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Travel Cards

Travel Card Deals: May 2013

We've compiled a list of the 7 Travel Card Deals currently available on CreditDonkey.

Travel Credit Cards

By helping you earn miles or points toward airfare, hotel stays, and more, travel rewards cards can be a great way to make your next trip more affordable. Whether you're a frequent business traveler wanting elite perks or a family looking to save, you should be able to find a travel rewards card that's right for you.


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How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

When deciding on a travel credit card, you need to decide what type of benefit is most important to you. Click on any of the links below to find out more information about cards that will pay you back in points or rewards for:

Travel Rewards

If you like to travel but are not loyal to any particular airline, try the Barclaycard Arrival or American Express Blue Sky. Both cards allow you to redeem toward any airline of your choice.

There are two Barclaycard Arrival credit card offers available (both with no foreign transaction fees):

Blue Sky from American Express If you spend over $334 per month on your credit card, consider the Blue Sky from American Express. Blue Sky offers 7,500 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months (worth $100 statement credit toward travel). There is no annual fee.

If you do have a favorite airline such as AA or Delta, it's worthwhile to consider their specific cards as you'll often get extra travel benefits such as free check-in for your first bag.

Travel Offers

International Travel
For overseas travelers, consider using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee to help save money while abroad. Most credit cards have a foreign transaction fee of 3%.

Airline
If airfare is your biggest concern, look for an airline credit card to help you earn free flights. Several of these cards include great introductory deals, such as bonus miles, free flights or free checked baggage.

Hotel
To save on hotel expenses, consider applying for a hotel credit card. Special offers may include, bonus hotel points and free hotel stays.

Gas
With gas prices soaring, gas credit cards can help stretch your budget. Read our guide on Summer Road Trips to see how using credit cards can help you save big.

Redeeming Points
Some travel rewards cards give you points or miles with a particular company’s frequent traveler program, such as United Mileage Plus or Hilton HHonors. Other cards give you points for the credit card issuer’s reward program—like American Express Membership Rewards—which you can redeem with various companies.

Also consider how you would like to book your reward travel: some cards require you to book through the card issuer’s website, while others have more flexible options. Be sure to review the card's terms and conditions to see whether it has blackout dates or other restrictions on redeeming points.

Most travel credit cards require very good to excellent credit to apply. Like most rewards cards, travel and airline credit cards tend to charge higher interest rates compared to other types of credit cards, so if you don't plan on paying your balance in full each month, consider a low interest credit card instead.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the company whose products are featured on this site. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or evaluations provided here are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the Advertiser. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

Visiting Canada

Best Credit Card for Use in Canada

Thinking of visiting our neighbors to the north this summer? More than 35 million people visit Canada each year.

Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard - Earn 2x on All Purchases
Apply for Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard - Earn 2x on All Purchases
Editors' Choice
Travel Cards
  • Earn 40,000 bonus miles if you make $1,000 or more in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. 40,000 bonus miles equates to $400 off your next trip!
  • 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening. After that, variable APR, currently 14.99% or 18.99%, based upon your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 2X miles on all purchases
  • No mileage caps
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Exclusive Carry-on Miles - earn 10% of your miles back when you redeem for travel
  • Use miles for a statement credit toward any airline purchase to any destination with no seat restrictions and no blackout dates
  • Easily redeem your miles for statement credits toward flights, cruises, car rentals, hotels and more
  • Complimentary subscription to TripIt Pro mobile travel organizer - a $49 annual value!
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsTravel Rewards
Travel Rewards Benefit: Redeem miles for statement credits toward travel purchases (airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, motels, resorts, cruise lines, car rental agencies). Travel statement credit redemptions start at 2,500 miles for $25.

