimentary travel insurance can also help you save on another important pre-travel cost.

When you're travelling

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you around 2–3% on purchases you make overseas or online with international retailers.

Is it better to get a credit card from your existing bank or a different provider?

Getting a credit card from your current bank can make it easier to manage because you'll see your accounts in one place. You could also be able to make repayments easily between your transaction account and the credit card.

But loyalty doesn't always pay. And your bank may not have the best credit card with the features you want. So it's better to compare credit card brands and choose the one that offers you the most value.

What is the cheapest credit card?

Credit cards with low interest rates and low or $0 annual fees are typically the cheapest, because they help you save on 2 of the biggest potential credit card costs. When you're looking for a cheap credit card also consider:

• If you usually carry over a balance from month to month, a lower interest rate will offer more savings compared to a card with a higher rate.
• If you pay off your balance each month, an ongoing $0 annual fee means you'll save on account costs and could take advantage of interest-free days on purchases.

When you're comparing cards, consider what you plan to use a credit card for and weigh up the potential costs to find one that's cheapest for you.

Which is better: Rewards or frequent flyer credit cards?

If you're focused on earning points through Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity Frequent Flyer , a card that earns those points makes the most sense. With some cards, the bonus points alone could be enough to get you a business class flight or holiday.

But a rewards credit card gives you better options if you're a member of a few loyalty programs and want to transfer points between them. These cards also offer more choice if you're more interested in cash rewards and retail goodies.

Which is better: A 0% balance transfer credit card or a personal loan?

A 0% balance transfer credit card works well for credit card debt if you can pay it off before the 0% offer period ends.

If you want smaller repayments spread out over a longer period of time, personal loans have terms from 1 to 5 years – and some offer up to 10 years. You'll pay interest, but it could make it easier to chip away at what you owe.

Personal loans also let you consolidate more types of debts, including from credit cards, other loans and even some buy now pay later debt.

Which is better: No interest, flat monthly fee cards or a buy now pay later plan?

A no interest credit card with a flat, monthly fee can be good if you want to pay off what you buy over time, without being limited to selected retailers (which you sometimes are with Afterpay, Klarna and some other BNPL plans). These credit cards don't usually charge late fees, unlike buy now pay later. They are also better if you want to build up your credit history, because most BNPL plans don't add to your credit report.

But if you mostly shop with the partnered brands and can make all of your payments on time (to avoid late fees), you could use a platform like Afterpay without any costs. And if you already have an account that you're happily using, there's less reason to get a credit card – unless you want to build your credit history.

What is a good first-time credit card?

Credit cards with low interest rates, low fees and low or modest credit limits are typically the best options because these features help keep costs down. A low credit limit can also reduce the risk of unmanageable debt.

Some people may also consider no interest credit cards with a flat, monthly fee for their first credit card . These cards are similar to BNPL and have clear, structured repayment details and only offer credit limits between $1,000 and $3,000.

Richard Whitten

Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio

• Personal finance
• Money-saving tips

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

• Credit cards
• Frequent flyer
• Credit score
• Money management
• Sustainability

More guides on Finder

Learn how to apply for a credit card when you're retired or on a pension and compare cards to find one that suits your needs.

Find out how you can enjoy the luxury and services of airport lounges all around the world with a credit card that offers complimentary airport lounge access.

Compare the surcharges that you can expect when you pay with a credit card and pick up tips to avoid these extra fees.

Learn which credit card issuers allow joint-account credit card applications so you can decide if this option is right for you.

Learn what information the bank uses to determine your credit limit and the steps you need to take before you request a limit increase.

Find out what you'll be charged and how you can avoid the costs when using your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM.

When you apply for a credit card online, you could receive a response within 60 seconds. Find out how you to find a card that you're eligible for and increase your chances of approval.

Want to how make purchases on your credit card without being judged by anyone? Here's what you need to know about the details on your statement.

Find out how you can keep your overseas spending costs down by comparing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and no currency conversion fees.

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Australia’s Best Credit Cards August 2024

With the cost of living continuing to rise you may find yourself needing to break out your credit card more frequently. Many credit card providers  have spent the past months reducing their offers for bonus rewards points or shrinking their balance transfer options, so if these things are important to you, it's now more important than ever to find the card that suits you best.

The Mozo database compares over 200 cards from 60 providers. It’s vital to know what you’re looking for in order to take advantage of the best credit card deals available.

The interest rate of a credit card will depend on the type of card you choose. 

The average interest rate across all credit cards in the Mozo database is currently 17.46% . Rewards credit cards, which come with the ability to earn redeemable points and shopping perks, generally have higher rates and have a current average rate of 20.77% . There are low rate credit cards , which have fewer perks but competitive rates (usually under 14% p.a.), as well as 0% p.a. interest rate introductory offer credit cards , which charge no interest for a set period.

The money experts at Mozo keep track of credit cards from all types of Australian banking and finance institutions, from the Big Four banks to smaller customer-owned and specialist card providers - all of which are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

There are many ways to define which credit cards are the best, and ultimately the answer will depend on what’s most important to you and your  circumstances. We have pulled together information about a range of credit card options, some of which have won Mozo awards^, and others the Mozo team has chosen to highlight great deals available right now.

Best Credit Cards August 2024

Nab low rate credit card, nab rewards signature card, american express velocity platinum card, nab rewards signature credit card, bankwest breeze mastercard, community first low rate credit card, american express platinum edge credit card, bendigo bank ready credit card, editor’s pick of the month:  best credit card deals on mozo in august.

Below are some of the top deals available currently in the Mozo database, specially selected by our editors. These are a selection of offers that we believe are worth paying attention to if you’re looking for a great credit card. Check out our credit card hub to do a full database search, read guides or view more detailed product reviews.

Low Rate + Annual Fee Waived

Our goal at Mozo is to help you make smart financial decisions and our award-winning comparison tools and services are provided free of charge. As a marketplace business, we do earn money from advertising and this page features products with Go To Site links and/or other paid links where the provider pays us a fee if you go to their site from ours, or you take out a product with them. You do not pay any extra for using our service.

We are proud of the tools and information we provide and unlike some other comparison sites, we also include the option to search all the products in our database, regardless of whether we have a commercial relationship with the providers of those products or not.

'Sponsored', 'Hot deal' and 'Featured Product' labels denote products where the provider has paid to advertise more prominently.

'Mozo sort order' refers to the initial sort order and is not intended in any way to imply that particular products are better than others. You can easily change the sort order of the products displayed on the page.

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice. It is also advised to review Target Market Determination(TMD) of products that you are considering. The TMD can be found on the provider's website.

• No annual fee in the first year ($59 afterwards)
• Low ongoing purchase rate of 13.49% p.a
• Up to 55 days interest free

The NAB Low Rate Credit Card has the key card basics covered:  a low ongoing interest rate of 13.49% p.a., up to 55 days interest free days and no annual fee in the first year ($59 afterwards). If you’re looking to consolidate debt there is an enticing 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 28 months but a 2% balance transfer fee applies (T&Cs apply). Any balance at the end of the balance transfer period will revert to the high cash advance rate of 21.74% p.a. As part of the Visa network, you’ll be able to use the NAB Low Rate card at millions of locations around the world but all overseas transactions carry a 3% foreign exchange margin. The minimum credit limit with this card is $1000.

Bonus point offer

• Earn up to 3.75 points per $1 spent (terms and conditions apply)
• 140,000 bonus points offer available (terms and conditions apply)
• Annual fee reduced to $195 in the first year ($295 annual fee thereafter)

Key details : With the highest NAB Rewards Point earn rate available, you could make your spending count for more with the NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card. You’ll earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, but purchases with certain retailers will score even higher earn rates: shop online with Webjet to earn 3.75 points per $1 spent, or instore and online at major department stores like Myer, David Jones, Kmart, Target, Bunnings, and more to earn 2.5 points per $1 spent. There is an annual fee of $295 and a purchase rate of 20.99% p.a., but the annual fee is reduced to $195 in your first year. You can also take advantage of the standard NAB balance transfer offer, where you can bring over an existing credit card balance for 12 months interest free (3% balance transfer fee applies). Right now, you can also get 100,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on everyday purchases within the first 60 days of opening your account, and a further 40,000 bonus points when you keep your card for over 12 months (terms and conditions apply).

Earning velocity points

• 100,000 bonus Velocity Points offer (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent, uncapped
• Annual complimentary domestic Virgin Australia flight

Key details:  If you’re interested in Velocity points, there’s a lot to be interested in with the American Express Velocity Platinum Card. The points earning potential is uncapped, which means you can earn as much as possible with $1 spent at Virgin Australia netting you 2.25 Velocity points, and 1 Velocity Point earned for $1 spent anywhere else (apart from government bodies, which will earn 0.5 points per $1). They currently have an offer where new customers can receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when they apply online by 26 June 2024, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on their card in the first 3 months (T&Cs apply). The purchase rate on this card is a relatively high 23.99%, and it comes with an annual $375 fee. That said, there are also some impressive perks: an annual complimentary domestic flight with Virgin Australia, 2 complimentary passes to Virgin Australia lounge passes per year, and 2 complimentary passes to the Centurion Lounge in either Melbourne or Sydney.

New customers can also now receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when they apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on their card in the first 3 months. (T&Cs apply).

Expert picks: Mozo Experts Choice Award-winning best credit cards

Each year, Mozo’s team of experts assess and compare every credit card in our data base to determine the winners of the prestigious Mozo Experts Choice Awards^.

In 2024, our data analysts compared 199 personal and 47 business credit card products issued by 67 Australian financial institutions, with only the best value in each category taking the titles.

In this year’s awards, Bankwest took out the title of the 2024 Credit Card Provider of the Year, winning  a a number of awards including the Low Rate Credit Card, No Annual Fee Credit Card and Balance Transfer Credit Card awards.

In terms of rewards credit cards, American Express won the award for Rewards Credit Card Provider of the Year, winning for five of its credit cards. 

Learn more about our rigorous selection process on the credit card awards page. Check out a selection of some the of Mozo Experts Choice Award winners:

Best Rewards Credit Card

Best premium benefits credit card.

