Best Airline and Hotel Credit Cards
Our Reviews of the Best Airline, Travel and Hotel credit cards
Best Airline and Travel Cards
The perks of airline credit cards, have also become more generous in recent years, with priority boarding, free checked bags, and increased access to award seats becoming common benefits. It’s reached the point where airline credit card perks are nearly (but not quite) comparable to low-level elite frequent flyer status. In addition to the initial bonuses, these cards were chosen because they offer great points and miles earning potential. Depending on the specific card, points and miles can be redeemed for free award flights, hotel stays, gift cards, and sometimes even cash. Below are two highly rated airline cards.
US Airways Premier World Mastercard® (review)
Up to 40,000 bonus miles. 30,000 bonus miles with first use and up to 10,000 additional bonus miles with a balance transfer in the first 90 days. Redeem award tickets for 5,000 less miles than under regular rules (starting at 20,000 miles). Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on US Airways and 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else. Zone 2 boarding and First Class check-in. 1 free US Airways Club pass every year. Two $99 domestic companion passes. $89 annual fee. Apply here: US Airways Premier World Mastercard®
Virgin America Visa Signature® Card (review)
For a limited time, earn up to 15,000 bonus points, plus a $150 off a companion ticket every year. Earn 3 points per dollar on Virgin America and 1 point per dollar on everything else. $49 annual fee. Apply here: Virgin America Visa® Signature Card
Best Hotel Cards
TripBadger recommends adding at least one hotel credit card to your portfolio. Our top two cards essentially pay for themselves; the annual fee (waived the first year on the Marriott cards) is often more than offset by the value of the free night’s stay you receive every year. All of our featured cards offer one or more free nights after account approval. Each card also provides you with special status or benefits at the hotels: with the Marriott Rewards Premier Card and Marriott Rewards Card, you will receive Silver Elite status; the Hyatt Card provides Gold Passport Platinum status.
Marriott Rewards® Premier (review)
It offers a free night’s stay after account approval and 50,000 points with $1,000 in spending in the first 3 months. All together this is enough for up to 7 free nights (category 1 hotels). Receive more than enough Elite Night credits for Silver Elite Status. You will also receive a free night’s stay every year thereafter. No blackout dates. $85 annual fee (waived first year).
Hyatt Credit Card (review)
Two award nights redeemable at any Hyatt® hotel worldwide, including 5 star hotels and world-class resorts (which could be worth over $1,000 depending on the hotel), after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. Even greater rewards for current Platinum and Diamond members. A free night’s stay every year. $75 annual fee.
Marriott Rewards Card (review)
Two free nights (Category 1-4) after account approval and 30,000 points with $1,000 in spending within the first 3 months. All together this is enough for up to 6 free nights (category 1 hotels). Receive enough Elite Night credits for Silver Elite Status. No blackout dates. Low $45 annual fee (waived first year).