Exclusive Carry-on Miles - earn 10% of your miles back when you redeem for travel
Airline Rewards: Earn 2X miles on all purchases
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
0% for 12 months
N/A
14.99% - 18.99% (Variable)
$0 introductory for first year, then $89

Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard - Earn 1x on All Purchases
Read ReviewApply for Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard - Earn 1x on All Purchases
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsTravel RewardsDining RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Travel Rewards Benefit: Earn 2X miles on travel purchases
Airline Rewards: Earn 1X miles on all other purchases. Use miles for a statement credit toward any airline purchase to any destination with no seat restrictions and no blackout dates
Our Review: If you like to travel, you can earn 2X miles on travel and dining purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases with the Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard. Every time you buy something on this card, you earn miles. These miles are good for statement credits toward flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. This program is especially generous when you consider that this card does not have an annual fee... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
0% for 12 months
N/A
14.99% - 18.99% (Variable)
$0

Blue Sky from American Express
Read ReviewApply for Blue Sky from American Express
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsTravel RewardsCar Rental RewardsEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection Return ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityEmergency Assistance
Travel Rewards Benefit: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent. Use points for flights on any airline, stays at any hotel, and car rentals with any company. Points worth up to 33% more than most other travel cards - It only takes 7,500 points to get a $100 statement credit for any travel purchase.
Our Review: If you want travel rewards but don't want an annual fee, the American Express Blue Sky card can give you a quality travel rewards program. With this card, 7,500 points get you a $100 travel credit. That's 33% higher than many other travel cards. Bonus points and flexible travel booking sweeten the deal... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
0% on Purchases for 12 months
None
17.24% - 22.24% (Variable)
$0

U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature Card
Read ReviewApply for U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature Card
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward Points
Airline Rewards: Award travel starts at just 20,000 FlexPoints (up to a $400 ticket value) on over 150 airlines with no blackout dates or redemption fees
Our Review: With a flexible reward structure that helps maximize reward points every monthly billing cycle and a generous travel rewards redemption program, the US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Card is a good choice for people who like to travel. Plus, new cardholders can earn 17,500 bonus FlexPoints after the first $2,500 in net purchases in the first 150 days. The reward structure is a bit complicated and there is a $49 annual fee (no annual fee for the first year), so there are several factors to ..... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
0% for 12 months
0% for 12 months
13.99% - 23.99% (Variable)
$0 introductory for first year, then $49

The Platinum Card from American Express
Read ReviewApply for The Platinum Card from American Express
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeEventsExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection Return ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityIdentity Theft Assistance
Airline Rewards: Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits with the airline of your choice for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
Fly without Blackout Dates: Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points to book flights on any airline with no seat restrictions or blackout dates.
Our Review: The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most prestigious rewards cards in the market today. It is also one of the most expensive cards, with an annual fee of $450. In exchange for the high annual fee, the Platinum Card offers a number of travel advantages and a generous rewards program... Read full review
Card TypeAnnual Fee
Personal Charge Card
$450

American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card
Read ReviewApply for American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward PointsGas RewardsGrocery RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitEvents Car Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityRoadside Assistance
Airline Rewards: Earn triple points on flights booked with airlines
Our Review: The American Express Premier Rewards Gold card offers a generous sign-up bonus, access to Gold Card events, and a higher rewards rate than the regular Gold card. In exchange for these enhanced benefits, the Premier Rewards Gold card charges an annual fee of $175. Common-sense rewards categories—airfare, gas, and groceries—help cardholders offset this fee with the purchases they make... Read full review
Card TypeAnnual Fee
Personal Charge Card
Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175

Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
Read ReviewApply for Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Airline RewardsNo Limits on RewardsEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended Warranty Purchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud Liability
Airline Rewards: Redeem Starpoints for SPG Award flights on over 350 airlines -- all without blackout dates. Transfer Starpoints to more than 30 airline frequent flyer programs, mostly on a one-to-one basis.
Hotel Rewards: Earn up to 5 Starpoints® for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG hotels and resorts - that's 2 Starpoints for using the Card in addition to the Starpoints you earn as an SPG member. Earn 1 Starpoint for all other purchases.
Our Review: A CreditDonkey.com editors’ favorite, the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card offers exceptional travel rewards and top-notch American Express customer service for a reasonable annual fee. The generous sign-up bonuses and 1:1 point transfer to other frequent traveler programs make this card a great value, even if you don’t stay exclusively at Starwood hotels... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
NoneNone
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65

Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards
Read ReviewApply for Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards
Travel Rewards
Travel Rewards Benefit: Travel Rewards - cardholders who enroll in the program receive one point per net dollar spent
Our Review: The Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards is a nice combination of low fees plus rewards. It has a low 9.25% variable interest rate. However, you don’t need to give up rewards to get this low rate as this card earns travel points on all your purchases. This great combo comes at a cost though, because only applicants with excellent credit will be approved for this card... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
N/AN/A
9.25% (Variable)
$0

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the company whose products are featured on this site. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or evaluations provided here are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the Advertiser. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.


