travel partners for chase sapphire

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The Guide to Chase Transfer Partners

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Table of Contents

Which Chase Sapphire transfer partners are the best?

Chase airline transfer partners: the complete list, chase hotel transfer partners: the complete list, chase points calculator, how to earn chase ultimate rewards® points, chase travel cards with transfer partners, how do you transfer chase points, using chase transfer partners: is it worth it.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® are some of the most valuable transferable points available. Called Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, they can be redeemed for travel through Chase's travel portal for 1 cent each on certain cards. However, they can be redeemed at a higher value of 1.25 cents each if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or an even more impressive 1.5 cents each if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® . That type of exchange on its own makes for an excellent way to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points .

However, that's not necessarily the best way to redeem Chase points because three specific Chase cards available in 2024 offer what might be potentially far more value.

The cards at play here are the:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

» Jump to learn more about these card options .

★ LIMITED TIME OFFER

Heads up! For a limited time, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are offering elevated sign-up bonuses that can be worth more than $900 for the Preferred card and more than $1,100 for the Reserve. Learn more and apply here.

With those cards, you have the additional option to send those points to one of Chase's transfer partners , which are generally hotel chains and airlines. And assuming you hold (or someone in your household owns), one of those three Chase cards, you'll very likely unlock even greater value out of your spending rewards when you use one of the Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners. That's because converting Chase points to hotel points or airline frequent flyer miles can often maximize their value.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Before we dig into the best Chase Sapphire transfer partners, here's a complete overview of the estimated value of transferring Chase points to each transfer partner, sorted in alphabetical order:

Using that estimated value stated above, here's the ultimate NerdWallet power ranking of the six best Chase transfer partners (with No. 1 being the best) are:

World of Hyatt.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

JetBlue TrueBlue.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards.

Air Canada Aeroplan.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue.

Best airline partner for Chase points

As far as Chase's airline transfer partners go, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is Chase' best airline transfer partner. Even still, you can easily get more than 1 cent per point in value from Chase points when you transfer points from Chase to fixed-value programs like Southwest Rapid Rewards and JetBlue TrueBlue.

Other airline transfer partners can be hit-and-miss, such as Emirates, which is generally a miss when points are transferred to book Emirates economy class . But, it's usually a massive hit if you can transfer Chase points to be used for booking the incredibly-swanky Emirates business class on points.

Best Chase hotel transfer partner

Meanwhile, World of Hyatt comes out on top as the best Chase hotel partner. And not only is it the best hotel partner, but it's the best travel partner period given that eye-popping value over 2 cents.

NerdWallet's estimated value is exactly that — an estimate. You might find individually great redemptions while using other Chase transfer partners for specific trips.

Of the 14 Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners, 11 are airline mileage programs, which are:

Aer Lingus AerClub

Aer Lingus AerClub became one of the Chase travel partners in 2017. While not officially part of the Oneworld alliance, Aer Lingus partners with several Oneworld airlines — most notably British Airways, Iberia and Qatar .

Air Canada Aeroplan

There are plenty of reasons not to overlook Aeroplan — the newest of the Chase Sapphire airline partners. Air Canada is a Star Alliance member, so you can use Aeroplan points to book award flights on any Star Alliance airline, including United.

Seek out those Aeroplan sweet spots to help boost the value of Aeroplan points to 1.4 cents for award tickets.

» Learn more: A guide to Air Canada’s Aeroplan rewards loyalty program

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue is the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, Kenya Airways and a few smaller airlines. Because many Flying Blue airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance , you can transfer points from Chase to Flying Blue to book award flights on other SkyTeam member airlines, such as Delta Air Lines.

The Flying Blue program offers a monthly Promo Rewards promotion that discounts certain routes by up to 50% — which can make Flying Blue sweet spots even a better deal.

» Learn more: A points collector’s guide to Air France-KLM Flying Blue

British Airways Executive Club

Most travelers might think of flights to London when thinking about British Airways. However, that's not where the value of British Airways Avios lies. In fact, most British Airways Avios sweet spots don't involve flying British Airways.

Instead, use this Chase transfer partner to book inexpensive awards on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and other Oneworld partners — including flying to the Caribbean .

» Learn more: The complete guide to the British Airways Avios program

Emirates Skywards

Dubai-based Emirates Airlines is best known for its glitzy business- and first-class products. And while premium cabins command huge cash prices, paying with miles through the Emirates Skywards loyalty program is possible and considered the best use of miles (as opposed to using miles to book in the Emirates economy class ). A NerdWallet analysis found that you only get about 0.6 cent per mile in value for Emirates economy, but the value of Emirates miles jumps up if you redeem an award in Emirates business class.

Unfortunately, the Emirates Skywards sweet spots are limited — particularly on partner airlines. That said, the Skywards program is one of only a few ways to book Emirates first class with points since the airline restricts award availability through partner airlines.

» Learn more: The guide to Emirates Skywards

Iberia Plus

Just like British Airways, Iberia is a member of the Oneworld alliance and uses the Avios program. And after Iberia's recent overhaul to its award chart , award rates to book American Airlines flights match the British Airways Executive Club’s rates on partner airlines. However, other Iberia sweet spots include some incredible gems. Iberia often offers among the cheapest business class awards to Europe .

» Learn more: What to know about Iberia Airlines Plus loyalty program

JetBlue TrueBlue

JetBlue uses a revenue-based TrueBlue points program in which the required number of points for an award roughly equates to the cash price of the flight. That means you can't get outsized value from redeeming TrueBlue points.

However, just because the program doesn't have an upside doesn't mean JetBlue isn't a good Chase transfer partner. TrueBlue points are worth 1.5 cents per point — making it a valuable currency for economy flights among U.S. airlines.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue rewards program

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines is another Star Alliance Chase travel partner that can provide excellent premium cabin redemptions. Singapore KrisFlyer sweet spots include flights to Europe and Hawaii, and flights within the continental U.S. Luxury travelers also flock to KrisFlyer, as it's typically the only way to book the award-winning Singapore first class product with points.

» Learn more: The guide to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer frequent flyer program

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Like JetBlue, Southwest uses a revenue-based redemption program, where points prices correlate with cash prices. This means you don't have to seek out sweet spots to get good value from your Southwest Rapid Rewards points.

Instead, the value of Southwest Rapid Rewards is a predictable 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for Southwest flights. Steer clear of other Rapid Rewards redemptions for hotels, rental cars or merchandise though, as the redemption value can drop to 0.6 cents per point.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards

United MileagePlus

United joins JetBlue and Southwest as the three U.S.-based Chase Sapphire airline partners. MileagePlus miles are worth around 1.2 cents per mile when redeemed for United economy flights .

In addition to redeeming miles on United, you can redeem United MileagePlus miles for award flights on other Star Alliance partners. Just keep in mind that United can charge more miles for partner awards.

» Learn more: The complete guide to United MileagePlus program

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

London-based Virgin Atlantic is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and it uses a different redemption chart for each partner, meaning the Flying Club sweet spots are just as diverse as its partners.

» Learn more: The guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase has just three hotel loyalty program parters, which are:

IHG One Rewards

The IHG loyalty program is good, but it's generally a weak Chase transfer partner.

NerdWallet values IHG points at 0.8 cent each. But since Chase points transfer to IHG One Rewards at the same 1:1 transfer ratio as all other partners, that makes for a pretty bad transfer that can actually devalue your points. Unless you find a killer IHG redemption, only transfer points from Chase to IHG to top off your account if you're a few points shy of booking a hotel you want with the rest of your IHG points. Otherwise, you’re generally better off booking IHG hotels via Chase's portal.

» Learn more: What you need to know about IHG One Rewards

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the largest hotel loyalty programs around. You can redeem Bonvoy points for free nights and room upgrades at over 7,000 properties across more than 30 brands.

However, bigger isn't always better. When NerdWallet analyzed the value of Marriott Bonvoy points , we found that points were worth around 0.8 cent each. That puts Marriott in the same category as IHG, where points often lose their value when you transfer them from Chase to Marriott Bonvoy.

Considering Chase points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents or 1.5 cents each (depending on which Sapphire card you have), make sure that you're getting at least this much value before transferring Chase points to Marriott Bonvoy — which is unlikely. With that, save Bonvoy transfers only for situations where you find an outstanding hotel deal, or if you need just a few more points to book using your existing Bonvoys.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the Marriott Bonvoy program

World Of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is undoubtedly Chase's most valuable hotel transfer partner — and perhaps its most valuable travel partner overall, too. In NerdWallet's analysis, World of Hyatt points are worth 2.3 cents each when used for award stays.

Hyatt is one of a few hotel loyalty programs that still publishes an award chart . That means predictability in planning how many points an award stay may cost. Award nights start at 3,500 points, meaning you can really stretch out your Chase points at Hyatt hotels.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the World of Hyatt loyalty program

Is it worth transferring Chase points to united?

While you might book hotels and airfares with cash or through Chase’s travel portal , it’s clearly often a better deal to put in the extra effort and transfer your points to one of Chase’s transfer partners — especially those named above. That said, folks seeking to maximize value should always calculate the value of the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points relative to the price to pay for airfare or hotel rooms in cash.

Use NerdWallet’s Chase points calculator below to determine the value of your points, based on both the baseline and NerdWallet estimated values:

With a little bit of research, you can get even more value through other Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners versus redeeming points through the Chase portal.

The most common way to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is through spending on a Chase credit card that participates in Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You might earn points through taking advantage of introductory offers — where you can get a windfall of points upon meeting a certain threshold within a window of time upon card approval — and via ongoing spending.

Just note that not all Chase credit cards earn transferable Ultimate Rewards® points. That said, Chase cards that do earn transferable Ultimate Rewards® points include:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Some of these cards offer bonus points in certain categories, so someone seeking to maximize their points earning might have multiple cards in their wallet to use depending on the transaction. To maximize points, you might use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to pay at restaurants (it earns 3 points per $1 spent on dining), the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to pay at drugstores (it earns 3% back at drugstores) and the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to pay the monthly internet bill (it earns 5% back on internet, cable and phone services, up to a combined $25,000 in annual spending).

Even though the latter two cards don't let you transfer your rewards directly to any of the above airline or hotel partners, you can transfer them to another card that you hold (or that someone in your household holds), as long as that card is one of the cards that allows for transfers to partner airline and hotel brands.

The three Chase travel cards with transfer partners are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

on Chase's website

Annual fee: $95 .

Earning rates:

• 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

• 2 points per $1 on other travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

Bonus offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Annual fee: $550 .

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

Bonus offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Bonus offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Use this guide to learn how to transfer Chase points between two credit cards you own.

Here's how to to transfer Chase points to family member or spouse .

Once you've got all the points you need in one account, you're ready to then send them to the actual airline or hotel loyalty program you want to convert your Chase points into. Learn how to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to travel partners here.

Chase Ultimate Rewards offers a smaller selection of transfer partners compared to some competitors with transferable bank point currencies like American Express, Capital One and Citi. But some say that size matters not (at least in terms of number of transfer partners).

It's more about their value — and some Chase travel partners are particularly valuable. Just look at Hyatt as an example. Using this Chase hotel partner can morph a point that might be worth a measly 1 cent each when exchanged for Chase to something worth more than 2 cents when used for a Hyatt hotel room. That offer becomes even more tantalizing when you consider that NerdWallet ranks World of Hyatt among the most valuable hotel rewards programs out there.

With that, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points rank among the most valuable transferable points available.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1.5%-5% 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.

Up to $300 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!

1x-5x 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

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Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners and How To Use Them [2024]

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Table of Contents

Chase airline transfer partners, chase hotel transfer partners, earning ultimate rewards, how to transfer ultimate rewards, booking travel with the chase travel portal, other ways to use your points, combining ultimate rewards from different accounts, redeeming ultimate rewards, final thoughts.

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Chase Ultimate Rewards points are perhaps the most valuable points out there. Thanks to their flexibility and transfer options, we regularly give Chase Ultimate Rewards one of the best valuations in our monthly valuations . There are plenty of great ways to earn Ultimate Rewards points and even more fun ways to redeem them for award flights and hotel stays.

In this post, we’ll show you all of Chase’s transfer partners, how to transfer Ultimate Rewards to these partners, and much more. After reading our guide, you’ll be ready to book an amazing getaway!

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program currently has 11 airline transfer partners — the latest program, Air Canada Aeroplan, was added in August 2021.

Points transfer to all these airlines at a 1:1 ratio, which is one of the reasons Ultimate Rewards points are so valuable.

Aer Lingus AerClub

Major Hub: Dublin (DUB)

Airline Alliance: None, but has airline partners

Aer Lingus is a part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which also includes British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airlines, so you’ve got some flexibility when it comes to how you redeem your Aer Lingus AerClub Avios . That said, its award chart isn’t quite as valuable as many of the other Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.

However, it does offer a couple of solid sweet spots for those looking to travel to The Emerald Isle. On off-peak dates, you can book a one-way ticket from the U.S. East Coast to Dublin for 13,000 Avios in economy or 50,000 Avios in business class.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Major Hubs: Calgary (YYC), Montréal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR)

Airline Alliance: Star Alliance

Air Canada Aeroplan is easily one of the best Chase transfer partners for premium cabin award tickets thanks to its lucrative partner award chart .

For instance, you could fly one-way in business class to South America or most European destinations for 60,000 points. If you prefer to fly to Asia in business class, that would be 85,000 points so long as the distance covered is less than 11,000 miles.

Further, Aeroplan can be exceptional for award bookings because of its low taxes and fees on many partner tickets, and you can add a stopover on any itinerary for just 5,000 more points.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Major Hubs: Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS)

Airline Alliance: SkyTeam

Another excellent option for economy and business class tickets between the U.S. and Europe is the Flying Blue program . Redemption rates are already quite reasonable, with solid award availability as well. You can often find one-way economy tickets to Europe for as low as 22,500 miles and one-way business class tickets for 56,500 miles.

While those rates are decent on their own, the Flying Blue program offers Promo Rewards each month that can drop the award ticket price for select routes by 25% to 50%, allowing you to get stellar value out of Flying Blue miles.

British Airways Executive Club

Major Hubs: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)

Airline Alliance: Oneworld

British Airways Executive Club gets a lot of flack in the points in miles community due to the large fuel surcharges for both economy and business class tickets between the U.S. and Europe. However, British Airways Avios can be incredibly useful for short-haul tickets that can often be relatively expensive.

For instance, U.S. domestic nonstop flights under 1,150 miles on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines cost just 9,000 Avios in each direction, along with low taxes of just $5.60. This can take you between destinations like New York and Miami, Chicago and Houston, or Seattle and Los Angeles.

Emirates Skywards

Major Hub: Dubai (DXB)

While Emirates Skywards offers some of the most sought-after award redemptions for business and first class on its signature A380, and more recently its game-changer first class on the 777 , the airline has also gone through a recent string of devaluations that have made this award more expensive through higher fuel surcharges .

Fortunately, one great sweet spot remains that allows you to fly Emirates’ fifth freedom routes between the U.S. and Athens or Milan, for 85,000 miles in first class one-way, or an incredible 90,000 miles round-trip in business class, with significantly lower taxes and fees.

Iberia Plus

Major Hub: Madrid (MAD)

Another entry into the Avios family is Iberia Plus . Unsurprisingly, its award program has a decent amount of overlap with the others, but its award pricing between the U.S. and Spain presents an incredibly sweet spot for award travelers.