• Best premium benefits credit card - NAB Reward Signature
• Reduced annual card fee for the first year (from $295 to $195)
• Add an additional cardholder at no extra cost

Why it won: The NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card won a 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award^ for Premium Card Benefits. With this card, card holders can earn up to 3.75 points per $1 spent and these points can be transferred to one of NAB’s partner programs such as flybuys, Velocity, Cathay Pacific and more. This card also gives you access to NAB’s concierge service and Visa Premium Access. You can also add an additional cardholder at no extra cost. The purchase rate on this card is 20.99% and the annual fee is $295 (reduced to $195 for the first year).

Best Low Rate Credit Card

• 0% purchase rate for 15 months (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter) (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 55 interest free days on purchases
• $49 annual fee ($0 annual fee for the first year)

Why it won:  The Bankwest Breeze Mastercard impressed Mozo Experts Choice judges with its great features and low purchase rate. As a result, this credit card took out a 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award^ for Best Low Rate Credit Card. This card comes with a 0% p.a. purchase rate for the first 15 months which then reverts to 12.99% p.a. It also has a 0% p.a. Balance transfer rate (2% BT fee applies) for the first 15 months (T&Cs apply) and customers can transfer up to 95% of their approved credit limit. There is also an interest free period of up to 55 days and a relatively low annual fee of $49 however this fee is waived for the first year so you won’t have to worry about it!

• 0% balance transfer rate for 12 months (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter) (T&Cs apply)
• Low purchase rate of 8.99% p.a.

Why it won: The Community First Low Rate Credit Card impressed Mozo Experts Choice judges with its great features and low purchase rate of 8.99%. As a result, this credit card took out a 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award^ for Best Low Rate Credit Card. This card comes with a 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for the first 12 months which then reverts to 12.99% p.a. There is also an interest free period of up to 55 days and a low annual fee of just $40. Plus, you can use your card to make payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Customer favourites: Best credit cards from Mozo People’s Choice Award winners

Mozo People’s Choice Awards ^ are awarded to financial institutions based on a national survey of everyday Australians. These providers are assessed on factors such as customer satisfaction, customer service, trust and whether customers would recommend them to others.

Here are a few credit card options from some of the 2024 Mozo People Choice Award winners from the credit card category:

• $200 annual travel credit (T&Cs apply)
• Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent (T&Cs apply)
• Annual fee waived in the first year ($195 after that)

American Express won a 2024 Mozo People’s Choice Award for credit card customer satisfaction. The Platinum Edge Credit Card puts rewards front and centre, giving you access to a $200 annual travel credit to be used on eligible hotels, flights and car hire booked through American Express Travel (terms and conditions apply). Amex rewards points can be redeemed with a range of different airline and hotel rewards programs, redeemed for gift cards, or used for Ticketmaster experiences (terms and conditions apply). You’ll earn 3 points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations, 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases in foreign currency overseas and online, and 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases (terms and conditions apply). This card has a $195 annual fee, but it is waived in the first year if you’re a new American Express Card Member applying online and are approved. The purchase rate on this card is 23.99% p.a., so you’ll want to make sure you’re paying off your balance each month.

• $0 international transaction fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance
• 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award-winner

Not only did the Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card win two 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Best Travel Credit Card and Platinum Travel Credit Card, but Bendigo Bank itself won three 2024 Mozo People’s Choice Awards for customer satisfaction and customer service. This card has no annual fees; however, there is a $15 late payment. The card has a 19.99% p.a. purchase rate - which you won’t need to worry about if you pay your balance off each month. With no international transaction fees and travel insurance included (T&Cs apply), this card might be worth considering for an upcoming trip. There is, however, a $5 fee for overseas ATM withdrawals, though. The card comes with 55 interest-free days.

Most common FAQs about credit cards

A credit card is a physical or digital card that can be used as payment for purchases in advance. Credit cards are issued by a bank or financial institution as a line of credit loan.  A credit card has a fixed spending limit, which is the maximum amount you can borrow up to. You can use a credit card to purchase pretty much anything and then pay it back incrementally, usually with interest applied.  Like most other loans, the debt accrued on a credit card needs to be repaid - with interest. Credit cards have a wide spectrum of interest rates, which apply to your unpaid balance. Each month, there is a minimum repayment that you must pay to avoid a late fee. Additionally, a lot of cards have an annual fee.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a credit card. Before getting a credit card, you should learn the difference between the types of cards available in order to know what will best work for you. These are the main types of credit cards we compare at Mozo: Low rate credit card While many credit cards charge 20% p.a. or more on purchases, low interest rate credit cards have an interest rate of >15% p.a. and can save you hundreds of dollars a year. These cards are a cheaper way to manage purchases if you tend to carry your balance from month to month. Or perhaps you simply forget to pay off your balance from time to time and want to be more budget-conscious. Balance transfer credit card Balance transfer credit cards let you transfer your existing credit card balance to a new credit card with a low or 0% introductory interest rate so that you can clear existing debt faster. These cards can save you money on interest costs and fees. No annual fee credit card No Annual Fee Credit Cards skip the required yearly payment that many credit cards charge. Generally, the lower the annual fee, the fewer bells and whistles. These cards suit someone who pays their balance on time and wants to save money by avoiding an annual fee. Rewards credit card Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points as you spend, which can then be cashed in for products or perks such as free flights, upgrades, cash back or gift cards. The value and type of rewards points vary depending on the card’s earn rate and the rewards program.

While you don’t have to pay to apply for a credit card, they often come with associated fees and interest. One of the most common additional costs to a credit card is an annual fee, which can be steep and is unavoidable - even if you pay your balance in full within the interest-free period. Consider a no annual fee credit card to avoid this extra payment. Additionally, when choosing a card, be sure to thoroughly read through the features to learn which transactions will incur an additional fee. Withdrawing cash from an ATM with your credit card, transferring an existing debt, and foreign transactions are most commonly charged a credit card fee, as well as a late fee for failing to make your minimum payment. Know these fees before you start using the credit, especially if you’re trying to avoid incurring extra fees.

It is impossible to select a best credit card for everyone, as what is important is to find the best credit card for you. This depends on what you’re looking to get from your credit card. For example, are you hoping to earn rewards or airline points on your purchases? Then a rewards credit card will likely suit your needs best. Are you looking to transfer debt? You should check out credit cards with 0% p.a. balance transfer offers. No matter what it is that you prioritise, there are a lot of good credit card options.

Head to our credit card hub for comparisons and guides.

One of the best ways to ensure getting approved for your chosen credit card is to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Generally, these can include:

• Be at least 18 years of age Hold Australian citizenship or an eligible visa and reside in Australia. Meet minimum income requirements Pass a credit check

To put your best foot forward, remember that each credit provider, and even individual credit cards, have their own set of requirements. So, be sure to thoroughly review that you meet the criteria of the particular card you are applying for.

Nearly all credit card applications will ask for the same information and documentation, so to be best prepared, it’s a good idea to have these ready before starting the application:

• Personal details - You should be prepared to share some basic personal information on your application, including your name, date of birth, address and contact information. Some creditors may also ask for your marital status and number of dependants in order to provide a complete picture of your financial situation. Additionally, you will likely need to provide a form of identification, such as your driver’s license number, passport number or Medicare number.
• Proof of financial status - As well as your regular work income, you will likely need to share any other money you have, such as shares or savings. Applicants should also be prepared to provide information on any debts and liabilities. Additionally, you will likely be asked to estimate your weekly or monthly expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, bills and food costs.
• Employment information - Most credit card applications will require you to provide information on your current employment status, including your salary, job title, place of work and contact information for your employer. Some creditors may ask for your employment history, or if you’re self-employed, you might be asked to provide details of your work. Sometimes, the provider can contact you with follow-up questions or might request further documentation, such as payslips, a recent tax assessment or your employment contract.

Long term, preparing your credit score to be closely analysed by a creditor will put you in the best position to be easily approved for the card of your choice. An applicant with an excellent credit score is always more likely to be approved for a financial product than someone with good or poor credit.

We have provided some of our editor’s picks and information about credit cards that have got Mozo’s seal of approval through the Mozo Experts Choice Awards^ or Mozo People’s Choice Awards . That said, there is a wide variety of credit cards on the market, and you need to decide which option best suits your financial needs and spending style. Be sure to read the product information available on the card providers’ website thoroughly before applying for a credit card. If you are looking to get your first credit card or you’re interested in learning more about how credit cards work, check out our credit card guides section where you’ll find dozens of helpful buyer guides and credit card payments info written by Mozo’s team of financial journalists.

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

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Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

• Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards For Australians

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Our Pick Of The Best Credit Cards For Australians In 2024

Published: Jul 5, 2024, 9:00am

Editorial note: Forbes Advisor Australia may earn revenue from this story in the manner disclosed here . Read our advice disclaimer here .

Making sure your credit card works for you—and not the other way around—is crucial to maximising your spending and making use of a card’s features and benefits. For some, this means ensuring a generous interest-free period to avoid the high levels of interest attached to many cards, while for others it’s opting for a rewards card to accrue points for spending on flights or consumer goods.

While applying for a credit card is a relatively easy process, it is something that should be carefully considered. Credit card debt is a real issue for many borrowers, and is cited as the number one concern –ahead of electricity bills–for Australians speaking to the Consumer Action Law Centre’s debt counsellors last year. Furthermore, applying for multiple credit cards, particularly in a short space of time, can impact your credit score , especially if they each come with a healthy spending limit.

And yet, figures released in November of last year, revealed that around 15% of Australians took out a credit card in the past 12 months, many of whom were using them to pay for essentials. According to the RBA, the average credit cardholder in Australia has a monthly balance of $3019 and uses their card around 22 times a month.

As of July, 2024, total credit card debt in Australia that is accruing interest is just shy of $18 billion, with an average interest rate of 18.38%. The total national credit card debt is $40 billion, which means almost half of the national credit card debt is not paid off in full each month.

Be honest about whether you are in a good financial position, and have the self-control, to handle a credit card because without careful management the cons can quickly outweigh the pros.

If you’re wanting to take out a credit card, and are confident you can repay the monthly amount on time, it’s paramount that you find the right card for you: whether that’s one with longer interest-free periods, no annual fees, or generous rewards.

To take the guesswork out of it for you, Forbes Advisor has compared more than 25 of the most popular credit cards to evaluate the best credit cards available to Australians in 2023 for a wide range of scenarios and uses.

Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

Related: Our Pick of the Best Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers

Our Pick Of The Best Credit Cards 2024

• NAB Straight Up Credit Card

CommBank Neo Card

• HSBC Premier Credit Card

Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard

Citi rewards card, st george vertigo card, ing orange one low rate credit card, westpac lite credit card, american express velocity escape card, anz frequent flyer platinum, what methodology did we use, what is a credit card, what is a credit card interest rate, credit card fees explained, types of credit cards, are credit cards worth it, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
• Best Qantas Points Credit Cards
• Best Virgin Velocity Credit Cards
• Best Business Credit Cards
• Best Debit Cards
• Best Credit Card Offers
• Best Prepaid Travel Cards
• CommBank Neo Credit Card Review
• American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card Review
• Qantas Points Credit Cards Explained
• NAB StraightUp Credit Card Review

NAB StraightUp Credit Card

$10, $15 or $20 a month, depending on credit limit

Interest Rate

NAB’s Straight Up Credit Card is exactly that: straight up. Offering a 0% interest fee and no fees on international purchases, the card is a great choice for those looking for a no-hassle option.

Rather than charging an annual fee, NAB Straight Up Credit Card holders are charged a monthly fee depending on their credit limit. The minimum credit limit is $1,000, with a monthly fee of $10. A credit limit of $2,000 incurs a monthly fee of $15, and a $3,000 credit limit (the maximum) incurs a $20 monthly fee. However, NAB also offers a “no use, no pay” deal. This means if cardholders don’t make any purchases and have an outstanding balance of $0 during the whole statement period, they’ll have their monthly fee reversed.

• 0% interest rate
• No monthly fee if the card isn’t used
• No fees on international purchases
• No additional cardholders allowed
• Low maximum credit limit

$12, $18 or $22 a month depending on credit limit.

The CommBank Neo credit card is a no-interest rate card with no annual fee, and features a choice of three credit limits: $1,000, $2,000 or a maximum of $3,000.

Users are charged a monthly fee of $15, $20 or $25, depending on your limit. If you don’t use your card and pay your total balance each month then no charge will be levied. The card can be used internationally—with a zero transaction fee—and there are cashback offers for eligible cardholders.

Since the maximum credit limit of the CommBank Neo credit card is only $3,000, it may be attractive to those wanting to limit their spending.

• No interest rate
• No monthly fees if the balance is paid off
• Foreign transaction of 0%.
• No balance transfers available
• No travel perks
• No additional perks

HSBC Premier World Credit Card

$0/$99 depending on rewards choice

With the HSBC Premier World Credit Card, customers have the choice of different rewards: they can choose between the ‘rewards plus’ option, or the Qantas rewards. The choice affects the annual fee the cardholder will pay—however, the interest rate remains at 19.99% for each reward option. The complimentary insurance is a welcome feature.

Card holders of the HSBC Premier Credit Card should note the conditions of their card, as there are many additional fees. This includes a $30 late payment fee; $27.50 payment dishonour fee; $8 additional statement charge; $5 return fee per return; a $2.95 fee payment fee when using Post Billpay, and more.

• Choice between rewards
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary insurance
• 19.99% interest rate
• Additional fees
• High minimum credit limit

The Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard is a low-fee, low purchase rate card, with a minimum credit limit of $1,000 to help keep a lid on monthly spending.

Breeze Classic cardholders can also add three additional cardholders to their account at no extra cost, and enjoy a 0% balance transfer offer for 12 months. It’s important to stay on top of your monthly repayments, as despite the 9.9% purchase rate, Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard charge a $25 late payment fee each statement period.

• 9.90% interest rate
• Low annual fee of $49
• Low minimum credit limit
• $25 late payment fee
• Expensive cash advances

First year free; $149 for subsequent years

As a rewards credit card, the Citi Rewards Card does not disappoint. Holders of the card can choose to redeem their points on a wide range of items, from gift cards to travel, frequent flyer points and more. The Citi Rewards Card also offers a range of complimentary insurance, including phone insurance, international travel, purchase cover and more.

Note, however, the annual fee of $149 and the high interest rate of 21.49%.

• Monthly cashback offers
• No annual charge for first year
• $90 fee per additional cardholder
• High interest rate
• $149 annual fee after first year

The St George Vertigo Card is a well reviewed card by its customers, with a ranking of 4.5 stars via Australia’s independent consumer opinion site, Product Review. With a low annual fee, an interest rate below the national average, and the ability to add an additional cardholder at no extra cost, it’s easy to see why the card is well regarded.

The card can be used internationally with a 3% foreign transaction fee. While it isn’t a rewards card, new St George Vertigo Card holders can get 10% cash-back on supermarket shops to the value of $400.

• Free additional cardholder
• Cash advances are allowed
• $15 missed payment fee
• No complimentary insurance
• Supermarket cash-back is capped at $400

Another low-rate, low-fee card choice for Australian consumers is the ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card. The card comes with a $0 annual fee, only charges $10 per year for an additional cardholder, and a $20 fee for late payments. If cardholders pay their balance off in time, this $20 fee will not be charged—nor will the 11.99% interest rate.

In exchange for these low fees, the ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card is scarce in the rewards and extra benefits department: it doesn’t allow for balance transfers, cashback offers, nor does it include any complimentary insurance policies.

• No annual fee
• Low interest rate
• Cheap additional cardholder fee
• No cash-back offers
• $20 late payment fee
• No balance transfer option

Westpac Lite Credit Card is another great option for those looking for a no-hassle credit card. The card offers a relatively low annual fee of $108 and a lower-than-average interest rate of 9.9%. Cardholders won’t be charged for late payments, and one additional cardholder can be added to the account at no extra cost.

As it is not a rewards card, the Westpac Lite Credit Card doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of frequent flyer cards. It does, however, have a 0% international transaction fee, making it a great option for Australians travelling overseas.

• 9.9% interest rate
• Additional cardholders for no extra cost
• 0% international transaction fee
• Only 45-day interest-free period
• No cash advances

The American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card is a rewards card that is tied to the Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer program. Holders earn Velocity points for every dollar spent on the Amex Velocity Escape card, which can then be redeemed for travel bookings and other purchases via Virgin Australia.

As the perks are related to Virgin Velocity; it is redundant to take out an Amex Velocity Escape card unless you are a frequent flyer with Virgin Australia.

• Earn Velocity points for every transaction
• Four additional cardholders at no extra cost
• 3% international transaction fee
• Perks are only beneficial to Velocity members

In partnership with Qantas, the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum card offers cardholders a complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the ability to earn Qantas puts with every transaction. In exchange for these perks, cardholders are charged a steep yearly fee of $295 and a high interest rate of 20.24%.

While an additional nine cardholders are allowed with the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum, every additional cardholder is charged $65 per annum.

• Complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership
• 75,000 bonus point introductory offer (plus $100 credit on card)
• Nine additional cardholders
• $65 additional cardholder fee
• Expensive annual fee
• Perks are only beneficial to frequent flyers

Forbes Advisor Australia compared 27 of the most popular credit cards from a variety of financial institutions to find the 10 best credit cards for Australians in 2023. Among those compared were low rate cards, interest free cards, balance transfer cards, rewards cards and more.

To allow for a fair comparison between each credit card choice, we anaylsed 17 different key criteria:

• A company assessment: to determine the range of cards the company provides to Australian consumers
• Annual fees: whether the fee is paid annually or on a monthly basis, how much it is, and any other considerations
• Additional annual cardholder fee: if there is a fee to be paid annually for any additional cardholders
• International transaction fees: whether the card can be used overseas and, if so, is there a percentage fee added to payments as a foreign transaction charge
• Other additional fees: this includes late payment fees, overdraft fees, missed payment fees and any others that are applicable
• Minimum credit limit: what the minimum credit limit is for each card, as the lower credit limit, the better for consumers’ credit ratings
• Maximum credit limit: the maximum credit limit of each card, as the higher limit equates to a higher risk of credit card debt
• Interest rate: what the monthly interest rate–also known as a purchase rate–is, and if it is significantly higher or lower than the average
• Interest-free period: is there an interest-free period and, if so, for how many days?
• Cash advances: whether cash advances are allowed with the specific credit card and, if so, what the interest rate on cash advances is
• Reward details: in-depth evaluation of the rewards offered on rewards cards, including limits, conditions or expiry dates;
• Insurance: if the card includes complimentary insurance, what kind of insurance it is and any conditions of accessing the insurance Cash-back offer: whether the card offers a cash-back offer, such as $400 cash-back if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of taking out the credit card;
• Additional bonus features: any other perks and benefits that come with the card, from airport lounge access to discounts on events or subscription offers;
• Balance transfers: if balance transfers are offered, the conditions applicable to such, and what the balance transfer fee would be
• Card acceptance: where the credit card is accepted, and whether there are any places that restrict the use of the credit card
• Multiple card holders: if the card allows for multiple people to use it and if so, how many people and whether there is a charge

Forbes Advisor used these key criteria to compare each card, and then gave each card a star rating as well as considered who the card would be ‘best for’: that being the most suitable demographic to use the card. To this end, we tried to cover a range of credit card uses, from balance transfer cards and no-frills products to rewards and credit cards suited to corporate use.

Related: AMEX Velocity Escape Card Reviewed

About Star Rankings

You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

A credit card is a card that allows you to make purchases by borrowing money from the financial institution that has provided you with said credit card. The money you borrow is your “credit”, which needs to be paid back within a certain period of time to avoid high interest rates and late fees.

For some, credit cards are worth the while due to the ability to purchase big ticket items and pay them off in increments, accrue points, and enjoy other perks. However, having a credit card also increases your risk of debt, so it is important you know what you are signing up for before you take out a credit card in your name.

As with home loan products, borrowers pay interest on their credit card purchases in return for borrowing money. The interest rate is, therefore, simply the amount of interest you pay on the purchases you make using your credit card, and can also often be referred to as the ‘purchase rate’.

When comparing credit cards, it’s important to consider the interest rate so you know how much money you may have to pay in addition to what your purchase. Ideally, it is best to have an interest rate that is lower than the average. As of 2023, according to data from the RBA, the current average interest rate on credit cards is an astonishing 19.94%.

