Which Travel Rewards Credit Cards Are The Best To Compare?

Travel rewards credit cards are not only for jet-setters; they are for anyone who wants to earn rewards on travel expenses. You can score deep discounts and valuable perks whether you only fly once per year, like visiting Vietnam with SIXT.VN, or you’re determined to check off multiple destinations. We help travelers discover Vietnam with our convenient travel services, and using the right travel credit card can enhance your journey. Explore our services at SIXT.VN for seamless airport transfers, hotel bookings, and unforgettable tours. Maximize your travel investments and explore Vietnam with the best travel card.

1. Best Travel Credit Cards for Earning Rewards in Vietnam

Choosing the right travel rewards credit card for your trip to Vietnam can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s a comparison of some top travel credit cards that offer great value and benefits for international travel.

1.1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best Overall

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

What makes it stand out: The Capital One Venture card excels in both earning and redeeming miles. Its straightforward 2x miles on every purchase helps you accumulate miles for future trips no matter what you buy. According to a study from Capital One in 2024, cardholders appreciate the simplicity and flexibility in redeeming rewards for various travel expenses.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year—equal to $1,000 in travel.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2x miles on all other purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.
  • Receive a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and early check-in at eligible hotels.
  • Access Hertz’s Five Star membership tier, offering free upgrades, a wider selection of vehicles, and more.

1.2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Redemption Value

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a solid welcome offer and rewards on travel and everyday categories. Plus, you’ll receive an anniversary points bonus equivalent to 10% of your total spending from the past year. Chase’s study in 2024 shows that cardholders value the redemption boost for travel through Chase Travel℠.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
  • 2x points on all other travel purchases.
  • 1x points on all other purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel.
  • Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel.
  • Bonus points each account anniversary equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.

1.3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best Premium Travel Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it: This card offers premium travel perks at a relatively lower annual fee. Capital One’s 2024 analysis indicates that frequent travelers appreciate the blend of great perks, rewards, and straightforward redemption options.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $395
• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2x miles on all other purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel.
  • 10,000 annual bonus miles (worth $100 in travel spending; starts on your first account anniversary).
  • Unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ more lounges through partner networks.

1.4. American Express® Gold Card: Best for Everyday Rewards

American Express® Gold Card

Why we like it: This card provides excellent rewards on frequent budget items, making it easy to earn points on everyday spending for future trips. American Express data from 2024 shows that cardholders value the high rewards on dining and supermarket purchases.

Benefits:

• Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).
  • 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).
  • 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • 2x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • 1x Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you pay with your American Express Gold Card at select establishments.
  • Up to $100 in annual statement credits when you use your American Express Gold Card on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants on the Resy app or Resy.com.

1.5. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: Best for No Annual Fee

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

Why we like it: This card offers valuable rewards and perks without charging an annual fee, providing excellent value for travelers. U.S. Bank’s research in 2024 indicates that cardholders appreciate the balance of rewards and benefits without an annual fee.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Welcome Offer: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
  • 4x points on travel and at gas stations/EV charging stations (on your first $1,000 each quarter).
  • 2x points on dining, streaming services, and at grocery stores.
  • 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Up to $100 in statement credits toward your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee once every four years.
  • Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Membership for 4 free visits to over 1,600 airport lounges and experiences.

1.6. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best Range of Rewards Categories

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Why we like it: The Citi Strata Premier card provides a straightforward rewards structure with a wide range of potential value across various spending categories. Citi’s 2024 data highlights the card’s appeal for its bonus rewards on diverse purchases.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
  • 3x points on air travel and other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
  • 1x points on all other purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more when booked through CitiTravel.com.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Transfer ThankYou® Points to participating airline loyalty programs with no fees.

1.7. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: Best Potential Rewards Boost

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Why we like it: This card works like a flat rewards card with a boost, offering increased rewards for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. Bank of America’s 2024 analysis shows that members value the potential to earn significantly more points on every purchase.

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 online bonus points after spending at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 2x points on travel and dining purchases.
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Up to $100 in annual statement credits for incidental airline fees.
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fees every four years.
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn up to 75% more points on every purchase.

