What Is The Best Travel Credit Card For Beginners In 2024?

Are you looking to start your journey into the world of travel rewards but feeling overwhelmed by the many options? The Best Travel Credit Card For Beginners offers a straightforward way to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more, making your dream vacation to destinations like Hanoi, Vietnam, a reality. SIXT.VN is here to guide you through selecting the perfect card to kickstart your travel adventures and explore the beauty of Vietnam with ease and convenience.

1. What Are The Best Starter Travel Credit Cards?

Several travel credit cards stand out as excellent choices for beginners. They typically offer user-friendly rewards programs, reasonable fees, and valuable travel perks. Here’s a quick overview of some top contenders:

• American Express® Gold Card: Best for everyday expenses with high rewards on dining and groceries.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for flexible rewards and comprehensive travel protections.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for frequent travelers seeking straightforward rewards.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for those who prefer no annual fee while still earning travel rewards.
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for earning rewards with generous bonus categories.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for cash back and everyday spending.
• Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express®: Best for individuals with average credit looking for travel rewards.
• Discover it® Miles: Best for a unique welcome offer and simplicity.
• Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Best for earning rewards with no annual fee.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students: Best for students starting their travel rewards journey.

2. Which Travel Credit Card Is Best For Everyday Expenses?

The American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points on everyday spending, especially at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.

American Express Gold Card

• Earning Potential: Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $50,000 and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, respectively, then 1X points). You also earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Statement Credits: Benefit from up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) and up to $120 in dining credits ($10 in statement credits monthly) when paying with the card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required).
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for those whose budget consists mainly of travel, dining, and grocery expenses, allowing them to maximize rewards on everyday purchases.

3. Why Should I Choose The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card For Flexible Rewards?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for beginners due to its flexible rewards program, comprehensive travel protections, and reasonable $95 annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Earning Potential: Earn 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2X on all other travel purchases, and 1X on all other purchases.
• Redemption Bonus: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
• Travel Benefits: Includes a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, auto rental collision damage waivers, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
This card is great for those just starting with points and miles, offering a wide range of travel benefits and redemption opportunities.

4. What Are The Perks Of The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card For Frequent Travelers?

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers, offering straightforward rewards, valuable redemption options, and convenient travel benefits.

• Earning Potential: Earn 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, and 5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year.
• Travel Credit: Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
This card is perfect for those who prefer a more straightforward earning structure and want versatile rewards with valuable redemption options.

5. How Does The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Benefit Beginners Seeking No Annual Fee?

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for beginners who want to earn transferrable miles without paying an annual fee.

• Earning Potential: Earn 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
• Additional Benefits: Includes auto rental collision damage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.

Who’s this for?
This card is ideal for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn travel rewards.

6. Why Should I Consider The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card For Earning Rewards?

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great option for those interested in earning Citi ThankYou® Points, which are valuable travel points, through generous bonus categories.

• Earning Potential: Earn 10X points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations, 3X points on air travel and hotels, and 1X points on all other purchases.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
• Hotel Benefit: Receive $100 off one hotel stay of at least $500 you book through CitiTravel.com each year.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
This card is designed for anyone interested in a generous welcome bonus and an easy way to pick up points through various spending categories.

7. How Does The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Benefit Beginners Seeking Cash Back?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee cash-back card with generous rewards on everyday spending, making it a great choice for beginners.

• Earning Potential: Earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% back at drugstores and dining at restaurants, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.
• Additional Perk: Six free months of DoorDash DashPass.

Who’s this for?
This card is perfect for those who prefer to earn cash-back rewards rather than saving up points and miles for future travels.

8. Is The Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® A Good Option For Those With Average Credit?

Yes, the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards is a viable option for those with average credit who want to earn rewards while rebuilding their credit.

• Earning Potential: Earn 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site, 5X points on eligible travel, dining, and gas purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
• Additional Benefit: Offers travel accident insurance.

Who’s this for?
This card is suitable for those whose credit needs some work and want to earn rewards while rebuilding it.

9. Why Choose The Discover It® Miles Card For Its Welcome Offer?

The Discover it® Miles card stands out with its unique welcome bonus, offering a straightforward way to earn travel rewards without an annual fee.

• Earning Potential: 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase.
• Welcome Bonus: Discover will match the miles you earn during the first year, with no limit on how much you can earn.
• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
This card is ideal for those looking for simplicity and a unique welcome bonus.

10. Why Should I Consider The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card For Earning Rewards With No Annual Fee?

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is loaded with valuable features and generous bonus spending categories, making it an excellent choice for a credit card with no annual fee.

• Earning Potential: Earn 3X points at restaurants, travel, gas stations, popular streaming services, transit, and phone plans, and 1X points on all other purchases.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
• Additional Benefits: Includes cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees.