It’s common to see many U.S. carriers charge 30,000 points to fly between the U.S. and Europe in economy class, but Iberia charges just 34,000 Avios to fly between the U.S. and Madrid in business class on off-peak dates — one of the cheapest ways to get across the pond in business class.

JetBlue TrueBlue

Major Hubs: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS)

JetBlue is a low-cost U.S. carrier that is known for its great inflight product both in economy and its Mint business class seats.

However, since its TrueBlue loyalty program ties award redemptions to the cash cost of the ticket, you’ll usually receive just 1.1 cents per point towards Mint redemptions , and 1.3 to 1.4 cents per point on economy tickets.

This can be a better deal than booking through the Chase Travel portal for Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders with a 1.25 cent per point redemption rate, but a poor choice for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders with a 1.5 cent per point redemption rate. That said, you can often get much more value out of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points using other transfer partners.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Major Hub: Singapore (SIN)

While you might overlook Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer as an option for domestic travel, as a Star Alliance partner it offers great award pricing on domestic United flights, including 17,500 miles for flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, and 27,500 miles for flights between the U.S. and Europe.

Singapore miles are also your only option if you want to book a highly sought-after ticket in Singapore Suites class between the U.S. and Singapore or its fifth freedom route between the U.S. and Frankfurt.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

Major Hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Baltimore (BWI), Chicago (MDW), Dallas (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX)

Airline Alliance: None

Southwest is the world’s largest low-cost carrier with an award program in Rapid Rewards that’s similar to JetBlue in that it operates on fixed value redemptions, allowing you to usually get between 1.3 to 1.4 cents per point on your redemption that is tied to the cash cost of the ticket.

Since you can often get much more value out of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points than this, we generally advise against transferring to Southwest. However, one sweet spot is for those who have the Southwest Companion Pass , as your redemption value doubles on tickets where your companion flies with you for free.

United MileagePlus

Major Hubs: Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Washington DC (IAD)

In addition to being one of the most well-known Chase transfer partners for U.S. flyers, United MileagePlus also benefits from being able to book award travel on fellow Star Alliance airlines with low taxes and fees. In terms of booking tickets on its own metal, now that United has moved to dynamic pricing, getting outsized value using its currency isn’t quite as easy as it once was.

However, it does offer the incredibly valuable United Excursionist Perk , which allows you to tack on a free one-way flight on round-trip bookings for no added miles, so long as the flight is within the same region. For example, you could fly from the U.S. to Istanbul, Istanbul to London, and London back to the U.S., and your Istanbul to London leg (a 4-hour flight covering 1,500 miles) costs no added miles.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Major Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN)

The second largest carrier based out of the U.K., Virgin Atlantic doesn’t participate in an airline alliance but offers several great partnerships that award travelers can take advantage of.

One of which is booking Delta One business class awards between the U.S. and Europe for just 50,000 miles one-way, which is far less than what Delta would charge using its own miles to book these awards. You can also book ANA first class awards between the U.S. and Japan for as low as 55,000 miles one-way.

Ultimate Rewards can also be transferred to 3 hotel rewards programs. Like Chase’s airline partners, all transfers to hotel partners occur at a 1:1 ratio.

IHG One Rewards

Headquarters: Denham, England

Number of Properties: ~6,000

The IHG One Rewards program recently went through a revamp, but as a dynamically-priced program, it seldom makes sense to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

For instance, we value IHG One Rewards points at 0.5 cents per point, so any redemptions above that level are generally considered to be a good value. Given that, it wouldn’t make sense to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are worth a minimum of 1.25 cents per point through the Chase Travel portal, to a program where getting half of that value would be considered a good deal.

Marriott Bonvoy

Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland

Number of Properties: ~8,500

As with IHG, we seldom advise against transferring your hard-earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy where nights at top-tier hotels can cost upwards of 85,000 to 100,000 points per night. Not only is it fairly easy to get more value out of other Chase partners, but you’ll also find that you’d likely be better off booking a Marriott hotel through the Chase Travel portal than transferring to Marriott directly.

World of Hyatt

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

Number of Properties: ~1,200

If you thought Hyatt would be similar to the other 2 hotel programs, think again. The World of Hyatt program is one of the best Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners and a darling in the points of miles community thanks to the value its award chart offers.

While the program recently went through a devaluation with the addition of peak pricing, even the most expensive award nights in the portfolio don’t exceed 45,000 points per night. This means you can book free nights at top-tier Hyatt hotels for roughly half of what programs like Marriott and Hilton often charge for similar hotels.

Hot Tip: Use our transfer partner tool to see how many points you’ll get when you transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to partner airlines and hotels!

With several Chase card options available, there are ample opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points  that can help you book your next trip.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 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 SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• $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 SM  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 SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 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 TM  Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  $0

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• 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.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® , 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, and unlimited 1% 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!
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.

Business owner? See our list of the best Chase business credit cards .

Chase Shopping Portal

You can also shop through the Shop through Chase portal to earn extra Ultimate Rewards points when making purchases online. This is an easy way to boost your earnings on purchases you would make anyway.

Once you have some Ultimate Rewards points and are ready to transfer them to a partner to book your next big vacation, here are the simple steps to make the transfer process easy.

Step 1: After logging into the Ultimate Rewards site , select the appropriate card. If you want to transfer points, you will need to select a premium Ultimate Rewards card with an annual fee — these include the Chase Sapphire Reserve card , Chase Sapphire Preferred card , and the Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card . You can combine Ultimate Rewards points under your chosen card from others that don’t have annual fees.

Step 2:  Select Transfer to Travel Partners under the Earn / Use drop-down menu.

Step 3:  Choose your desired airline and select Transfer Points .

You can also select from Chase’s hotel partners using the same steps.

Step 4:  If you haven’t already added your frequent flyer number or hotel rewards number, you will be prompted to do so.

Step 5:  Once you have linked your airline or hotel account to your Ultimate Rewards account, choose how many points you would like to transfer. Transfers must be done in increments of 1,000.

Step 6: Confirm the number of points you’re transferring and complete to transfer.

Step 7:  Head over to the appropriate airline or hotel program’s website to book your award flight or award stay.

Sometimes, making your flight or hotel booking through the Chase travel portal can make a lot of sense. With the Chase travel portal, the points needed for specific redemption are tied to the cash cost. So, if a flight or hotel stay is relatively inexpensive, to the point where the point cost ends up being less than going through a transfer partner, then the Chase travel portal is a perfect option.

If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, each Ultimate Rewards point is worth 1.5 cents when booking through the portal. If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ink Business Preferred card, each point is worth 1.25 cents when booking with the Chase travel portal.

Similar to the transfer process, you simply select Travel under the Earn / Use Points drop-down menu.

Check out an example of a travel portal booking below:

This round-trip economy class booking with Star Alliance airline United from San Francisco (SFO) to Honolulu (HNL) costs as few as 7,900 Ultimate Rewards points.

Should You Transfer to a Partner or Book Through Chase?

Let’s think about the booking discussed above. If you were to book this same itinerary by transferring the points to Chase partner United Airlines, it would cost 12,500 miles. In this case, booking through the portal would be a much better deal.

Bottom Line: To ensure you get the most out of your points, it’s important to check both the portal and transfer options when searching for flights.

The Chase travel portal allows you to book hotels at the same 1.5 cents per point for cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or 1.25 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ink Business Preferred card.

You can also redeem your points for gift cards to merchants including Airbnb , Lowe’s, Home Depot , and Amazon . Additionally, you can redeem your points for statement credits. Unfortunately, these options are a very poor use of points in terms of value, and we do not recommend them!

Combining Ultimate Rewards from your different Chase accounts is a simple process. In the menu bar, you will see the points you have earned on your selected card. If you hover over the points available, you will see a drop-down menu of your cards and the available points from each.

Select Combine Points to consolidate your points under a single card. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, keep your Ultimate Rewards points there since they’ll be worth a minimum of 1.5 cents each.

Hot Tip: You can also combine points with 1 other household member . This is a great way to pool points with your significant other for a great redemption. 

Using your Ultimate Rewards points for travel is the best way to get the most value out of them. With multiple transfer partners and countless ways to redeem points for travel, it can be overwhelming!

We’ve compiled multiple lists of the best ways to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards for some incredible travel experiences. See below:

• The Best Ways To Use Ultimate Rewards Points
• The Best Ways To Use 10,000 (Or Fewer) Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• The Best Ways To Use 100,000 Ultimate Rewards Points

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program should be a staple in your points-earning strategy. If you are just starting your miles and points journey, we recommend earning Ultimate Rewards initially. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to get started on the right track.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are easy to earn, easy to redeem, and can get you excellent value when you use them properly. Before you know it, you’ll be taking a trip of a lifetime … and then doing it again!

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What airlines can chase ultimate rewards points be used for.

There are multiple airline and hotel partners that you’re able to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to. Refer to our table in this post for the most up-to-date transfer partners!

Can you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to another person?

You can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to another person as long as they are a member of your household.

Can you transfer points between Chase credit cards?

Yes, but only to another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points belonging to you or 1 member of your household.

Can you transfer points from an airline to Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

You cannot transfer miles or points from an airline to Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You also cannot get back any Ultimate Rewards points that you have already transferred to an airline partner — all transfers are final.

Do Ultimate Rewards points expire?

Your Ultimate Rewards points will not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

How much are Ultimate Rewards points worth?

Generally, your Ultimate Rewards points will be worth 1 cent toward cash-back, 1.25 to 1.5 cents through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal (depending on which card you hold), or 2+ cents for redemptions made through transfer partners.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card

60,000 75,000 75,000 not sixty thousand bonus points

  3X on dining

  2X on travel

New cardmember offer

60,000 75,000 75,000 not 60,000 bonus points.

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. * Opens offer details overlay

At a glance

Premium dining & travel rewards.

Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. * Opens offer details overlay Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. * Opens offer details overlay Earn 2x on other travel purchases. * Opens offer details overlay

Interest Rate

--> 21.49 Min. of (8.50+12.99) and 29.99 %– 28.49 Min. of (8.50+19.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

--> $95 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Travel Credit Card Rewards & Benefits

New cardmember offer, earn 75,000 bonus points.

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. * Opens offer details overlay That's over $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel.

This product is available to you if you do not have any Sapphire card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for any Sapphire card in the past 48 months.

Partnership Benefit

$150 in additional partnership benefit value.

Take advantage of over $150 in partner value Opens overlay. with Sapphire Preferred.

Earn Rewards

More ways to earn.

Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 2x on other travel purchases. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, * Opens offer details overlay Walmart and wholesale clubs). * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 3x points on select streaming services. * Opens offer details overlay

Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. * Opens offer details overlay

Ultimate Rewards

Additional value with ultimate rewards.

Get 25% more value when redeemed for travel. For example 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel. * Opens offer details overlay

Plus, ultimate rewards points do not expire as long as the account is open. * Opens offer details overlay

Each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year. That means if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you'll get 2,500 bonus points. * Opens offer details overlay

No Expiration

Chase pay over time.

Eligible cardmembers * Opens offer details overlay can break up card purchases of $100 or more * Opens offer details overlay into fixed monthly payments with Chase Pay Over Time SM . * Opens offer details overlay No interest, just a fixed monthly fee. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Explore Additional Benefits

1:1 point transfer opens drawer that reveals additional content.

Are you a member of a frequent travel program? With Chase Sapphire Preferred ® , you can transfer your points to leading frequent travel programs at 1 to 1 value.

Airline Travel Partners

• Aer Lingus, AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards ®
• Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards ®
• United MileagePlus ®
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel Travel Partners

• IHG ® Rewards Club
• Marriott Bonvoy ®
• World of Hyatt ®

Partner benefits Opens drawer that reveals additional content

Earn more points.

Earn 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025. That's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel. * Opens offer details overlay

Instacart+ Subscription

Skip the trip and have your groceries delivered to your doorstep with 6 months of complimentary Instacart+. * Opens offer details overlay Activate by July 31, 2024. Plus, Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024. * Opens offer details overlay Membership auto-renews.

DashPass Subscription

Get complimentary access to DashPass – a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar – which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 5x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 with a max earn of 25,000 total points now through Mar. 31, 2025. * Opens offer details overlay

Travel & purchase coverage Opens drawer that reveals additional content

You're covered with built-in benefits

Travel confidently

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Baggage Delay Insurance

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Trip Delay Reimbursement

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.) ** Same page link to disclaimer

Shop with confidence

Purchase protection.

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less. ** Same page link to disclaimer

** Same page link to disclaimer reference These benefits are available when you use your card. Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. Most benefits are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies who are solely responsible for the administration and claims. There are specific time limits and documentation requirements. Once your account is opened we will send you a Guide to Benefits, which includes a full explanation of coverages.

No foreign transaction fees † Refer to Pricing and Terms Opens drawer that reveals additional content

You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States. † Opens pricing and terms in new window For example, if you spend $5,000 internationally, you would avoid $150 in foreign transaction fees.

24/7 access Opens drawer that reveals additional content

24/7 access to a customer service specialist, spend instantly opens drawer that reveals additional content, apply for a card, use it the same day.

Receive instant access to your card by adding it to a digital wallet, like Apple Pay ® , Google Pay ™ or Samsung Pay. Find out how at chase.com/digital/spend-instantly Opens in a new window .

Chase Pay Over Time SM Opens drawer that reveals additional content

Chase Pay Over Time * Opens offer details overlay lets eligible Chase customers break up credit card purchases into budget friendly payments. There are two potential ways to pay over time:

After purchase: Pay off an eligible purchase you've already made of $100 or more * Opens offer details overlay in smaller, equal monthly payments. No Interest- just a fixed monthly fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window with plan durations that range from 3-24 months. Start a plan by selecting an eligible purchase with the "Pay Over Time" option next to the transaction amount in your credit card activity.

At checkout: Chase Credit card members may have the option to create a payment plan at checkout on Amazon.com. Orders totaling $50 or more * Opens offer details overlay using your eligible Chase credit card at Amazon.com could be eligible for Chase Pay Over Time. You will be able to view Chase Pay Over Time plan options (including the fixed APR and durations) at checkout.

Keep in mind: Even though you may have an eligible card, access to Chase Pay Over Time is not guaranteed. Your ability to create a Chase Pay Over Time plan is based on a variety of factors, such as your creditworthiness, credit limit and account behavior, and may change from time to time.

For more information on Chase Pay Over Time features, please visit chase.com/chasepayovertime Opens in a new window .

Cardmember Reviews

Just excellent.

This card offers the best of any aspect of life! Travel, Rewards, Cashback! Everything is just so well explained and the customer service is just perfect. Will be your best companion for travel, business, or pretty much anything you do!

Submitted by: Alex

Best travel card ever !

This card should be rated the best card for travelers. Great perks on travel and dining. No international transaction fees. Cash back actually covers the annual fees. Thank you Chase for giving the best and caring for consumers.

Submitted by: Sunshine

Best Credit Card I Have

I recommend this card to all my friends and family. I have two other credit cards, but usually only use my chase card because of all the benefits of using it. Plus, I feel safe using a chase card.

Submitted by: Amanda

Curious about the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card?

Read our customers reviews to learn how to take advantage of our travel credit card today!

See All Reviews . Opens overlay containing additional reviews.

Refer Friends if you already have either Chase Sapphire ® card!

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Offer details, offers may vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in a branch, and can change over time. to take advantage of this particular offer now, apply through the method provided in this advertisement. review offer details before you apply..