While that is a high figure, it’s important to note that many credit cards offer significant interest-free periods after purchases—often around 55 days. This means that if you pay the total amount owing on your statement by your due date each month, you won’t be charged the interest rate on your purchases.

The trick, therefore, in making a credit card work in your favour is to pay the balance off in full each month and to never stray into interest-payment territory.

Related: CommBank Neo Credit Card Review

Not all credit cards have additional fees, but many do. Just like interest rates , it’s paramount that you understand the additional charges you may be subject to when using your credit card. Here are some of the most common types of credit card fees:

• Annual fee: Some credit card companies charge an annual fee to borrowers in exchange for having the credit card. This is usually paid when you first take out the card, and at the same point every year for as long as you keep the card open.
• Late payment fee: A fee charged to your account if you miss the due date for your monthly credit card repayment.
• Foreign transaction fee: The percentage you will be charged on any purchases made overseas, if your credit card is able to be used outside of Australia.
• Balance transfer fee: If your credit card offers balance transfers , you’ll typically incur a fee whenever you choose to transfer debt from one card to another.
• Cash advance fee: Like balance transfers, if your card allows for cash advances, you will be charged a fee for each cash advance transaction.
• Payment dishonour fee: A charge levied if you have direct debits set up to pay off your monthly credit card bill, and the debit does not go through.
• Additional cardholder charge: If you wish to have additional cardholders on your account, your financial institution may choose to charge you a fee for each new cardholder
• Card replacement fee: Some financial institutions may charge you a fee for needing to be sent an additional card as a replacement for a lost or damaged card.

Related: What Does APR mean on Loans and Credit Cards?

There are numerous different types of credit cards, varying in their interest rates, yearly fees, additional perks and more. One financial institution may offer the choice of all different types of credit cards, while others may only offer one kind.

Interest-Free Credit Cards

An interest-free credit card means exactly that: it offers you a 0% interest rate on your purchases, meaning you don’t have to pay any additional interest if you don’t pay your balance off in the specified time frame.

Balance Transfer Offers

Often, credit card lenders will give new holders an interest-free period as an introductory offer. However, in recent times, more financial institutions have started offering credit cards with a permanent 0% interest rate, choosing to charge their borrowers monthly fees instead.

Read More: Our Pick of the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

No Annual Fee Credit Card

Some credit card companies for certain products charge an annual fee in order to be a cardholder, usually in exchange for the extras they offer such as airport lounge passes or complimentary insurance.

Cards that don’t offer such perks may instead choose to not charge any annual fee, classifying them as a ‘no annual fee credit card’. Some cards may also offer this as an introductory offer, and give you one year free of the annual charge.

Reward Credit Cards

Reward credit cards are credit cards that offer exactly that: rewards. This usually comes in the method of points, which are earned on everyday purchases made on the card. These points can then be redeemed to pay off your monthly balance or purchase other items, such as products or flights.

Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

Frequent flyer credit cards are another type of reward card, however, these are specifically targeted towards frequent flyer programs and are in association with airlines such as Virgin Australia or Qantas .

Instead of earning generic points on a credit card, those with frequent flyer credit cards will earn frequent flyer points that can then be used to purchase flights, book holidays, and upgrade your travel.

You can read more in our guide to the best frequent flyer credit cards for Australians .

The decision to take out a credit card is a personal one. Some people like to have a credit card for emergencies, and others find they are more than capable at keeping up with their monthly repayments even if they use their credit card frequently.

For those with a rewards or frequent flyer credit card, the benefits of upgrading to business class flights for free, or using points to pay off your monthly balance, may be too good to ignore.

Regardless of why you choose to take out a credit card, whether it is “worth it” comes down to your individual circumstances. If you can’t pay off your credit card, you’ll be hit with interest rate charges, potential additional fees, and you could run the risk of going into credit card debt.

Whatever you decide, it is critical to fully understand the terms and conditions of a credit card agreement before applying. Though we always recommend paying off your balance in full each month, it’s particularly important with rewards credit cards as interest rates are generally higher. Any interest charges on a balance will quickly wipe out the value of any rewards earned.

Data research by Mia Dunn

Are credit cards good?

Credit cards can be either advantageous or harmful depending on how you use them. If you’re able to spend within your means, and pay-off the balance in full each month, then the annual fee may be worth the additional perks—especially if you’re a frequent flyer.

Of course, a credit card also increases your risk of going into debt if you overspend and don’t pay off your bill in time. So, if you don’t use it responsibly and fail to pay it off each month, then a credit card isn’t a good idea.

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card?

Yes, some credit cards allow you to withdraw cash as you would with a debit card. This is known as a cash advance, and often comes with an additional charge–being a cash advance transaction fee, which is usually high. You can read more in our guide to cash advances.

Are credit cards free?

Some credit cards are free to take out, as you won’t be charged an annual fee. Many, however, do charge an account-keeping fee or similar (billed annually or monthly) in exchange for use of the card. If you don’t use the card in certain months, then often the card fee will be refunded to you.

It’s important to remember that a credit card is in no way “free money”. Using a credit card simply means you are borrowing credit from a lender which you then pay back by a specified date. If you don’t make these payments in time, you will be hit with a high interest rate.

How many credit cards should I have in Australia?

This is entirely up to you as there is no magic number that is right for everyone. If you’re still building your credit score, then it would be prudent to limit yourself to one; if you are a frequent flyer then you may have multiple credit cards, and a spreadsheet to manage them all, in order to maximise points. On the other hand, if you are in debt or have a history of not making repayments on time, then credit cards may not be right for you at all. It’s important not to feel pressured into taking out a credit card just because others have them.

What is the most beneficial credit card?

This will depend on the purpose of your credit card and how you intend to use it. For example, if you’re attempting to pay off a large debt then moving your debt to a balance transfer card may allow you to pay down the debt without accruing interest for a set period of time. Alternatively, if you make a lot of purchases, but sometimes forget to pay your bill on time, then a low or no-interest rate card is crucial. For example, NAB’s Straight Up Credit Card holders charges a monthly fee instead of interest—usually 10% of their credit limit. So for the minimum credit limit of $1,000, the monthly fee is $10. Alternatively, if you’re a Qantas frequent flyer, then you may prefer ANZ’s Frequent Flyer Platinum card, which lets you earn points as you spend (but with a $295 annual fee).

What is the best card to build credit with?

In Australia, credit cards are not the ideal way to build a credit score as credit card companies don’t offer cards with this in mind. Furthermore, your approved credit card limit could actually hurt you down the track when applying for a loan as mortgage lenders assume that the credit card is maxed out, even if you have $0 on it. Nevertheless, in order to be approved for the best frequent flyer or feature-rich credit cards, you will need to demonstrate a solid track record so to get started look for basic cards with low or no annual fee, a low maximum credit limit and very few frills or features. Balance transfer credit cards are often a good choice, as are cards with a low interest rate.

How can I improve my credit score fast in Australia?

There are a range of actions you can take to improve your credit score, although if you are in serious debt, it is wise to speak with a financial counsellor first. But generally speaking to improve your credit score you will need to ensure you’re paying all of your bills on time; paying off credit cards and loans on time and in full; not applying for too many credit cards in a short space of time; and building up a savings buffer for months at a time that you do not touch.

Which credit card is most easy to get?

There is no card that is easier to get than others, as the success of your application in Australia will depend on your financial history, credit status, existing debts and income. However, there are cards that have lower barriers of entry, such as the ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card, which has zero annual fee and a comparatively low annual fee of 11.99%, and basic cards such as the NAB Straight Up Credit Card and the CommBank Neo Card, which don’t charge any interest but levy small monthly account fees.

Which credit card is best to use in Australia?

There are a range of credit cards on the Australian market, all with different bells and whistles, as well as fees and interest rates. Some of the cards you may wish to explore include:

• NAB Straight Up Credit Card: No-frills card with 0% interest rate.
• HSBC Premier Credit Card: Rewards card with a wide range of offers.
• Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard: Low minimum balance card of $1000
• Citi Rewards Card: Rewards card.
• St George Vertigo: Offers cashbacks and lengthy balance transfer.

These are some of Forbes Advisor Australia’s pick of credit cards, but are no means exhaustive. Do your own research to find out which card is best for you—if any.

What is the most accepted credit card in Australia?

While Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and AMEX are all accepted in Australia, Visa and Mastercard are by far the most widely used. AMEX, however, is slowly gaining traction with an increasing number of merchants now accepting this form of payment.

What credit cards are accepted in Australia?

There are four main credit card options for use in Australia:

• American Express (AMEX)
• Diners Club (less popular)

What is the minimum credit score for a credit card in Australia?

While it depends on the credit checking body, it is estimated that you need a credit score of around 600 to obtain a credit card in Australia.

The information provided by Forbes Advisor is general in nature and for educational purposes only. Any information provided does not consider the personal financial circumstances of readers, such as individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Forbes Advisor does not provide financial product advice and the information we provide is not intended to replace or be relied upon as independent financial advice. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Forbes Advisor encourages readers to seek independent expert advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to their own financial circumstances and investments before making any financial decisions. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor provides an information service. It is not a product issuer or provider. In giving you information about financial or credit products, Forbes Advisor is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. It is important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. For more information, read our Advice Disclaimer here .

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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Top frequent flyer credit card deals for August 2024 – up to 150,000 Bonus Points

Frequent flyer credit cards reward you with free flights, upgrades and other travel perks just for doing your everyday spending. There’s a card for everything: you can choose from basic, no-frills options to cards that dish out big points and big features.

Plenty of frequent flyer credit cards come with epic sign-up bonus points to kickstart your rewards stash, and some have balance transfer features if you want to shift your debt to a new card for 0% interest and to pay it off faster.

Or, if you’re just saying “ show me the points! “, look for credit cards that pay out the highest number of frequent flyer points for every dollar you spend.

We’ve made it easy by summarising the features of each card right here. You can click the card to see the card’s full details on the bank’s website, and apply from there too.

Here’s the top frequent flyer credit cards for August 2024

Check out our top frequent flyer deals for this month. Click ‘go to offer’ for a full rundown of the card’s features, and to apply.

Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card – up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points

Go to offer

Qantas American Express Ultimate – up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points plus $450 Qantas Travel Credit

Qantas premier everyday credit card – up to 8,000 bonus qantas points, anz frequent flyer platinum credit card – 75,000 bonus qantas points and $100 back, american express qantas business rewards card – 150,000 bonus qantas points, anz frequent flyer black credit card – up to 130,000 bonus qantas points and $250 back, finding the best credit card offers on frequent flyer cards.

Frequent flyer points (and the redemption programs they’re attached to) can be a confusing world to dive into, but they’re also some of the best perks a credit card can offer.

You’ll earn rewards points just for doing your day-to-day spending, and convert those points into travel freebies and privileges, or even retail products.

Now sure how to find your best card? We’ve got you covered. Below is an easy guide on frequent flyer points, how they work, and how to find the credit card that’ll give you the most bang for your buck.

Step 1: Things to look out for when comparing frequent flyer credit cards:

• The frequent flyer program it’s attached to
• Whether the points can be transferred to other frequent flyer programs
• Introductory bonus points you get for signing up
• Any expiration dates on your points
• The earn rate (points you earn per dollar spent)
• Caps on the points you can earn
• Annual fees
• Other bonus features of the card

Let’s take a look at some in detail.

Introductory Bonus Points

Some frequent flyer cards give you bonus rewards points on sign-up, up to the tune of 120,000 points (or even more).

But there’s a small catch – you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria to get your points, which usually means spending a minimum amount on your card within a certain timeframe.

Check the amount required and make sure you can meet it – it’s often in the vicinity of $3,000 spent within 90 days of approval, but can be more or less.

How many points you could earn

Rewards points are handed out for the dollars you spend on eligible purchases. Some things won’t earn rewards points, like Bpay transactions, cash advances (where you withdraw money from your credit card) and some government payments.

Most times, rewards also won’t apply on balance transfers, where you move your balance remaining from one credit card to a new one that has 0% or low interest applied to the transferred amount. Check the card’s PDS and the TMD to make sure.

The amount of points you can earn depends on a few things:

• The earn rate. That’s how many points per $1 you spend. 1 frequent flyer point per dollar is fairly standard, although some cards offer 0.5 or 0.75 points per $1.
• Tiered points. Sometimes the earn rate changes depending on what you buy and where. For instance, a card might pay 1 point per $1 for eligible purchases up to a certain amount per month, and then it drops to 0.5 points per $1 after that. You might earn more points for international purchases, or for buying products through an affiliate business or airline.
• Points caps. Some cards put a limit on the amount of frequent flyer points you can earn in a year (for instance, 100,000 points annually). However, in some cases, points that are earned for purchases made with particular businesses are uncapped points and don’t count towards your total points count. So you could earn, for example, 125,000 points in a year even if the cap is 100,000, because 25,000 were earned from uncapped purchases at certain stores.
• Membership status. Depending on the card, you may earn status points with your spending that move you up into more prestigious tiers, potentially offering more points per $1, and unlocking more travel features like extra checked baggage, flight upgrades and lounge access.

To make the most points from your spending, you can think about how much you spend on your card each month, and choose an offer with uncapped points or a higher spending tier so you don’t lose out on valuable rewards by hitting the points earning limit.

Annual fees and ongoing costs (and the trifecta sweet spot)

The balancing act of finding a great frequent flyer card for you is weighing up the annual fee, the earn rate and the introductory offer.

Super handy tips on annual fees:

• A card with a big introductory offer is likely to have a higher earn rate, but also a higher annual fee.
• A card with a moderate introductory offer will usually have a lower earn rate, and a lower annual fee to suit.

Finding a card that hits your trifecta sweet spot means looking at the value you’ll get from the frequent flyer rewards, and deciding if it outweighs the annual fee.

For example, if you earned 45,000 points per year on a Qantas frequent flyer credit card that offered 1 point per $1 spent, and had an annual fee of $350, you would have to weigh up if your points earn was worth the slightly higher yearly fee.

Considering 36,000 points can get you to Christchurch and back from Sydney using Qantas points (plus any normal taxes and airline fees), and adding in any other perks the card offers like free travel insurance, the card may work out well in your favour even with a higher annual fee.

And of course, that example doesn’t include any bonus offer points when you sign up.

On that point, some cards offer reduced annual fees for the first year, or lower ongoing annual fees if you spend a minimum amount per year. Check for the latest frequent flyer credit card annual fee deals using the ‘annual fee’ toggle on our one-click comparison tool.

The interest you’ll be charged

When you use your credit card and don’t pay off the balance (the amount you owe) before the due date or within any interest-free periods the card offers, you’ll have to pay interest on the balance.

It’s also called the purchase rate, and frequent flyer credit cards tend to have higher purchase rates because they’re a high-value card.

Check the purchase rate and make sure you’re confident you can keep on top of your repayments so you’re not slugged with high interest charges, because that will reduce the value of your travel rewards.

Expiration dates on frequent flyer points

Some frequent flyer points never expire, but some expire within a certain timeframe, or if you don’t use your card for a specified amount of time. It’s generally easy to keep your account active because you’ll be earning points every time you spend on your card.

Always check the fine print of the frequent flyer program for expiration policies, and any situations where they may cancel the rewards program.

Step 2: Unpacking the best frequent flyer program for you

Each frequent flyer credit card is linked to a specific frequent flyer program that you can redeem the points through.

Here’s a snapshot of the frequent flyer programs available that cover Australian and international airlines:

• Qantas – Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Virgin – Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer
• Singapore – Airlines Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Cathay Pacific – Marco Polo Club
• Etihad – Etihad Guest
• Emirates – Skywards
• Malaysia Airlines – Enrich
• British Airways – British Airways Executive Club
• American Airways – AAdvantage Frequent Flyer
• United – Mileage Plus

As you’re comparing cards, you’ll notice most link up with Qantas Frequent Flyer , Virgin Velocity Frequent Flyer or American Express programs. However, you may still use your frequent flyer points for other airlines within the same network, like Singapore Airlines Krisflyer, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Air New Zealand Airpoints, Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest.

Joining a frequent flyer program

When you apply for a credit card attached to a frequent flyer program, you’ll need to become a member to start earning and spending points.

Most programs are free to join, or give you opportunity to join for free through other partnerships.

For example, joining Qantas Frequent Flyer usually costs $99.50, but some credit cards offer free membership, or you can join via your Woolworths Everyday Rewards card.

Before you apply, it’s a good idea to check the small print on the card to find out how and when the points you earn are transferred to your frequent flyer account. Some cards offer direct transfer, others transfer points at the end of each month, while others only offer manual transfer at the cardholder’s request – with a minimum transfer amount required.

Check out how you can maximise your points-earning potential on your chosen card. This may mean using your card with certain partners within the travel industry, such as hotels and car hire companies, or with certain retailers.

Yes, it’s a bit tedious, but learning a bit about your frequent flyer card can really give your points earning a boost.

What can you redeem frequent flyer points on?

It’s a great idea to check the frequent flyer program and its store, so can choose one that offers the things you want (and, it’s more fun when you’ve already chosen the reward you want to get for free!).

Typically, you can use frequent flyer points for:

• Travel. That includes flights, upgrades, hotels and accommodation, and car rental.
• Shopping. Go to the program’s online rewards store to find and redeem your points at popular stores.
• Gift cards. You can redeem frequent flyer points for gift cards, but typically you’ll get more value using them for travel.
• Fun dining extras. Some programs offer freebies and discounts on dining. For example, Qantas Points can be redeemed on Qantas wine.

If you don’t have enough points to cover the entire cost of the purchase, many cards offer points-and-pay, where you can pay cash to cover any shortfalls in your points.

Step 3: Checking out your card’s other features

Many credit cards offer a bunch of other features besides rewards points, and frequent flyer cards – especially the fancier, more expensive ones – are often choc-full of them.

Features you might find on a frequent flyer credit card:

• Complimentary travel insurance (could be domestic, international, or both)
• Airport lounge access
• Airport transfers
• Travel credit
• Concierge services
• Discounts with partnering businesses
• Cashback offers
• VIP access to events

All the extra ‘dazzle’ on a card can help offset the higher annual fee, especially if you love to travel, dine and enjoy social events.

If you’re after points to spend on retail, you might want to look at the best rewards-earning credit cards , which are linked to bank rewards programs (not specific frequent flyer memberships) and have lower annual fees.

Other offers to look out for

Introductory offers are one big benefit of frequent flyer credit cards, but you can also look for discounts on annual fees and any cashback offers.

Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, or if you hit a minimum spend annually.

There are also cashback or travel credits on offer, where you’ll have a nominal amount paid back to your account, or earn a travel voucher to spend each year. Both features help offset any ongoing fees on the card.

Some lenders offer 0% interest on balance transfers, which is where you move the debt from a credit card to one that won’t charge interest for a certain timeframe.

Before you ask, you won’t earn points when you transfer a balance. Which means combining a balance transfer (where the goal is to pay off debt) with a card that’s about earning rewards on big spending may not be the best combination.

If you’re keen to get ahead of your credit card balance, use our one-click comparison tool to find a balance transfer card that will help you most.

What’s an ‘eligible transaction’ for earning points?

An eligible transaction usually means regular spending on everyday items, like groceries, eating out and booking tickets (including flights). Normally, you won’t earn points on cash advances (where you withdraw money from your credit card) and any balances transferred from a different card.

Often, you won’t earn points on government transactions either, like paying your rates bill.

The credit card’s PDS will outline which transactions are eligible for earning points.

Are all frequent flyer points worth the same amount?

No, each frequent flyer program has their own value system. For example, a $100 Bunnings gift voucher will cost 23,170 Qantas Points, or 21,800 Velocity Points.

If you want to get the most from your points, you can search the different rewards programs and choose the one with the better points redemption on things you’re most likely to buy.

Can I add additional cardholders?

Adding family members to the account is a good way to bump up your points earnings faster, but not all cards allow additional cardholders, and some make you pay.

The additional cardholder fee might be minimal, like $10 per year, but may also require a fee to join the membership program.

Always check the terms for adding extra cardholders to make sure it’s not going to add ongoing expenses that outweigh the benefits.

How do I choose my card once I’ve decided on my Rewards Program?