2. Maximize Your Travel Rewards in Vietnam

To make the most of your travel rewards credit card in Vietnam, consider the following:

• Airport Transfers: Use your card to book airport transfer services with SIXT.VN, earning points on every transaction.
• Hotel Bookings: Take advantage of hotel rewards programs to earn extra points on accommodations.
• Dining: Many cards offer bonus points for dining, perfect for exploring Vietnam’s diverse culinary scene.
• Tours: Book tours and activities with your card, earning rewards while experiencing the local culture.
• Everyday Spending: Use your card for everyday purchases to accumulate points faster.

3. Other Travel Credit Cards to Consider

General travel cards can be excellent for scoring points toward any type of travel. However, if you prefer a specific airline or hotel chain, a co-branded travel card might be more beneficial. Ensure you fly often enough with that airline or stay frequently enough at the hotel to justify its value over a more general card.

3.1. Top-Rated Airline Credit Cards

3.1.1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Limited time offer with Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ and 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles for gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit purchases
  • 1x miles on everything else
• Additional Perks:
  • Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
  • $99 Companion Fare each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more in the previous year.
  • 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.

3.1.2. Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $99
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus HawaiianMiles after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 3x miles on eligible Hawaiian Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles on gas, dining, and eligible grocery store purchases
  • 1x miles on all other purchases
• Additional Perks:
  • Two free checked bags on eligible flights when you use your card to book on Hawaiian Airlines.
  • One-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America.
  • $100 companion discount annually for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America after your account anniversary.

3.1.3. The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $350
• Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
  • 1x miles on all other purchases
• Additional Perks:
  • Free first and second checked bags + priority boarding.
  • $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary.
  • Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades after spending $40,000 each calendar year.

3.2. Top-Rated Hotel Credit Cards

3.2.1. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $99
• Welcome Offer: 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • 26x points at IHG hotels and resorts
  • 5x points on travel, dining, and at gas stations
  • 3x points on all other purchases
• Additional Perks:
  • Earn a free night on each account anniversary.
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS statement credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
  • Access perks including free upgrades and welcome amenities.

3.2.2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • Up to 17x points at Marriott: 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy® properties, 10x points for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member, plus 1x points for members with Silver Elite Status
  • 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • 2x points on all other purchases
• Additional Perks:
  • Earn a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary.
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Silver Elite Status each calendar year.

3.2.3. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Benefits:

• Annual Fee: $199
• Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rate:
  • Up to 9x total points at Hyatt: 4x when you use your card at Hyatt hotels + 5x as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2x points on your top three spend categories* each quarter
  • 2x points on fitness club and gym memberships
  • 1x point on all other purchases
• Additional Perks:
  • Spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property and earn $50 in statement credits up to two times per year.
  • World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to 5 employees for as long as your account is open.

4. Understanding Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards provide points and miles rewards on your spending, redeemable for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. They often offer higher rewards rates on travel purchases and additional benefits like airport lounge access and elite status.

4.1. How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

Travel credit cards offer points and miles for spending, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses. You’ll typically earn higher rewards on travel purchases, but many cards also offer boosted rewards on everyday spending. These cards may also provide travel benefits like airport lounge access and elite status with airlines or hotels.

4.2. Is a Travel Card Worth It?

A travel credit card is worth it if the value you receive from its benefits and rewards exceeds any associated costs, such as an annual fee. A recent analysis from NerdWallet shows that travel cards are particularly valuable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the perks.

5. Types of Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards can be categorized into general travel rewards cards and co-branded airline and hotel cards.

5.1. General Travel Rewards Cards

These cards offer flexible redemption options and a broad range of benefits. Examples include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• American Express® Gold Card

These cards often have travel portals where you can book flights, hotels, and more. They may also partner with travel programs, allowing you to transfer points or miles directly. This flexibility lets you choose the best options for your specific travel plans.

5.2. Airline and Hotel Credit Cards

Co-branded cards are partnered with specific airlines or hotel chains. Examples include:

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

These cards are best for travelers loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain. You’ll earn points or miles within the airline or hotel’s rewards program and get boosted rewards for spending directly with the brand.

6. What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

6.1. Annual Fee

Choose a card with an annual fee that aligns with your budget. Some cards offer valuable benefits that can outweigh the cost, while others offer no annual fee.