75,000 Bonus Points After You Spend $4,000 On Purchases In The First 3 Months From Account Opening: The product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card who received a new cardmember bonus within the last 48 months. If you are an existing Sapphire customer and would like this product, please call the number on the back of your card to see if you are eligible for a product change. You will not receive the new cardmember bonus if you change products. To qualify and receive your bonus, you must make Purchases totaling $4,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) After qualifying, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for bonus points to post to your account. To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment.

Earning Points: Rewards Program Agreement: For more information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred rewards program, view the latest Rewards Program Agreement (PDF) Opens in a new window . We will mail your Rewards Program Agreement once your account is established. If you become a Chase Online customer, your Rewards Program Agreement will also be available after logging in to chase.com/ultimaterewards Opens in a new window . How you can earn points: You'll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card by you or an authorized user of the account. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count and won't earn points: hotel accommodation purchases through Chase Travel that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, balance transfers, cash advances and other cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. 2 points ("2X points") on travel purchases: You'll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases made in the travel category. 5 points ("5X points") on Chase Travel purchases: You'll earn 5 points total for each $1 spent on purchases made using your card through Chase Travel (3 additional points on top of the 2 points earned on each purchase in the travel category). Any hotel accommodation purchases made using your card through Chase Travel that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, won't earn points. "$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit" means the statement credit that is automatically applied to your account annually on hotel accommodation purchases made using your card through Chase Travel, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50. "Annually" means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. 3 points ("3X points"): You'll earn 3 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services; select streaming services; online grocery (excluding Target ® , Walmart ® and wholesale clubs). 1 point ("1X points"): You'll earn 1 point for each $1 spent on all other purchases. 10% anniversary points bonus: Each account anniversary year, you'll earn bonus points that equal 10% of your total spend in points from purchases made with your credit card during the previous account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $1 spent. "Account anniversary year" means the year beginning with your account open date through the anniversary of your account open date, and each 12 months after that. 5 total points ("5X points") on qualifying Lyft rides through 03/2025: You'll earn an additional 3 points for each $1 spent when your card is used for qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile application through 03/31/2025. Qualifying Lyft products and services include rides taken in Classic, Shared, Lux, or XL modes; bike and scooter rides; and subscription and membership products. Purchase of gift cards, car rentals, vehicle service centers, miscellaneous fees and other Lyft products and services are excluded from this promotion. Future Lyft products or services may not be eligible for additional points. You may see "5X" in marketing materials to refer to the 3 points in addition to the 2 points earned on travel purchases (see above). The additional 3 points will appear on your billing statement in a separate line from the 2 points. Lyft is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Chase benefits or services. How you can use your points: You can use your points to redeem for any available reward options, including cash, gift cards, travel, and pay with points for products or services made available through the program or directly from third parties. Redemption values for reward options vary. Points expiration/losing points: Your points don't expire as long as your account remains open, however, you will immediately lose all your points if your account status changes, or your account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement. Rewards Categories: Merchants who accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/Mastercard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won't qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs Opens in a new window .

Third-Party Merchants: The listed merchant(s) are in no way affiliated with Chase, nor are the listed merchant(s) considered sponsors or co-sponsors of this program. All trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).

$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit: A statement credit will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through Chase Travel, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50. Annual means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. Annually, the first $50 in Chase Travel hotel purchases will not earn rewards points. Statement credit(s) will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles after your purchase posts to your account.

Book Through Chase Travel: When you use points to redeem for cash, each point is worth $.01 (one cent), which means that 100 points equals $1 in redemption value. Each point you redeem for travel booked through Chase Travel is worth $.0125 (one and a quarter cents), which means that 100 points equals $1.25 in redemption value, and points are worth 25% more than if redeemed for cash. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 when redeemed for travel purchases, or $750 when redeemed for cash. The cost of travel is based on the rates and fares available through Chase Travel, including the online portal and call center, and may not reflect all rates and fares that are available through other sales channels. If you choose to use points and your Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card to pay for your purchase, each point will be worth $.0125, but your credit card will be charged the full remaining dollar amount.

Cardmembers Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time: Eligible cardmembers are those with access to Chase Pay Over Time who use a participating Chase credit card for eligible purchases. Access to Chase Pay Over Time is not guaranteed, is based on a variety of factors such as creditworthiness, credit limit and account behavior, and may change from time to time. Participating Chase credit cards are consumer credit cards issued by Chase, small business cards are excluded at this time. For Chase Pay Over Time at checkout on Amazon.com, Amazon Visa and Prime Visa cards and Chase Mastercard credit cards are also excluded.

Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time Set Up After Purchase: Purchases of at least $100 are eligible, excluding certain transactions such as (a) cash-like transactions, (b) any fees owed to us, including Annual Membership Fees, and (c) purchases made under a separate promotion or special finance program. Eligible purchases will be identified within your transaction history on chase.com Opens in a new window or the Chase Mobile App.

Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time at Checkout on Amazon.com: Orders totaling at least $50 of eligible items on Amazon.com are eligible. Amazon may designate any item as ineligible, such as Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, Amazon Prime Now, 1-Click Purchases and Subscribe & Save. If your order includes a recurring subscription, then only the first month's subscription fee will be eligible. If available for your account, the option to choose "financing offers available" will appear at checkout.

Complimentary DashPass: You and your authorized user(s) will receive at least 12 months of complimentary DashPass for use on both the DoorDash and Caviar applications during the same membership period based on the first activation date, when the membership is activated with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card by 12/31/2024. Membership period for all users on this Chase Sapphire account will begin and end based on when the first user activates the membership on DoorDash or Caviar. The same login credentials must be used on DoorDash and Caviar in order for the DashPass benefit to be used on both applications. To receive the membership benefits, the primary cardmember and authorized user(s) must first add their Chase Sapphire card as a default payment method on DoorDash or Caviar, and then click the activation button. Once enrolled in DashPass, you must use your Chase Sapphire card for payment at checkout for DashPass-eligible orders to receive DashPass benefits. Benefits of DashPass include no delivery fee on orders above the minimum subtotal (as stated in the DoorDash and Caviar apps and sites) from DashPass eligible merchants (amounts subject to change). However, other fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity on orders may still apply. Current value of the DashPass membership is as of 04/01/2022. DashPass orders are subject to delivery driver and geographic availability. Membership must be activated with a United States address. Payment through third-party payment accounts, or online or mobile digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), or memberships purchased through third parties are excluded from this offer. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by DoorDash or Caviar are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, DoorDash or Caviar benefits and services. If you product change to another Chase credit card eligible for a DashPass membership during the promotional period, your DashPass benefits may change. You may experience a delay in updating your applicable DashPass benefits on DoorDash or Caviar; please note, once you product trade, the benefits from your previous credit card are no longer available for your use. You can only access the benefits available with your current credit card. Your Chase Sapphire account must be open and not in default to maintain membership benefits. See full DoorDash terms and conditions at: https://help.doordash.com/consumers/s/article/offer-terms-conditions?language=en_US .

All deliveries subject to availability. Must have or create a valid DoorDash account. Qualifying orders containing alcohol will be charged a $0.01 Delivery Fee. No cash value. Non-transferable. See full terms and conditions at: help.doordash.com/consumers/s/article/offer-terms-conditions .

Complimentary Instacart+ Membership: You will receive one complimentary Instacart+ membership per eligible card account for 6 months (for Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire cardmembers) when the membership is activated on http://www.instacart.com/chase with an eligible card between 6/15/2022 and 7/31/2024. ("You" and "your" mean you as the primary cardmember or any authorized user, depending on which user activates first). This offer is non-transferrable. Membership must be activated with a United States address. Payment through third-party payment accounts, or online or mobile digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), or memberships purchased through third parties are excluded from this offer. Benefits of Instacart's membership include no delivery fee on orders that total over $35 (amount subject to change – see Instacart.com for current minimum); however, other fees, taxes, and/or tips may apply. Delivery subject to availability. If you do not currently have a paid or trial Instacart+ membership, by activating your Instacart+ membership, you agree to the Instacart+ Terms and you agree that after the complimentary Instacart+ membership period ends, you will be automatically enrolled in an annual Instacart+ membership and billed at $99/year or the then current annual Instacart+ membership rate for each membership activated, unless you have not placed any orders or you cancel during your complimentary Instacart+ membership period. If you currently have a paid or trial Instacart+ membership, you agree that your existing membership will be paused for the duration of this benefit and resume upon expiration. Your existing membership will automatically renew based on the Instacart+ Terms previously agreed upon unless you cancel. Your membership fees will be billed to any active payment method on file until you cancel. You can cancel your Instacart+ membership prior to the end of your complimentary Instacart+ membership period or at any time thereafter by selecting "Cancel Membership" in your Account Settings. Cancellation goes into effect during the next billing cycle. You may cancel within the first 15 calendar days of your paid Instacart+ membership and receive a refund of the Instacart+ membership fee you paid, but only if you have not placed any orders using your Instacart+ membership. If you change to another Chase credit card during the promotional period, your benefits may change. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by Instacart are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Instacart benefits and services. Your complimentary membership benefits may be removed if your eligible credit card account is closed or in default.

Statement Credit on Instacart Purchases: Earn up to $15 per calendar quarter (for Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire cardmembers) in statement credits on qualifying Instacart purchases from 8/1/2022 through 7/31/2024 when you activate a complimentary Chase Instacart+ membership on Instacart.com/chase with your eligible Chase credit card. Calendar quarters are Jan – March, April – June, July – September, October – December, and the partial calendar quarters at the beginning and end of the promotional period. You can check the status of your enrollment in the Chase benefit within the Instacart+ section of the Instacart mobile app. You will continue to receive statement credit benefits regardless of whether you choose to renew your Instacart+ membership at the end of your complimentary period. Qualifying Instacart purchases include only those orders purchased by you, or an authorized user, with a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card through Instacart.com or the Instacart mobile application (gift cards excluded). Statement credit(s) will post to your account within 48 hours of your qualifying Instacart purchase posting to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Statement credits will be issued for the calendar quarter in which the transaction posts to your account. For example, if you pay for an Instacart order, but Instacart does not post the transaction until after the current calendar quarter ends, the cost of the Instacart purchase will be allocated towards the next calendar quarter's maximum, or will not qualify if the promotional period has ended. If you change to another Chase credit card during the promotional period, your benefits may change. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by Instacart are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Instacart benefits and services. Accounts must be open and not in default at the time the statement credit posts to your account.

Earn 10 or 5 total points ("10X or 5X total points") on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases through 03/31/2025: You'll earn a total of 10 (Sapphire Reserve or J.P. Morgan Reserve) or 5 (Sapphire Preferred) points for each $1 spent on up to $5,000 in total purchases when your card is used for Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 through Peloton from 02/01/2023 through 03/31/2025. That's 9 (Sapphire Reserve or J.P. Morgan Reserve) or 4 (Sapphire Preferred) points on top of the 1 point you already earn on these purchases with your card. Only purchases made directly through Peloton – through onepeloton.com , over the phone, or in a Peloton showroom – are eligible. Purchases made outside the U.S. are not eligible. Gift cards, and apparel are not eligible. Points earned on the purchase of Peloton equipment and accessory purchases will be deducted from the cardmember's account if the order is cancelled or returned. Purchases must post to your account by the last day of the promotional period to qualify. Sometimes your card will be charged on a date after you make a purchase, such as the shipping date, and as a result the purchase may not post to your account until after the last day of the promotional period. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks after qualifying purchases post to your account for points to post to your account. To qualify for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. This bonus offer is non-transferable.

Chase Mobile App: Chase Mobile ® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card named "Best All-Purpose Travel Rewards Credit Card" by NerdWallet writers and editors. Source: NerdWallet's "Best-Of Awards 2024," January 2024. NerdWallet is paid a fee for each approved Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card account referred through its site, however NerdWallet editorial team members are solely responsible for creating all product reviews and ratings, and these assessments reflect their opinions alone. Chase does not exercise any editorial control over their credit card awards or reviews, the opinions expressed are their own. ©2017-2024 and TM, NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Chase Sapphire Preferred voted "Best Travel Rewards Credit Card" by readers of The Points Guy. Source: The TPG Awards, November 2023. The Points Guy is paid a fee for each approved Chase Sapphire Preferred account referred through its site. Chase does not exercise any editorial control over TPG credit card reviews.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ranked as "Best Entry-Level Travel Card" by Forbes Advisor. Source: The Forbes Advisor Awards, February 2024. Forbes Advisor is paid a fee for each approved Chase Sapphire Preferred account referred through its site. Chase does not exercise any editorial control over Forbes Advisor credit card reviews.

Amazon, the Amazon.com logo, the smile logo, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com , Inc. or its affiliates.

INSTACART ® , the Instacart Carrot logo, the Instacart Partial Carrot logo, and the Instacart Carrot Top logo are trademarks of Maplebear Inc., d/b/a Instacart. Instacart may not be available in all zip or post codes. See Instacart Terms of Service for more details.

The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC.

Chase Sapphire Preferred credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

$300 Travel Credit

Merchants in this category include airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rentals agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages. Some merchants that provide transportation and travel-related services are not included in this category; for example, real estate agents, educational merchants arranging travel, in-flight goods and services, on-board cruise line goods and services, sightseeing activities, excursions, tourist attractions, RV and boat rentals, merchants within hotels and airports, public campgrounds and merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling. Purchases from gift card merchants or merchants that sell points or miles will not qualify in the travel category. * Opens offer details overlay

Reserve Partner Value Modal

Lyft Pink Membership

Get 2 complimentary years of Lyft Pink All Access when activated by Dec. 31, 2024 —a value of $199 /year. This includes 10% off Lux rides, free Priority Pickup upgrades discounts on bikeshare and more. Membership auto-renews. * Opens offer details overlay You'll also earn 10x total points on Lyft rides through March 2025. * Opens offer details overlay

DoorDash DashPass Subscription

Get a complimentary access to DashPass - a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar —a value of $120 for 12 months - which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of 12 months when you activate by Dec 31, 2024. * Opens offer details overlay

Monthly DoorDash Credit

Get $5 in DoorDash credits each month through Dec 31, 2024, redeemed at checkout. * Opens offer details overlay

Instacart Membership

Skip the trip and have your groceries delivered to your doorstep with 1 year of complimentary Instacart+ —a value of $99 /year. Activate by July 31, 2024. Membership auto-renews. * Opens offer details overlay

Monthly Instacart Credit

Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each month through July 2024. * Opens offer details overlay

Priority Pass Select Membership

Enjoy a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership at 1,300+ VIP airport lounges worldwide —a value of $469 /year. * Opens offer details overlay

The Edit SM

Book through The Edit SM and discover a curated collection of inspired stays with cardmember benefits including daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, room upgrades (upon availability) and more. * Opens offer details overlay

10x on Peloton Purchases

Earn 10x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 through March 31, 2025. * Opens offer details overlay That's $150 when you purchase a Peloton Bike and redeem for cash.

DoorDash Dashpass Subscription

Get complimentary access to DashPass – a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar —a value of $96/year - which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year when you activate by Dec 31, 2024. * Opens offer details overlay

Skip the trip and have your groceries delivered to your doorstep with 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ —a value of $60 value . Activate by July 31, 2024. Membership auto-renews. * Opens offer details overlay

Quarterly Instacart Credit

Sapphire Preferred Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024. * Opens offer details overlay

5x on Peloton Purchases

Earn 5x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 through March 31, 2025. That's $75 when you purchase a Peloton Bike and redeem for cash. * Opens offer details overlay

5x total points on Lyft

Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through  March 31, 2025. That's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel. * Opens offer details overlay

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Chase sapphire preferred ® card airline partners: who they are and how to book with points.

