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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.

How to renew a visitor visa

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms

• The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S. 
• Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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Why the visa process could be 'discouraging visitors' and keeping families apart

• Tourist visas can be expensive and confusing to apply for.
• The process may discourage some travelers from visiting the U.S.
• Visa policies try to balance economic and national security priorities.

It can be hard for international visitors to get permission to come to the U.S. 

Onyi Apakama knows this firsthand. She's a first-generation American born to two Nigerian immigrants, and much of her family is still living overseas.

A convoluted and expensive tourist visa application process means her relatives have missed major milestones with family here in the U.S. 

"It was definitely a sad thing because it was (my cousin's) younger sister," Apakama said. "She wasn’t able to attend her sister’s wedding."

For Americans, it can be easy to forget how complicated international travel can be depending on your passport.

U.S. passport holders can access 186 international destinations without applying for visas in advance according to the Henley Passport Index, meaning we almost never need to go through the hassle and expense of filling out extra paperwork or turning up at a country's embassy to prove ourselves before a trip.

But many visitors coming to the U.S. face a process that's much more arduous. 

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According to Esra Calvert, around 40% of international visitors to the U.S. need to apply for a visa to enter. Calvert is the principal at Esra Calvert Consulting, which focuses on data in the tourism industry.

"There is paperwork you have to do online, and you wait for your appointment time," she told USA TODAY. "When your appointment time comes, you go to the embassy for an interview. You have to show proof of finances, what your plans are, very basic pieces of information just for proof that you’re going on vacation or a business meeting."

In Nigeria, Apakama said, it can also be harder to get a visa appointment if your family isn't politically well-connected. 

Those extra barriers sometimes discourage people from applying for visas at all – to say nothing of those whose applications are rejected. That means the U.S. is potentially missing out on a lot of tourist dollars that would otherwise be generated every year.

According to the Department of Commerce , tourism accounted for $1.9 trillion in economic output in 2019. 

"There’s so many choices for travelers," Calvert said. "If a traveler has to wait for a year," just to get their visa interview, they’re going to go somewhere else   for vacation.

Raoul Bianchi, a reader in political economy at Manchester Metropolitan University's Department of Economics Policy and International Business said that tourist visa applications disproportionately make it harder for people to travel from the developing world.

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"The global north/global south division is very stark," he said in an interview. "There is an enormous disparity between wealthy Westernized countries and sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America and South Asia."

The process can be so opaque that experts suggest many visa applicants fear that talking about their experiences to the press could hinder their ability to get approved.

What does a tourist visa cost to visit the US?

According to the State Department, it costs $160 per person to apply for a tourist visa. They can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on the applicant's nationality.

The fees are becoming more prohibitive for some travelers as inflation rises. 

"The cost has gone up. And right now with inflation (and) the exchange rate, the Nigerian naira has gotten a lot weaker in the last year or six months," Apakama said.

When she visited Nigeria in 2019 or 2020, it was around 350 naira to the dollar. Now it's closer to 430 nairas to the dollar, meaning her relatives could wind up paying tens of thousands of naira just in visa fees for a whole family unit to visit.

In a statement, the State Department said those fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable, even if the application is rejected. 

"The department’s consular operations are largely funded by fees for services. Visa fees charged are generally based on the cost to the department of providing visa services, and are determined through periodic studies of the cost of consular services, including visa services," a spokesperson said. "This means that there is no profit to the U.S. government from the collection of fees. Rather the fee is in place to recover the cost to the U.S. government of providing the service."

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Who is required to get a tourist visa to come to the US?

Visa requirements can change over time, and especially for visitors to the U.S., have gotten more stringent in recent decades.

"An average of two-thirds of the people around the world have to obtain a visa prior to departure. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and more recent terrorist attacks worldwide, have changed the discourse of immigration and international tourism within Europe and North America," Pooneh Torabian, a lecturer in the Department of Tourism at the University of Otago's business school in New Zealand said in a statement. "Since Sept. 11, international travel has become more regulated in the name of safety and security, and international movement for ethnic minority citizens, specifically Arab and Muslim travelers, has been hindered."

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Bianchi agreed and pointed out that visa policies often reflect a country's broader geopolitical stances.

For example, soon after President Donald Trump took office, his administration enacted a ban on visitors from many Muslim-majority countries, a reflection of the president's immigration priorities. Even since President Joe Biden reversed that policy, however, advocates say little has changed in practical terms. 

"Quite often visa policies can be a reflection of bilateral diplomatic relations or a proxy for something else that's going on," Bianchi said.

Story continues below.

For visa applicants, Apakama said, the restrictions can feel like discrimination at a high level.

"Who are the folks that we as a country believe are going to contribute to the society and those who are not," she said.

Many applicants feel there's a human arbitrariness to the process too.

"My family members believe it’s whoever’s interviewing you that day and it’s just their mood," Apakama said. When the visa interviewer seemed grumpy, her family felt their applications faced more scrutiny and were more likely to be denied.

The U.S. has visa waiver agreements with 40 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and many European nations. Canadian citizens also usually do not need to apply for tourist visas to visit the U.S. Travelers using passports from countries not on the waiver list generally do need to apply for tourist visas before coming here. 

Even when a visitor has a visa, border guards have the discretion to turn them away at passport control. Apakama said she's had relatives who were denied entry after landing in the U.S. and put on flights back to Nigeria.

How long does it take to get a tourist visa for the US?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. embassies and consulates have been struggling to keep up with visa applications, and in some places, the wait time for an appointment is now longer than a year.

"It’s discouraging visitors," Calvert said. "All the hassle that travelers have to go through with the visa application process in this day and age, there could be some opportunities to bring the visa backlog numbers down."

The State Department's wait time calculator estimates that the consulate in Mumbai is now scheduling tourist visa appointments 848 days out, though the department says that extreme wait is an outlier. 

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"We are reducing appointment wait times in all visa classes as quickly as possible, worldwide. In fact, visa processing is rebounding faster than projected, after a near-complete shutdown and freezing of resources during the pandemic," a spokesperson said. "The wait time for a routine visa appointment at half of our overseas posts is less than four months, and at some posts is far shorter than that. Applicants who have urgent travel needs and can apply away from their own home country should seek to do so."

Will US visas ever be easier to get?

Bianchi, from Manchester Metropolitan University, said visa policies are constantly in flux.

“There are tensions and conflicts within governments. They don’t work as a monolith," he said. “You’ll get the tourism industry in alliance with the tourism ministries, but the ministries of the interior, or in your case the Department of Homeland Security, will be very much in favor of tightening visas because their concern is security.”

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That push and pull means making visas more accessible is usually a slow and contested process. In the meantime Calvert said, the U.S. will keep missing out on potential tourist dollars.

"I’m concerned about price as a barrier and these visa regulations," she said. "Travel shouldn’t be that difficult. How do we keep the world open?"

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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How Much is a Chinese Visa - China Visa Fees 2024/2025

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on June 17, 2024 :

1. Breaking News! a. China will be visa free to New Zealand Soon! b. 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025.

2. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

3. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

4. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

7. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

9. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

10. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

11. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

In general, most visitors are required to pay for China Visa Application unless you meet requirements of China Visa Free Policy . So far, there are 4 ways to submit China Visa Application, accordingly, different kinds of fees incurred. Among all the expenses, China Visa Fee is the basic cost, additional service charge and shipping fee will be collected, if your submission made to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and choose postal service.

China visa fee varies from different nationalities, number of entries and duration of stay, visa types and visiting destinations in China. Check the detailed price guide below to know how much does a China Visa cost, prepare sufficient fee and make the payment correctly for your China Visa Application.

How Much A Chinese Visa Cost - China Visa Application Fee

The Chinese Visa Application Fee is charged by Chinese Embassy or Consulate General at a local currency rate, including visa processing of regular, express and rush services. Whether you apply for China Visa from visa section/office of Chinese Embassy and Consulate, at China Visa Application Center in the residing country or at port of entry upon arrival in China, each applicants have to pay certain amount of visa fees. Chinese visa fee is largely different for different nationals, application for visa types (entry visa before departure or visa on arrival), number of entries and duration of stay.

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

Attention : ①. Submission to Chinese Embassy or Consulate : visa fee only. ②. Submission to Service Center : visa fee + service fee. ③. Visa fees of China Tourist Visa (L Visa), Business Visa (M Visa) and common types costs the same. ④. Application service fee is charged by CVASC at local currency rate. ⑤ The visa fees are listed from official websites for reference only, fees for long time and the third countries may vary from the fees above, are subject to change and explain by the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate General. You should check from official authority for updated fees.

Regular China Visa Fees (for China's mainland)

● US Passport Holders: $185 (USD) for all types of visas and single/double/multiple entry visa to China;

● Canadian Passport Holders: $100 (CAD) for all types of visas and single/double/multiple entry visa to China;

● UK Passport Holders: £85 for all visa types, £170 for 5-year Multiple Entries, £255 for 10-year Multiple Entries;

● Indian Passport Holders: Single Entry: Rs3900, Double Entry: Rs5850, Multiple Entries for 6 Months: Rs7800, Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above: Rs11700, Group Visa: Rs2400 per person;

● Third Country Passport Holders: Single Entry: US$30, Double Entry: $45, Multiple Entries for 6 Months: $60, Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above: $90.

Visa Fees for Special Visa Types

● Group Visa: $40 per visa for all citizens, and about $110 for US Citizens applying as group tourists.

● 10 Year China Visa: £255 for British, $180 for American, ARS 2400 for Argentine, NIS 100 for Israel.

So far, the 10 year long-term China Visa is only apply to nationals from US, UK, Canada, Argentina and Israel.

● China Visa on Arrival (Port Visa): 168 RMB for most citizens, about 314 RMB for UK Passport Holders.

The China Landing Visa Fee differs from nationalities and is charged by the port exit & entry office in local Chinese currency, Renminbi (RMB). US and French Passport Holders are not eligible for China Port Visa, except for certain visa-free cases. Contact us to check if you can apply for China Entry Visa upon arrival.

Extra Charges for Expedited Service

Normally, it takes about 4 business days to finish processing the visa application in Regular Service Application. If you want to get a urgent Chinese visa fast and quickly, you can pay to accelerate the processing of the visa. Additional processing service fee will be taken by the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General accordingly. Express Application Service needs extra $25 and Rush Application Service costs $37 .

Processing Time & Pick-up Date

* Regular Service : 4 working days, a normal standard

* Express Service : 2~3 working days, can be collected on the 2~3rd working day

* Rush Service : 1 working day, can be collected in the same day (must submit before 12:00pm) or next day

Note: 1.) Mail Application in Australia can NOT use rush service. It usually takes about 10 working days to process the mail application. 2.) Extra processing time will be needed , if the visa officer require the applicants to submit supplementary documents, or an interview. 3.) Express or Rush Service is not valid in some countries.

Visa Fee for Hong Kong, Macau

Hong kong and macau visa fees.

An Chinese Visa is only valid for visiting China's mainland, while Hong Kong and Macau SARs own separate visa regulations. Nationals from 170 countries are exempted from visa to Hong Kong, and citizens of 79 countries can travel to Macau visa free, within certain duration of stay. Other visitors are required to apply for a entry visa/permit to travel or transit in the two regions in China. (Check Hong Kong / Macua Visa Waiver policy to find out if you need a visa or not.)

Hong Kong & Macau Visa Application Requirements for Different Nationalities

Hong Kong & Macau SAR Visa Fees : 1.) Visitors who enjoying visa-free treatment still have to apply for a Hong Kong or Macau Visa, if you plan to visit Hong Hong for other purposes, or want to stay stay longer beyond the visa-free visiting time. 2.) Hong Kong and Macau Application Fees: $30 for Regular Service, additional $20 for Express Service, additional $30 for Rush Service and additional $20 for Communication Fee to local Immigration Department.

