Have you been dreaming of a USA getaway? Maybe it’s your first trip abroad and you’re feeling excited to explore! Or, maybe you’re a seasoned traveler who’s looking for the best credit cards for your trip. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Traveling around the USA can be expensive but with the right credit cards, it doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to—in this article, we’ll be sharing our picks for the best credit cards for USA travel in 2023.
We’ll break down exactly why these cards are great choices and provide useful tips on how to get the most out of them. That way, your vacation can be as stress-free and financially savvy as possible! So keep reading to find out more about these top-rated credit cards for USA travel in 2023.
1. The Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
Good news—there are some great perks that come with travel credit cards! These cards help you make the most of your money, providing cash back, rewards points, and other benefits.
Firstly, you can get extra rewards points for every dollar spent on travel-related expenses such as flights and hotels. The more money that you spend, the more points you earn. These points can then be used towards discounts on flights or even free nights at hotels. Plus, most good travel cards also have great sign-up bonuses—so simply by signing up for a card, you can get an extra boost of rewards points.
Another big benefit is cashback. With certain cards, you may be able to earn up to 5% cash back when spending money on everyday purchases or 1-2% cash back on all purchases. This essentially gives you free money just for spending what you usually would! Plus, with some credit card issuers, you may even get some great dining offers and discounts too.
By weighing up the various benefits and choosing the right card for your individual needs, you can make sure that your hard-earned dollars are well spent—and that your travels are as affordable as possible!
2. Finding the Right Card for You
Finding the right credit card for your travel needs is an important part of ensuring you get the most out of every trip. A good card should offer rewards and benefits that match your style of travel, whether you’re a frequent flyer, a casual traveler, or a budget-conscious backpacker.
Here are a few tips to help you find the best credit card for your next trip:
- Start by looking at cards that offer airline miles and other rewards tailored to your travel needs. If you’re a frequent flyer, cards offering bonus points on purchases made through the airline can be especially lucrative.
- Don’t be afraid to look outside of traditional airline credit cards. Cards providing cash back on travel purchases points redeemable for discounts on hotel stays, or reduced rates on airport parking can add up to substantial savings when you’re planning trips.
- Always compare the annual fee and APR (interest rate) of each card before making your decision – don’t get stuck with expensive monthly payments down the line!
By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect credit card for your next USA trip.
3. Reviewing the Top Travel Cards in the USA for 2023
Whether you’re planning a one-time trip around the world or regularly hopping from city to city, it pays to find the right credit card for your travel needs. That’s why we’ve taken the time to review some of the best travel cards on offer in the USA for 2023.
Here are our top picks:
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
This card stands out for its flexible rewards program and offers an impressive array of travel benefits like airport lounge access, TSA pre-check credit, and many more. Plus, if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening you can get 50,000 bonus points that can be redeemed towards an array of travel purchases like airfare and hotels.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This is an excellent option for anyone looking for easy rewards when it comes to airfare and hotels. With this card you can earn up to 2x miles per $1 spent—and even better, you don’t have to worry about blackout dates or seat restrictions when redeeming those miles.
3. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a Bank of America customer looking for bonus rewards on your purchases, then this card is a great choice for your travels—especially since it offers 2 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases. And if that wasn’t enough, cardholders also receive 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
So no matter what kind of traveler you are—an occasional weekend warrior or a world explorer—there’s something here that’s perfect to help make your trips easier and more rewarding!
4. Rewards and Bonuses to Look For
The best credit cards for USA travel in 2023 come with plenty of rewards and bonuses. When evaluating each card, here are some important things to look for:
Perks and Rewards
Look for cards that offer great travel rewards. For example, some cards offer points or miles for every dollar spent, and/or provide discounts or credits when used for certain purchases. The best travel rewards credit cards also offer additional perks like priority seating and access to airline lounges.
Bonuses
Types of bonuses may vary depending on the card, but you should look for options that offer substantial sign-up or spending bonuses. Bonus points can save you a lot of money down the road!
Low Fees & No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many cards offer low interest rates or no-fee policy—and foreign transaction fees should be zero percent if you plan on taking your travels internationally. This can help you save even more when abroad!
It pays off to compare different types of credit cards and determine which ones offer the most benefits tailored to your individual needs. With the right card, you can get great deals and make your USA travels more rewarding!
5. Security Features and Fraud Protection
When you’re traveling, you want to make sure your credit cards are as secure as possible. The last thing you want is to become a victim of fraud while you’re away from home. Luckily, many credit cards offer built-in fraud protection and advanced security features.
Fraud Protection
A lot of credit cards have built-in fraud protection that helps detect and prevent fraudulent activity on your account before it gets out of hand. Like, if someone tries to use your card and the charge doesn’t look right, your card issuer might freeze the transaction until they can double-check it with you.
EMV Chip Technology
EMV chips, or “chip cards” are becoming the new standard for credit cards because they make transactions more secure by using encryption technology to scramble data so it can’t be stolen. Plus, EMV chips are harder for criminals to counterfeit than magnetic strip cards.
You should also look for a card that offers additional security features like:
- Personal identification numbers (PINs) for added protection when making purchases in store
- Transaction alerts are sent directly to you if something looks suspicious
- The option to temporarily freeze or deactivate your account with one simple notification
These types of extra security features can give you peace of mind while you travel and make sure that someone else isn’t using your hard-earned money without permission. So don’t forget to keep them in mind when choosing the best travel credit card for yourself!
6. Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Credit Card
You’ve done your research and picked the best credit card for travel in the US. Now you’re all set to go, right?
Not quite—there are a few tips that’ll help you maximize the benefits of your card as you explore all the United States has to offer.
1. Make sure you pay your balance off in full every month
This will help ensure that your costs don’t get higher than expected, as credit cards often carry hefty interest rates. Keeping your payments up-to-date and on schedule is also beneficial for your credit score—which is always a good thing!
2. Keep an eye on foreign transaction fees
Check if there are any additional fees for using the card abroad, so you know what to expect when it comes time to settle up after a holiday abroad or an extended road trip. Many cards also include travel insurance and other protections, so make sure to familiarize yourself with these features as well.
3. Look out for signup bonuses and rewards points
Most credit cards offer attractive signup bonuses that can reward you with points or cash back after meeting spending thresholds in a certain period of time. Keep track of these offers so you can easily take advantage of them before they expire. And don’t forget to rack up those reward points with each purchase, so you won’t just be saving money—you’ll be earning it too!
Conclusion
Finding the best credit cards for travel in the USA in 2023 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With all the different cards on the market, you can find the one that fits your needs and budget the best, and enjoy all the rewards and benefits that come along with it.
Whether you’re looking for a great signup bonus, miles, cash back, or just a simple no-fee card, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure to do your research and compare all your options before selecting one. That way, you can get the most out of your card and make traveling around the USA a breeze in 2023.