If you know which frequent flyer program you want to join, you can compare the cards attached to your program by using our one-click comparison tool:

Compare all Qantas Frequent Flyer credit cards .

Compare all Velocity Frequent Flyer credit cards .

Or, you can compare bonus points for all rewards cards, including non-frequent-flyer programs, on our bonus points comparison page .

If you’re still not sure, you can compare all credit cards offering frequent flyer points and click each card to read its pros and cons.

Can I earn points on government payments, like my ATO bill?

Most credit cards don’t offer points on government transactions, and those that do are most often business credit cards. However, some American Express frequent flyer cards offer points on payments to government bodies.

As always, check the card’s details to find out.

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger.

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Johanne preston, eileen marie gill, jonathan shiels, featured balance transfer credit cards.

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The 3 Best Credit Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas [2023]

Here is a list of the 3 best travel credit cards you can take with you and the positives and negatives for each one.

Australians are explorers. Whether we're exploring at home or overseas, our love for travel means we can go on multiple trips a year.

Given we travel so much, we need safe and consistent access to cash. Credit cards are perfect for peace of mind and make a great back-up option together with a travel  prepaid  or  debit card .

First of all, What are Travel Credit Cards?

Credit cards have been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent, but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance of your purchases in full each month so you don't get charged hefty interest rates. Also, bear in mind you have to meet certain eligibility criteria to be able to secure a credit card.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

Best value credit card

The  28 Degrees Platinum  is our best value credit card. With this credit card you get:

• No annual, purchase, currency conversion or foreign transaction fees
• 55 days interest free
• Free global WiFi at over 1 million hotspots
• Free 24/7 concierge service
• Worldwide emergency card replacement

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover. Because of these key features, we recommend using this card for travelling overseas or for buying online from non-Australian sites. It won't cost you anything as long as you follow these tips:

• Don't take out cash with this credit card, as there is a cash advance rate of 21.99%p.a.
• Pay your balance in full within the 55 day interest free period, otherwise you will be charged 21.99%p.a. for purchases
• Use direct bank account transfers for payments rather than BPAY so you don't get charged $0.95 (online)

Overall, this credit card is hard to beat for overseas travel, especially if you couple it with a debit or prepaid card where you can take cash out without any interest charges or ATM fees.

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No purchase, currency conversion or foreign transaction fees
• Free global WiFi
• Free concierge service and replacement card
• No introductory offers or rewards
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6000

Best credit card for frequent flyer rewards

The  NAB Qantas Signature credit card  wins in terms of awarding customers with the greatest amount of Qantas Points. With this card you get:

• 90,000 bonus Qantas Points
• 1 Qantas point per $1 earn rate up to $5,000 (0.5 Qantas point thereafter)
• Reduced annual fee of $295 in the first year ($395 following years)
• Complimentary insurance for eligible purchases
• Free 24/7 concierge service for personal travel and lifestyle
• This frequent flyer credit card is great for people who are happy to pay a high annual fee to earn Qantas Points at one of the most competitive earn rates in the market. It also comes with 90,000 bonus frequent flyer points and a 0%p.a. balance transfer rate for the first 6 months.

Despite these perks, there are  multiple fees  associated with this card. Unfortunately, it's not the best credit card for travel, as NAB charges a foreign currency conversion fee of 3% of the transaction value. We recommend checking out alternative travel  prepaid cards  or  debit cards  instead.

• Earn 90,000 bonus Qantas Points (when you spend $4,000 within 60 days of new account opening)
• Reduced annual fee of $295 for the first year
• Earn 1 Qantas point for $1 spent on eligible purchases
• Complimentary insurance (i.e. travel, credit card insurance)
• Points cap of 20,000 per month
• High annual fee of $395 after the first year
• No interest payments for transaction account
• Foreign currency conversion fee of 3%

Best travel credit card for business

Although Bankwest's More World credit card isn't specifically for business travellers, it offers unlimited lounge access in over 800 airports with LoungeKey, which makes it ideal for business trips. It also comes with:

• 115,000 annual bonus points for $84,000 spent on eligible purchases within the year
• Low introductory rate of 0% p.a. for 6 months on balance transfers
• 2.5 More Rewards Points per dollar spent on purchases, unlimited earnings
• 10% off Hertz car hire and gold member status

Good value credit cards serving business travellers are difficult to find. Before you even start to look at business travel credit cards, it's worthwhile seeing what the difference is between credit cards and travel credit cards. Check out  this article  to compare the most popular credit cards and travel credit cards in the market and what the pros and cons are.

• 2.5 More Rewards Points per dollar spent, uncapped earnings
• No foreign transaction fees on online or overseas purchases
• Unlimited airport lounge access via LoungeKey
• 24/7 Concierge and free travel insurance
• Add up to 3 extra cardholders
• $270 annual fee
• Only 44 days interest-free for purchases
• Balance offer has a 1% balance transfer fee

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16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

The best travel credit card is one that brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Purchases earn points or miles you can use to pay for travel. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider one of that company's branded travel credit cards. Otherwise, check out our picks for general-purpose travel cards that give you flexible travel rewards without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts ( See our top picks )

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Max flexibility + big bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Best hotel card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Best airline card

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card : Best for Credit union benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking directly with airlines/hotels

Best Travel Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Max flexibility + big bonus

Flat-rate rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, bonus rewards + high-end perks, best hotel card, travel rewards for rent payments, best airline card, credit union benefits, booking directly with airlines/hotels, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

With the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost , you don't pay an annual fee, but you also don't get rewards as rich as those on the regular Venture card ( see rates and fees ). Still, the bonus offer makes this a solid card for starting out with travel rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Max flexibility + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking directly with airlines/hotels

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Triple points on everyday categories

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95 . Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: B est airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Best hotel card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travelers

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on August 20 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Business travel can earn credit card rewards just like leisure travel. Credit cards that earn rewards for travel purchases don't distinguish between one or the other — meaning, if a card pays 3X points on airfare, for example, it's going to pay it no matter why you're buying the ticket. There are also travel credit cards specifically designed for business operators, with benefits and perks better aligned with their needs.

Where things get complicated is when you're not arranging the travel yourself. With credit card points, the rewards go to the cardholder. So if you arrange travel through your employer and the cost goes on the "company card," then the company card gets the points. Put it on your own card and get reimbursed later, and you get the points. (And if you have a company card with your name on it? That may come down to company policy.)

When redeeming travel rewards, you want to get as much value as possible. If you can get more value by using your rewards than by using cash, then it's smart to do so. (And of course, the reverse also applies.) NerdWallet has calculated the baseline values of most major credit card points, airline miles and hotel points. When you get a value that exceeds these baselines, go ahead and use your rewards. If not, consider using cash.

For example, say you could book a trip by paying $400 cash for a ticket or by redeeming 50,000 points or miles. In that case, your points would be getting you a value of 0.8 cents apiece (50,000 x 0.8 cents = $400). If the baseline value of each point is 1 cent, then you're better off paying cash and saving the points for when you can redeem them for 1 cent or better.

That said, you don't want to be overthinking it and hoarding points indefinitely in search of the deal to end all deals. Like any other currency, travel rewards lose value over time. That flight that costs 50,000 points today might cost 55,000 next year. Do you have enough points to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, in the way you want to get there? If so, don't let fractions of a penny stop you from booking your trip. It's your money, and you get to decide how to spend it.

A number of travel credit cards come with "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, has a $300 annual travel credit; several cards offer credits toward things like airline fees or hotel bookings; and a bunch of cards have a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

The less restrictive a credit is, the easier it is to redeem. The easiest travel credit to redeem is one that:

Applies to a broad range of expenses. Some credits are very fickle. You may get $200 a year in "airline credit," but it applies only to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline that you have to choose ahead of time. A card may offer hundreds of dollars in credit toward travel, but you have to go through the issuer's booking portal, where rates may be more expensive and options more limited. Other credits, however, are broad and open-ended: $300 on any travel expense, $100 toward any airline booking, and so on.

Shows up automatically on your statement. Your issuer's system should be able to recognize qualifying expenses and then apply the credit to them without you having to do anything. If the only way to receive the credit is by calling a phone number or submitting receipts or other documentation, that makes it harder to redeem, which in turn makes it less likely that you'll redeem (and that may be the point).

About the author

Sara Rathner

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All-inclusive travel: The best credit cards for vacations to sun destinations

When you get the chance to spend a week in an all-inclusive in the South , it’s already great . What would be even better?

• eat and relax in a lounge before taking off
• be insured in case of loss of luggage
• get taken care of if a medical emergency occurs
• paid for this vacation with Reward Points from daily purchases
• earn as many reward points as possible on this trip to fund the next one!

Credit card rewards points can make your all-inclusive trip virtually free!

The best credit cards to get an all-inclusive package for free (or almost)

It’s easy to earn $1,500 in travel rewards to pay for an all-inclusive trip each year. How?

First option: with a large volume of annual expenses

In the world of travel hacking , there is no such thing as the best credit card: you have to build your credit card wallet to optimize each purchased item (groceries, restaurants, gas, travel, etc.).

For example, the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard separates reward categories in this way:

As a result, it’s possible to accumulate between $900 and $1,500 in BONUSDOLLARS by spending between $50,000 and $100,000 a year.

• $ 50,000 in the grocery category (3% and 1.5%, following changes as of January 1, 2024 )
• $100,000 in the other category (1.5%)

Option 2: Credit card application bonuses

What to do when you don’t have a large purchase volume? You should look into credit card application bonuses to afford a vacation in the South .

In fact, it’s possible to collect the equivalent of $1,500 in rewards for our all-inclusive trip .

Travel point strategies that can be applied to the travel package and cash back are preferred for all-inclusive vacations.

Here is an example of a strategy

*by maximizing the minimum monthly spending requirement in the 5 points per dollar category.

This strategy accumulates $1,419 in net value ($1,575 – $156) on $29,000 in expenses.

This all-inclusive travel credit card strategy uses three types of rewards points to help defray the costs of a Southern vacation !

Sure, this requires credit card management, but you’ll be on the beach much faster than if you waited to spend $50,000 in order to get enough points. It’s up to you to see if it’s worth it!

Finally, if you really have $50,000+ in annual spending, why not pick up a lot more points for multiple all-inclusive trips per year?