Processing Time depends on where you submit application. Postal application to Macau Immigration Department takes at least 3 weeks, while submission to Chinese Embassy or Consulate General takes 5 working days (for regular service), 3 working days for Express Service and 1~2 working days for rush service.

Most Recommended Hong Kong Tours:

>> 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (HK Island+Lantau Island)

>> 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour

How to Pay China Visa Fee - Acceptable Way of Payment

1. Submission to China Visa Application Service Center: cash, debit card, credit card (must be Visa or Master Card) and company check.

Those methods of payment apply to Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and qualified passport holders. Mail application in Australia must be paid by debit card or credit card, and a Payment Authorization Form is required to be completed and posted to the service center. Money order, or check is not accepted for a postal application.

2. Submission to (Visa Office of) Chinese Embassy or Consulate General: credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), money order, cashier's check or company check. Chinese Embassy or Consulate will not accept cash, personal check or online payment, credit card other than a Visa or Master card.

Note: Please check carefully to make sure your money/check order with the exact and right amount of fees.

Other Useful Tips about China Visa Fees

1. Extra service fee will be charged, if you submit application to China Visa Application Service Center. Applicants using Express/Rush Service and postal service also have to pay additional fees.

2. China Visa Extension costs 160 RMB for most nationals, and the extension fee is different for each nationality. The fee is collected by Foreign Affairs of the local Public Security Authority.

3. You are requested to pay before submission if you apply for a Hong Kong/Macau SAR Visa. After you submit application at the visa center, you need to pay before leave. Applicants can pay upon collection if submit application at visa office of Chinese Embassy & Consulate General, or on arrival/landing.

4. Your payment doesn’t guarantee your visa application will be approved. The Visa application fee is not refundable if denied.

How to Get a Visa for China - Chinese Visa Application Guide

❶ find out what kind of visa you need.

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to various visa policy, applicants meet relevant requirements can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions or special ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with 2 recent photos (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents.

❸ Collect & check your China visa

The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry.

Travel China Visa Free with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. To fulfill your dream tour to China, we not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also will provide you useful Invitation Letter to help you obtain Chinese Visa, even customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing , Shanghai , Xian , Chengdu , Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.

Popular China Visa-free Tours:

• ● 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Great Wall Hiking
• ● 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Real Hutong Life
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
• ● 2 Days Xian City Break
• ● 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
• ● 2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Essence
• ● 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation
• ● 3 Days Chengdu City Break including Panda Volunteering
• ● 3 Days Chengdu Highlights Tour
• ● 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour
• ● 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour

Top China Visa-Free Cities

Introduction to China Visa

• Ultimate China Visa Guide
• Do I Neee A Visa for China
• How to Read China Visa
• Single, Double, Multiple Entry Visa
• China Tourist Visa

China Visa Application

• How to Apply for China Visa
• China Visa Requirements
• China Visa Application Form
• Visa Invitation Letter
• China Visa Application Online
• China Visa Expedited Service
• Apply China Visa in HK
• China Visa Renewal & Extension
• Lost Passport & China Visa

China Visa Exemptions

• 15 China Visa Free Policies
• 144-hour Visa Free in China
• 72-hour Visa Free in China
• 53 Visa Free Transit Countries
• Beijing 144-Hour Visa Free
• Shanghai 144-Hour Visa Free
• China Visa Free Countries
• Popualr China Visa Free Tours 2024
• Major Visa Free Cities & Regions

Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour (Li River, Yangshuo & Longji Terraces)

Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng

3 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with Water Town

3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Visa Free)

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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US Visa – How to Apply, Fees & Full Process

The United States, a popular destination for travelers, students, and business professionals, requires many foreign nationals to have a visa to enter its territories.

This guide is designed to simplify the US Visa process for you.

Apply Online

In this article…

Do you need a visa to enter the US?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter the US largely depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Many countries are under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from these nations to enter the US for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days.

💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.

Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.

Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.

Types of US Visas

The US offers a range of visa categories, including:

• Tourist or Business Visa (B1/B2) : For those visiting for leisure , medical treatment, or short-term business tasks.
• Student Visa (F, M) : For students attending US educational institutions.
• Work Visa (H, L, O, P, Q) : For individuals with a job offer from a US employer .
• Exchange Visitor (J) : For individuals participating in exchange programs.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

• Determine Your Visa Type : Understand the correct visa category based on your purpose of visit .
• Complete the DS-160 form : This is the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application form , available on the US Consulate’s website.
• Pay the Visa Application Fee : The fee varies depending on the visa type.
• Schedule Your Interview : Visa applicants, with some exceptions, are required to appear for a personal interview.
• Prepare for Your Interview : Gather the necessary documents , including passport, confirmation of DS-160 submission, payment receipt, photo , etc.
• Attend Your Visa Interview : A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualification for the visa.

US Visa Fees

The fee for a US visa varies depending on its type. For example, as of the last update:

• B1/B2 Visa: $160
• H, L, O, P, Q, and R category visa: $190 (Note: Fees are subject to change; always check the US consulate’s website for the latest fees)

US Visa Application Process & Requirements

You’ll typically need:

• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• DS-160 confirmation page and code
• Application fee payment receipt
• Any additional documents required based on visa type (like employment proof, sponsor documents, etc.)

💡 Tip : Always check the specific requirements for your visa type on the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country.

US Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs a US visa to enter the United States?

Anyone who isn’t a US citizen or permanent resident and isn’t from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country will typically need a visa to enter the US.

2. What’s the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet certain requirements.

3. How long does it take to process a US visa?

Processing times vary by visa type and the country from which you’re applying. Check with your local US consulate or embassy for specifics.

4. How early should I apply for my visa before my travel date?

It’s advisable to apply at least 3-5 months before your intended travel date, considering potential processing times and any unexpected delays.

5. What is the DS-160 form?

DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants.

6. Can I reschedule my visa interview?

Yes, but it might affect the processing time of your application. It’s best to stick to your original appointment if possible.

7. How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

Typically, the initial duration is up to 6 months, but it can be extended in 6-month increments with a maximum stay of one year.

8. Can I change my visa status while in the US?

Yes, but you must apply and get approval from USCIS before your authorized stay expires.

9. Is the visa application fee refundable if my visa is denied?

No, the application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.

10. Can I work in the US on a tourist visa?

No, a tourist visa does not allow you to take up employment. You’d need an appropriate work visa.

11. How can I bring my spouse or children if I have a US visa?

Depending on your visa type, your family might be eligible for derivative visas. Consult the US embassy for specifics related to your visa category.

12. What is the difference between visa expiration and the duration of stay?

The visa expiration is the last day you can use it to enter the US, while the duration of stay is how long you can remain in the US on that entry.

13. If my visa expires while I’m in the US, will I face penalties?

No, as long as you entered before its expiration and follow the duration of stay rules, which are typically indicated on your I-94 form.

14. Do previous visa denials affect my new application?

While each application is evaluated independently, previous denials can be considered in the context of new information.

15. Can I study in the US on a tourist visa?

No, if you wish to study in the US, you’d need to obtain a student visa (F or M).

16. What should I do if my passport with a valid US visa is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to your local police, obtain a police report, and apply for a new passport. You’ll also need to reapply for a US visa.

17. What are the chances of my visa being approved?

Approval is based on your specific circumstances, the evidence you provide, and the discretion of the consular officer.

18. How do I apply for a visa extension ?

You need to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with the USCIS.

19. What if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying can result in being barred from returning to the US for several years and might affect future visa applications.

20. Are there any age requirements for US visa applicants?

There aren’t specific age requirements, but applicants under 14 and over 79 years old are typically not required to attend an interview.

Always remember to check the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and updated information.

• Mexico Visa – How to Apply, Fees, Full Process
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• How to Apply for Switzerland Visa

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You are here: Home / Visa Fees

This webpage lists nonimmigrant visa application fees and other visa related fees collected by Department of State. Please note that ONLY nonimmigrant visa application processing fees (the MRV fee) are collected by this Service.  All other fees are paid directly to the National Visa Center, to the U.S. Embassy, or to the Department of Homeland Security.  Please see Other Fees for more information.

All fees listed below are payable in local currency at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) or online if you have a BPI or bancnet account.  The fees are currently, per person, per visa application: $140.00 for most visa classes, including B-1/B-2 and F, M or J Visas, $150.00 for H, L, O, P, Q and R Visas, $390 for E visas, and $350 for K visas.

The MRV application fee is not refundable or transferrable to another person. You must schedule an interview within a year from the date you obtained your BPI fee receipt. If you do not schedule an interview within a year, you will not be able to use that BPI fee receipt – it will no longer be valid. The BPI fee receipt is deemed utilized once the interview takes place, and cannot be used to make a subsequent appointment.

Details of the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (MRV fee)

• Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $140.00

Includes (but not limited to), the following visa categories:

• Petition based visa categories: $150.00

Includes these visa categories: 

• E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa: $390.00
• K – Fiance(e) or Spouse of U.S. citizen category visa: $350.00
• Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (defined in 22 CFR 41.26): No Fee
• Applicants for J visas participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges: No Fee
• Replacement of machine-readable visa when the original visa was not properly affixed or needs to be reissued through no fault of the applicant: No Fee
• Applicants exempted by international agreement as determined by Visa Services, including members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families: No Fee
• Applicants travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services: No Fee
• U.S. Government employees travelling on official business: No Fee
• A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. Government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling to attend the employee’s funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. Government employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during emergency treatment and convalescence: No Fee

If you have any questions regarding the consular currency exchange rate, please contact the call center for assistance.

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• KGS Kyrgystani Som
• KHR Cambodian Riel
• KMF Comorian Franc
• KRW South Korean Won
• KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
• KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
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• XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
• XPF CFP Franc
• YER Yemeni Rial
• ZAR South African Rand
• ZMW Zambian Kwacha

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US Tourist visa fee (B1/B2)

The US Tourist (B1/B2) visa service is finally here for you to make the process fast and easy with our team of iVisa Experts, who will guide you throughout the entire application so you can avoid rejections.

The cost of obtaining a visa is usually a significant concern when you apply. The US Tourist visa fee (B1/B2) is no exception; this is a common concern. People often wonder what the total cost of the document is when applying.

To start your application with us, please follow the article below to begin your process to travel to the United States .

How much does a US Tourist Visa cost?

Securing a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) is straightforward with us. The visa fee is USD $185.00 , though remember that this cost may fluctuate depending on your nationality. Depending on your nationality, payment can be made during the application process or at your interview.

Remember, having your application fee receipt when you attend your interview is crucial - it's essential to advancing your application!

Here's what your B1/B2 Visa fee covers: it includes the iVisa service fee. Our diligent team at iVisa will assist you with the necessary form and handle its processing, ultimately providing you with the US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) confirmation page.

To provide a more transparent breakdown, we usually offer three processing time options for our visa services. However, for the B1/B2 Visa, we offer a Standard processing time of 30 days . This includes our service fee of USD 149.99 on top of the government's Visa fee of USD $185.00 .

Ready to start your journey? Kick off your application with us today

Where can I find more information?

If you have more questions about the US Tourist visa (B1/B2) process, don't worry! Our customer service team is here for you 24/7 to answer your questions. Let's start your adventure to the U.S, make your first steps of the application with us!

iVisa recommends

Some of the best locations for tourists to visit are based on the geographical region they come from.

With so much to do and see, spending at least a week in this coastal city is easy. The same can be said for those from East Asia who will love traveling to Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon and Disney World are two must-see sights for those coming from South America.

One of the most popular tourist destinations for those coming from Europe is San Francisco. With so much to do and see, spending at least a week in this coastal city is easy.

Popular tourist attractions include The Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street (The Crookedest Street), Transamerica Pyramid, Chinatown, Cable Cars, and the famous Alcatraz Island.

Those coming from Eastern Asia may love traveling to Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon and Disney World are two must-see sights for those coming from South America. The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most visited natural attractions, with over four million people visiting annually.

