4 Credit Cards every Traveler Needs in 2017
There’s a war going on. Banks are ruthlessly fighting each other to create the best travel credit cards, and they’re giving away hundreds (or thousands) of dollars worth of rewards to get you to sign up.
The credit card landscape can be overwhelming, but here’s the best cards you can sign up for today to save money and and make your next trip easier.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase rocked the credit card world when they released their premium travel rewards card in August 2016. Much of the hype around the card came from it’s insane 100,000 point signup bonus (which has unfortunately cut to 50,000 points).
Still, the Sapphire Reserve remains one of the best rewards cards (if not the best). Purchases on travel or dining earn a whopping 3 points-per-dollar spent. Travel purchases include everything from flights, to Ubers, to public transit, while restaurants, fast food and many bars fall under the dining category. Each Chase point can be redeemed for 1.5¢ of travel, meaning you get 4.5% back on bonus categories.
Anyone with a Sapphire Reserve card can sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry and have the cost fully refunded. Cardholders also get a free Priority Pass membership, which grants access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world.
The card does have a $450 annual fee, however this is offset by the card’s $300 annual travel credit. The first $300 you spend on travel every year is automatically reimbursed, making the annual fee effectively $150.
Signup form with 50,000 point signup bonus
American Express Platinum
Up until the introduction of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Platinum card was seen as the undisputed premium travel card. American Express provides a long list of benefits aimed at making travel easy and comfortable.
The Platinum card provides the same TSA Precheck/Global Entry and Priority Pass benefits as the Sapphire Reserve. However, the Platinum Card also provides access to Delta Sky Club lounges and American Express’ luxurious Centurion Lounges.
Frequent hotel guests will enjoy Gold status at Starwoods and Hilton properties, which can provide upgrades and late checkouts. Platinum members can also call a dedicated concierge line and receive assistance with everything from restaurant recommendations to booking concert tickets.
The card does have $550 annual fee, but if you can take advantage of the $200 annual airline credit and $200 annual Uber credit, the fee is effectively $150. The card only earns 1 point-per-dollar for most purchases, meaning you won’t be earning free travel as quickly compared to the Sapphire Reserve. Still, frequent travelers may find the many perks associated with the card indispensable.
In addition to all that, the card itself is a heavy 18g piece of metal. Your next date will surely be impressed when you use it to pick up the check.
Signup form with 60,000 point signup bonus
Capital One Quicksilver
While the Sapphire Reserve and Platinum cards can provide some incredible benefits, many people may be turned off by the high annual fees and complex card benefits.
If you’d rather keep things simple, then the Capital One Quicksilver card is for you! This is one of the only credit cards that has no fees for using it internationally, as well as no annual fee. The card also earns 1.5% cashback, which is simpler to use than credit card points.
Personally, the Quicksilver is my perfect backup card, which I keep in my luggage in case my wallet gets lost or stolen.
Charles Schwab Debit Card
Ok, this card isn’t a credit card, but it’s still one of the most valuable pieces of plastic any traveler can carry.
Not only can you use the Schwab Debit Card anywhere in the world with no fees, Schwab will even refund any ATM fees charged by the ATM owner! ATM fees can add up very quickly, especially in countries like Thailand that charge foreigners ~$6 for every withdrawal.
The Schwab Debit Card allows travelers access to local currencies nearly everywhere in the world for no cost. Open a Schwab Investor Checking account to gain access to this card.
