Credit Cards for Adventurers: Top 10 Picks

Credit cards for adventurers offer a range of benefits that make traveling easier and more affordable. With these credit cards for adventurers, you can earn rewards points, get cash back on travel expenses, and enjoy perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. Many credit cards for adventurers also provide travel insurance and protection against lost luggage. Whether you’re exploring new cities or embarking on international journeys, the right credit cards for adventurers can enhance your travel experience. Choose from our top 10 credit cards for adventurers to start planning your next great adventure.

1. Miles Mavens (Airline-Specific):

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire): Earn points transferable to several travel partners, including airlines, with a moderate annual fee. This card offers a good balance between flexibility and earning potential for frequent travelers who aren’t loyal to one specific airline.
• United℠ Explorer Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/united/united-explorer): Ideal for frequent United flyers, offering bonus miles on United purchases, free checked bags on most flights, and priority boarding. This is a great option if you primarily fly United and want to maximize your miles earned on those flights.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/delta-skymiles-platinum-american-express-card/): Perfect for Delta enthusiasts, with bonus miles on Delta flights and hotel stays, along with airport lounge access on select Delta flights. This card caters specifically to Delta flyers who want to elevate their travel experience with lounge access.

2. Cash Back Crusaders:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/): Earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, redeemable for travel or transferred to travel partners. No foreign transaction fees! This card offers a straightforward cash back approach in the form of miles, redeemable for travel or other uses, with the added benefit of no foreign transaction fees for international travel.
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom/flex): Earn bonus points on rotating categories and travel purchases throughout the year. With no annual fee, this card is a good option for casual travelers who want to earn cash back (in the form of points) on everyday spending and travel purchases.
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (https://creditcards.wellsfargo.com/autograph-visa-credit-card/): Earn bonus points on travel, gas, restaurants, and phone bills, with no annual fee. This no-annual-fee card offers a well-rounded approach, allowing you to earn points on various spending categories, including travel.

3. Perks Kings/Queens (Premium):

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/reserve): Offers airport lounge access, travel insurance, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and points transferable to travel partners, with a high annual fee. This card caters to frequent travelers who value luxurious travel experiences and comprehensive travel benefits.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/platinum/): Brags about airport lounge access, travel insurance, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, hotel elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and Uber credits, with a very high annual fee. This card is the ultimate travel companion for those who prioritize luxury travel experiences and a wide range of travel perks.

4. Well-Rounded Choices:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture-x/): High annual fee, but offers airport lounge access, travel insurance, miles transferable to travel partners, and premium travel credits like Uber credits and airline fee credits. This card strikes a balance between earning potential, travel perks, and travel credits, catering to frequent travelers who want a well-rounded travel companion.
• Citi Premier® Card (https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier-credit-card): Earn bonus points on travel and dining, with airport lounge access through select partners and travel insurance. Moderate annual fee. This card offers a good balance between earning potential on travel and dining, along with some airport lounge access benefits, for a moderate annual fee.

5. Budget-Friendly Options:

• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/southwest/home): Earn points redeemable for Southwest flights with no foreign transaction fees. Low annual fee. This card is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who primarily fly Southwest Airlines.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy/boundless): Earn points for Marriott stays and airline miles transferable to travel partners, with a moderate annual fee. This card caters to travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to earn points towards both hotel stays and flights.

Remember, the “best” travel card depends on your individual spending habits and travel style. Consider factors. Explore more.