Related Articles

Copa America 2024: The best soccer trip with sightseeing

Copa America 2024 Stadiums: Touring the Arenas

Copa América 2024 guide: Host country & best cities to visit

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Electronic travel authorization

This is the Government of Canada’s official web page to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. It only costs CAN$7 . Find out what it is and how to apply online.

The Government of Canada will perform updates to its online system from 11:30 pm to 6:30 am ET on June 10, 2024 . The eTA application form will not be available at that time. We apologize for the inconvenience. To apply for an eTA, please return after 6:30 am ET on June 10 .

The eTA system is currently down. We are working to resolve the issue. Thank you for your patience.

The eTA system is experiencing delays. We are working to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

• you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
• if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
• if you have an eTA application in progress at the time, you need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
• before you travel to Canada, you need to apply for a new eTA if you’re eligible
• if you’re no longer eligible for an eTA, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Learn more about the new requirements .

Most requested

• Find out what you need to travel to Canada
• I’m visiting the US and want to visit Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Apply online for an eTA

To apply, you must have a valid passport, a credit or a debit card and an email address, and you must answer a few questions in the online application.

What to do after you apply

What to expect if we need more details from you, and things to keep in mind after you receive an eTA

Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport

How to apply for a passport, and why you need a passport and not an eTA for travel to or through Canada

Check your eTA status

Get online updates on pending applications as well as information on the status of your current eTA

Flying to Canada?

Find out how easy it is to apply online. Learn how to get your eTA before you book your flight to Canada.

Page details

Comparing Visa Signature and World Elite Mastercard benefits

Editor's Note

Are you looking for a new rewards credit card? You may be evaluating various welcome offers, rewards and redemption options, but when considering a credit card's features, don't forget to look at the benefits of the card's payment network.

The Visa Signature and Mastercard World Elite programs are two of the largest and most widely accepted credit card payment networks in the U.S., and both provide benefits for select rewards cards. We compare both programs to help you decide which one has the benefits you will use the most.

Visa Signature overview

Visa Signature is a benefits package offered by Visa on certain premium Visa credit cards . The list of benefits Visa Signature cardholders receive falls somewhere between basic Visa card benefits and ultra-premium Visa Infinite benefits.

Visa Signature perks include travel and emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch, emergency card replacement and retail offers and perks.

For example, credit cards in the Visa Signature line, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer tremendous benefits to users. These include online discounts when you shop with Visa's growing network of partners and enhanced travel benefits.

Mastercard World Elite overview

Likewise, the World Elite Mastercard line , which includes cards such as the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees ), offers expanded benefits not available on a standard Mastercard credit card .

Perks include exclusive partner discounts, World Elite Concierge service and cellphone protection on select World Elite cards.

To see if you're carrying a World Elite Mastercard or Visa Signature card, look for the payment network logo, typically located on the bottom right of the card. Then, look for the word "Signature" under the Visa logo or the word "World Elite" above the Mastercard logo.

If you're shopping for a premium Visa or Mastercard, there's a good chance your new card will include one of these payment networks. Now, let's see which program suits your lifestyle best by comparing their various benefits.

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.

Related: The best credit cards with price protection

Discounts and credits

People are spending more than ever on monthly streaming subscriptions , ride-hailing purchases and food delivery services. Credit card benefit programs like Mastercard World Elite and Visa Signature can help you save money by offering discounts and credits on these and other purchases.

World Elite

Mastercard recently added the following discounts and credits to make its World Elite program more competitive:

• Instacart : World Elite cardholders enjoy two months of free delivery with Instacart+ and $10 off their second order each month (valid until March 31, 2025).
• Lyft : Each month you take three or more Lyft rides, you'll get an automatic $5 credit once per month to apply to future rides.
• Peacock : Use your World Elite Mastercard to pay for Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus each month, and get a monthly discount of $3 or $5 off (valid until March 31, 2025).
• ShopRunner : You'll receive a free ShopRunner membership, which gives you access to free two-day and return shipping for more than 100 online retailers.

You can also enjoy other valuable perks, such as access to Priceless Experiences, Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services and World Elite Concierge.

Visa Signature

Visa Signature offers dozens of money-saving deals, which you can view on the Visa Signature website. For example, you can save up to 35% or more at online retailers, from Hertz to various hotels. You also receive three months free of Shipt. You can put your Visa Signature savings toward your next trip — or whatever you'd like.

Winner : In our view, the World Elite program is better for tangible, money-saving perks. For example, if you spend a lot of money on food delivery or online shopping, you can save a bundle through Mastercard World Elite. Related: Best grocery credit cards

Fraud protection and card security

Visa and Mastercard both take security and fraud protection seriously. For that reason, their Signature and World Elite cards carry fraud protection, emergency card replacement and other security features that go above and beyond cards outside these programs. Let's compare their offerings.

Traditional Visa cards offer many protections, including:

• Zero liability for fraudulent charges
• Emergency card replacement (within 24 to 72 hours)
• Emergency cash disbursement (within two hours)
• Lost or stolen card reporting
• Roadside dispatch (pay per use)

While many extra benefits are ultimately up to the card issuer, some (not all) Visa Signature cards also provide the following:

• Cellphone protection
• Emergency medical and dental coverage
• Price protection
• Return protection
• Emergency evacuation
• Extended warranty
• Purchase protection

Related: Best cards for phone protection

Most Mastercard products offer fraud protection and security benefits, including:

• Zero liability fraud protection
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection™

The World Elite program offers extended benefits such as an extended warranty and purchase protection. Depending on your card, you may be eligible for car rental insurance .

While it's getting harder to find cards that provide cellphone protection, select Visa Signature and World Elite cards reimburse you for damage or theft to your mobile phone if you pay the monthly bill with the credit card.

Winner : Visa Signature gets the edge thanks to a longer list of protection and card security benefits. However, it's important to look at the benefits of the specific Visa Signature card you are considering because some offer more than others.

Travel protections

If you travel frequently, you'll want to ensure that your credit card offers travel-related protections, whether on a road trip or outside the country.

The Visa Signature program includes the following travel protections on all cards:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency services

Visa also offers the following benefits on a select number of cards within the Visa Signature program, depending on the issuer:

• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Hotel theft protection
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Baggage delay coverage

Mastercard recently removed many travel protections consumers previously relied on, including travel insurance. Besides car rental insurance, it advertises nothing of note that would make the World Elite program stand out in travel coverage.

Winner : Visa Signature travel protections are unmatched. If you require travel insurance while you're away, the Visa Signature card might be your best option since Mastercard offers little coverage. That said, always consider the full list of benefits for each specific credit card before making a final decision.

Related: Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel

Travel benefits

One-of-a-kind experiences and access to special events are key reasons why frequent travelers covet the cards in these programs. From luxury experiences to free hotel stays , there is no shortage of perks to enjoy.

The World Elite Mastercard program offers Priceless Experiences, which gives cardholders access to unique experiences and special discounts in more than 40 cities worldwide. You can also receive up to 7% off in additional discounts on prepaid stays through Booking.com, one of the world's leading travel booking websites.

While traveling, World Elite members receive complimentary Wi-Fi at over 1 million Boingo hot spot locations and access to over 1,300-plus airport lounges through the Mastercard Travel Pass provided by Dragon Pass.

Visa Signature members benefit from special guest status at over 900 Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection properties and discounts at places such as wineries and golf courses across the U.S. You can also take advantage of Visa Signature rental car privileges.

Winner : Mastercard World Elite wins for its wide range of travel-related perks, including useful Booking.com discounts, free Wi-Fi hot spots and airport lounge access. The Priceless Experiences perk is an added bonus.

Related: The best credit cards for concert tickets and VIP access

Top Visa Signature cards

Although not an exhaustive list, here are three top cards that fall under the Visa Signature program.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

Welcome offer : Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Annual fee : $95

Why we like it : Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card holders earn 3 miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging station purchases, as well as local transit, ride-hailing, cable and select streaming services purchases.

For each account anniversary, you also receive a companion fare starting at $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). Alaska miles are especially valuable because of the carrier's many partner airlines.

Read our full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa .

Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Welcome bonus : Earn three free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Why we like it : The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an affordable, mid-tier product in the Marriott Bonvoy credit card family.

While it isn't the best choice for everyday purchases, it's a great choice for Marriott loyalists. It offers an annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points) on each cardmember anniversary and automatic Silver elite status with a pathway to Gold.

Read our full review of the Marriott Boundless card .

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome offer : Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Annual Fee : $95

Why we like it : With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent through Chase Travel℠; 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases and takeout, online grocery purchases and select streaming services; 2 points per dollar spent on other travel; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

You'll earn points through Chase's Ultimate Rewards program , which can be transferred to points or miles with airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel directly through Chase. You can also choose gift cards or cash back through the Chase portal , although you'll get a better return if you hang onto your points to use for travel.

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card .

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Top World Elite Mastercards

Among the many available World Elite cards, here are three of the best for travelers.

Bilt Mastercard

Welcome offer : None

Annual fee : $0 (see rates and fees )

Why we like it : The Bilt Mastercard® earns transferable points when you pay rent and don't pay any fees. The card also earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on up to $100,000 in rent and all other purchases (cardholders must use the card five times each statement period to earn points). Bilt has over 15 transfer partners .

Read our full review of the Bilt Mastercard .

Apply here: Bilt Mastercard

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer : You will receive a $300 cash-back bonus after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Why we like it : You'll earn an attractive 4% on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

Read our full review of the Capital One Savor card .

Citi Strata Premier Card

Welcome offer : Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening

Annual fee : $95 (see rates and fees )

Why we like it : The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a mid-tier travel rewards card . You'll earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked through the Citi travel portal; 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations, air travel and hotel purchases; and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. You also receive an annual $100 hotel credit.

Read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier .

Apply here: Citi Strata Premier

Bottom line

There is no clear front-runner when it comes to the Visa Signature and World Elite Mastercard programs. Visa offers more security and insurance protections, but Mastercard leads the way in travel-related benefits and useful money-saving perks.

You can find excellent credit cards under both programs, so it might be best to have at least one card that belongs to each program. Before you apply, understand each card's specific benefits package, especially regarding Visa Signature cards, since the offerings vary. Always check with the card issuer for the exact benefits package.

For rates and fees of Bilt Mastercard, click here . For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here . For rates and fees of the Citi Strata Premier, click here .

Related: Quick Points: Book through Visa Signature Hotels for elitelike perks

Advertiser Disclosure

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval, also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Best travel credit cards of June 2024

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Travel credit cards help you earn valuable points and miles on your purchases. For maximum value, some cards earn rewards not only on travel, but also everyday purchases like dining, groceries and gas. You can redeem these rewards for free or discounted flights, hotel stays or to cover other travel-related expenses.

The best travel cards also come with additional features. Even no-annual-fee travel cards are likely to offer perks like sign-up bonuses, intro APR offers and travel insurance. But for top-of-the-line benefits like airport lounge access, elite status and travel credits, expect to pay an annual fee.

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Bankrate's Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

• Best starter travel card:  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel:  The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for no annual fee:  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  ( See Rates & Fees )
• Best for foodies:  American Express® Gold Card
• Best for everyday spending: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best for intro APR:  Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for point values:  Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for practical perks:  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for pairing:  Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for hotel bookings: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best no-annual-fee hotel card:  Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Best for luxury hotel perks: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Best for transfer partners:  Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for gas:  Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best for companion tickets:  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Best starter airline card:  Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Best for savers: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Best for first-year value:  Discover it® Miles
• Best for fair credit:  Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• What to know about travel credit cards
• Tips for choosing the best travel card

Travel credit card perks

How do credit card points and miles work.