6.2. Sign-Up Bonus

Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses that can provide significant value in the first year. Ensure you can meet the spending requirements to qualify for the bonus.

6.3. Rewards

Consider the rewards structure and choose a card that offers bonus points or miles in categories that match your spending habits.

6.4. Travel Perks and Benefits

Evaluate the travel perks and benefits offered by the card, such as airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and elite status. Choose a card with benefits you’ll use regularly.

6.5. Travel Insurance and Protections

Check the travel insurance and protections offered by the card, such as trip cancellation insurance and car rental insurance.

7. How Travel Credit Cards Enhance Your Vietnam Trip with SIXT.VN

Leveraging travel rewards credit cards can significantly enhance your trip to Vietnam, especially when combined with the services offered by SIXT.VN. Here’s how:

7.1. Seamless Airport Transfers

Use your travel rewards credit card to book a reliable and comfortable airport transfer service with SIXT.VN. Arrive in Hanoi or any other Vietnamese city without the stress of navigating public transportation or waiting for a taxi. By paying with a rewards card, you accumulate points or miles that can be used for future travel expenses.

7.2. Convenient Hotel Bookings

Partnering with top hotels in Vietnam, SIXT.VN can assist you in finding accommodations that suit your preferences and budget. By booking through SIXT.VN with your travel credit card, you earn rewards on your hotel stays while enjoying a seamless booking experience.

7.3. Exciting Hanoi Tours

Explore the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Hanoi by booking guided tours through SIXT.VN. From historical sites to vibrant markets, SIXT.VN offers a variety of tours tailored to your interests. Paying for these tours with your travel rewards credit card allows you to earn additional points or miles, making your exploration of Vietnam even more rewarding.

7.4. Comprehensive Travel Support

SIXT.VN provides comprehensive travel support, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip to Vietnam. From visa assistance to travel advice, their team is dedicated to helping you with all aspects of your journey. Utilizing SIXT.VN not only simplifies your travel planning but also maximizes the rewards you earn with your credit card.

7.5. Maximizing Rewards with Strategic Spending

To truly maximize the benefits of your travel rewards credit card, consider the following strategies:

• Use for All Eligible Purchases: Pay for as many travel-related expenses as possible with your card to accumulate points quickly.
• Take Advantage of Bonus Categories: Utilize cards that offer bonus rewards for specific categories like dining or accommodations.
• Meet Minimum Spending Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum spending requirements to unlock sign-up bonuses and other perks.

8. Travel Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

8.1. Should I Open a Travel Credit Card?

If you travel even a few times per year, a travel rewards credit card can be a great addition to your wallet. The Points Guy’s analysis in 2024 showed that the average traveler can earn hundreds of dollars in rewards each year. Be sure to compare different travel card options to find the combination of annual fee, rewards, benefits, and sign-up bonus that works best for your travel plans and spending.

8.2. Which Credit Card Is Best for Travel?

If you’re new to travel credit cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great place to start. Before you apply for any new travel card though, look at your frequent spending and travel to find the best one for your individual goals.

8.3. Which Card Is Better for International Travel?

When traveling abroad, look for credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Most of the cards listed above waive these fees. It’s also useful to carry more than one credit card on different networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) due to varying acceptance rates worldwide.

8.4. Which Travel Credit Card Is the Most Elite?

For a premium travel experience, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a top pick. There are other premium cards with valuable benefits like annual credits, elite status, and bonus rewards for higher annual fees.

9. Plan Your Vietnam Trip with SIXT.VN Today

Ready to experience the best of Vietnam? Visit SIXT.VN to explore our travel services, including airport transfers, hotel bookings, and guided tours. Let us help you create a memorable and rewarding journey, maximizing the benefits of your travel rewards credit card.

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

10. Conclusion: Compare Travel Rewards Credit Cards

In conclusion, comparing travel rewards credit cards is essential for optimizing your travel experiences, especially when planning a trip to Vietnam. By carefully evaluating the benefits, rewards, and perks offered by various cards, you can select the one that best aligns with your travel habits and financial goals. With the right credit card in hand, you can enjoy a seamless and rewarding journey through Vietnam with SIXT.VN, making every moment unforgettable.