Who’s this for?
This card is perfect for those looking for a no-annual-fee card with valuable features and generous bonus spending categories.

11. What Are The Advantages Of The Bank Of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card For Students?

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers a generous return on everyday purchases and is a great way for students to start getting involved with travel rewards programs.

• Earning Potential: 1.5X points on all purchases.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and eligible balance transfers.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Who’s this for?
This card is designed for students who want to start earning travel rewards with a straightforward points-earning structure.

12. How Can I Pair These Travel Credit Cards With Bank Accounts For Added Benefits?

Pairing your travel credit card with a bank account from the same issuer can unlock additional benefits and streamline your financial management. Here’s how you can pair some of the recommended cards:

• American Express® Gold Card: Pair with an American Express® High Yield Savings Account or American Express® Rewards Checking Account to keep your savings and spending within the Amex ecosystem, potentially boosting your rewards earnings.

  American Express High Yield Savings Account

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Pair with a Chase Total Checking® or Chase Secure Banking℠ account for easy access to ATMs and branches, plus potential banking perks.

  Chase Total Checking Account

• Discover it® Miles: Pair with Discover CDs or Discover® Cashback Debit Checking for additional savings and cashback opportunities.

  Discover CD

13. What Should I Consider Before Applying For A New Travel Credit Card?

Before applying for a new travel credit card, consider the following:

• Credit Score: Ensure you have a good to excellent credit score (above 670).
• Application Rules: Be aware of card issuer rules like Chase’s 5/24 rule.
• Annual Fee: Evaluate whether you can utilize enough of the card’s benefits to justify paying its annual fee.
• Spending Requirements: Make sure you can meet any minimum-spending requirements responsibly.
• Interest Rates and Fees: Understand the APR, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees associated with the card.

14. What Makes A Good Starter Travel Credit Card?

A good starter travel credit card should have the following features:

• Flexible Redemption Options: Allows for basic redemptions like statement credits and offers a path to transferring rewards to different airlines or hotels.
• Reasonable Fees: Low or no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.
• Valuable Travel Perks: Includes travel protections, bonus rewards on travel spending, and additional benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credits.

15. Does Opening A Travel Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Opening a travel credit card can temporarily lower your credit score due to a hard pull on your credit report. However, consistently paying your balance in full and on time can improve or maintain a high credit score over the long term.

16. What’s The Easiest Travel Credit Card To Get?

The easiest type of travel credit card to get is generally a secured credit card, which requires an upfront deposit to open. However, these cards typically have fewer benefits or weaker rewards compared to unsecured travel credit cards.

17. Ready To Explore Vietnam? How Can SIXT.VN Help You Make The Most Of Your Trip?

Now that you’re equipped with the best travel credit card for beginners, it’s time to plan your adventure to Vietnam with SIXT.VN! We offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless and unforgettable travel experience:

• Personalized Travel Itineraries: We tailor itineraries to match your interests and travel style, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends.
• Convenient Airport Transfers: Start your trip stress-free with our reliable and comfortable airport transfer services, ensuring a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel.
• Wide Range of Hotel Options: Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit your budget and preferences, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, all conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi and other popular destinations.
• Guided Tours and Activities: Explore the best of Hanoi and beyond with our expert-led tours, offering immersive experiences and insider knowledge of the region’s culture and history.
• Flight Booking Assistance: We help you find the best flight deals and schedules to make your journey to Vietnam as affordable and convenient as possible.

18. What Can I Expect When Booking A Tour With SIXT.VN?

When you book a tour with SIXT.VN, you can expect:

• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the history, culture, and local customs of Hanoi and other destinations.
• Hassle-Free Planning: We take care of all the logistics, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about transportation, accommodations, or activities.
• Customizable Options: We offer a variety of tour packages to suit your interests and budget, and we can customize them to meet your specific needs.
• Comfortable Transportation: Travel in comfort and style with our modern and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
• Memorable Experiences: From exploring ancient temples to sampling delicious street food, our tours are designed to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

19. What Should I See And Do In Hanoi?

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, offers a wealth of attractions and activities for travelers of all interests. Here are some must-see sights and experiences:

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Visit the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the iconic red bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

• Old Quarter: Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, where you’ll find traditional shops, bustling markets, and delicious street food stalls.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum: Pay your respects to Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam, at his mausoleum and learn about his life and legacy at the nearby museum.

• Temple of Literature: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and admire its beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens.

• Water Puppet Show: Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form that dates back centuries.

• Dong Xuan Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor market, where you can find everything from clothing and souvenirs to fresh produce and street food.

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Step back in time at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the political center of Vietnam for over a thousand years.