• Expert advice on travel cards

How we assess the best travel credit cards

• Frequently asked questions
• Ask the experts

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A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Rewards rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

What we love: This popular card comes loaded with features that can make it easy even for occasional travelers to offset the modest $95 annual fee without eating into hard-earned rewards. Plus, its rewards program is one of the best, giving you some of the most valuable travel redemptions — through both Chase and transfer partners — and Chase card pairing opportunities if you want to build your card portfolio eventually. Learn more: Why expert Margaret Weck loves using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives:   If you’re looking for an even simpler travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a terrific option. Its flat rewards rate makes it easy to know exactly how much you’ll earn with every purchase and though it can’t match the Sapphire Preferred’s redemption flexibility, it offers more redemption options than the typical travel rewards card. 

• You earn Ultimate Rewards points with this card — some of the most valuable and flexible rewards around, especially if you pair it with Chase’s cash back cards in the future.
• The card touts significant long-term benefits like anniversary bonus points and travel credits, as well as travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
• Doesn’t offer airline- or hotel-specific perks like free checked bags, elite status or free night stays.
• The sign-up bonus is decent, but the card has previously offered higher, chart-topping bonus points.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best for flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn 75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: It’s a great option for travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program and flexible redemption options. You'll earn unlimited miles on all eligible spending and can redeem not only for travel bookings, but also as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made in the past 90 days. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a higher rewards rate in some everyday spending categories and potentially more valuable points. Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each if you redeem for travel through Chase, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel. Plus, Chase rewards are more helpful for occasional travelers since you can redeem as cash back at 1-cent-per-point value.

• Carries solid perks given its low annual fee, including expedited airport purchase security and hotel experience credits, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
• Zero foreign transaction fees make this an excellent choice for international travelers.
• You can’t offset the annual fee with annual travel credits or bonuses alone as you can with some rival cards.
• The card’s sign-up bonus carries a high spending requirement, so it may be tough to earn if you don’t have large purchases on the horizon.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

See Pay Over Time APR

• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

What we love: Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits, including annual statement credits worth around $1,700, elite hotel loyalty status and access to perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available with a credit card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card® from American Express Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost than many premium travel cards. You can unlock a generous rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, complimentary access to popular airport lounge memberships and valuable annual travel credits and anniversary miles.

• Comes with a generous welcome offer and a longer time period to earn it compared to most rewards cards.
• A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners and related perks make this card truly valuable for travelers.
• The $695 annual fee may not be worth it if you don’t spend much on travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the card’s luxury — and often niche — perks.
• Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Best for no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: This card offers some of the same advantages as the Capital One Venture, without the burden of an annual fee. It gives you the chance to earn flat-rate miles on your everyday spending and the option to transfer miles to over 15 loyalty program partners to even cover travel purchases outside Capital One — a unique level of redemption flexibility for a starter travel card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: A general-purpose flat-rate credit card that offers 2X points or 2 percent cash back on all purchases may bring more value if you don’t travel often and aren’t ready to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card with an annual fee. However, the Discover it® Miles earns a flat-rate 1.5X miles that can also be redeemed for cash back at 1-cent per mile, which is unusual for travel rewards.

• The welcome offer is generous for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
• Booking hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel nets you an impressive 5X miles.
• Unlike several no-annual-fee travel cards, redeeming for non-travel purchases waters down your rewards’ value.
• Capital One has no major U.S. carrier in its line-up of travel partners.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best for foodies

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: Few credit cards are more rewarding for traveling foodies than the American Express Gold Card. Both the food-related annual credits and the rewards rates at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or via the Amex travel portal are some of the best on the market. In fact, the up to $240 in credits each year alone nearly make up for the annual fee. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is worth the annual fee Alternatives: If the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee sounds high, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It carries key travel perks, high travel and dining rewards rates, and a much lower annual fee.

• This card features one of the best rewards return rates available on dining, groceries and food deliveries.
• There is no preset spending limit, so you can enjoy extended purchasing power, and you also have the option to pay off purchases with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Although the card touts a solid collection of travel perks, it doesn’t include popular premium card perks like airport lounge access or trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Only eligible airfare earns more than 1X points, while rival cards often earn similar (or higher) reward rates on hotel stays and other travel purchases as well.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Best for everyday spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

70,000 bonus points

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

• 10X Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• 1X Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What we love: This card’s high rewards rate in everyday bonus categories makes it an especially good choice for occasional travelers and people looking for a standalone rewards card. Its practical bonus categories mean you can earn rewards quickly, even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel. Alternatives:   As long as you don’t mind buying groceries online, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be an even more lucrative everyday rewards card. That’s thanks mostly to its high point redemption value (1.25 cents per point when you use points to book travel with Chase, versus just 1 cent per point when you book with Citi using the Strata Premier).

• It’s one of the only travel cards that offers a high rewards rate on groceries, dining and gas, so it should work well whether it’s your standalone card or just one part of your card stack.
• Its annual hotel benefit carries enough value to potentially offset the annual fee on its own.
• The annual hotel benefit, though generous, isn’t very flexible: You’ll only get the $100 discount if you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com.
• Based on Bankrate’s latest point and mile valuations, Citi ThankYou rewards carry a lower average redemption value than Chase, Amex and Capital One rewards.
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best for intro APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

25,000 points

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

What we love: This entry-level travel card keeps things simple for occasional travelers. It offers simple flat-rate rewards and lets you redeem for a broad mix of travel options not typically available on many travel cards, such as cash back toward purchases with travel agencies,  zoos, art galleries and more. It’s even more valuable if you’re a Bank of America customer and can qualify for a rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another great starter travel card, but, unlike many cards in this category, it lets you transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners, potentially for a higher redemption value.

• Its easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and intro APR offers give this card good short-term value.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
• It only offers 1.5X points on purchases, and you can’t transfer points can’t to airline partners for more rewards value, so it may not be as lucrative as competing cards.
• The top tiers of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for point values

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Rewards-savvy travelers will be hard-pressed to find a card with better rewards potential than the Sapphire Reserve. Points are worth 50 percent more through Chase Travel, and potentially more with the right transfer partner. It’s a stellar partner for Chase’s cash back cards and stacks on even more value with enough perks to recoup the annual fee without relying on hard-earned rewards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers some of the same key perks as the Sapphire Reserve at a much lower cost. Along with a generous rewards rate on both Capital One Travel and general purchases, the card boasts valuable, practical benefits like competitive airport lounge access , up to $300 in annual Capital One Travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.

• You can kickstart your rewards bank with one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses on the market.
• Its top-tier benefits include up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access, exhaustive travel protections and stand-out partner perks.
• The card’s cost could be a deterrent for some new cardholders, especially if they plan on encountering adding multiple authorized users.
• You won’t get as many luxury hotel and airport lounge perks with this card as you would with some of its rivals.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best for practical perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

75,000 miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 10 Miles

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: This is the perfect middleground for travelers who want the practical benefits from luxury travel cards without dealing with bloated features and an annual fee upwards of $500. It offers complimentary lounge access, high-earning bonus rewards categories, anniversary credits and bonus miles, which can easily make the card worth it for frequent travelers. Learn more: Capital One Venture X Benefits Guide Alternatives: If a higher annual fee is no issue, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers thanks to its impressive welcome offer and luxury perks like annual travel credits, lounge access and hotel elite status. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be better if your luxury travel experience calls for racking up more rewards.

• Offers anniversary bonus miles and a chance to earn credits worth hundreds of dollars starting at your first account anniversary.
• Comes with complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 lounges for you and two guests per visit.
• To earn the anniversary credit, travel must be booked through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s not as flexible as some other cards, which offer credits that cover any travel purchases, regardless of how you book.
• Lacks some perks found on other premium travel cards like airline or hotel elite status, which can get you benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Best for pairing

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Up to $300 cash back

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

• 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
• 1.5% 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

What we love: Not only does it earn 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, but it also has a bonus cash back rate for drugstores and dining at restaurants. And if you pair it with one or two premium Chase travel cards, you could pool your rewards for better travel redemption value.  Learn more: Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited Alternatives: If you want to take advantage of even more rewarding cash back categories and remain in the Chase family, consider the Chase Freedom Flex® .

• You can pool rewards with other Chase cards to maximize your earnings.
• The additional rewards rate offer can add even more cash back to your pocket for the first year.
• The welcome offer isn’t as competitive as other cards’ offers.
• Maximizing rewards with this and other Chase cards can get complicated for people who like simple rewards programs.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Best for hotel bookings

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels. Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines. Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 5X Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
• 4X Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: It offers a great rewards rate on hotel bookings and gives you a chance to earn a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. Add in a solid rate on airline purchases, other travel and restaurants and this card carries great value as a standalone mid-tier card for occasional travelers. Alternatives: If you want to earn travel rewards but don’t actually spend much on hotels and airfare, the lower-tier Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is also worth a look. Though it earns also rewards on travel, it boasts a great mix of other practical everyday categories (including gas stations).

• You can transfer points to Wells Fargo’s new list of airline and hotel partners, including popular programs like British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges and more, which could boost the redemption value of your rewards.
• The $50 annual statement credit offsets more than half the card’s $95 annual fee and should be a cinch to earn if you fly at least once per year.
• Wells Fargo only offers one other card that earns travel rewards (the Autograph), and there is some category overlap between the two, so they may not be as lucrative as some competing card stacks.
• The card doesn’t carry some popular travel perks available on other mid-tier travel cards, such as credits for expedited airport security screening or rideshares.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.

Earn 70,000 points

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

20.99%-29.99% Variable

• 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

What we love: This card earns rewards in a terrific mix of everyday bonus categories, so it should be easy to rack up Hilton points even if you don’t spend a ton on hotel bookings. Since it charges no annual fee and provides a few Hilton Honors benefits like Silver status, it’s also a great fit if you’re new to hotel cards and want a single no-annual-fee option instead of juggling multiple rewards cards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Hilton Honors American Express Card Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be more flexible since it lets you earn and redeem rewards on a much wider variety of travel purchases, including airfare and bookings with several hotel brands, not just Hilton. You can transfer points to the Hilton Honors program as well, but the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card may be better if you prefer upgraded Hilton-specific rewards, loyalty status and other perks.

• Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a free fifth award night when you book at least four consecutive nights with points.
• Earns rewards in three of the average person’s biggest spending categories, making it a terrific standalone option for earning Hilton points.
• A higher-tier Hilton card would earn more on Hilton bookings and could be more lucrative for frequent guests, even with an annual fee.
• You can only redeem points with Hilton and its partners, which limits the rewards value you earn on the everyday categories compared to a general-purpose cards’ rewards.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.

Best for luxury hotel perks

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points

• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• 6X Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• 3X 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X 2X points on all other eligible purchases

What we love: Frequent Marriott guests looking for luxury card-level perks and elite status should be able to justify this premium card. Along with a terrific rewards rate on Marriott bookings and an annual free night award, you could enjoy generous annual credits for restaurant purchases and Marriott property stays, airport lounge access, elite night credits and more. Learn more: Best Marriott credit cards Alternatives: If you’re looking for top-tier travel perks but want the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards for stays at any hotel chain, consider an elite travel card from Chase or Amex, which can come with generous travel benefits, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to Marriott. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another lucrative alternative.

• Outperforms other Marriott cards with its boosted rewards on travel-related categories and 21X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, thanks to the automatic Platinum Elite status.
• It’s one of the only hotel cards that includes complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, top travel protections and credits for expedited airport security screening.
• Unlocking some of the card’s best perks — like Five Suite Night Awards — requires a $60,000 annual spend, which may be tough to reach even for frequent Marriott guests.
• Unless luxury perks are at the top of your wishlist, the annual fee may not be worth it and a lower-tier hotel card may offer more value overall.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Best for transfer partners

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

3x points on dining. 2x points on travel. 1x points on other purchases. Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

1X Points - 3X Points

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: Not only is this card is a terrific choice for renters since it earns rewards and waives transaction fees when using it to pay rent, it’s also great for rewards strategists considering the extremely robust travel rewards program. You can earn rewards on travel and dining and your points carry a high value whether you redeem through the Bilt travel portal or one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatives: If you like the Bilt card’s travel rewards program but don’t see yourself renting long term, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It earns generously on both travel and dining and also boasts high-value points and transfer partners. If the way you pay rent doesn’t incur credit card payment fees, a flat-rate card may also be worth weighing. 