How to use credit card points for an all-inclusive vacation in the South

There are many ways to pay for an all-inclusive trip with credit card travel points .

In fact, with a travel points credit card , you can use your rewards points to pay for all or part of the cost of your vacation on the beach.

Here are some examples of how travel points can be used for sun destination packages.

CIBC Aventura

With a limited-time promotion, you can redeem 50% fewer Aventura points when you book any trip with your credit card, such as an all-inclusive trip .

If you’ve signed up for our exclusive offer on the CIBC Aventura ® Visa Infinite* Card or CIBC Aventura ® Gold Visa* Card , and earned the welcome bonus of 40,000 points, that’s $500 towards any travel purchase! Like an all-inclusive travel .

And if you get both credit cards during the promotion (and via our exclusive offer ), that’s over $1,000 toward any travel purchase. Like an all-inclusive travel . If there are several of you in your household, apply for this card to lighten your travel bill with points!

Not bad for a credit card with no annual fee for the first year (and four complimentary visits to airport lounge each)!

National Bank Rewards Points

With the National Bank’s À la carte Rewards program, travel points can be used in two ways.

You can book an all-inclusive package with your travel points through Voyage À la Carte: 10,000 points per $100 and top up with cash if you don’t have enough points. This is the best way to use National Bank Rewards points . Plus, your purchase will also earn you extra points!

In this example, we can see a $200 discount when using 20,000 points on the price of the all-inclusive trip for two people.

However, if you have found a cheaper all-inclusive trip on another platform, it is also possible to use your points as a statement credit.

It is also possible to use these rewards points when using a travel agency (Voyage à Rabais , Voyages Bergeron , independent agency, etc.) for the all-inclusive package!

TD Reward Points

At TD, TD Rewards points are used in a similar way as National Bank on the TD platform: Expedia for TD .

Currently, the TD First Class Travel ® Visa Infinite* Card has a sign-up bonus of up to 75,000 TD Rewards points. That’s $375 in travel discounts on all-inclusive vacations booked through Expedia for TD!

TD Rewards points can also be applied as a statement credit if you book your all-inclusive stay in the South in any way; with a travel agency for example. The value will be slightly less.

American Express Privilege Points

The American Express Cobalt Card is one of the best credit cards in Canada for earning lots of points fast.

Indeed, its main highlight is that it earns you 5X points on everything categorized as restaurants, food deliveries and groceries. These privilege points are cash back equivalent to 5% at the grocery store.

It’s not mentioned, but grocery stores are indeed businesses that give 5X the points. Think of the gift card display in grocery stores !

It’s a great way to earn lots of points on other types of spending (Walmart, gas, clothing, SAQ, Amazon , etc.).

When used, Reward Points appear as a credit to the account on the credit card statement. The credit is applied in the same manner as a payment from you towards the account balance: 30,000 Membership Rewards points = $300.

Reward points can be used to cover the cost of the all-inclusive trip or on everyday purchases! By saving money every day , a part of the budget is freed up for vacations !

Aeroplan points

Aeroplan points can be used for a vacation package under the sun with Air Canada Vacations only. In fact, it is a travel discount that will be deducted from the final amount when booking the all-inclusive .

In this example, the number of points to be redeemed is 200,000 Aeroplan points for a discount of $2,000.

Milesopedia gives a current valuation of 2.0¢ to an Aeroplan point . This is a benchmark figure when considering whether to book a flight with cash or with Aeroplan points . So according to the formula for valuation calculation:

2,000/200,000 = 1¢ per Aeroplan point

So using 1¢ per Aeroplan point is lower than its estimated value of 2¢ per Aeroplan point.

So, while it’s less worthwhile to use Aeroplan points for an all-inclusive than we aim for at Milesopedia, money saved is money saved on the all-inclusive trip to be used elsewhere !

All cash back credit cards are also great for saving on an all-inclusive trip to the South.

Cash back is best for those who don’t want to juggle different booking platforms.

There are also some great welcome offers going on !

Other benefits of credit cards for all-inclusive vacations

Access lounges before flying.

At Montreal airport, four VIP lounges are available to passengers departing from the international zone.

• National Bank Lounge
• Salon Odyssée Desjardins
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
• Air France KLM lounge

For an all-inclusive trip to the South, the National Bank and Odyssey Desjardins lounges will be the easiest to access.

Simply being a National Bank World Elite Mastercard ® credit card holder means unlimited free access for the primary cardholder, one guest and two children under 12!

As for the Desjardins Odyssée lounge, the Odyssey cards provide up to 12 accesses per year.

The Air Canada Maple Leaf and Air France KLM Lounges are also open for people traveling south!

For the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, you can access the lounge with the Prestige Aéroplan MD * American Express MD Card or the TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card .

For the Air France lounge, you can access it with the American Express Platinum Card ® . Or one of the credit cards offering access to the Visa Airport Companion Program lounges, such as the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card or the CIBC Aventura MD Visa Infinite* Card .

At the Quebec City airport, which also serves several sun destinations, the only lounge is the V.I.P lounge by Club Med. There are several ways to access it, including status, business class tickets, credit cards, etc.

In short, many credit cards offer complimentary or paid access to airport lounges to start your all-inclusive trip more comfortably. You can also access these lounges in the South before returning home.

Travel insurance

Many credit cards offer comprehensive travel insurance . So there is no need to get another one in most cases.

In fact, in case of delay or lost suitcase, you can go shopping for a new bathing suit immediately and start your vacation while waiting for your luggage.

This luggage insurance protects you if you have paid for your trip with your credit card.

Then, in case of a sudden health problem, emergency medical insurance will help take care of you! In most cases, simply being a credit card holder makes the whole family eligible for insurance.

Finally, credit card cancellation and interruption insurance offers peace of mind in the event of a problem. For example, if a segment of the flight is cancelled or delayed during your trip to the South , many additional charges incurred may be claimed from credit card insurance. Conditions vary according to each card’s insurance policy.

Bottom Line

When you arm yourself with the best credit cards for your spending habits, it’s easy to earn points toward an all-inclusive trip to some fabulous Sun destinations.

Credit cards and travel points allow us to travel better and more, even if it’s not always budget travel based on a low cost of living !

Read on for our guides to all-inclusives:

All posts by Aline Nguyen

Suggested Reading

The 9 best stand-alone credit cards of 2022

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The worst-kept secret of travel rewards is that credit card welcome bonuses, not flown-in-seat flight miles or paid hotel stays, are typically the best way to earn points these days. That, as well as complimentary bonus categories, is the reason that a multi-card strategy such as the Chase Trifecta works well for so many people. At TPG, some staffers happily have about 20 credit cards in their wallets to maximize every dollar spent.

But the truth is a wallet full of multiple rewards cards isn't a viable (let alone desirable) option for everyone.

Maybe you plan on applying for a mortgage soon and want to minimize the number of hard inquiries or new accounts on your credit report. Maybe you don't have an efficient way to keep track of multiple cards with multiple payment dates and hefty annual fees. Or maybe you simply don't want to spend the time to learn the nuances of these programs to squeeze as much value from them as possible.

Whatever your situation is, there's no reason you can't still enjoy exceptional travel rewards with only one rewards card in your wallet.

That said, if you're going to stick to a single card, it's important that you pick it carefully.

Here are seven of the best stand-alone credit cards — though as always, be sure to check out our best credit card offers for all of TPG's selections.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our free daily newsletter .

Overview of the best stand-alone credit cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Best overall stand-alone card.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexibility and value.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for luxury perks and protections.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best value for premium benefits.
• American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining and groceries.
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for simple earning rate.
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for cash-back bonus categories.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for Bank of America customers.
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee when traveling abroad.

The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

How we picked our favorite stand-alone cards

In compiling this list, I focused on two main factors:

• Sign-up bonus/welcome offer: If you're only applying for one credit card, you need a large bonus upfront to make sure you'll have enough points to cover at least your first major redemption.
• Bonus categories/earning rate: Whether you spend $10,000 or $100,000 a year, it's important to have a credit card that rewards you where you use it most — or alternatively that has a simple, flat-rate of return.

I didn't put much weight into perks like Global Entry application credits or lounge access — if you're an infrequent traveler who's sticking to a single credit card, those are luxuries and not necessities.

You'll also notice that every card on this list is either a transferable points card or one that offers a fixed-value . Again, if you only have one rewards currency at your disposal, it's important that you pick a flexible one that you'll be able to redeem whether you're traveling across the state or across an ocean.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95.

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has long been a favorite of TPG staffers (and readers), and in 2021, it became even more appealing.

This begins with a 60,000-point welcome bonus (worth $1,200 based on TPG's latest valuations ) and a manageable $95 annual fee. It's also stacked with bonus categories and perks, as cardmembers will earn the following:

• 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services.
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services.
• 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
• 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

In addition, cardmembers can enjoy a $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, essentially bringing the annual fee down to $45. And on every anniversary, cardholders will receive 10% of their points back based on their annual spending (at a rate of 1 point for each dollar spent).

Plus, the Sapphire Preferred offers valuable travel insurance benefits and access to a fantastic list of Ultimate Rewards transfer partners .

For more details, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred .

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Standout benefits: Round after round of award chart devaluations have made fixed-value cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card a more attractive option for many people. The card earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases with no annual cap — though you'll also earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel . There's no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem your miles as you please.

Capital One also made significant investments on the redemption side in 2021, adding new transfer partners and shifting most of them a 1:1 transfer ratio , leading to TPG updating it's valuation of Venture miles to 1.85 cents. This combination of a strong earning rate, flexible fixed-value redemptions and a comprehensive list of transfer partners really puts the Venture card in a league of its own — and makes it a great solo card for your wallet.

For more details, check out our full review of

Application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550.

Standout benefits: If you asked me to pick only one of my credit cards to keep forever, I would choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve without hesitation. This card packs just about everything you could want into one solid metal shell. The 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth $1,200 based on TPG's latest valuations , and the 3 points in very broadly defined travel and dining categories continue to reward me whether I'm at home or on the road.

The Sapphire Reserve also offers some competitive category bonuses such as 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards, 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal and 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal.