20. How To Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards While Traveling In Vietnam?

To maximize your credit card rewards while traveling in Vietnam:

• Use Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid extra charges by using cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, or Wells Fargo Autograph® Card.
• Take Advantage of Bonus Categories: Use cards that offer bonus rewards on dining, travel, and gas purchases, such as the American Express® Gold Card or Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
• Meet Minimum Spending Requirements: Aim to meet any minimum spending requirements to earn welcome bonuses and maximize your rewards.
• Redeem Rewards Wisely: Transfer points to airline or hotel partners for higher value redemptions, or use them for statement credits or cash back if that better suits your needs.

21. How Can SIXT.VN Help Overcome Travel Challenges?

SIXT.VN is dedicated to providing services that address common travel challenges and make your trip to Vietnam as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

• Language and Cultural Barriers: Our experienced local guides are fluent in multiple languages and can help you navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively with locals.
• Planning Complex Itineraries: We take the stress out of planning by creating customized itineraries that cater to your specific interests and preferences.
• Finding Reputable Services: We partner with trusted hotels, transportation providers, and tour operators to ensure that you receive reliable and high-quality services.
• Navigating Transportation: We offer airport transfers, private car services, and guided tours to make it easy for you to get around Hanoi and explore the surrounding areas.

22. What Are The Key Things To Know Before Traveling To Vietnam?

Before traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to be aware of the following:

• Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements based on your nationality and apply for a visa in advance if necessary.
• Currency: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s a good idea to exchange some currency upon arrival or withdraw money from ATMs.
• Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful.
• Culture: Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting temples and avoiding public displays of affection.
• Health: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and take precautions to avoid food poisoning and mosquito bites.

23. What Are Some Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors To Hanoi?

For first-time visitors to Hanoi, here are some useful travel tips:

• Stay in the Old Quarter: This is the heart of Hanoi and a great base for exploring the city.
• Try Street Food: Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food. Be adventurous and try local specialties like pho, bun cha, and banh mi.
• Bargain at Markets: Don’t be afraid to bargain when shopping at local markets. It’s a common practice and you can often get a better price.
• Be Aware of Scams: Watch out for common tourist scams, such as overcharging for taxis or cyclo rides.
• Carry Small Change: It’s useful to have small change for paying for taxis, street food, and other small purchases.
• Dress Respectfully: When visiting temples or pagodas, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
• Learn Some Basic Vietnamese Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases like “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) can go a long way in showing respect and making connections with locals.
• Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenient and reliable transportation around the city.

24. What Are Some Of The Unique Foods I Should Try When Visiting Vietnam?

Vietnam boasts a rich culinary scene with flavors and dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some unique foods you should definitely try when visiting:

• Pho (Phở): Arguably Vietnam’s most famous dish, pho is a flavorful noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. Each region in Vietnam has its own unique take on pho, so be sure to try different variations.

• Banh Mi (Bánh Mì): A quintessential Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. Banh mi reflects Vietnam’s colonial history and is a delicious and affordable meal.

• Bun Cha (Bún Chả): Originating from Hanoi, bun cha features grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. It’s a popular lunch option and a must-try dish in Hanoi.

• Goi Cuon (Gỏi Cuốn): Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, herbs, and vegetables. They are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce and are a refreshing and healthy appetizer.

• Cao Lau (Cao Lầu): A regional specialty of Hoi An, cao lau is a noodle dish with thick, chewy noodles, pork, greens, and crispy croutons. The unique flavor comes from the water used to make the noodles, which is drawn from a specific well in Hoi An.

• Com Tam (Cơm Tấm): Also known as “broken rice,” com tam is a popular street food dish in Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of broken rice grains served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.

• Banh Xeo (Bánh Xèo): A crispy crepe made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It’s typically served with a dipping sauce and is a delicious and interactive dish to eat.

25. How Can I Contact SIXT.VN For More Information And Bookings?

Ready to plan your dream trip to Vietnam with SIXT.VN? Here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
• Website: SIXT.VN

Whether you need help with travel itineraries, airport transfers, hotel bookings, guided tours, or flight assistance, SIXT.VN is here to make your travel experience seamless and unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation to Vietnam!

Bottom Line

With a best travel credit card for beginners and the expert assistance of SIXT.VN, exploring the beauty and culture of Vietnam has never been easier. From earning valuable rewards on your spending to enjoying personalized travel services, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable memories. Start your travel rewards journey today and let SIXT.VN guide you through the wonders of Vietnam!

FAQs

What makes a good starter travel credit card?

A good starter travel credit card offers flexible redemption options, reasonable fees, and valuable travel perks, making it easy to earn and redeem rewards for travel expenses.

Does opening a travel credit card hurt your credit score?

Opening a travel credit card may temporarily lower your credit score due to a hard pull on your credit report, but consistently paying your balance on time can improve your credit score over time.

What’s the easiest travel credit card to get?

The easiest travel credit card to get is generally a secured credit card, which requires an upfront deposit and offers fewer benefits compared to unsecured travel credit cards.