• It’s the only card that helps you avoid the fees typically associated with paying rent with a credit card.
• Offers a solid collection of travel perks for a no-annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and other high-level travel protections.
• You can only use rewards to cover rent, toward a future home down payment or for travel and shopping. Cash back isn’t an option.
• There is no sign-up bonus. Most competing travel cards — even those with no annual fee — offer at least a $200 bonus.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Best for gas

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

What we love: The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great option for occasional travelers and households on the go looking to earn rewards while avoiding an annual fee and reduced redemption value for cash rewards. It’s one of a few entry-level travel cards to offer high, year-round bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit and other key travel needs. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternatives: If you’re looking for ways to maximize the value of your rewards, you should consider a travel card that lets you transfer your points to airlines or hotels, like the Bilt Mastercard® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• While some issuers only reward travel purchases made directly with airlines or through issuer portals, this card lets you shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and still earn extra rewards.
• Carries decent perks such as rental car collision damage waiver coverage, roadside assistance and Visa Signature® Concierge benefits, like access to Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection (terms apply).
• Unlike with traditional travel cards, you cannot transfer your points to airlines or hotels
• The travel perks and intro APR are weak compared to competing travel-oriented cards’ offers.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Best for companion tickets

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 85,000 miles

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The annual companion certificate on Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply) comes with this card after the first year is valuable enough to justify the annual fee even if you’re just looking for great Delta perks to make travel smoother with a partner. Plus, the companion certificate is easier to obtain than other airline cards’ since it carries no spending requirement that must be met beyond the card’s annual fee. Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be a great alternative since it charges a lower $150 annual fee, lets you earn and redeem rewards on travel with any eligible airline (not just Delta) and offers credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus. You can even transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

• Boasts several valuable travel perks, including priority boarding, a free first checked bag and specialized annual credits for select rideshare services and reservations with Delta Stays and Resy.
• Gets you closer to Medallion Status and discounts on in-flight purchases, complimentary upgrades, and more.
• Its rewards rate on non-travel purchases is lacking — a general-purpose travel card could potentially offer better rewards value and flexibility for rewards travel outside Delta.
• No longer offers complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access as of this year, although airport lounge access is a staple perk for premium travel cards.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Best starter airline card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 85,000 points

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This card’s anniversary bonus offers enough value to nearly offset the annual fee on its own, so it should be a terrific low-stakes option whether you’re new to airline cards or a regular Southwest flyer looking for a low-maintenance card. Plus, its sign-up bonus value is on par with the value you’ll get with much pricier airline and travel cards. Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus benefits guide Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could offer better value overall, despite its $149 annual fee. It carries an annual $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary — more than enough value to justify the higher fee.

• You’ll automatically earn 3,000 Rapid Rewards points each year after your account anniversary, which could offset much of the card’s already-low annual fee.
• Delivers the same hefty sign-up bonus as higher-tier Southwest cards.
• Unlike several travel cards, it doesn’t carry rewards categories for popular everyday purchases like gas or dining.
• It may not be the best Southwest value for frequent flyers since it poses a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and doesn’t offer perks like upgraded boardings or elite status benefits.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Best for savers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: If you do your banking with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards status, this card could provide an exclusive 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate boost. The  rewards rates — 2X points on dining and travel, with 1.5X points on all other purchases — could increase to an incredible 3.5X on travel and dining with an unrivaled flat 2.62X points rate. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Alternatives: The similarly-priced Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best alternatives thanks to its stellar travel protections, yearly bonus rewards and stronger rewards program. However, flat-rate cards like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Discover it® Miles card could be lucrative if you don’t think the $95 annual fee is worth it.

• The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category thanks to the up to $100 in yearly airline incidental statement credits.
• You can smooth out your travel experience with great benefits like credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
• This card does not offer a few popular premium travel perks like lounge access.
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Best for first-year value

Discover it® Miles

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Discover Match®

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

• 1.5X Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

What we love: In addition to the exceptionally valuable Discover Match® , this card combines solid flat-rate rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like minimal fees and an equal value for both travel and cash back redemptions. Travelers who value simplicity will appreciate this card’s straightforward rewards and adaptability — even when you aren’t traveling. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover it® Miles Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a more straightforward and still easy-to-reach welcome bonus. The VentureOne card also gives you the option of transferring miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, which could increase the redemption value of your rewards.

• All miles earned in your first year will be matched at the end of the year, which could make it one of the most valuable first-year offers for no annual fee.
• Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back, which gives it a leg up over many travel rewards programs for occasional travelers.
• You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
• The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best for fair credit

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.

Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site. Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

29.74% Variable

• 10X Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other purchases

What we love: The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid option if you want to earn points on travel but have trouble qualifying for mainstream travel cards. Not only is this card accessible with only fair credit, but its rewards program boasts generously high rewards rates in key travel categories. Learn more: Best travel cards for people with bad or fair credit Alternatives: If you don’t mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *. It’s a unique secured card that lets you build credit while earning rewards in a category of your choice (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

• It’s one of the only travel rewards cards available with a fair credit score, making it a decent option if you want to earn travel rewards as you work on your score.
• Provides 5X points in travel, dining and gas, plus 10X points on eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Credit One Bank — rare and impressive rates with only fair credit.
• Its annual fee is high compared to other cards you can get with a fair credit score , so it may not be the best fit if you prioritize building credit over earning rewards.
• Other travel cards may offer better perks, fewer redemption restrictions and more value, so it may be worth working on your score with a lower-cost card before committing to the costly annual fee.
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company.

The information about the American Express® Green Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.

Compare Bankrate's best travel credit cards of 2024

What are travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more.

The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — travel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance , annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards .

Tips on choosing the best travel credit card for you

The right travel credit card for you will carry features and benefits that give you the best value. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the steps to choosing the best travel card.

How to choose a travel credit card

1. know how you prefer to travel.

Knowing whether your travel expenses lean toward airfare, hotel stays or a mix of other travel will help you decide whether you should get an airline card, hotel card or general-purpose travel card. A co-branded airline or hotel credit card may be a good fit if you mostly travel with a certain brand and want exclusive privileges to enhance your experience. A general-purpose travel card is better if you prefer to keep your travel options open.

2. Prioritize redemption value

You may have to pick between simplicity and maximum value when comparing cards and rewards programs. Many travel cards offer a standard point or mile redemption value of 1 cent when you redeem toward travel through the issuer portal, but some cards can get you a higher redemption value when you transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. However, it's common for many travel reward programs to reduce the redemption value toward non-travel options or limit these redemption options altogether. If you prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards, you may want to consider cards that allow you to redeem points or miles at an equal 1-cent value toward general travel purchase credits, cash back or other non-travel options.

3. Match your card to your spending habits

Take a look at your typical spending and find which travel categories and non-travel categories you spend the most in to help you choose a card that offers a high rewards rate for your regular spending. Just make sure you factor in rewards spending caps.

4. Note what's worth the extra money

High rewards rates and valuable travel perks are the biggest reasons to get a travel card, but many of the best cards carry a high annual fee. You could stick with a no-annual-fee travel card (or at least one with around a $99 fee) if you're mainly focused on earning rewards, but you may have to pay up to $500 or more for luxurious perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits .

5. Look toward your next trip abroad

If you travel overseas, check to see if the card you're considering charges a foreign transaction fee. And since some credit cards aren't as widely accepted as others, you'll also want to make sure your credit card will work when traveling overseas . For example, merchants may not accept Discover and American Express cards as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If a trip is coming up in the next three to six months, keep an eye out for the big sign-up bonuses travel cards are known for. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

Experts typically divide travel credit cards into two categories: co-branded travel cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards are linked to a particular airline or hotel, while general travel cards offer more flexible reward opportunities. Here’s why and when you might want one or the other.

• Co-branded cards
• General travel cards

Co-branded travel cards tend to offer higher rewards rates on eligible travel purchases in exchange for limiting your reward redemption options to just one airline or hotel program . These cards may also feature more specific perks associated with the respective hotel or airline, such as free award nights, complimentary airline elite status or priority boarding — which general-purpose travel cards don’t often carry).

However, you won’t be able to use your rewards with a wide variety of different hotels and airlines like general-purpose cards allow. Plus, despite co-branded travel cards’ typically higher rewards rates, many brand-specific rewards tend to be worth less than the potential value of general-purpose cards’ points and miles.

When to get a co-branded travel card : When you often fly or stay with a specific airline or hotel and want to maximize your benefits with that brand.

General travel cards earn rewards on various travel categories and aren’t limited to a particular airline or hotel. Such cards may lack some of the dedicated perks you’ll find on a co-branded travel card, such as in-flight discounts, but make up for it with rewards flexibility and broader perks like general travel credits, expedited security screening and wider airport lounge access. 

The top travel cards even let you transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 rate. Redeeming with some airlines and hotels can even make your rewards more valuable than they would be if you redeemed with the card issuer.

When to get a general travel card : When you have no preferred airline or hotel and want the additional flexibility a general travel card offers. 

Who should get a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is almost always worth it for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to earn rewards toward their next vacation.

If you can save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, you’re on your way to significant travel savings. However, the right travel card for you will depend on your travel habits.

Frequent travelers

Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases.

Travel beginners

If you’re new to travel rewards, a good place to start is with a travel card that makes it easy to earn and redeem points, without requiring you to navigate a complex rewards program or worry about tiered rewards rates or varying point redemption values. 

Brand loyalists

If you tend to book travel with the same brands frequently or already belong to an airline or hotel loyalty program, a co-branded travel card can offer terrific value.  Airline- and hotel-specific rewards cards often earn a top rate on bookings with the brand as well as exclusive perks like lounge access and automatic elite status. 

Business travelers

Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards . Whether you're a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. 

International travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. Plus, if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards offer statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Luxury travelers

Luxury travel cards often charge a pretty penny but also offer a ton of value via perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. These perks not only make travel more comfortable, but also often carry enough value to offset the card’s cost on their own.

Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Here’s how a Bankrate editor chose his travel card

Here’s how a bankrate editor chose his travel card.

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrugh on how he chose his travel card:

When it comes to earning rewards, I’ve always stuck with cash back cards, preferring the simplicity of knowing exactly how much my rewards are worth and the ease of redeeming for statement credits. Recently, though, I decided I wanted to travel a bit more frequently, and I figured a new travel rewards card could be a great tool to help me earn free trips. When choosing the right card for me, a few major points of consideration stood out: Cost: I didn’t feel like I traveled enough to justify a huge annual fee. Simplicity : I wanted to stick with a single, streamlined travel card and not worry about juggling multiple rewards programs or rewards rates. Perks : While I didn’t need anything too fancy, I thought it might be nice to have a perk like TSA Precheck included, since I hate waiting in long airport security lines. To my surprise, the card that stood out most was the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Though it carried an intimidating annual fee of $395 ( See Rates & Fees ), I found this cost was more than worth it once I dug into the details. In fact, its benefits were so valuable, I barely needed to worry about offsetting the cost.  Two of its annual perks — a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every year on my account anniversary — are valuable enough to offset the fee on their own. This means as long as I take one flight a year, I can basically break even on the card. Any rewards or perks I get beyond that feel like pure upside. It’s a huge bonus, then, that the card also includes practical benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a credit of up to $100 toward the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While I’ve never frequented airport lounges, I see these privileges as essentially free considering the value of the annual travel credit and bonus miles. So, I figure, why not take advantage?  For me, the Venture X strikes the perfect balance: A flat rewards rate that makes it easy to earn miles on everything I buy; flexible redemption through Capital One or via transfer to airlines and hotels, and practical perks I know I’ll use when I travel. I never imagined I’d have a $395 travel card in my wallet, but for me, it’s at worst a coupon for a flight every year, which can nudge me to take that next trip. — Nouri Zarrugh, Editor, Bankrate

Travel benefits may differ from card to card, but some of the most popular travel cards available often feature a few key perks. 