Even though it comes with a $550 annual fee, your real out-of-pocket cost is only $250 thanks to the $300 annual travel credit, which Chase will automatically apply for you. Add in perks like generous travel and baggage insurance , a Priority Pass Select membership , Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement and access to a premium concierge service , and it's easy to see why the Sapphire Reserve is the complete package.

It also checks all the boxes on the redemption side, with near-instant 1:1 transfers to 14 hotel and airline partners , including Hyatt, United, Southwest and more. You'll also get a 50% bonus when redeeming for travel directly through the Chase portal, making your points worth 1.5 cents each.

For more details, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve .

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Standout benefits: If you're looking for a premium card with a lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card would be a great addition to your wallet. For a $395 annual fee, the Venture X features an array of benefits beyond the initial sign-up bonus, including:

• $300 back in credits annually for Capital One travel bookings.
• Complimentary lounge access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges for you and some (complimentary) authorized users.
• 10,000 miles every year on your anniversary (worth $100 toward travel purchases).
• Up to $100 statement credits for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and cellphone protection.

The Venture X also features a better earning rate than the Venture — one that's very aligned with the Sapphire Reserve. Cardmembers will earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X .

Official application link: Capital One Venture X.

American Express Gold Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership — though be sure to check the CardMatch Tool to see if you're targeted for an even higher offer (subject to change at any time).

Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees).

Standout benefits: While the American Express Gold Card flew under the radar for a long while in its previous incarnation as the Premier Rewards Gold Card, its refresh from a few years ago makes it an incredibly compelling choice for someone looking for a one-stop shop for travel rewards.

In terms of bonus categories, the Amex Gold is nearly unparalleled. It offers 4 points per dollar at worldwide restaurants and 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 a year, then 1 point per dollar after). You'll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or via American Express Travel .

In addition, the card features up to $240 in annual statement credits that can cover almost the entire annual fee.

You'll receive up to a $10 monthly dining statement credit (up to $120 a year) valid at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly , Wine.com , Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. In addition, you'll also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash (paid out in $10 increments per month) which can be used for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

And the Membership Rewards program offers an array of valuable redemption options — making the earning rates even more compelling for those looking to maximize their rewards.

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Gold .

Application link: American Express Gold Card.

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Welcome bonus: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first three months of Card Membership.

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees).

Standout benefits: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is one of the only no-annual-fee cards (see rates and fees) to earn valuable transferable points. It also happens to be one of the top cards for everyday spending that doesn't fall into your typical bonus categories.

You'll earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on your first $50,000 of annual spending (1 point per dollar after that), with no bonus categories to remember. Points transfer to valuable partners such as Delta, Air Canada and British Airways. Instead of worrying about maximizing your spending, you can instead invest that time in perfecting your redemption strategies.

If you max out the $50,000 of double points annually, those 100,000 points a year can take you to some pretty cool places .

For more details, check out our full review of the Blue Business Plus .

Application link: Blue Business Plus from American Express.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: $300 after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Standout benefits: Good old-fashioned cash back is another option to consider, and the Capital One Savor Card has all your bases covered. You'll earn an unlimited 4% back on dining, entertainment, and on popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and 1% everywhere else. You'll also enjoy a valuable $300 welcome bonus, no foreign transaction fees and access to exclusive dining and entertainment events.

Unlike the Venture Rewards card, the Savor offers actual cash back that can be used for whatever you like, whether it's travel, a new TV or a night out with friends.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Savor card .

The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Standout benefits: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card makes this list for a number of reasons, including the fact that you will actually get paid to keep it open. The $95 annual fee is more than offset by the up to $100 annual airline incidental statement credit , leaving you with five extra bucks for every year you have this card. Every four years, you'll also receive up to $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

It also offers a unique bonus category structure that rewards Bank of America's most valuable customers. All cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everyday spending, but members of Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program can earn much more, up to 3.5 points per dollar on travel and dining and 2.625 points per dollar on everyday spending.

For more details, check out our full review of the Premium Rewards card .

Application link: Bank of America Premium Rewards card.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0.

Standout benefits: The Capital One Quicksilver card may not offer the most compelling option, but if you want a card with a simple earning structure that you can comfortably swipe outside the country, it may be a great option for you.

Cardholders will earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no annual fee, but it also waives foreign transaction fees when traveling outside the U.S. (Most 2% cash-back cards impose these fees.)

Like most no-annual-fee cards, the Quicksilver does not come with lounge access, nor does it offer a host of travel benefits. However, it does include travel accident insurance, and the $200 sign-up bonus is solid for a card with no yearly cost.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver card .

Official application link: Capital One Quicksilver card.

Bottom line

There's a misconception among newcomers to the travel rewards world that you have to be TPG-level obsessed in order to make any meaningful headway with your points.

While it's absolutely true that you get out of this hobby what you put into it, I always like to remind my friends that one free flight a year is better than zero free flights a year. There's no question that you'll earn more points in both the short term and long term with a comprehensive card strategy with popular issuers like Chase and American Express . However, you can also get a ton of value from just a single card, especially one of the candidates listed above.

Additional reporting by Christina Ly.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Card, click here.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Updated 06/05/2023.

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Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards: Maximize Your Points and Miles

Exploring new destinations can be both exciting and rewarding, especially when you have the right travel rewards credit card in your wallet. These cards are designed to help you earn valuable points and miles on your everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or just looking to make the most of your occasional trips, choosing the right card can significantly enhance your travel experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best travel rewards credit cards for 2024, with insights on how to maximize your points and miles.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why It’s Great: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a go-to option for travelers looking for flexibility and value. With 2x points on travel and dining, it’s perfect for those who want to earn rewards on everyday expenses while enjoying the benefits of a robust travel rewards program.

Key Features:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. These points are worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases. Points are transferable to several airline and hotel partners, offering great flexibility.
• Annual Fee: $95
• Maximize Your Rewards: Use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to book travel and get 25% more value. Transferring points to travel partners like United Airlines or Hyatt can also yield higher value, especially for international travel or luxury stays.
• Apply Here: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why It’s Great: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward and flexible way to earn travel rewards. With 2x miles on every purchase, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a no-hassle rewards system.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for $750 in travel expenses.
• Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase.
• Maximize Your Rewards: Redeem miles for travel expenses or transfer them to one of Capital One’s airline partners for potentially greater value. Airline partners include Air Canada, Avianca, and British Airways.
• Apply Here: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why It’s Great: The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for luxury travelers who want access to premium benefits, such as airport lounges, elite hotel status, and a high rewards rate on flights.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. Points can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
• Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, 1x points on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Maximize Your Rewards: Utilize the 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels to quickly accumulate rewards. Transfer points to travel partners for luxury travel experiences and exclusive perks.
• Apply Here: The Platinum Card® from American Express

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why It’s Great: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers premium travel perks and high rewards rates, making it perfect for frequent travelers who spend heavily on travel and dining.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards: 3x points on travel (after the $300 annual travel credit) and dining, 1x point on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $550
• Maximize Your Rewards: Use the $300 annual travel credit to offset the annual fee, and enjoy Priority Pass™ Select lounge access for a premium travel experience. Points can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for enhanced value.
• Apply Here: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

5. American Express® Gold Card

Why It’s Great: The American Express® Gold Card is designed for food lovers and domestic travelers, offering 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. These points can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
• Rewards: 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year),

3x points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 1x points on other purchases.

• Annual Fee: $250
• Maximize Your Rewards: Focus on earning 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets, which can quickly add up. Transfer your points to Amex’s airline partners, such as Delta, British Airways, or Emirates, to maximize their value when booking flights.
• Apply Here: American Express® Gold Card

6. Citi Premier® Card

Why It’s Great: The Citi Premier® Card is perfect for those who want to earn rewards on everyday spending categories like groceries, dining, and travel. With 3x points in these categories, it’s an excellent card for accumulating points that can be redeemed for travel.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $800 in gift cards or travel.
• Rewards: 3x points on supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, air travel, and hotels; 1x points on all other purchases.
• Maximize Your Rewards: Use the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program to redeem your points for travel or transfer them to Citi’s airline partners, such as Singapore Airlines or Virgin Atlantic, to get more value out of your points.
• Apply Here: Citi Premier® Card

7. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Why It’s Great: This card is tailored for Hilton hotel enthusiasts, offering substantial rewards on Hilton purchases and everyday spending. It also provides complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, enhancing your hotel stay experience.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards: 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases.
• Maximize Your Rewards: To make the most of this card, focus on earning points through Hilton stays and everyday spending in the 6x categories. Use your points for free nights at Hilton properties worldwide. Plus, take advantage of the complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status for perks like free breakfast and potential room upgrades.
• Apply Here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

8. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Why It’s Great: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee. It offers a simple, flat-rate rewards structure with unlimited 1.5x points on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate points.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases with no expiration on points and no blackout dates on travel redemptions.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Maximize Your Rewards: Use this card for all your purchases to earn a steady stream of points that can be redeemed for travel expenses. If you have an existing relationship with Bank of America, you could qualify for a bonus on your rewards if you’re a Preferred Rewards client, boosting your earning potential.
• Apply Here: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

9. United℠ Explorer Card

Why It’s Great: The United℠ Explorer Card is perfect for frequent flyers of United Airlines, offering valuable perks like two free checked bags, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts. It also provides opportunities to earn miles on United purchases and everyday spending.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards: 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Maximize Your Rewards: Utilize the free checked bags and priority boarding to enhance your travel experience with United. Redeem your miles for flights with United or any of its Star Alliance partners, and take advantage of the additional 25% back on in-flight purchases.
• Apply Here: United℠ Explorer Card

10. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Why It’s Great: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a must-have for Marriott loyalists, offering a high rewards rate on Marriott hotel stays and additional benefits like a free night award every year and automatic Silver Elite status.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards: 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on all other purchases.
• Maximize Your Rewards: Use your Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights at Marriott properties, taking advantage of the 6x points rate on hotel stays. The free night award each year after your account anniversary can be redeemed for a night at a property with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points, providing excellent value.
• Apply Here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Selecting the right travel rewards credit card can significantly enhance your travel experiences by allowing you to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Whether you’re looking for premium perks, flexible rewards, or no annual fee, there’s a travel rewards credit card on this list that suits your needs. Remember to consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and preferred travel partners when choosing a card to maximize your benefits in 2024.