Use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points on popular airlines to save on tickets and upgrades.

This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies .

We recommend the  Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card  as one of the best travel credit cards for transferring points to Airlines' loyalty and frequent flyer programs. Chase has 11 airline transfer partners, including JetBlue, Southwest, United, and more.

These transfers enable you to use your points for airfare, upgrades, and other perks offered by each airline. What’s even better is that your points typically transfer at full value, plus, Chase often runs transfer promotions that give you access to even higher values.

Here is a closer look at which airlines Chase partners with for reward point transfers and how you can take advantage of this perk.

Key Takeaways

Who are the chase sapphire preferred airline transfer partners, the value of booking with chase sapphire preferred airline partners, how to transfer your points to chase sapphire preferred airline partners, how to book through the ultimate rewards portal, alternatives to the chase sapphire preferred.

• Chase Ultimate Rewards FAQ  

Chase Sapphire Preferred airline partners: bottom line

• Chase has partnerships with 11 airlines, including Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates Airlines, and more.
• You can typically transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to partner airlines at a 1:1 ratio. Every now and then, Chase runs transfer promotions for specific airlines that provide even better transfer rations. 
• The Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal simplifies booking travel with most partner airlines.
• Keep in mind that when you redeem your points through the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Chase travel portal, instead of transferring them, they're worth 25% more. 

Chase has partnerships with 11 airlines that enable customers to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to their frequent flyer programs. You can use transferred points to purchase reward flights, upgrades to first class, and other perks.

These transfer options give you a lot of value because your points are moved from Chase to each of these programs on a 1:1 ratio. That means that 1 Chase Ultimate Rewards point = 1 frequent flyer point/mile in redemption value. 

Points have to be transferred in 1,000-point increments. For example, if you had 12,000 Ultimate Rewards points, you could only transfer 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, etc., points to your United MileagePlus account. You wouldn’t be able to transfer 1,500 or 3,200 points.

Generally, your points will transfer instantly to your frequent flyer account, but in some cases, it can take up to seven business days for the transaction to be completed.

Chase recommends making sure that the name on your Ultimate Rewards program account exactly matches the name on your frequent flyer account to ensure faster transfers.

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to transfer their points to one of 11 airline partners to pay for tickets, upgrades, and other perks offered by frequent flyer programs.

The value you get when you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a partner airline varies depending on the redemption option you choose. Most partners offer a value of 1.2 to 1.6 cents per point, but if you use your points to book a premium ticket on an international flight, you may be able to get an even higher value.

Example transfer 

For example, you could transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program. Travelers have reported booking Business Class award flights on Singapore Airlines from the West Coast to Singapore for less than 100,000 KrisFlyer miles.

If you were to book a similar ticket with cash, it would cost you an average of $5,110. In this case, your points would be valued at over 5.1 cents each.

It can take some research to find the sweet spots for a transfer partner's rewards program, but the results can be well worth the time and effort. 

The right travel card for you is the one that matches your interests and spending habits, allowing you to earn valuable rewards and travel the way you like — for less. Learn more about these top cards and choose what's best for you.

Before you transfer points, find the flight you’d like to redeem your points for on the partner airline’s website. Point transfers are one-way. Once you transfer your points from Chase, you can’t move them back. So, it’s important to know how many points you’ll need and how you’ll use them before you start the transfer process.

Once you have this information, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Ultimate Rewards portal . After you log in, open the left-hand menu, and choose the “Transfer to Travel Partners” option.

2. On the next screen, select the airline program for point transfer, review the details, and click “Transfer Points” to proceed.

3. Provide the necessary information on the next screen and follow the instructions to complete the transaction, ensuring you have your frequent flyer program details.

If you prefer the convenience of a one-stop shop, the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal makes it simple to book all kinds of travel using points. It’s a good place to start researching flight times and prices, and it’s easy to pay for your flights in the portal using Ultimate Rewards points, a credit card, or a combination of both.

With certain Chase credit cards , like the Chase Freedom Flex℠, points are only valued at one cent each. However, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you get added value. When you book through the Ultimate Rewards portal using your Sapphire Preferred card, your points will be worth $0.0125 or 1.25 cents each, which can add up to significant savings.

Keep in mind

To book a flight through the Ultimate Rewards portal:

1.  Sign in to the Ultimate Rewards portal with your Chase account, navigate to the “Travel” option in the left-hand menu, and select “Flights” from the sub-menu.

2. Review and sort the flight options in the results based on your preferences such as airline, price, and departure times.

3. Choose your flights, verify the schedule, provide necessary details, and enter your frequent flyer number if available to earn points.

4. When you reach the payment option, you will see how many points you have and how much the cost of the flight is in terms of dollars and points. You can choose to pay with points , a credit card, or both.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, here’s how it stacks up to other popular Chase cards.

Chase Ultimate Rewards FAQ

Is the chase sapphire preferred worth it.

We recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred as one of our favorite credit cards . This card offers various travel benefits and protections, making it a great fit for frequent travelers as well as those who take a couple of trips or more a year.

When you book travel with Chase Ultimate Rewards, you get 25% more value per point with this card. While abroad, you can enjoy paying no foreign transaction fees. With all of these benefits , the $95 annual fee can be justified.

How much are 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points worth?

Each Ultimate Rewards point is worth $0.01. Your 80,000 points are worth $800 if you use them for a statement credit, a cash payout, or to purchase gift cards and merchandise. If you use them to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, each point is worth $0.0125, making your 80,000 points worth $1,000.

What airlines can you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards?

Using Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can book flights on more than 250 domestic and international airlines. Domestic carriers include Delta, American Airlines, United, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue. International carriers include KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair, British Airways, Air Canada, Emirates, Qantas, Korean Air, Virgin, and Cathay Pacific, among others.

What airlines can I transfer Ultimate Rewards to?

Chase Ultimate Rewards has partnerships that allow you to transfer points to frequent flier programs from the following providers: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Air France/KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, and Virgin Atlantic.

Do Chase points expire?

As long as your Chase account is in good standing, your Chase Ultimate Rewards points won’t expire.

Who are Chase's hotel transfer partners?

Chase's hotel transfer partners are:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

Like airline partners, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to these hotel partner loyalty programs.

All-in-all, you have a lot of travel options to choose from when you use Chase Ultimate Rewards with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can use your points either through Chase’s travel portal or transfer those points over to your favorite frequent flyer program to get the benefits only offered by the airline carrier.

Which is the best move? Only you can answer that question. One thing is for sure: check out all of your Chase travel partner options before committing your points to one option or another. 

The right travel card for you is the one that matches your interests and spending habits, allowing you to earn valuable rewards and travel the way you like — for less. Learn more about these top cards and choose the one that's best for you:

• For no annual fee : Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card 
• For flexible points and travel partners : Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card
• For airport lounge access : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• For unlimited 3X points in popular categories :  Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card  
• For business travel : Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase sapphire preferred ® card.

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Current Offer

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Rewards Rate

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

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• Premium travel protection benefits
• Has annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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

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• Not a cardmember? Learn more

Explore all the benefits of Sapphire Reserve

Rewards to inspire your next adventure.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card makes every purchase rewarding. Make your journey memorable with travel perks, private dinners, and VIP access at sought-after events. Explore your complete Guide to Benefits or learn more about your benefits below.

01          Travel

Get closer to your happy place

Earn points as you seek out new destinations. Book a hotel, make the most of airfare, hail rides around town and more.

$300 Travel Credit

Get reimbursed for up to $300 in travel purchases you make with your Sapphire Reserve card 1 each year. Each year, your first $300 in travel purchases will not earn rewards points. 2

Book through The Edit SM

Experience distinct benefits at a curated collection of hotels and resorts when you book through The Edit by Chase Travel SM , an exclusive benefit for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. 7

10x on hotels through Chase Travel

Earn 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 1

5x points on flights through Chase Travel

Earn 5x total points on flights purchased travel through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 1

3x points on travel

Enjoy the trip even more with bonus points on travel purchases like airfare and hotels. 1

Unlimited points

There is no limit to the number of points you can earn. Points don’t expire as long as your account is open. 1

Enjoy more premium travel rewards

When you travel with Sapphire, plan on benefits ranging from generous statement credits to access to luxury properties worldwide.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®  or NEXUS fee credit

Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your Sapphire Reserve card. 5

No blackout dates or restrictions

Book travel through Chase Travel and if a seat’s available, it’s yours.

No foreign transaction fees

Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card outside the United States. 6 For example, if you spend $5,000 internationally, you would avoid $150 in foreign transaction fees.

Elite hotel benefits at Relais & Châteaux

Enjoy great benefits like a VIP welcome and complimentary breakfast daily at select properties with Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious collection of luxury properties in over 60 countries. Call the Visa Infinite Concierge at 1-877-660-0905 for more details and to book your stay. 8

Special car rental privileges

Enroll in leading car rental rewards programs from National Car Rental, Avis and Silvercar. Log in to Chase Travel to access the special car rental privileges section of your travel benefits page to book with your card. Enjoy enhanced benefits, such as upgrades and car rental discounts, savings on luxury and premium rental car rates, plus promotions and other offers. 9

Ennismore hotel benefits

Your card gets you VIP access to benefits at Delano, Hyde, Mondrian, Morgans Originals and SLS hotels and resorts around the world. Cardmembers can stay a little longer with a complimentary 4th night, receive room upgrades and late check outs, along with priority access to cabana reservations, a $30 food and beverage credit and much more. 10

Free Lyft Pink

Get 2 complimentary years of Lyft Pink All Access when activated by Dec 31, 2024—a value of $199/year. 3 This includes member-exclusive pricing, free Priority Pickup upgrades, discounts on bikeshare and more. Membership auto-renews.

Don't forget as a Sapphire Reserve cardmember you'll still earn 10x total points on Lyft rides through March 2025. 4 That’s 7x points in addition to the 3x points you already earn on travel. Activate Lyft Pink All Access

02          Dining

Indulge in worldwide dining experiences

Whether visiting your local bistro or a restaurant on your bucket list, there are always special dining rewards with Sapphire Reserve.

Private dining series

Sit down for a memorable meal at some of the most sought-after restaurants in the country.

3x points on dining

Earn triple the points at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services with your Sapphire Reserve card. 1 From Sunday brunch to a birthday dinner, meals out mean more rewards.

DoorDash & Caviar benefits

Takeout tastes even better with a complimentary DashPass membership on both DoorDash and Caviar. You’ll pay no delivery fee and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year. Activate by Dec. 31, 2024 12 . Plus, as a DashPass member get a $5 monthly DoorDash credit automatically applied at checkout 13 .

03           Ultimate Rewards ®

Get the most from your rewards

Enjoy the flexibility of booking airfare, hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel or transfer points to other travel programs.

More value with travel redemption

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruise lines through Chase Travel—our easy-to-use portal that helps you maximize your travel spending. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. 14

Worldwide travel assistance

Whether you need help booking travel or modifying a reservation count on the full-service support of the Chase Travel team.

1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs

Transfer points to participating frequent travel programs at a full 1:1 value—that means 1,000 points equals 1,000 partner miles/points.

No travel restrictions or blackout dates on airline tickets booked through Chase Travel.

1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

In addition to earning 3 points per dollar on travel and dining at restaurants, you’ll earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on all your other purchases. 1

Flexibility

You can book airfare, hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel using your Sapphire Reserve card, your points or a combination of both—it's up to you.

More ways to get the most from your rewards

Redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards or choose from other flexible ways to make your points work for you.

Shop through Chase ®

Shop online with brands you already love. Earn 1x–15x bonus points at more than 450 popular retailers with Shop through Chase. 14

25% more value with Pay Yourself Back ®

Redeem points for statement credits toward your annual fee and eligible purchases for gas, wholesale clubs, and pet supplies & services by June 31, 2024.

Choose from a selection of over 150 gift cards from some of your favorite retailers and more.

Pay with points

Use your points to pay for all or part of your purchases with popular brands like Apple ® 17 and Amazon.com. 18

04          Lounges

Relax with airport lounge access

With access to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club and Priority Pass lounges, each trip becomes an invitation to indulge before you get there.

Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass TM Select membership

Departing for your destination is more relaxing with access to 1,300+ Priority Pass airport lounges in 600+ cities around the world, plus every Sapphire Lounge by The Club, after a one- time enrollment in Priority Pass Select.

Visit Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Relax and refresh at a Sapphire Lounge and enjoy locally inspired menus, a curated selection of beverages, an atmosphere to remember and more. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, ensure you're enrolled in your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access.

The Reserve Suites by Chase

Reserve cardmembers, treat yourself to The Reserve Suites at Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport in Terminal B. Enjoy caviar service on arrival, specially curated wine lists by Parcelle, exclusive menus by Jeffrey's Grocery, private bathrooms with spa showers and more. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can book a suite for a fee up to 72 hours prior to flight departure. Find details on the Chase Mobile ® app in Benefits & Travel. The Reserve Suites are limited and subject to availability.

05          Protection

Travel with peace of mind 20

When you take to the air or hit the road, we make security a priority. Here are some of the protection services built into your Sapphire Reserve card benefits.

Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance

If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

If you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Travel Accident Insurance

When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $1,000,000.

Baggage Delay Insurance

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.

Roadside Assistance

If you have a roadside emergency, you can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith or gas. You’re covered up to $50 per incident 4 times a year.

Sapphire Reserve Benefits Guide

These are just some of the protection services built into your Sapphire Reserve card benefits. Your Guide to Benefits has more of what you need to know about your travel and purchase protection benefits.

Account security and protection

Your Sapphire Reserve card is equipped with the enhanced account and purchase protection you deserve.

Zero Liability Protection 21

Zero Liability Protection means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. If you see an unauthorized charge, simply call the number on the back of your card.

Fraud protection

We help safeguard your credit card purchases using sophisticated fraud monitoring. We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card.

Fraud alerts

We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card. 22 Please sign in to chase.com and review your personal details to ensure your mailing address, phone and/or email are up to date.

Return Protection

You can be reimbursed for eligible items that the store won’t take back within 90 days of purchase, up to $500 per item, $1,000 per year. 20

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less. 20

Chip-enabled for enhanced security and wider acceptance

A credit card with an embedded chip provides enhanced security and wider acceptance when you make purchases at chip-enabled card readers in the U.S. and abroad.

Purchase Protection

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. 20

06          Events

Exclusive access to events and experiences

Sapphire cardmembers enjoy priority ticketing and the best seats in the house for a wide range of events.

Reserved by Sapphire SM 

Explore one-of-a-kind experiences from private dinners hosted by award-winning chefs to VIP access at the most sought after events. See where your Sapphire Reserve card can take you.

Events and experiences lounges

Enjoy comfortable seating at Chase Sapphire events in prime locations, complimentary food and drinks, plus a range of amenities, such as a dining concierge, charging stations, Wi-Fi and more.

Early-access tickets

Beat the crowds. Get your tickets to concerts and sporting events before they sell out.

Priority seating

Get up close to the court or the stage. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can experience events from the best seats in the house.

07          Wellness

Earn 10x total points on Peloton

Work out your way — from HIIT rides to walks and hikes to strength training, and more: Get 10x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 with a max earn of 50,000 points. Shop Peloton Bikes, Tread, Guide, or Row. Offer ends Mar. 31, 2025. 23

Shop Peloton

08          Services

Personalized assistance for Sapphire cardmembers

Turn to Sapphire for help coordinating travel, restaurant reservations, access to entertainment and more complimentary assistance and referrals.