Travel insurance

Travel cards may offer various travel insurances , such as trip delay protection, trip cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. These benefits aren’t worth anything until you need them, but you’ll be glad you have them when your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost.

Travel credits

Credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a popular and common benefit on many travel cards. You can typically use this credit once every four years, which roughly corresponds to how long a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership lasts. Some cards may also provide an annual credit toward Clear Plus — another expedited security membership. Higher-end travel cards often offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases, and many of these credits nearly offset these cards’ annual fees. 

In-flight perks

Co-branded airline cards typically offer some airport and in-flight benefits on top of their reward-earning capabilities. These can include discounts on in-flight purchases (usually 25 percent back on refreshments and WiFi), free checked bags, flight seating upgrades or priority boarding. 

Free hotel award nights

Co-branded hotel cards may include free hotel award nights annually as part of their benefits. Some cards also add an extra complimentary awards night to your stay if you’ve booked a certain number of consecutive nights. These nights are typically capped at a certain value (sometimes based on the card or your elite status), and may be valuable enough to make up for some cards’ annual fees.

Airport lounge access

One of the most popular (and valuable) travel benefits featured on high-end and luxury travel cards is complimentary access to airport lounges. The lounges you gain access to depend on the card, though co-branded cards will often grant access to the lounge corresponding to the card’s airline. The Amex Platinum card currently offers the best airport lounge access .

If you want to add a credit card to your portfolio for your travel needs, knowing what cards are popular and why people like them can help steer your decision. We regularly stay abreast of these conversations online and noticed two travel cards come up regularly: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express .

These cards shine because they offer some of the best rates on travel purchases and the most comprehensive set of benefits and perks . Despite their annual fees, what you get in return can far outweigh your costs. And the conversation around these two cards isn’t new: Is the effort of maximizing their perks worth it?

What people say about travel credit cards perks

The Sapphire Reserve is often referred to as the gold standard in travel benefits and protections, and the value of its trip insurance is a big part of that. A member of the Rick Steves Forum remarks on the value of the insurance: “It has pretty extensive coverage wherever I travel … my entire trip is covered as long as I charged any portion of the trip to my card.” This feature is unique to the Sapphire Reserve and sets it apart from other premium cards, which require you to charge your entire trip purchase to the card to have active coverage.

But using trip insurance isn’t always a simple process. As a user in the r/CreditCards forum on Reddit cautions: “Credit card travel insurance in general is very specific on what it covers, and people tend to overestimate just how useful the coverage actually is,” they write. “These are named peril policies, so unless you see your exact situation as a covered hazard the policies won't pay out.”

The Platinum Card from American Express gets a lot of buzz for reasons similar to the Sapphire Reserve. The card gives so many benefits, credits and additional perks that it’s often called a coupon book for luxury travel. But for many people, the value comes down to whether they’re willing to do the work to maximize its features. Another r/CreditCards member says they use the card’s Hilton and Marriott status boosters, rental car company loyalty program automatic status features, Centurion lounge access, hotel and airline incidental credits, membership credits and more. Using all these features helps them offset the annual fee.

While some people love maximizing the card’s features to extract  as much value as possible, others, like this Redditor, think it’s too much work:

“The only benefit the Platinum card really adds is Centurion but only to the [cardholder] … I believe the Platinum is worth [it] at least the first year for the [sign-up] bonus but then it doesn't get much use after that. Trust me the credits are really annoying to use.” — r/CreditCards user

These two premium cards stand out from the rest because they offer the most comprehensive features available to suit your travel needs and protect you from any issues that arise. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an exceptional option to protect you from travel issues, but make sure you know the fine print. While the Amex Platinum may not be as ideal for travel protections, the credits offered more than offset its annual fee if you can put in the effort to fully maximize them.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cardholder, your travel card should always work in your favor by offering the features and benefits you’ll actually use and that make your travels more enjoyable. But whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maximize a card’s value is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Credit card points and miles are two of the key types of credit card rewards , along with cash back. You’ll earn points and miles by making purchases with your credit card, but you can typically redeem these rewards for travel, gift cards and more — not just statement credits.

Points and miles tend to be more flexible than cash back, but since their value depends on how you redeem them — and, in the case of travel redemptions, where you’re going, when you book, your fare class and more — it may take a bit more effort to make the most of them.

What are your points and miles worth?

Since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that continually optimize airfare and room prices, it can be hard to know exactly how much your rewards are worth without doing a little math.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a travel hacker to get a sense of this idea. Before you redeem, you can check your reward redemption value by dividing the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This calculation will result in the cash value of your points or miles.

You can also compare this value to Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations to determine if you’re getting a good deal on your redemptions. Bankrate collected data on hundreds of bookings across dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs and estimated how much each program’s rewards are worth on average .

• Airline rewards values
• Hotel rewards values
• Credit card program rewards values

The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated reward redemption value for a variety of popular airline loyalty programs. You’ll notice how widely the value varies between airlines, with some offering close to 3 cents per point in average redemption value and others struggling to meet a 1-cent-per-point value.

Keep in mind, however, that these values are averages based on a variety of fare classes, destinations, booking periods and more. For example, while Bankrate estimates Delta SkyMiles carry an average redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile, they could be worth more or less depending on the details of your booking. 

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like airline miles, hotel points fluctuate in value. The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated point values for some of the most popular hotel brands. 

As you can see, hotel points tend to be worth less than airline and credit card rewards on average, often carrying less than 1 cent per point in redemption value. That said, hotel loyalty programs sometimes offer more favorable exchange rates when you transfer rewards from a credit card rewards program. For example, you may be able to turn 1,000 credit card points into 2,000 hotel points (a 2:1 transfer ratio). 

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

Unlike hotel and airline rewards programs, credit card reward programs typically earn points or miles that offer a consistent redemption value when you use them with the issuer. Though the redemption value of your rewards may vary based on how you redeem, each redemption method should offer a consistent baseline value. 

Some credit card rewards programs may also allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which could boost their value considerably. For each major credit card rewards program, we estimate a baseline redemption value (assuming you book for travel with the issuer) and a Bankrate’s Value, which averages the program’s best-value transfer partners.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

When to use rewards vs. cash

To demonstrate when it’s best to use your reward miles versus paying in cash, we set up this example:

We estimate American Airlines AAdvantage miles are worth 1.0 cents. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1.0 cents, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight.

But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our latest valuation, you’re coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight.

Bankrate experts share their advice on using travel credit cards

It’s important to know how to maximize your rewards and perks. Otherwise, a travel card could end up being a money pit. Here are a few pointers from our experts for making the most of your travel card: 

Combine cards to maximize rewards

Knowing how much you spend in different categories and which merchants are eligible for rewards will help you earn more and build an optimized stack of rewards cards. A flat-rate card is often a great starting point to earn the same rate on every purchase you make. As you build out a rewards strategy, you can incorporate a card with bonus categories to earn even more in your highest spending areas.

Expert Insight:

“For a long time, I’ve used a combination of Chase credit cards known as the Chase trifecta for all my family’s spending…. [I] don’t typically use my Sapphire Reserve for everyday spending and bills. Since it only offers 1X points on non-bonus category spending, I use my Freedom Unlimited to make sure I earn a minimum of 1.5 percent cash back on everything I buy.” “I use each card strategically to earn as much in rewards as possible, then I pool them in my Sapphire Reserve account to redeem them for airfare, excursions, hotels and more.” — Holly D. Johnson — Award-winning personal finance writer and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Maximize your rewards value with transfer partners and issuer travel

Save your rewards for the most valuable redemption options. Travel points and miles often lose value toward non-travel options like cash back, so you’ll want to redeem your rewards for travel through the issuer portal for at least 1 cent per point or mile. However, transferring your rewards to the right airline or hotel partner program is usually worth the extra effort since it could net you even more value.

Expert Insight

“When I redeem my points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the most I can get is 1.25 cents apiece, which is pretty good. However, if I transfer them to a partner airline’s loyalty program, I will often get much more. For example, I can transfer my points to United Airlines MileagePlus and use them to pay for flights. When I do, I generally get a value of 2 or more cents per point — in line with Bankrate estimates that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth around 2 cents apiece on average when used with the right transfer partner.” — Margaret Wack — Personal finance expert and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Make the most of your travel perks

Travel benefits are one of the main reasons to get a travel card, and are often key to making up a card’s annual fee. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can take full advantage of these offers . For example, one card’s travel credit may apply to any travel purchase, including airfare, while another card’s may only cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases. 

“This is the year to take inventory of your credit cards and make sure they’re serving you well. If you’re paying an annual fee, look for a card with recurring benefits. Whether it’s annual award nights, waived luggage fees or elite status benefits, these perks can offset your annual fee and make your travels more pleasant … Despite putting minimal spending on my Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card, I keep renewing it every year. That’s because the card provides automatic Hilton Diamond elite status, which can easily offset the $550 annual fee. Recurring card benefits like [these] can save you a lot on travel and are worth considering when shopping for a new credit card.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: Five benefits you need from a travel credit card

Plan for the sign-up bonus

The best travel cards come with generous welcome offers, but these bonuses may require a high spend in a short timeframe. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the spending requirement fits with your typical spending habits or whether you need to plan purchases to meet the requirement. Just be sure not to overextend yourself or take on debt you can’t pay back just to earn a bonus — interest and fees can easily eat through any value you’d get.

“Keep in mind that credit card sign-up offers change often. So if you’re interested in a particular card but not blown away by its current offer (there are some for 100,000 points or more that aren’t always worth the trouble), it could be worth your while to wait for a better one.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: 6 ways to get bigger credit card bonuses

Look out for limited-time offers, partner perks and other benefits

Keeping an eye out for limited-time offers like extraordinarily high sign-up bonuses, perks with partner services (like rideshares or delivery services) and other reward-earning opportunities is a great way to squeeze the most value from your travel card. Issuers sometimes provide shopping and travel portals and card-linked reward programs for select purchases (like for pre-paid dining or participating merchant spending), which can help you bank extra rewards.

“Keep an eye on your email inbox and rewards portal for any limited-time promotions your issuer may be offering. Many American Express cards feature Amex Offers, which lets you access perks like statement credits for spending a certain amount on specific hotels and other retailers.  Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X, also have occasional promotional offers, such as a credit for 5 percent back on VRBO rentals.” — Lori Zaino — Travel expert and Bankrate contributor: How to maximize credit cards for cheaper accommodations this holiday season

Track your spending and rewards each account statement

Track your favorite stores’ and services’ merchant category codes (MCCs) to fine-tune your spending habits for maximum rewards. If you notice your expenses changing, this practice may also help you notice whether you need to change which rewards cards you carry.

“The first step to optimizing your spending is to take the time to collect the MCCs of stores you frequently shop at. During the process, you might find that some stores in the same chain may have different MCCs, depending on their primary inventory. Even different counters or sections in the same department store may carry different MCCs. You can use this to your advantage if you know one location near you will provide a better cash back rate than the other. These “loopholes” can provide great opportunities to reap cash back on purchases that typically wouldn’t earn rewards.” — Garrett Yarbrough — Writer and credit cards expert at Bankrate: Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back

Our data: What credit score do you need for the best travel cards?

It’s no secret that your credit score heavily influences which cards you’re likely to get approval for. But how good does your credit need to be to get the best credit cards for travel? We analyzed our data of Bankrate readers who applied for credit cards on our pages in 2023 and compared the approval rates of readers’ different credit tiers.

We found that, on average, 61.9 percent of users with excellent credit were approved for travel cards on our site. Then, an average of 39.5 percent and 19.5 percent of users with good and fair credit, respectively, got approval for travel credit cards they applied to.