Travel Rewards Benefits

Travel rewards credit cards not only help you save money on expenses, such as flights and hotel rooms, they also usually offers points (or miles) that can be redeemed toward other discounts or benefits. A travel-focused credit card might also provide additional benefits when it is used to pay for travel expenses.

The majority of travel rewards credit cards work like regular rewards cards, with cardholders earning a certain number of points for each dollar spent on purchases using the card. The difference is that cards focused on travel rewards usually offer bonuses, either when you use them to pay for travel-related expenses, or when you redeem points for travel savings. Some examples may include:

  • Some cards let you earn double or even triple points or cash back for each dollar spent on airfare or gas, in addition to awarding bonus points when you sign up.

  • Other possibilities include receiving credits to cover incidentals such as baggage fees, access to special lounges at airports, or concierge services to help trip planning.

  • Some programs may require fewer points to redeem award flights or hotel stays, particularly if you book through the card issuer’s travel website.

A Focus on Business

Many credit cards aimed at businesspeople also emphasize travel rewards, as work-related travel remains common despite today’s challenging economy:

  • You may be able to receive a discounted companion airplane ticket when purchasing one at a high enough fare rate.

  • You may also be able to easily transfer points and miles between your credit card and particular frequent flyer programs.

  • Other benefits can be perfect for business travelers, including reduction or elimination of foreign transaction fees and additional car rental insurance.

Corporate Tie-ins

Some cards bear the name of a travel-related company, such as an airline or hotel chain, and provide even better bonuses for purchases at that particular business. Potential perks include:

  • Some cardholders may be able to take advantage of special benefits or avoid certain fees when booking with the selected airline or hotel chain, in addition to earning bonus points or miles.

  • Blackout dates or other restrictions may not apply when booking with the appropriate card.

  • Just remember to be aware that some of the benefits of these cards are only awarded at the particular company’s properties or flights.


Articles on Travel Rewards

    Infographics: National Parks

    National Parks: More Fun for Less Money

    By Kelly Teh - Tips
    National Parks offer a mix of relaxation and stimulating adventure. From hiking, camping, climbing to diving, whale watching, and more, National Parks offer the chance for families to get away from it all with solitude and spectacular views.
    Infographics: St Patrick

    St. Patrick's Day 2012: Ireland Will Call Irish-Americans Home

    By Annette O'Connor - Tips
    In order to generate an economic stimulus for a country deeply mired in European debt, Ireland will be calling its global citizens home through a coordinated national effort set to be launched on St. Patrick’s Day 2012.
    Travel Rewards Deals

    Winter Getaway Deals: 7 Tips to Help Snowbirds Save Money

    By Charles Tran - Deals
    Every winter, millions of people flee the frozen north, spending thousands of dollars per family on brief vacations to warm destinations. We highlight how to save hundreds on those mid-winter getaways by paying with plastic instead of cash.
    Infographics: Holiday Travel Deals

    Holiday Travel Deals

    By Kelly Teh - Tips
    With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years just around the corner, our infographic illustrates holiday travel deals and tips. Includes 3 travel credit card promotions to help travelers save.
    Infographics: On the Road Again

    Summer Road Trip - 4 Credit Card Tips to Help You Save

    By Meghan Clark - Tips
    Summer road trips are a fun way for family’s to bond and explore the country during their summer break. But the once low-cost vacation can now present a hefty price-tag to a family of four.
    Family Vacation

    Top 5 Ways to Save on Vacation Travel

    By Abigail H - Tips
    In most families these days, money is tight. But even if you don't have a lot of extra to go around, you should still treat your family to a vacation once in a while. Going on vacation can help you throughout the rest of the year by letting you ...

    Priceline Announces the Top 50 Destinations for July 4th

    June 26, 2011 - News
    Late Friday, Priceline released its annual list of the top 50 North American travel destinations for the Fourth of July weekend. The online, discount-travel company said it believes that its list is one of the most accurate predictors of July ...

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Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.