24/7 access to customer service

Talk to a dedicated specialist whenever you need assistance. Simply call the number on the back of your card.

Visa Infinite Concierge Service 24

Contact Visa Infinite Concierge at 1-877-660-0905 for help with dinner reservations or Broadway, music and sporting event tickets.

Travel and emergency assistance

If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)

Easily get more from your Sapphire experience

From mobile account access to contactless payment, cardmembers can enjoy many safe and convenient features.

Manage your account with ease

Create an account on chase.com and download the Chase Mobile ® app 25 to check account and points balances, pay bills and more.

Tap-to-pay contactless checkout

Simply tap to pay with your contactless Chase Sapphire card. Just look for the Contactless Symbol at checkout, then tap your contactless card on the checkout terminal. It's fast, easy and secure!

Add an authorized user

Maximize your reward earning potential by adding an authorized user to your account. 26

Go paperless

Get your statement online. Safely access up to 6 years of statements online. It's secure, convenient and reduces clutter.

Convenient ways to pay

Load your card into a digital wallet for a quick and secure way to pay with your mobile device and receive all the benefits and rewards of using your Sapphire Reserve card.

Earn points automatically

Grow your points balance by using your card as the primary payment method for:

• Online checkout Add your card to your favorite shopping apps and online merchants to conveniently build up your points balance.
• Monthly bills Use your card to make auto payments for monthly bills (e.g., cell phone and utility bills). 27

Redeem for travel

Use points toward your next getaway—they’re worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel.

Pay Yourself Back ®

Your points have more value when you redeem them for statement credits after making eligible purchases on gas, wholesale clubs, and pet supplies & services by June 31, 2024.

Chase Dining SM

Order takeout at popular eateries around town or make reservations at restaurants, wineries and bars across the country.

There's so much for you

More Sapphire Offers

There’s so much more to make yours—top benefits, offers and experiences for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers.  

Reserved by Sapphire SM

Your Sapphire Reserve card opens new doors to more flavors, sights and sounds. Explore the extraordinary lineup of experiences—including culinary, sports, music and entertainment.  

Refer-A-Friend

Earn up to 75,000 bonus points per year by referring friends to either Chase Sapphire ® card.  

Already a Sapphire cardmember?

Sign in to view your account, access exclusive content and take advantage of your Sapphire benefits.

Not a Sapphire cardmember yet?

We’re glad you’re here. Learn more about getting a Sapphire card.

Es posible que esta comunicación contenga información acerca de usted o su cuenta. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor, llame al número que aparece en el reverso de su tarjeta.

View the details of the Sapphire Reserve benefits offered on this page.

©2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

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Credit cards

Here’s how to avoid my embarrassing rookie Chase Sapphire Preferred travel redemption mistake

Natasha Etzel

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:09 a.m. UTC May 30, 2024

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As a credit card and personal finance writer, I’m a big fan of using rewards credit cards. But my knowledge took time to build, and my understanding has evolved over the years. 

I first started using travel rewards credit cards in 2015, and at that time, I was still learning the ins and outs of credit card reward programs. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes while learning. Let me share one redemption mistake I made so you can avoid my error. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card details

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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

Different redemptions are worth different amounts

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is popular among frequent travelers — and for good reason. It has an affordable $95 annual fee and earns plentiful rewards in bonus categories such as dining and travel, while also rewarding you nicely for other everyday spending. 

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee worth it? Here’s how to make the most out of that $95 price tag

Another big benefit is the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards® . You can redeem them in many ways, including statement credits, travel bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal and transfers to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

The value you get from your rewards varies depending on the redemption method you choose, which is why it’s best to consider how you can maximize your rewards before you redeem them. I didn’t do this many years ago, and it’s not a mistake I’d repeat. 

I missed out on hundreds of dollars worth of value from my rewards

Once I collected a sizable stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points (a little over 85,000), I chose the most straightforward redemption option: a statement credit to my credit card account. I cringe thinking about it now — you’ll soon understand why. 

A statement credit redemption is similar to getting cash back, but the earnings are applied to your credit card statement, reducing the amount you owe on your bill. That wasn’t the best use of my rewards because it didn’t offer maximum value.

When you redeem your points for statement credit to the Sapphire Preferred, each point is worth one cent. When redeeming 85,000 points, I received $850 as a statement credit. At the time, it felt like a win because it helped offset previous travel purchases I had made with my card. 

That’s not a terrible redemption, but it’s not the best — especially with this travel rewards credit card . I could have stretched my points further if I had used them differently. I’ll share two examples with far better value so you can avoid my mistake. 

The card gives a 25% boost when booking through the Chase Travel portal 

A notable benefit of the Sapphire Preferred Card is you can get 25% more value from your points when booking travel through the Chase Travel portal . This means each point is worth 1.25 cents when used this way. It also means my 85,000 points could have been worth $1,062.50 in travel booked through the issuer, an additional $212.50 in value.

You can book hotels, flights, and rental cars through Chase Travel. The site works similarly to other travel booking websites and apps. In addition to being shown the cost in cash, you’ll see how many points each booking would require if you want to pay with rewards.

Travel partner bookings can be worth even more

Chase has multiple airline and hotel transfer loyalty partners, which means Sapphire Preferred Card users can transfer their points to one of Chase’s travel partners to book flights and hotel stays. This can provide outsized value compared to other redemption methods. 

Here’s an example. To fly from Seattle to Singapore using my points to book an award flight I could transfer my points to Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program, KrisFlyer. 

Here is an example of an option I could book this way in December 2024.

When you book award flights, you’re still responsible for paying taxes and fees. This round trip itinerary would cost 84,000 miles (or 84,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards as Chase transfers to airline miles at a 1:1 ratio), plus $71.80 in taxes and fees. 

I looked up flights to determine the cost of this itinerary without miles. I chose the same flights and the cheapest available economy tickets. The cash price for the same trip was $1,795.70.

Considering I’d need to pay $71.80 to cover the taxes and fees for the above award flight ticket, I’d value the award redemption at $1,723.90 at a value of roughly 2 cents per point.

That’s much better than redeeming 85,000 Chase points for an $850 statement credit or even booking travel worth $1,062.50 through Chase Travel. I’d get more than double the value. 

You can see why it pays to carefully review all options before redeeming your rewards. 

Look for ways to maximize your credit card rewards

For some, redeeming rewards earned from their Sapphire Preferred Card for statement credit may be the best option. You should always make a redemption choice that suits your needs and goals. 

But if you’re open to other redemptions, consider how to maximize the value of your rewards. Strategizing can allow you to stretch your points further. You worked hard to earn your Chase points , so taking extra time to determine the best way to redeem your Chase points can add additional value. 

Some of the best travel rewards cards require solid credit. Here’s what you need to know about what credit score is needed for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Natasha has been a freelance writer since 2015. She specializes in credit card and credit card rewards content. When not busy writing, she's either dreaming up her next credit card rewards redemption or traveling the globe. Natasha hopes to encourage more people to experience the world around them while making smart financial choices.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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• Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards For International Travel

Best credit cards for international travel of may 2024.

Fact Checked

Updated: May 28, 2024, 2:45pm

Regardless of your personal or financial situation, if your end goal is to travel internationally and maximize your rewards earning potential, there is a credit card out there that can help you unlock more possibilities. Sometimes, going for a combination of credit cards can take your travel even further.

Below are the best credit cards in the market geared for international travel. We’ve grouped them in a few categories to look into what options work best for each circumstance.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

• 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
• 29 loyalty programs covered
• 113 countries visited
• 53 years of industry experience
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel Benefits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel With the Most Transfer Partners
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best Credit Card for International Travel With Lounge Access
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® : Best Credit Card for International Travel With No Annual Fee
• Aeroplan® Credit Card : Best Credit Card for Air Canada Frequent Flyers
• United Quest℠ Card : Best Card for United Frequent Flyers
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card : Best Card for Earning Avios
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best Card for IHG Frequenters
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express * : Best Hilton Card With a Free Night Award
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * : Best Mid-Tier Hotel Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Earning Flat-Rate Cash Back
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Dining Rewards
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best Card With Simple Reward Redemptions
• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® * : Best 2% Cash-Back Card for International Travel
• Credit One Bank Wander® Card : Best Travel Card for Fair Credit
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Simple Cash-Back
• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel for Students
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students : Best Card for Students With Elevated Earning on All Purchases
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Students for Dining and Entertainment
• Best Credit Cards Of 2024
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best First Credit Cards To Build Credit
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Business Credit Cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 10 miles per dollar Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Capital One’s most premium travel card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards, but at an annual fee that leaves the others far behind.

• Annual fee lower than others in its category
• Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
• Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
• Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
• Capital One lounge network in its infancy
• Lack of hotel status benefits
• 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
• 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
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Best Credit Cards With Flexible Currency Points for International Travel

Best credit card for international travel benefits, chase sapphire preferred® card.

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all Read More

75,000 bonus points

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining – while charging a modest annual fee.

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

• Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
• Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
• Many travel and shopping protections
• No intro APR offer
• Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through Chase
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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 Credit Card for International Travel With the Most Transfer Partners

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee, the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits can run close to $700 a year, the Venture X is nearly half that. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your eligible guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

Best Credit Card for International Travel With Lounge Access

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Read More

22.49%-29.49% Variable

This card offers superior points earning rates if you spend frequently on travel and dining out. The $300 travel credit justifies much of the annual fee, and redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠ nets you a 50% bonus.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel.

• $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
• Generous welcome bonus
• Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase
• Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
• High annual fee
• High variable APR on purchases
• Excellent credit recommended
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 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, 75,000 points are worth $1125 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 Credit Card for International Travel With No Annual Fee

Bilt world elite mastercard®.

Up to 3x Reward Rate

1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel Read More

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pay rent, earn rewards and use your earnings for travel. Sounds like a great way to maximize your rent money to us.

It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent, you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. ( Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).

• Earn rewards on rent
• Primary car rental and cell phone insurance
• Points can be transferred to partners
• Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
• No welcome bonus
• High regular APR range
• Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
• $0 annual fee
• 1x points on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
• 3x points on dining
• Plus 1x points on other purchases
• Cell Phone Insurance
• Purchase security (theft and damage protection)
• Mastercard® World Elite Concierge
• Lyft Credits
• No foreign currency conversion fee
• Rewards & benefits terms

Best Airline Credit Cards for International Travel

Best credit card for air canada frequent flyers, aeroplan® credit card.

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Read More

Earn 70,000 points

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

The solid reward-earning potential of the Aeroplan® Credit Card makes the card an excellent option for those loyal Air Canada passengers who also regularly spend on food and travel.

Chase and Air Canada’s co-branded Aeroplan Credit Card will serve as an excellent companion for frequent flyers of Star Alliance and its carriers from United to Lufthansa as you earn valuable Aeroplan points. Maximize your Aeroplan points and redeem for flights and hotels through an extensive partner network. Enjoy additional points-earning opportunities in key everyday categories.

• Excellent rewards earning
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
• $95 annual fee
• Lacks non-travel-related benefits
• Earn 70,000 bonus points
• Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $95 Annual Fee
• Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
• Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
• Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.

Best Card for United Frequent Flyers

United quest℠ card.

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all Read More

Earn 60,000 bonus miles

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Frequent United customers will appreciate that the United Quest Card comes with an annual $125 United credit, rewards on travel and dining and travel protections such as primary car rental coverage and trip cancellation insurance.

Don’t let the card’s annual fee scare you off. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, the perks can make this card worth your while, and the rewards rates are better compared to most airline cards.

• $125 annual United purchase credit
• Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
• Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points annually
• Primary auto collision damage waiver for eligible rentals
• Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
• Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar
• Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
• Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

Best Card for Earning Avios

British airways visa signature® card.

Earn 85,000 Avios.

Those who frequently travel British Airways will appreciate this card’s robust welcome bonus and the chance to earn a companion ticket. There is a modest annual fee.

Those who spend enough to earn the Travel Together Ticket can get 50% off the price of their award ticket when traveling solo or get a second seat on the same flight and cabin for a companion at no additional cost beyond taxes and fees. Travel Together Tickets are now valid on British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus flights and any of their subsidiaries on itineraries from anywhere in the world for both one-way or round-trip flights.

• Generous rewards on eligible flights
• Potential to earn a companion ticket
• Lucrative welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fee
• Rewards rate poor outside of Avios-earning airlines
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule
• No checked baggage or lounge perks
• Limited time offer! Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
• Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
• 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
• Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
• Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!

Best Hotel Credit Cards for International Travel

Best card for ihg frequenters, ihg one rewards premier credit card.

Up to 26X Reward Rate

Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts; 5 points per Read More

Earn 140,000 bonus points

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is a must-have for road warriors shelling out big bucks on IHG properties. The complimentary Platinum status boosts the rewards on IHG purchases to stratospheric heights, and the free night and other perks easily justify the annual fee. For those who aren’t IHG fans, we suggest looking elsewhere.

The IHG One Rewards Premier blows all other mid-tier hotel credit cards out of the water with perks alone. You don’t even have to use the card regularly to offset its annual fee every year.

• Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent on IHG hotels worldwide
• Free night award every account anniversary
• Fourth night free on point redemption stays
• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• Poor earnings for everyday and non-category hotel purchases
• Low overall point value
• No worthwhile redemption options outside of IHG properties
• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®

Best Hilton Card With a Free Night Award

Hilton honors aspire card from american express *.

Up to 14X Reward Rate

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X Read More

Earn 175,000 points

20.99% - 29.99% variable

The flagship card from Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a price tag to match its top-tier status and perks. It’s a perfect fit for big spenders who haunt Hilton properties enough to leverage the rich suite of benefits that come with the complimentary Diamond status.

Top-tier elite status from simply holding this credit card is its most endearing quality. Hilton Diamond status–granted every year you hold the card–gets you room upgrades, food and beverage credits, executive lounge access and more. Since there’s no spend requirement for the Diamond status, this benefit even on its own can make the card worth keeping long term.

• CLEAR® Plus membership credit with enrollment
• Over $750 in value annually
• Instant Hilton Diamond elite status with rich set of benefits
• Free standard night award with no category limits at participating properties
• High annual fee with no first-year waiver
• High regular APR and penalty APR
• Credits are doled out in increments, making them harder to spend
• Points have a lower value than most rewards programs
• Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 7/31/2024
• Earn 14 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio
• Earn 7 points for every dollar spent on dining and eligible travel purchases including: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
• Up to $400 in statement credits each year of card membership ($200 semi-annually) for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts
• Complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status
• Annual free night reward, terms apply
• Up to $200 flight credit ($50 in statement credits each quarter)

Best Mid-Tier Hotel Card

Marriott bonvoy boundless® credit card *.

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (up Read More

Earn 3 Free Night Awards

For those who prefer staying at Marriott’s 7,000+ properties, this card offers a robust set of perks and rewards potential. The annual free night alone (valued at 35,000 points) can justify the annual fee, and Silver Elite status is just icing on the cake. Thinking about carrying a balance? The high APR could easily eclipse the value of your hard-earned rewards.

The card’s free award night perk alone makes the card worth a spot in any traveler’s wallet. The option to combine the certificate with up to 15,000 points to get more flexibility for your annual stay is a nice touch.

• Free night certificate every year (valued at 35,000 points)
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• Automatic Silver Elite status
• Stingy earnings structure
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
• Earn 6 points per dollar on qualifying Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on groceries, gas stations, and dining
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your credit card every 24 months

Best Cash-Back Credit Cards for International Travel

Best for earning flat-rate cash back, capital one quicksilver cash rewards credit card.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked Read More

This card is a good value all-rounder, offering an intro APR period, no annual fee and a simple 1.5% unlimited cashback rate on all purchases.