If you have fair or bad credit, you still have options for travel credit cards. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card caters to people with fair credit — 57 percent of people with fair credit who applied on our site in 2023 were approved for this card , according to our data.

Obviously, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get the card you apply for , but other factors can affect your application. Issuers may also consider your income, recent credit applications, homeownership status and monthly rental or mortgage payment. Keep these other factors in mind with your credit score when you apply for credit cards.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best travel cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best travel cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology — our primary scoring category for travel cards — and details we considered when putting together our list of the best travel cards.  

• Flexibility 15%
• Customer experience 5%

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

And since this list focuses on travel cards, we tend to favor cards that carry travel-centric features like travel insurance, airport lounge access and credits for expedited security screening, instead of more general perks like food delivery credits or shopping discounts.

More information on travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards, are travel credit cards worth it.

Travel cards can be well worth it since they often have exclusive travel perks like credits for airfare, hotel stays, expedited airport security services and more, as well as complimentary airport lounge access and airline or hotel privileges. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. It’s important to at least offset the cost of these cards by taking advantage of the various travel perks and features included on the card. 

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card?

It’s possible to get a travel credit card with bad or fair credit, but most travel rewards cards are geared toward people with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 661).

Do travel miles or points expire?

Even though many major credit cards earn rewards that don’t expire, you may lose your points and miles if your account closes or isn’t in good standing. However, some co-branded cards’ rewards may expire if you don’t earn or redeem rewards within a certain timeframe (typically 12 to 36 months after the rewards are earned).

Check out our guide to credit card rewards expiration for a thorough breakdown of several popular issuers’ policies.

Are points or miles better on a credit card?

Whether points or miles offer better value will depend on the specific rewards program and how you redeem rewards. One airline loyalty program may earn miles that offer less than 1 cent each in average redemption value while another program’s points may offer close to 3 cents each on average. Similarly, a hotel card’s points may be worth less than half of a credit card issuer’s rewards points. Some programs offer points with only average baseline redemption value but high value when transferred to a partner airline or hotel. 

Ask the experts: Is it a good idea to have multiple travel credit cards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whether you should have multiple travel credit cards depends on several factors, including your brand affinity, frequency of travel and ability to pay off your cards in full each month. As a credit counselor, I see many people carrying credit card debt at high interest rates while continuing to make charges to the account for the sake of earning rewards. They lose far more than they earn each month. Having more than one travel credit card could make sense for you if you’re able to maximize your earnings by strategizing spending across each card. Just take into account annual fees and actual interest paid.

Contributor, Personal Finance

If you’re up for managing multiple cards and their benefits, then there are definitely big reward payouts to be had. But if the thought of multiple cards is overwhelming, it’s also a good strategy to have one or two more flexible cards and focus on maximizing your earnings and redemptions until it becomes second nature.

Contributor, Credit Cards

Definitely! I currently have two travel credit cards. In addition to the Chase card that I use for my United Airlines purchases, I have the Capital One Venture card for all other airlines. I earn a solid amount of miles on everything I buy with it, so it's an easy go-to for non-travel related expenses.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Global entry: Trusted traveler enrollment program . U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

Discover International acceptance . Discover. Accessed on June 5, 2024.

“ Consumer Expenditures 2022 ,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

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What Visa’s Upcoming Changes Might Mean for Your Wallet

Sara Rathner is a NerdWallet travel and credit cards expert. She has appeared on the “Today” show and CNBC’s “Nightly Business Report,” and has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Time, Reuters, NBC News, Business Insider and MarketWatch. Before joining NerdWallet, Sara worked at The Motley Fool for nearly 10 years. She also worked as a freelance personal finance writer and paraplanner and has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Kenley Young directs daily credit cards coverage for NerdWallet. Previously, he was a homepage editor and digital content producer for Fox Sports, and before that a front page editor for Yahoo. He has decades of experience in digital and print media, including stints as a copy desk chief, a wire editor and a metro editor for the McClatchy newspaper chain.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

With several new products coming to the U.S. this year, the Visa payment network is working to propel consumers into a future where purses are lighter, pockets are emptier and payments are easier. Most notable among the company's plans: one "credential" that gives users the option to pay with a credit card, debit card, rewards points, or a "buy now, pay later" plan.

“No one wants a thick wallet. It’s the George Constanza problem,” says Matthew Goldman, founder of the financial technology consulting firm Totavi, referencing an episode of “Seinfeld” where one character’s overstuffed wallet causes him back pain.

If you’re one of the 48% of Americans who used a digital wallet in the past 90 days, per March 2024 data from J.D. Power, you’re already experiencing technology’s wallet-slimming potential. However, merchant acceptance is still iffy, especially when it comes to small businesses. The J.D. Power 2024 Merchant Services Satisfaction Study found that only 57% of small businesses now accept digital wallets.

Still, this has been a busy spring when it comes to digital payment innovation. Just a week after Visa announced its new suite of services, Google Pay announced the launch of new features, too. The Google Pay app will now show your cards’ benefits at checkout so you can pick the one that will earn the most rewards for the purchase (for now, this is limited to American Express or Capital One cards when checking out on the Chrome browser). You’ll also be shown buy now, pay later options for more merchants than before. Plus, you can autofill details like shipping and billing information with a fingerprint, face scan or screen lock PIN.

Visa’s launch is part of a larger trend of making it effortless to make purchases. “These innovations are all designed to streamline payment actions and make it easier and safer for consumers to transact across different environments in a more consistent manner,” said Beth Robertson, managing director at Keynova, a financial services intelligence firm, in an email.

Visa’s new services

Visa is launching several new services, some of which pertain to electronic bill payments and data security. Here are the ones with the most potential to change your shopping experience:

Visa Flexible Credential

The service that might get the most notice from anyone who carts around a card-filled wallet is Visa Flexible Credential. It allows you to access multiple payment options — including debit and credit cards, loyalty points, and buy now, pay later plans — from one payment source. You can also set some parameters, like paying with debit if a purchase is below a certain amount and paying with credit if it exceeds that amount.

Tap to Everything

You’re likely already growing more accustomed to tapping your card, as opposed to dipping it into a chip reader, as merchants update their point-of-sale (POS) terminals to access contactless payments . Tap to Everything expands upon this idea, with the promise that "any device can now be a POS device," per Visa's news release. For instance, merchants will be able to take payments by letting consumers tap their cards to the merchant’s mobile device.

That tapping process may even translate to peer-to-peer payments, allowing "money to be sent between family and friends" in a similar way, Visa's release notes.

You'll also be able to tap your card to your own phone to securely add it to a digital wallet, or to add it as a payment method on a merchant’s website.

Visa Payment Passkey Service

Instead of entering passwords or one-time security codes when shopping online, Visa Payment Passkey Service allows you to use your face or fingerprint to authorize the transaction.

What will change for consumers?

These products will begin coming to the market later this year. Some details about how they’ll work are still unclear, like which cards may be eligible to use with Visa Flexible Credential. How quickly consumers adopt new ways of paying can also come down to merchant acceptance.

“I think it’s important for leading issuers to promote options like these and to educate their customers about their value,” Robertson said. She added that merchants prominently mentioning these payment options on their own websites will make them more visible to consumers.

Ultimately, these are steps toward a future where picking the right payment method for each purchase, and authenticating those purchases so your bank knows they aren’t fraudulent, will be faster and easier than ever before. According to Robertson, we’ve already seen some of these innovations elsewhere, like credit cards that offer buy now, pay later plans for eligible purchases, and your face or fingerprint being used to initiate a payment.

As consumers and merchants more fully embrace digital wallets, innovations that reduce friction during the checkout process will continue to come to the market.

“I think the physical form factor of the card is going to go away,” Goldman says. “We’ll still call them cards, I suppose.”

On a similar note...

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Money blog: Major buy now, pay later firm collapses - warning issued to customers of big high street chains

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Tuesday 25 June 2024 20:43, UK

• Major buy now, pay later firm collapses - warning issued to customers of big high street chains
• Nvidia shares slide after briefly becoming world's most valuable company
• PrettyLittleThing deactivating customers' accounts for making too many returns

Essential reads

• Women in Business : 'Her baby was choking' - How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back to dealership six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• Barcelona to ban all holiday apartment rentals by 2028
• Basically... Guarantors
• The mortgage chokehold facing old-age Britons
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

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A major buy now, pay later platform has collapsed into administration.

Payments have been suspended for Laybuy users, who number in the hundreds of thousands, according to savings platform Raisin UK.

The lender has disabled its website and app, with customers unable to create accounts or receive and make payments.

"At present, the administrators are not accepting any new transactions for Laybuy; however, it is critical that customers continue to make their repayments as normal," warned Kevin Mountford, Raisin UK founder.

If administrators can sell the business, customer debt would be sold on and they would be expected to have made all their payments, he said.

"This news will be incredibly frustrating for their customers across the globe and will be unsettling news for the thousands of users in the UK who have used Laybuy for purchases from leading retailers like Amazon, Marks & Spencer and Next."

He called for buy now, pay later platforms to face better regulation to protect customers, especially given they contribute to credit scores.

Two Bristol-based start-ups are trialing whether urine passed at Glastonbury festival can be used as eco-friendly fertiliser, reports The Times .

Peequal, which provides the UK's largest music festival with female urinals, and NPK Recovery have developed a way to recover nutrients that encourage plant growth from waste, such as nitrogen and potassium.

This week, Peequal will collect thousands of litres of festival-goers' urine to be processed at NPK's lab, before it is administered to plants in a greenhouse.

Premier League clubs raked in a record £6bn in revenues in 2022-23, but their combined losses grew too - by 16%.

Deloitte's Sports Business Group report found pre-tax losses for the top-flight clubs of £685m over the period.

Wages and costs associated with player transfers were blamed for the red figure.

Read more here ...

Thames Water is not in line for nationalisation should Labour win the election, its shadow business and trade secretary has said.

"I wouldn't want to see a nationalisation. I think there should be a solution that falls short of that," said Jonathan Reynolds in a Bloomberg TV election debate.

Thames Water has been plunged into crisis, with representatives of its multinational syndicate of shareholders refusing to inject the billions of pounds of funding required to bail it out.

Just one week ago, Nvidia became the world's most valuable company.

The chipmaker - whose shares had risen nine-fold since the end of 2022 -  overtook Microsoft  as its stock market valuation reached $3.34trn (£2.63trn).

Since then, the shares have fallen by 13%, declining in each of the last three trading sessions.

That has been enough to clip more than $500bn (£394bn) from  Nvidia's  stock market valuation.

So what's going on?

Read my analysis here ...

Amazon has announced another Prime Day sale next month. 

The discount event, which is only available to Prime members, will be held on 16 and 17 July. 

It typically takes place twice a year - once in July and again in October, with deals dropping regularly on a range of products. 

Based on last year's event, Which? expects the online giant to offer discounts across most of its departments, including electronics, kitchen appliances, baby products and health and personal care.

The consumer website predicts an Amazon Fire TV Cube, Ring Stick Battery Cam, Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 air fryer and Shark cordless vacuum could be some of the big ticket items on sale. 

If you aren't already a Prime member, you might be able to sign up for a free trial before the sales begin, and then cancel it before you get charged. 

To do this, you should cancel within 30 days, or you'll be switched automatically onto a regular membership, which is £8.99 a month.

If you're a student, you can get six months for free. You'll need to prove your course enrolment by providing Amazon with your university email address. 

Just 18% of companies in the UK are led by women, and while data suggests female entrepreneurs are on the rise, men still receive more funding and are entrusted with higher average loans to get them started.

In an eight-part series every Tuesday, Money blog reporter  Jess Sharp  speaks to women who are bossing it in their respective fields - hearing their stories, struggles and advice for those who want to follow in their footsteps.

This week, she has spoken to Jenni Dunman, the founder and owner of Daisy First Aid... 

Many people dream all their lives of starting a business - for Jenni, it was literally an accident.

"I was on a day off and went for a coffee with a friend, she had her daughter in a high chair, her daughter choked, and she didn't know what to do," Jenni explained.

"Being a police officer, I already had first aid training, so I was able to pick her daughter up and give her back blows, remove the blockage really quickly and she made a full recovery.

"I went home to my husband that night and said 'why don't parents know this really basic stuff'."

The genius idea of first aid classes aimed at giving medical attention to children was born - and now, having started with just £400, Daisy First Aid is on the brink of going global.

It has been quite a journey for Jenni, who left education at 16, moved out of her family home and worked three jobs just to make rent. 

Living in Crystal Palace in southeast London at the time, she says she wasn't surrounded by the best crowd and after losing a child and ultimately trying to take her own life, she decided to make a drastic change. 

"I went through a really dark time in my life and sort of decided at that point after hitting rock bottom I either had to try again and be successful or completely change my life," the 44-year-old said.

Jenni joined the Metropolitan Police. 

"I wasn't living in a particularly nice area or hanging around with particularly nice people, so I decided I was just going to completely cut ties with everyone," she said.

Back in the days of her training, the police would cover the cost of accommodation and food for new recruits during their 18-week course, she explained. 

"I basically had somewhere to completely restart my life. It completely changed my life. I loved it."

Jenni eventually worked her way up to detective sergeant, met her husband in the force when he came to her rescue, and was one of the first officers on the scene during the 7/7 Bombings.

"I think probably that's where I found my love for first aid initially," she said. "I really loved that side of things". 

The emergency situation that sparked her idea 

Several years later and now a mother-of-two, Jenni was finding it difficult to juggle work and her busy home life. 

It was while she was pregnant with her third child in 2013 that she came up with her business idea, sparked by the incident in the cafe.

"They do all these amazing parenting classes but if your baby stops breathing, or they choke, or they have a seizure, why aren't they taught this basic first aid?" she said.

Jenni started searching online at what big organisations were already offering, and found a gap in the market with classes directed solely at parents. 

One pavilion, two customers and a friendly favour 

Initially, she started by setting up one first aid class in her local pavilion in Sutton and putting a post on Facebook inviting people and their babies to come along. 

The two-hour class taught people about the signs of meningitis, how to deal with burns and seizures, and broken bones in a way that was "simple and easy to remember". 

Her initial start up costs came to £400, which was mostly spent on mannequins for the class.

"I had two bookings, which both paid £25, and I asked all my friends to join me to make it look busy, so they all came with their babies and we had a great class," Jenni said. 

After that, word spread quickly and she started getting more and more customers as her business organically grew. 

"I took a career break from the police and I started getting bookings from London, Surrey, Kent... I realised I was actually onto something," she said.

Learning, learning, and more learning

As her company blossomed and she struggled to fill demand, Jenni started looking into how it should be structured. 

From the beginning, she wanted a work-life balance that she hadn't been offered in the police, and worked her hours around the school run and pick up. 

Using Google and teaching herself, she came across the idea of franchising. 

"I knew nothing about starting a business, I knew absolutely zero, so I very much learnt along the way. I learnt how to franchise and tried and tested the model," she said. 

"I took on two franchises, who were both female police officers who lived in other areas, and taught them how to grow their business and do what I was doing.

"It just sort of exploded beautifully and really quickly scaled into what it is now, which 115 franchises across the UK with plans for worldwide expansion.

"We have helped to save hundreds of thousands of babies' lives." 

'I get offers for investment - but I turn them down' 

Daisy First Aid is now planning to launch in Dubai by the end of the year, with Jenni having aspirations to take it to Australia and Europe as well.

"What was supposed to be a little business for me, to help me get a little statutory maternity pay, has ended up being life-changing for me and my other franchisees," she said. 

Unlike many businesses, Jenni has never taken any investment, funding the initial set up herself and growing it ever since. 

"I probably get offers of investment twice a month, but I have never taken investment, so I own 100% of the business. Some people think I'm crazy, but I'm just really happy," she said. 

"The model we have works so beautifully and we know we can replicate that anywhere."

What about the challenges? 

Jenni said the "biggest battle" she had overcome was her own mind, and it was something she still had to work on every day.

"I think that most of us are taught from our parents, our ancestors and beyond, to just survive life and stay safe... you know, go to school, get a job, get a pension, retire and then you die," she said.

"I really think now that we can remove those blocks just to open up because we are meant for more." 

She explained how she has had to work for the last 20 years to get over the fear of failure but also the "fear of bragging and success". 

"By far, my biggest challenge is myself and my own self sabotage," she added. 

"There are so many fears that we all have that stop us from achieving more."  

Jenni's advice 

Jenni confessed that she was "massively obsessed" with learning, and advised others to research and teach themselves the skills they lack. 

"All the information is out there online, whatever you need, you can find it out, but also don't be afraid to ask other experts for help," she said. 

She recalled the first time she hired an accountant, and she asked him to explain everything to her like she was 10.

"Sometimes as entrepreneurs, people expect us to know everything, but we're never going to know anything. We can be brave enough to ask other experts, though.

"There are so many people who will give up their spare time to help you, and there is so much information online, so it doesn't have to be costly." 

She also takes these five daily steps to keep her mindset positive:

• Practice gratitude - take time to remember and feel grateful for positive things in your life 
• Set out your goals - write them down and illustrate them
• Be mindful of your words - stop moaning and don't be negative. Changing the words you use out loud and in your head can have a positive impact
• Create a wave of happiness - do one thing a day to make someone else happy - it will encourage them to do the same
• Leave positive reviews and give compliments - if someone has done a good job, tell them about it.

HSBC is the latest lender to announce a wide range of mortgage rate cuts as swap rates improve.

While the details of the changes won't be published until tomorrow, brokers believe the move will prompt more reductions from other high street banks.

And if a Bank of England rate cut comes in August, "all bets are off", Katy Eatenton, mortgage specialist at Lifetime Wealth Management, told Newspage.

"Summer is here and the sun is finally shining over borrowers, who have been in the swap rate shade for too long," she said.

While the market has been lethargic over the election period, these reductions could "be the starting pistol to a campaign of 'summer sizzlers' from lenders", said Andrew Montlake, managing director at Coreco.

He said the period could be a "good time to bag a deal" before a new government is elected.

HSBC is following in the footsteps of Barclays and MPowered Mortgages, which cut their rates yesterday.

Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages, said: "Rate cuts across the majority of their range will be welcome by all types of borrower, and will accelerate the reaction from other high street lenders."

But a broader market shift is still needed to truly spark the housing market, said Ranald Mitchell, director at Charwn Private Clients.

Nestle is abandoning its new recipe for Nesquik milkshakes following a backlash from shoppers.

The food giant swapped out maltodextrin for rice flour in an attempt to improve the product's texture, but consumers complained it left a "vile sludge" in their drink.

The food giant is returning to the original ingredients for the products, strawberry and banana-flavoured milkshake mix, next month, The Grocer reports .

"The new recipe for banana Nesquik is utterly disgusting with a vile sludge left at the bottom of the glass. Your quality control has messed up big time here," posted one shopper on X.

Another wrote: "Whatever you have done to the strawberry powder recipe, please change it back. 

"I opened a new tub yesterday and it tastes weird and gets really thick at the bottom. I have a pint or two a day and it's never been like this."

Others took to Reddit to vent: "The last two weeks have been miserable with the sludge at the bottom and I thought I had a ruined batch of powder."

Sky News has contacted Nestle for comment.

A spokesperson for the company told The Grocer: "Our aim is always to have the best possible recipe on the market and we sometimes make changes that aim to improve on existing recipes.

"On this occasion the change has not been popular with consumers and we have listened to their feedback.

"We can confirm the old recipe is going back into production and it should be in stores in July. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused."

By  James Sillars , business news reporter

We're going to start with some more big movements for Nvidia's share price.

The AI-leading chipmaker claimed the crown from Microsoft last Wednesday to become the world's most valuable listed company.

The stock was going great guns and up by 170% in the year to date at that point.

However, the stellar rally stopped in its tracks, and Nvidia's shares have since entered so-called correction territory, according to analysts.

Nvidia's market value was, at one stage, more than 10% below its peak, losing around $430bn over three days.

It's now worth $2.91trn, according to LSEG data.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, wrote this morning: "The selloff hit suddenly, right after the company stole the status of the world’s most valuable company from Microsoft.

"There has been no bad news regarding the company's fundamentals on the newswire, no analyst downgrades, no soft forecasts, no rumours of slowing sales.

"It's just that the end of last quarter and the first half may have brought some investors to take some profit and go to the sidelines."

Nvidia currently stands at number three in the value table behind Microsoft and Apple.

Elsewhere this morning, the FTSE 100 has opened flat following a 0.5% gain on Monday.

It is trading at 8,287 - up just five points.

We are still keeping a close eye on the oil market as costs climb. A barrel of Brent is $1, up on yesterday at $86.

The latest increase was attributed to new forecasts of strong demand during the traditional US summer vacation (forgive the Americanism) season.

The number of job vacancies across the country has marginally increased this month, but there are areas where companies appear to be hiring more. 

Research by Adzuna found London has the most job vacancies, with 154,506 roles being advertised, followed by the South East with 131,973 - an increase of 1.2% since April. 

In Northern Ireland, the number of opportunities has fallen by 1.5% to just 7,790.

In terms of cities, Cambridge offers the most chance of finding a job with just 0.34 unemployed people per role and 7,276 jobs available. 

This is followed by Guildford (0.49) and Exeter (0.63).

Bradford remains the hardest city to find a job, with 7.94 jobseekers per role. 

Rochdale and Middlesbrough also have high jobseeker-to-role ratios, at 4.86 and 4.57 respectively. 

Monthly advertised salary figures have also fallen for the first time since October 2023, down 0.11% to £38,765. 

This is despite the recent National Living Wage hike to £11.44 per hour.

While slightly weaker salaries could help relieve some tightness in the labour market, it may also suggest increasing vacancies for entry or junior-level roles with lower salaries.

In comparison, annual salaries are still up 2.69% compared with May 2023. 

Unsurprisingly, London was found to be offering the highest average salaries at £44,863, which is up 1.47% on last year. 

Wales was the region with the lowest typical salary at £34,048. 

Basically… a guarantor is someone who agrees to cover another person's bill in the event they can't pay it.

Guarantors are sometimes required when taking out a loan or mortgage, or moving into a rented property, if the person responsible for the bills doesn't meet income requirements.

For renting, a landlord might also request a guarantor if the tenant has limited renting history, a low credit score or other factors that would deem them at risk of missing payments.

Who can be a guarantor, and what are they responsible for?

The simple answer is - almost anyone.

Often it'll be a parent - especially for young people renting for the first time or taking their first steps onto the property ladder - or a spouse.

But friends and other relatives can be guarantors too.

The basic requirements for being a guarantor are:

• Aged over 18, or over 21, depending on who is making the request
• Good credit history
• Financial stability - a certain amount of savings or income

Being a homeowner will also make you more desirable as a guarantor, as it shows that you have a way of covering costs if you need to. You usually have to live in the UK too.

What the guarantor is legally responsible for can vary depending on what's written in the guarantee.

In the case of renting, the guarantor is usually responsible for paying rent if the tenant can't for any reason. They might also have to cover repairs if the tenant damages the property.

In extreme cases, the guarantor might be called on to cover legal costs faced by the landlord due to the tenant.

What happens if the guarantor can't pay?

If you can't pay the lender or landlord what you owe, they may turn to your guarantor at this point, if another agreement can't be worked out.

In the rare event that the guarantor can't - or even won't - pay, they could be taken to court. It's likely that remediation action would be taken before it gets to this point, but the guarantor signs a legally binding contract, so it can happen.

Not paying the debt could also impact the guarantor's credit history.

Read other entries in our Basically series...

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