• No spending category enrollment
• No cash-back rewards limits
• Low spending requirement to earn welcome bonus
• High regular APR
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
• 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 Dining Rewards

Capital one savorone cash rewards credit card.

Up to 8% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Read More

Earn $200 Cash Bonus

The Capital One SavorOne card is a perfect cash back credit card for those who spend a lot at restaurants, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and on entertainment. With its 3% cash back rate in those categories, it’s a win for socialites that don’t want to pay for an annual fee.

• No annual fee
• Increased cash back on dining and entertainment
• Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards
• Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
• High standard rate APR
• Limited cash-back reward categories
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn

Best Card With Simple Reward Redemptions

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

1.5x Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and Read More

25,000 points

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

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent fit for those who value simplicity over complicated bonus rewards programs. And since it has no foreign transaction fees, it’s also a great card to use when traveling.

• Earn unlimited rewards
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
• No bonus categories to boost reward earnings
• APR can be high, depending on creditworthiness
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Credit Cards for International Travel for People With Fair Credit

Best 2% cash-back card for international travel, capital one walmart rewards® mastercard® *.

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery; 2% cash Read More

5% cash back for the first 12 months

19.48% or 29.99% variable

The card offers excellent rewards for those who frequently shop at Walmart, particularly online. With no annual fee, it’s a sweet deal to earn up to 5% cash back.

• Up to 5% cash back at Walmart.com
• 2% cash back at restaurants and travel
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Rewards for in-store Walmart purchases are low
• High APR, depending on creditworthiness
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when you use your Capital One Walmart Rewards Card with Walmart Pay
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery
• Earn 2% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, and at Walmart stores
• Earn 1% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges

Best Travel Card for Fair Credit

Credit one bank wander® card.

Earn 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site; earn 5X points Read More

29.74% Variable

Fair/Good (650 - 699)

The Wander is the rare card that combines high-value travel and gas earnings and only average credit needed to apply.

The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers lucrative points-earning opportunities within key travel categories, however, its extra perks and benefits fall short when compared to other premium credit cards.

• High reward potential
• Issuer advertises requiring an average minimum credit rating
• No low introductory APR period
• High 29.74% Variable APR
• 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

Best for Simple Cash-Back

Capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card.

29.99% (Variable)

Limited, Bad

For those who don’t mind paying a security deposit to unlock access to rewards earning, this card may be worth considering.

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
• No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
• Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
• Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone

Best Credit Cards for International Travel for Students

Best credit card for international travel for students, capital one quicksilver student cash rewards credit card.

Average, Fair, Limited

Build credit and earn flat-rate cash back at the same time, for no annual fee.

• Excellent extra benefits
• Solid cash-back rewards for a student credit card
• Other student cards may offer better earning potential
• Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
• Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
• Build your credit with responsible card use
• Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

Best Card for Students With Elevated Earning on All Purchases

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card for students.

1.5X Reward Rate

Students studying abroad will pay no foreign transaction fees (and no annual fee) while earning flat-rate rewards points with flexible travel redemption options. Plus, the intro APR offer makes this a good card for any students who need to make a big purchase or move debt over from another card.

• Flexible rewards redemption options
• Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all spending
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• No bonus categories to boost rewards
• High penalty APR and late fee
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

Best for Students for Dining and Entertainment

Capital one savorone student cash rewards credit card.

Up to 10% Reward Rate

Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 3% cash back on dining, Read More

Earn $50 bonus

Earn elevated cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment and select streaming at the same time you’re building credit history.

• Excellent cash back rewards
• No low introductory APR
• Limited bonus cash back reward categories
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal

Here's a summary of Best Credit Cards For International Travel

Arguably one of the most valuable travel credit cards thanks to a combination of ancillary benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card includes exceptional transfer partners, travel protections and no foreign transactions fees—all for a very reasonable annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Foreign transaction fees: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel programs , where you can get outsized value in redemptions. A $50 credit to use against a hotel booking made through Chase Travel℠  is also offered.

The card comes with built-in travel related protection, such as auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation or interruption insurance and emergency assistance services, as well as extended warranty and purchase protection for items bought with this card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a premium travel credit card that’s packed with benefits like travel protections and points that can be transferred to multiple travel partners that can make travel a breeze and help to offset the steep annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Foreign transaction fees: None

Other benefits and drawbacks: Capital One miles can be transferred to more than 15 partners at a very competitive rate, and even used to offset hotel stays, airline ticket and car rental purchases. There is a $300 annual travel credit that is automatically applied against any purchase booked through Capital One Travel, as well as a $100 towards your TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership .

Members are extended access to Priority Pass lounges as well as Capital One’s own network of lounges.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase’s premium travel credit card, offers enough benefits to make up for a very high annual fee. But avid travelers can get even more if they are frequently traveling internationally.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $550

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be worth 50% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase compared to 25% with the Sapphire Preferred and can be transferred to just as many travel partners. There is a $300 travel credit towards your travel purchases, as well as a $100 credit every four years to offset your TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership.

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® packs a punch with its benefits and points-earning scheme, being the first credit card geared toward earning points by paying rent. It’s also the rare personal card with no annual fee that has transfer partners.

Rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be redeemed to cover costs of air travel, hotel reservations and car rentals (partially or in full) as well as transferred into travel partners in order to redeem for travel at a much more favorable rate. The card also includes trip cancellation and interruption protection , trip delay reimbursement and auto rental collision damage waiver.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card  might not be the first card that comes to mind for your international travels, but Aeroplan points are incredibly powerful when you want to redeem for flights all over the world. Add in travel insurance and protections and a slew of other benefits that come with your card and you’ve got a strong contender for a slot in your wallet.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and each dollar spent directly with Air Canada including vacations and cruises and 1 point per dollar for all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Trip cancellation or interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside assistance all come standard with the Aeroplan card. New cardmembers get automatic 25K status with Aeroplan and it’s easy to either keep or increase your status through credit card spend. Points can be redeemed as statement credits when using Pay Yourself Back or traveling on travel partners, although you’ll likely see the best return when using your points for the latter.

This card offers to offset $100 from your Global Entry and TSA Precheck membership every four years. Cardmembers and up to eight travel companions can have their checked bag fee waived.

If you fly on United Airlines or any of its Star Alliance partners, then the United Quest℠ Card is for you. Not only can you use your card wherever you travel overseas to earn bonus miles on dining and all things travel, but you’ll get bonus miles on United purchases and statement credits for United flights.

Rewards: Earn 3 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services and all other travel and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual fee: $250

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardmembers receive up to $125 in statement credits for United purchases and free first and second checked bags for yourself and a companion. The card also extends a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership. It comes with auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation or interruption insurance to keep you worry free during your travels.

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card gives fans of the British flagship carrier a chance to not only earn Avios on all their day-to-day purchases but offers strong credits and rebates to offset flight costs.

Rewards: Earn 3 Avios per dollar on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL, 2 Avios per dollar on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel and 1 Avios per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardmembers receive 10% off British Airways flights when booked through its dedicated website. When cardmembers spend $30,000 each year on the card they will receive a two-for-one Travel Together Ticket, or get a 50% discount on the Avios price paid when booking a solo award flight. Lastly, cardholders can get up to $600 back in statement credits on reward flight bookings.

With a massive worldwide footprint there’s a good chance that you’ll find an IHG hotel near your travel destination. The parent company of such hotels as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental and Kimpton hotels brings a large welcome offer through the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card as well as plenty of bonus points earning potential for your hotel stays.

Rewards: Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants and 3 points on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $99

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders receive automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and an annual free night award, good for a night capped at 40,000 points . Combine that with IHG’s fourth night free perk to really maximize your rewards.

The card comes with built-in trip cancellation or interruption insurance. There is a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as well as up to a $50 United TravelBank Cash credit each calendar year when you link to your MileagePlus account.

American Express offers a few different Hilton Honors cards, but the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express * is the cream of the crop. Just by holding the card and paying the annual fee you’ll earn top-tier Diamond status with Hilton Hotels. Combine that with various statement credits, lounge access and foreign fee waivers and you’ve got a card that will help you rack up Hilton Honors points during your travels.

Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors bonus points at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per dollar on eligible purchases for flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 7/31/2024.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Receive a free night reward, and up to $200 airline fee statement credit for incidental charges like baggage fees or in-flight purchases, an up to $400 Hilton resort statement credit and an up to $100 on-property credit for stays of at least 2 days when booked through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels. You will be granted Hilton Honors Diamond status. This card also comes with a Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access.

Marriott also offers a wide array of credit cards in which to earn points, but its intro card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * gives you bonuses on certain categories with no foreign transaction fees and a large welcome offer. Silver Elite status is a nice addition to holding this card as it gives you the option for priority late checkout and elevated points-earning on each dollar spent at a Marriott property.

Rewards: Earn 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar spent each year (up to $6,000) on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * , you will receive 15 Elite Night Credits and automatic Silver Elite status each account anniversary year as a cardmember. You can earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite status for every $5,000 you spend on the card. An option to earn Gold Elite status is available for high spenders who can eke out $35,000 in purchases each year. And finally, like any worthy travel card, this one also comes with baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement protections.

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated cash-back card that won’t rack up fees when you travel overseas then the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a worthy option for you. The card comes with some compelling features like a flat cash-back earn rate, a lucrative welcome bonus offer, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card gets you access to the Capital One Travel portal where you can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the portal. You can use those points to offset any purchases as a statement credit or check. Travel accident insurance is included with your card so you’ll be covered for a loss at no extra charge, just as long as the fare was purchased with this card.

It’s an inevitable fact that you’re going to be dining out when you travel overseas, so earning a large amount of cash back in that category is an added bonus. That’s exactly what you’ll get thanks to the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ).

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Just like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you use your points to offset any purchase as a statement credit otherwise you can choose to receive a check. You get access to Capital One Travel, where you can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars that you booked through the travel portal. This card comes with travel accident insurance, which covers loss at no extra charge if the fare was purchased with this card.

If you’re a Bank of America customer, signing up for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a flat-rate points earning structure that you can manage all in one place from the Bank of America website. You’ll pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees when you use this card either.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: As long as you keep this card in good standing, your points will not expire and since you can use your points to offset purchases on your statement, there are no blackout dates on any of your redemptions. Earn 25% to 75% more points when you enroll in Bank of America Preferred Rewards .

Not only can you earn points on your Walmart purchases at home when using the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® * , but you’ll earn a flat 2% cash back on dining and travel abroad as well. Don’t worry about paying anything extra while you are on your international trip as there are no foreign fees for this card.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery, 2% cash back on restaurants and travel, and at Walmart Stores, Walmart & Murphy USA fuel stations and 1% back everywhere else.

Welcome offer: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when using the Capital One Walmart Rewards card with Walmart Pay.

Other benefits and drawbacks: For a no-annual-fee card, this option provides a solid cash-back earning potential for travelers—beware of the high APR if you’re not confident you won’t need to carry balances.

Hotels and rental cars can be a big expense when traveling. Using the Credit One Bank Wander® Card will allow you to earn bonus points for flights, hotels and rental cars. This is a strong option for those with average credit who are just building up or repairing their credit profile.

Rewards: Earn 10 points per dollar on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5 points per dollar on eligible travel, dining and gas and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer:  This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Foreign transaction fees: N/A

Other benefits and drawbacks: The interest rate on this card may make it prohibitive for anyone who needs to carry balances month over month. Remember that any interest you pay will rapidly negate any rewards you earn.

If you’re building your credit or looking for an option that gives you rewards while establishing new credit, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) should be on your radar. A flat cash-back rate and no foreign transaction fees paired with the ease of use of the Capital One app allows you to get your credit journey started off right.

Other benefits and drawbacks : While many secured cards don’t offer any rewards, this option will net you 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases. As with most credit cards targeting customers with fair credit, the APR tends to be high and therefore it isn’t a great idea to carry balances.

Although this is a similar card to some of the other Capital One credit cards offered, the approval threshold is generally easier to overcome since the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a student credit card.

Rewards: Earn 10% cash back on purchases made with Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn $50 after spending $100 in the first three months.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Starting to build your credit history early on as a student can pay off later on in life. And, what better way than doing it with a card that allows you to earn 1.5% cash back and with no annual fee.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers a similar earning structure to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, but with a focus towards students. Expect your approval chances for this card to be improved.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases everywhere, every time with no expiration on points as long as your account remains open.

Other benefits and drawbacks: What’s better than a $0 annual fee card that doesn’t just help you start building your credit history, but also lets you earn rewards on every purchase? If we’re honest, probably a few things, but the BofA Travel Rewards Student card is nothing to shake a stick at. Even better—you can use your rewards to offset your international travel expenses.

While the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) comes with a smaller cash bonus than its big brother, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, the earning potential leaves the competition in the dust. And, it comes with no annual fee as well.

Rewards: Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (which excludes superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: While not specifically a travel related card, the cash back earned with can help you offset the cost of your international travel. It also offers travel accident insurance at no cost when your travel fare is charged to your card. You can redeem your rewards at online stores, PayPal and even apply them toward your statements to offset charges.

Methodology

Forbes compared dozens of options to find and rank the best cards for international travel. Factors considered include:

• Foreign transaction fees
• Annual fees
• Reward earning rates and redemption values
• Introductory APR offers on purchases and/or balance transfers
• Welcome bonuses
• Elite status benefits
• Other travel related benefits
• Travel protections like lost luggage or trip interruption
• Additional insurance or protection for rental cars

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on  How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards .

Is a Debit Card or Credit Card Better for International Travel?

A credit card is considered the safer option, particularly when traveling abroad. Here’s why.

Your credit card offers protections not normally available with debit cards. Protections like travel cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, auto collision damage waiver and others are a fantastic set of ancillary benefits for you to take advantage of.

Additionally, generally come with zero liability and purchase protections that are directly designed to protect you against fraud. Should you have any issue with your credit card, the issuer will fight to recover its money back once you report any fraudulent activity. With a debit card, the onus is often on you to fight for your money once it’s gone from your account.

If you find yourself needing cash from an ATM, however, using a debit card will be the better option. Using a credit card at an ATM will result in a cash advance fee which can tack on up to an additional 5%. With a debit card, you’ll only be responsible for the fees your bank charges for using an ATM.

Pros and Cons of International Travel Credit Cards

• Foreign transaction fee waivers often come included
• Travel insurances such as baggage delay and trip interruption coverage
• Points or cash back earning worldwide
• Many offer international airport lounge access
• Many premium travel cards come with higher annual fees
• Some earning categories are U.S. specific
• Many require good credit to qualify

Things To Keep in Mind When Using a Credit Card Overseas

If there is one crucial thing you need to know when traveling internationally and using your credit card, it is that while your credit card may not charge you a foreign transaction fee, you may still incur other fees when running charges on your credit card while abroad.

Banks charge what is known as a dynamic currency conversion fee , but there is one very easy way to avoid paying it. When using your credit card to pay for purchases abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency.

Another important piece of information: As a best practice, first check with your bank and confirm whether it requires you to set up a travel notification. Not every bank does, but for those that do, you will want to proactively notify the institution of your travel plans to avoid having your credit card blocked while out of the country.

While using your credit card to maximize the amount of points you earn is an excellent plan, keep in mind that not every place outside of the U.S. accepts all credit cards. Bring some backup credit cards along, if possible, as well as a little foreign cash.

How To Choose a Travel Credit Card for International Travel

The key to choosing a travel credit card for your international travels is to figure out which one will get you the best value. If you have the chance to run most of your travel through one airline or hotel chain, getting a co-branded credit card may be the perfect choice for you. However, if your travel patterns require a bit more flexibility and you are happy to leverage transfer partners, then a flexible rewards credit card is the way to go. If you’re just starting to build your credit or are in school, there are a few options that are still rewarding.

Here are a factors to consider when selecting the best international travel credit card for you:

Think about whether the card earns any kind of rewards and whether there are any bonus categories. If you normally do not spend money on those categories, then perhaps that is not the right card for you.

Foreign Transaction Fee

Even if a rewards credit card offers fantastic earnings potential, it likely won’t make sense to use it for making purchases abroad if it carries a foreign transaction fee. For this reason, you’ll want to look for cards that offer the best combination of no foreign fees and strong earnings rates.

Annual fees for premium travel cards can be steep, but these credit cards also tend to come loaded with benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits and fee credits for trusted traveler programs. If you don’t think these types of benefits would be of value to you, though, opt for travel credit cards that charge lower annual fees or none at all.

A generous welcome bonus can help you choose one card over another one when they offer similar benefits. But make sure to go after the higher bonuses only if you can meet the minimum spending requirement without overextending your budget.

You’ll also want to have a use for those points in mind. Otherwise, you may end up choosing the wrong card and be stuck with points you have no use for.

How to Maximize Card Benefits for International Travel

No travel credit card is likely to pack absolutely every benefit you would like. Having more than one card opens the door to collecting more of those benefits and squeezing the most value out of your credit cards.

Some cards get you access to lounges, others offer some travel credits when using their booking portal and others allow you to earn high earnings rates on everyday purchases. It’s unlikely that one card will offer all of these features, but using two or more cards in tandem may allow you to hit everything you want.

Having said that, keep in mind that having multiple credit cards potentially means paying multiple hefty annual fees as well. Before you apply for another credit card, make sure that you can make its additional benefits work for you often enough to outweigh any extra cost.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

Bottom Line

The optimal credit card for international travel should at the very least incur no foreign transaction fees, but ideally it will come with the ability to earn rewards along with travel protections. Fortunately, there’s an entire market geared for travelers of all levels. And, we’ve compiled them and simplified a list just for you.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best credit cards for international travel.

There is no such thing as “the” best credit card for international travel. But you can shop around for the best credit card for international travel for you, based on your travel patterns, spending habits and your specific wants and needs. At a minimum, you would want your credit card not to incur any foreign transaction fee when used abroad which could save you money on every transaction.

How to alert credit cards about international travel?

Each bank has different ways of setting up a travel notification to prevent your card from being blocked when used abroad. For many banks, all you have to do is call the number on the back of your credit card and talk to a representative to let them know what countries you will be visiting and the dates you will be abroad. Other banks allow you to set these travel notifications on their online banking, and there are some banks that don’t even require you to let them know.

Which international travel credit cards have sign up bonuses?

Many credit cards for international travel come with welcome bonuses and several of them are significantly large. However, don’t allow yourself to be enticed by the largest bonuses without first considering whether you will be able to take advantage of those points for your future travels.

Which transfer partners are best for credit cards with international travel?

The best transfer partners on your international travel credit card will be those you can take advantage of on your future travels abroad. Examples of major airlines that fly to many international destinations include American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines while domestic carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways offer few international routes.

Next Up In Travel

• Best No Annual Fee Cards For Travel
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Review
• Capital One Venture X Card Review
• When Should You Apply For A Travel Rewards Credit Card?
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Review

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.

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How chase sapphire reserve's travel insurance made a family crisis a little easier, i hadn't thought about the policy that came with my card. now it's one of my favorite features..

In September 2023, my fiance and I were about to leave on a road trip to New Orleans for my birthday. We had been dreaming of this vacation for more than two years.

Then I got a text from my dad: My grandmother had fallen and broken her hip. She wasn't going to make it and was in hospice.

We unpacked the car and I canceled the vacation rental I had booked. The next few days were spent going back and forth to my grandmother's facility. One night shortly before she died, I was stewing over the whole situation: I was losing someone important and had to cancel my dream vacation . On top of that, I was out nearly $500. Because I canceled the rental after the deadline for a full refund, I was only eligible to get back $243 back of the $717 I paid for the house.

I write about insurance almost every day. But when planning my own trips, like most people, I never imagine anything will go wrong. I was mad at myself for not getting travel insurance .

Then I remembered something: My Chase Sapphire Reserve® , the card I used to book the reservation, came with a built-in travel insurance policy.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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 plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

I love to travel and had been thinking about applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for years: It has an annual $300 travel credit , airport lounge access and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® — plus 10X points on hotels and 5X on flights booked through Chase Travel℠. I hesitated, though, because of the $550 annual fee . I finally pulled the trigger in early 2023. My fiance and I were planning several international trips and I figured out that we'd be spending enough on bookings to come out ahead.

I paid for a flight to Tokyo with the 60,000 points I earned from the welcome bonus offered at that time. (The welcome bonus is now up to 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the card.)

Read more: Best credit cards for trip insurance

We used the travel credit toward a luxury hotel on a trip to Toronto and, thanks to the card's Priority Pass benefit, relaxed in the airport's Plaza Premium Lounge before our flight home. Plus, because the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't have foreign transaction fees, shopping in Canada didn't come with any unpleasant extra charges.

But I hadn't really looked into the credit card's travel insurance policy before. Turns out it includes:

• Trip cancellation insurance. Reimburses prepaid non-refundable expenses for trips canceled or cut short due to injury or illness, death in the family, severe weather and other extraordinary situations, up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 for the total trip. 
• Trip delay reimbursement. Refunds expenses relating to delays longer than six hours or requiring an overnight stay, up to $500 per ticket booked with the card. 
• Baggage delay insurance. Reimburses up to $100 per day for five days if your carrier misplaces your bags for more than six hours. 
• Lost luggage reimbursement. Luggage lost by the carrier is covered, up to $3,000 per passenger. 
• Emergency evacuation and transportation. Transport required for illness or injury is covered up to $100,000.
• Emergency medical and dental coverage. Covers up to $2,500 in medical expenses for incidents occurring more than 100 miles from home. 
• Rental car collision damage waiver. Reimburses up to $75,000 if your rental is stolen or in a collision. Kicks in before your auto policy, so you can avoid a premium increase.

Chase Sapphire's offerings are on par with a standalone policy you'd buy from a travel insurance company for about 3% to 5% of a trip's non-refundable expenses. Plus, bundling travel insurance with your card saves you the trouble of getting a new policy with every trip.

Reading the fine print, I couldn't find a reason why my policy with Chase wouldn't cover the balance of our New Orleans reservation. I gathered details of my original booking and refund from the home-share app, a note from a hospice nurse and a copy of my grandmother's death certificate.

Filing an insurance claim is never fun but the process with Chase was relatively painless — I completed the form and submitted my documentation entirely from my phone. Six weeks later, I received an email that my claim had been approved. The $474 was automatically deposited into my checking account, so there was no hassle with a paper check.

I never wanted to file that claim. I wish we had driven to New Orleans, come home, and shared our stories about our adventures with my grandmother. But, sometimes, life has other plans.

The experience convinced me that travel insurance is a must — and that I made the right decision with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

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10 Best Credit Cards for Wedding Expenses of 2024

Best credit cards for wedding expenses of 2024, best overall: chase sapphire preferred® card.

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an all-around winner for engaged couples, rewarding you for purchases and offering plenty of travel benefits for the honeymoon. You’ll earn 1X Ultimate Rewards points on every purchase, 2X points on general travel and 3X points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, and you’ll earn an elevated 75,000 bonus points worth $900 when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel. You’ll also get a $50 hotel credit annually for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel.

• Get 25% more value for your points when booking travel through Chase Travel
• Includes travel and purchase protections
• No extra charge for authorized users
• $95 annual fee
• Variable APR is higher than some other cards
• General purchases only earn 1X points

Best for 0% APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Wells fargo reflect® card.

Why we chose it: It takes a lot of prep and planning to host a wedding, and you may not have the cash to pay for everything upfront. A 0% APR card like the Wells Fargo Reflect lets pay for the wedding of your dreams while giving you almost two years to pay it off without incurring interest (0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 months). After that, your variable APR will be 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99%.

• One of the longest intro APR offers on the market
• Roadside dispatch and cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Lower variable APR range available if you qualify
• No rewards program
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Other benefits are relatively limited

Best Welcome Bonus: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Why we chose it: Engagement rings, music and flowers, formal attire—if you plan to spend at least $4,000 on wedding expenses, you could put them on your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card over the course of the first three months from account opening and earn 75,000 miles. You can also earn 10,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary (each year when you pay the annual fee and renew your card) and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel—something else to celebrate when you’re digging wedding cake out of the freezer.

• Sizable welcome bonus for eligible cardholders
• Includes travel credits and airport lounge access
• No foreign transaction fees
• $395 annual fee
• Fees for late payments, balance transfers and cash advances
• Travel credit must be used in Capital One’s travel portal

Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells fargo active cash® card.

After spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we chose it: When planning a wedding, you might not want the fuss of also planning your purchases around credit card rewards categories. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, so you can use it on anything you need for your nuptials and still earn solid rewards.

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• No annual fee
• Intro APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Limited benefits beyond cash back
• Limited redemption options

Best for No Annual Fee: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital one savorone cash rewards credit card.

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

Why we chose it: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee rewards card that is especially suited to the kinds of expenses you’ll have as you prepare for your big day. For instance, covering the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant can earn 3% cash back, while shaking off the pre-wedding jitters at a hotel the night before can earn 5% cash back, so long as you book your stay through Capital One Travel.

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• $200 cash bonus earned when you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months
• Grocery rewards exclude Walmart and Target
• Limited travel rewards categories
• Other purchases earn just 1% cash back

Best for a DIY Wedding: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Why we chose it: With the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express , you’ll earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases per year in each category (then 1% cash back). That can help you earn extra rewards, whether you’re making your own floral arrangements, buying centerpieces and decor online or stocking up on ingredients to make hors d’oeuvres for your guests.

• Solid cash back rewards on U.S. supermarket purchases and U.S. online retail purchases
• May qualify with good credit as it’s recommended for those with good to excellent credit
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee ( see rates and fees )
• $6,000 spending cap on boosted rewards categories (then 1% cash back)
• Superstores or warehouse clubs aren’t included in the U.S. supermarket category

Best for Hotel Venues: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Why we chose it: Whether you’re hosting in your hometown or planning a destination wedding, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card holders can scoop up plenty of extra perks and points. Eligible wedding events at participating Marriott properties, for example, can see general Bonvoy members earn up to 60,000 Bonvoy points per event, and bonus earnings may apply as you’ll get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status by holding the card.

• Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible weddings
• Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month for stays with hotels participating in Marriot Bonvoy (up to 85,000 points for one night)
• Annual $300 dining credit (up to $25 per month in statement credits)
• $650 annual fee
• Bonvoy points may not be available for your event or venue
• Limited ongoing value beyond future Marriott bookings

Best for a Luxury Honeymoon: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why we chose it: You and your partner can honeymoon comfortably thanks to the perks you’ll get as an Amex Platinum card member. You can transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to several airlines and hotels and kick off your travels by relaxing together at one of 1,400 airport lounges. You can also access various airline and hotel statement credits to further improve your travel experience.

• Up to $200 in annual hotel statement credits each year for stays booked with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection using your card (minimum two-night stay required for The Hotel Collection stays)
• Up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits each year when you charge incidental fees with a single chosen airline to your card
• One of the best cards with airport lounge access
• $695 annual fee
• Only earns 1X points on eligible non-travel purchases
• $195 annual fee for each additional card member ( see rates and fees )

Best for Newlywed Travel and Dining: American Express® Gold Card

Why we chose it: With the American Express Gold Card , you can earn 4X American Express Membership Rewards points every time you dine at a restaurant worldwide for date night or shop at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in U.S. supermarket purchases, then 1X points). Plus, you earn 3X points when you book air travel directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. Spend your points on getaways together by booking through the portal or transferring your points to one of Amex’s transfer partners .

• Dining-related statement credits available
• Solid mix of food and travel-related rewards rates
• No foreign transaction fees ( see rates and fees )
• $250 annual fee
• Dining credits only apply to select partners
• Allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all

Best for Miscellaneous Wedding Expenses: Discover it® Miles

Discover it® miles.

Why we chose it: You don’t need to commit to one airline or hotel brand with the Discover it® Miles card; you can redeem your miles as a statement credit for any travel purchase in the previous 180 days. Discover will also match all your mile earnings after your first year of holding the card.

• Earn 1.5X miles on every purchase
• Redeem miles as statement credits or cash
• No point transfers to travel partners
• Lack of travel insurance protections
• Discover still isn’t accepted in some places, such as Costco

A Closer Look at the Best Credit Cards for Weddings

Best overall: chase sapphire preferred card.

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a slew of rewards, including dining and travel-related rewards categories and even 5X points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (up to 25,000 total points now through March 31, 2025)—perfect if you want to get fit for your wedding. We especially like the additional travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and emergency assistance while traveling. Your eligible purchases may also be protected with extended warranty coverage and purchase protection.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is a great fit for couples looking to earn rewards on wedding-related expenses they can then spend on travel, whether for a honeymoon or trips together as newlyweds. With robust travel protections and a points boost on travel booked through Chase Travel, you’ll have all angles covered with this card—and your spouse-to-be can be added as an authorized user for no additional fee.

Other cards to consider: Some couples might prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers similar benefits to the Preferred but with a $300 annual travel credit, heightened rewards categories and complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. The Reserve card charges a $550 annual fee (plus $75 per authorized user).

Best for 0% APR: Wells Fargo Reflect Card

Why we love this card: With its extra-long introductory APR, the Wells Fargo Reflect card gives you plenty of time to pay off your big-day purchases. You’ll get 21 months from account opening at a 0% intro APR (on purchases and balance transfers), then a 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Reflect card is best for people who need extra time to pay off their wedding expenses without interest. It’s also suitable for couples who aren’t interested in rewards, as you won’t earn any with this card.

Other cards to consider: Another card to consider with a long intro APR period is the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card . You also won’t earn rewards, but this card may tip in your favor if you want a slightly lower balance transfer fee .

Best Welcome Bonus: Capital One Venture X Rewards Card

Why we love this card: If you can meet the $4,000 minimum spending requirement in the first three months to earn the welcome bonus on the Capital One Venture X, you’ll earn 75,000 miles. These points are worth $750 towards travel purchases, though you can get significantly more value by transferring them to one of the high-value airline or hotel transfer partners. We also like that this card includes airport lounge access and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit .

Who should have this in their wallet: The Venture X charges a lower annual fee compared to other premium credit cards for travel, making it a good fit for couples who are excited to travel but don’t want to spend as much on an annual fee.

Other cards to consider: If you like the Venture X but the $395 annual fee is still too high, check out the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . It offers the same welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening but for a $95 annual fee.

Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Why we love this card: The flat 2% cash rewards rate you get with the Wells Fargo Active Cash is hard to beat among flat-rate cash back cards. We also appreciate the card’s intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, which gives you time to pay off wedding expenses without incurring interest charges.

Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re the type to go short and sweet with your vows, you’ll probably appreciate the simplicity of the Active Cash card, too. This card could also be a good fit for rewards maximizers who already earn boosted rewards in other categories but want a backup card that earns 2% back on everything else.

Other cards to consider: Another solid cash back card with no annual fee includes the Citi Double Cash® Card , which earns up to 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your purchase.

Why we love this card: There’s a lot to love about this card: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus travel and purchase protections, concierge service and travel accident insurance. We also appreciate its flexible redemption options, including shopping with rewards and redeeming via PayPal.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One SavorOne is a good fit for engaged couples who dine out often and regularly spend on entertainment, as they’ll continue to earn in those categories after the wedding. It’s also a good pick for those who could use extra time to pay off wedding expenses, as the card offers an intro APR on purchases.

Other cards to consider: If the SavorOne doesn’t align with your usual spending, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® , which has no annual fee and offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase (plus rewards on eligible travel, qualifying Lyft rides, dining and drugstore purchases). Another option for no annual fee is the Discover it® Miles, which earns 1.5X miles on purchases and features an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Best for a DIY Wedding: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Why we love this card: You’re likely to get value from the Blue Cash Everyday long after your wedding thanks to its 3% cash back rates on everyday spending categories, including at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases and at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in yearly spending in each category, then 1% cash back). We also like the monthly Home Chef and Disney Bundle credits and its intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is a good fit for couples who plan to spend at U.S. supermarkets or U.S. online retailers to prep for their wedding day. Plus, it’s available to those with less-than-excellent credit.

Other cards to consider: If the spending caps are throwing you off, another option for shopping online for wedding supplies is the Prime Visa . This card has no annual fee and earns 5% cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. The Wells Fargo Active Cash is another strong option, earning you 2% cash rewards on purchases, no matter which retailer you use.

Best for Hotel Venues: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Why we love this card: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is a co-branded American Express credit card with stellar Marriott perks, including Platinum Elite status that gets you welcome gifts with every stay, late checkouts and complimentary room upgrades (when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate). The card also features a variety of premium hotel perks and airport lounge access.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Bonvoy Brilliant is a card for Marriott loyalists. You’ll earn some of the most points on Marriott stays and get the best value when you redeem your points for additional stays.

Other cards to consider: For a Hilton venue, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers premium hotel perks and high rewards rates when you spend at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Newsweek.com. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through Newsweek.com.

Best for a Luxury Honeymoon: The Platinum Card from American Express

Why we love this card: The Platinum Card from American Express is a luxury card for luxury travel, offering complimentary elite status with Hilton, Marriott, Avis, Hertz and National Car Rental, trusted traveler program statement credits and a range of travel insurance protections. It also offers a long list of statement credits related to travel, dining, entertainment and more.

Who should have this in their wallet: Honeymooners looking for perks on their post-wedding travel will appreciate the Amex Platinum’s benefits . While it’s possible to get more than $1,500 in value from the card, you’ll want to make sure the steep annual fee is worth it before applying.

Other cards to consider: Alternative cards with premium travel perks include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which has a slightly lower annual fee ($550), and the Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee).

Best for Newlywed Travel and Dining: American Express Gold Card

Why we love this card: The American Express Gold Card can let you earn points at home (4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X points) and away (4X points on restaurants worldwide, plus on takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on https://amextravel.com/) . You’ll also be covered by a few travel protections and can use your accrued points to book future travel through the American Express travel portal.

Who should have this in their wallet: Couples who pay for wedding expenses, groceries and date nights with the American Express Gold card can turn their rewards points into a nice couple’s getaway after the wedding by booking through American Express.

Other cards to consider: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great mid-tier travel card with a lower $95 annual fee, though you’ll earn slightly lower rates on dining purchases. Its 25% points boost on travel booked through Chase Travel may sway you, though.

Why we love this card: With its flat 1.5X rate on all purchases, the Discover it® Miles makes it easy to earn miles no matter what you’re spending on. You can turn around and redeem those miles at checkout with Amazon or PayPal, apply them as a statement credit on travel purchases or simply redeem them for cash back.

Who should have this in their wallet: With no annual fee and easy-to-understand rewards and redemptions, the Discover it® Miles is one of the best travel credit cards for beginners . You can add your partner as an authorized user and earn miles on their spending, too.

Other cards to consider: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another no-annual-fee option for earning travel rewards, offering 1.25X miles on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. If you’d rather earn cash back on your miscellaneous wedding spending, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card both offer a flat 1.5% cash back.

How To Choose the Right Credit Card for Wedding Expenses

There are so many different costs associated with a wedding, no matter the size—food and drink for your guests, something special to wear and a pair of rings, for starters. Then, there’s the venue, music, decorations and often a honeymoon. The best card for all these expenses will depend on what you prioritize in your wedding budget and what’s most important to you in a credit card.

Given a choice, do you prefer cash back, rewards points or miles? Consider how you’d like to use the rewards you earn (statement credit vs. travel, for example) before you decide between a cash back credit card or a rewards credit card that earns points or miles. Also, keep in mind how your expenses are likely to be categorized—will you focus on a few boosted categories, or do you prefer a flat-rate rewards system?

Welcome Bonus

Many cards offer a welcome bonus, but it typically requires you to spend a set amount on the card within a specified time frame. It’s essential to figure out whether you’ll be able to reach the minimum spending requirement if you’re counting on that bonus for the future.

Annual Fees

Some people are averse to paying for the privilege of carrying a particular card, while others are eager to squeeze the maximum value of a card to offset its annual fee. Consider whether you’re willing to take advantage of enough of a card’s perks to make the annual fee (if there is one) worth it.

Vendor Fees

Unlike everyday spending, wedding expenses may come with additional, unexpected fees. If you’re paying a vendor (such as a DJ or florist) with a credit card, make sure you find out whether they charge a fee to use a credit card—and, if so, whether it’s more or less than any rewards you’d earn by using the card.

It can sometimes take up to around eight weeks for rewards or credits to be applied to your account. If you’re counting on using bonus points, miles, cash back or other benefits at a specific point in the future, leave plenty of time to spend and earn before you plan to redeem them.

Should You Have a Credit Card for Wedding Expenses?

Putting your wedding costs on a credit card is an easy way to track your spending and ensure you’re sticking to your budget. Most vendors accept cards, but keep an eye out for added credit card processing fees. You’ll also get consumer protections when paying by credit card that you aren’t entitled to if you use a loan, cash, debit card or check.

On the other hand, if you can’t afford to pay your wedding costs upfront, be cautious that you aren’t racking up debt before you say “I do.” High-interest credit card debt can start a marriage off on the wrong foot, especially if you don’t have a plan to pay it off. In that case, it might be better to scale down your celebration, explore low-interest personal loans or stick with a 0% APR credit card instead.

Reasons To Use a Credit Card for Wedding Expenses

Earn big rewards.

Big expenses can earn big rewards when you pay by credit card. Wedding expenses are a quick way to earn welcome bonuses, which you can apply toward future travel or redeem as cash back toward your balance.

Get Extra Time To Pay

Another benefit to using a credit card for wedding expenses is that it gives you extra time to pay. Cards with introductory APR offers are perfect for giving yourself more time to pay off your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best credit card for wedding planning.

The best credit cards for wedding expenses usually offer great rewards rates, a solid welcome bonus or an introductory APR—or all three. Look for a card that matches your anticipated spending, and consider whether you’ll have the mental bandwidth to chase rotating categories or complicated redemptions while wedding planning.

What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Wedding?

Ideally, you’ll set aside enough funds as a couple to put toward a wedding that feels celebratory (but manageable). Most importantly, your budget should be affordable based on your current income while leaving room for other savings, investments and debt repayment priorities. After all, it’s one day of the rest of your lives together.

What’s the Most Expensive Part of a Wedding?

According to a 2023 study from The Knot , most couples allot the biggest portion of their wedding budget to the venue (37%), followed by catering (28%), the band (12%) and their wedding rings (9%). Everything else—from photography to attire—makes up the rest. Of course, your budget might vary, but these are helpful benchmarks as you begin planning your own nuptials.

The post 10 Best Credit Cards for Wedding Expenses of 2024 first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

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Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which $550-plus card is right for you?

It seems almost every airline, hotel chain and credit card issuer has launched its own premium credit card , enticing customers with luxury travel perks paired with hefty annual fees. Many of these cards offer solid value, especially if you're loyal to the underlying brand.

There are two long-standing titans of the premium card market: The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . The former built the market for premium rewards cards decades ago, while the latter is responsible for growing its mass appeal.

Since the Sapphire Reserve debuted in 2016, competition between these two cards has been fierce. Today, we will examine how they compare and whether you should consider adding one (or both) to your wallet.

Related: The best travel credit cards

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve comparison

*enrollment is required for select benefits, amex platinum vs. sapphire reserve welcome offer.

When considering a new card, especially one with a $500-plus annual fee, most people first look at the welcome offer to see how much of that annual fee they can start recouping immediately.

With its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), the Amex Platinum offers new applicants 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. However, it's worth checking to see if you're targeted for a higher offer of up to 150,000 points through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, making the initial welcome offer of 80,000 points worth $1,600 alone. Since Amex only allows you to earn a welcome offer on each of its cards once per lifetime , it might be tempting to hold off on applying for the Amex Platinum in hopes that you may be targeted through CardMatch for a higher bonus at some point in the future.

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, making this bonus worth $1,538. That's slightly lower than the Amex Platinum offer, though the spending requirement to earn the bonus is also lower.

Winner: The Amex Platinum takes the lead in this first category, especially if you are targeted for an elevated offer through CardMatch.

Related: The best time to apply for these popular cards based on offer history

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum are two of the most valuable rewards cards on the market, but they're also two of the most expensive. You'll pay a $550 annual fee with the Sapphire Reserve and a $695 annual fee with the Amex Platinum.

Let's take a look below at the most popular and valuable perks available (note that enrollment is required for select benefits):

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

This is by far the trickiest part of the comparison, with many different pieces to unpack. It's also where your personal preferences may sway you to one card or another.

For starters, the Sapphire Reserve still has an edge over Amex regarding the $300 annual travel credit . Not only is it a higher amount than the up-to-$200 airline fee credit that comes with the Amex Platinum, but it's also much less restrictive. It will automatically apply to a broad range of travel purchases. In contrast, the $200 Amex airline credit only applies to select fees such as seat assignments or checked bags — and you're limited to a single airline you designate each year.

Regarding ride-hailing services, some people see the up-to-$200 in annual (U.S.) Uber Cash (broken into $15 a month, with a $20 bonus in December; enrollment required) that comes with the Amex Platinum card as a cash-like credit. However, not everyone uses a ride-hailing service or places an Uber Eats order in the U.S. once a month, which means the 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides with the Sapphire Reserve might be a more valuable option.

On the flip side, if you live in a smaller city or never order food, you might find the DoorDash partnership with Chase useless.

The same can be said of certain perks on the Amex Platinum — including statement credits with Saks Fifth Avenue, Clear and select digital entertainment providers. If you already use these services or merchants, it's like money back in your pocket. If not, you may find they aren't a real value-add relative to the annual fee. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum is widely considered the most comprehensive card for airport lounge access . Although the Priority Pass Select membership that comes with this card no longer allows you to access participating restaurants , the access to Amex's wide collection of Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs on same-day Delta flights (limited to 10 annual visits from February 1, 2025) should be enough to make up for that.

Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve offers a Priority Pass membership as well as access to the growing network of Chase lounges .

Another area where Amex excels is by offering Gold Elite status with both Marriott and Hilton to Platinum cardholders (enrollment required). Chase offers no equivalent benefit.

Chase has historically been the leader in travel insurance, with generous terms. Amex has partially closed the gap , adding a suite of travel protection benefits to the Amex Platinum card (see here for more information).

Winner: Amex Platinum is the clear winner when it comes to perks and benefits, including up to $1,400-plus in annual statement credits , expanded airport lounge access, travel protections, and elite status with Marriott and Hilton.

Related: How to decide if a card's annual fee is worth paying

Earning points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

Long after your bonus has been earned and spent, you'll want a card to help you quickly rack up valuable transferable points .

Both of these cards do that, but in very different ways. Your best option depends on which other Chase or Amex cards you currently have in your wallet and how the bonus categories on those other cards overlap with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum .

Chase offers a broader range of bonus categories, including everyday purchases like travel and dining . While the Amex Platinum does pull ahead on airfare booked directly with airlines (with a terrific 10% return based on TPG valuations), the Chase Sapphire Reserve pulls ahead for dozens of other travel expenses, including most hotels, ride-hailing services, parking fees, tolls and tours. It also has an equally broad 3 points per dollar spent on dining that the Platinum can't match.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best for earning thanks to its favorable everyday bonus categories that help you earn more points in the long term.

Related: Best reward cards for each bonus category

Redeeming points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

With Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards worth a comparable 2.05 and 2.0 cents apiece in TPG's valuations, it's worth looking at the different transfer partners to decide which ones best suit your needs.

Let's start with the Chase Sapphire Reserve . In addition to its 14 airline and hotel transfer partners , Sapphire Reserve customers get a 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel directly through the Chase Travel portal . This gives you an absolute minimum redemption value of 1.5 cents per point, meaning you can book a seat on any flight that's for sale, even if there isn't award space available.

If you opt to use your Amex points directly through American Express Travel, you won't get nearly the value you do through Chase. Flight bookings are a flat 1 cent per point, while hotel reservations clock in at just 0.7 cents apiece.

Winner : Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher straight-up redemption value for travel.

Transferring points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

You'll often get a better value by transferring your points to the loyalty programs of airlines and hotels instead. All Chase partner transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, and most of them are instant . Ultimate Rewards has a real edge for hotel bookings because of its partnership with World of Hyatt, where you can book an award night for as low as 3,500 points per night .

On the airline side, popular redemption options include United MileagePlus , Southwest Rapid Rewards , British Airways Avios , Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue — though the last three also partner with Amex Membership Rewards. The same holds true for Air Canada Aeroplan — though if you also hold the Aeroplan Credit Card® , you can enjoy a 10% bonus on certain transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to your Aeroplan account.

Meanwhile, Amex Membership Rewards has a whopping 21 transfer partners , but not all are worth your attention. Some have transfer ratios below 1:1, have longer transfer times (which means you risk watching your award space disappear) or simply don't have reasonably priced redemption options.

TPG credit cards writer Emily Thompson prefers to transfer to ANA Mileage Club , Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles , each offering attractive options for booking Star Alliance tickets. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club and Delta SkyMiles are also popular transfer options.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out on top for redemption options since it offers a 1:1 transfer ratio for all its airline and hotel partners.

Should I get the Amex Platinum or Sapphire Reserve?

Between hotel elite status and Centurion Lounge access, the Amex Platinum is better suited for those looking to enjoy a more luxurious travel lifestyle. If you frequently purchase airfare qualifying for 5 points per dollar, this card deserves a spot in your wallet. On the other hand, the Sapphire Reserve offers a slightly lower annual fee, lounge access and broader points-earning opportunities.

Bottom line

The Sapphire Reserve is a premium card simple enough for beginners and pros alike. The $300 annual travel credit is automatically applied to a wide range of purchases. Plus, you earn 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining, and these categories are broad enough that you won't be scratching your head trying to decide if you're swiping the right card.

The Amex Platinum is better suited to those looking for a more luxurious travel lifestyle who can take advantage of all the annual statement credits.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum .

Apply here: Amex Platinum Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .