does priority mail travel by air

Business Mail 101

• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail

• First-Class Mail
• Periodicals
• USPS Marketing Mail
• Package Services
• Mail Characteristics
• Paying Postage
• Sorting Your Mail
• To the Post Office

Minimum Weight:

Maximum weight:, required marking:.

• "Priority Mail"

All matter that is mailable by air transportation can be mailed as Priority Mail. Some things MUST be mailed as Priority Mail (or First-Class Mail), including:

• Handwritten or typewritten material.
• Bills, statements of account or invoices, credit cards.
• Personal correspondence (a letter to Grandma), personalized business correspondence (a handwritten letter to your customer).
• All matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

If getting your mail there fast is your top priority, Priority Mail offers the best value. Priority Mail postage includes forwarding and return service. You can enhance the service, security, and convenience of Priority Mail by adding extra services such as USPS Tracking and Registered Mail. Registered Mail service is available at retail Post Offices and online for a fee. USPS Tracking is free of charge on Priority Mail.

Priority Mail postage is determined by how far the mailpiece must travel to get to its destination: the farther it travels the more you pay in postage. The actual distance is measured by "zones." Zones range from zone 1 (local, close to you) to zone 9 (very far away from you). The farther the mail travels, the more zones it crosses, and the more postage you pay. You can access zone charts online. Dimensional Weight Price: Postage for parcels addressed for delivery to zones 1-9 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater. ( Including Priority Mail Commercial Base and Commercial Plus )

The Postal Service offers special prices for Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Boxes. Regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs.) or domestic destination, any amount of material that fits into a USPS-provided Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Box can be mailed for one low price (the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds). Many Priority Mail envelopes, boxes, and tubes are available for free from your local Post Office. All Packaging can be ordered on-line at www.usps.com/store .

Discounts are available for Priority Mail customers using specific postage payment methods (called Commercial Base prices) and for customers meeting specific volume requirements (called Commercial Plus prices). Items are required to meet eligibility standards and must contain an Intelligent Mail barcode or you could be charged a non-compliance fee.

• First-Class Mail items weighing more than 13 ounces is called Priority Mail.
• If you use your own envelope or box for Priority Mail, identify it with the marking, "Priority Mail."
• Priority Mail packaging provided by the USPS must be used only for Priority Mail. Regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated, any matter mailed in USPS-produced Priority Mail packaging is charged the appropriate Priority Mail price.
• Many mailers use a service called "Priority Mail Open and Distribute" to speed up the delivery of their USPS Marketing Mail. After a postal employee formally accepts your USPS Marketing Mail, you mail your trays or sacks of USPS Marketing Mail via Priority Mail to the postal facility nearest the final destination of your mail. This is a very cost effective way to get your message to your customer sooner.
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USPS & Airmail: 12 Common Questions (Answered)

Airmail is faster than surface mail but is more expensive and less reliable. In addition, the type of service and destination will depend on when Airmail is used.

For example, if you send mail to a country requiring airmail service and use the First-Class Parcel Post service, it will be delivered by Airmail.

If you send a postcard to another country that requires airmail service and use Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Parcels, it will also be delivered by Airmail.

To help you select between USPS and Airmail, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding both services:

Does USPS Do Airmail?

USPS no longer provides Airmail as a stand-alone service. However, many USPS mail and package are still delivered by air. There are multiple options for delivery, including surface mail and Airmail. In addition, the type of service and destination will depend on when Airmail is used.

Table of Contents

Does USPS Use Planes for Priority Mail?

Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are usually sent by plane.

These types of mail can also be sent by ground, depending on where they come from and where they are going.

For example, sending a package from San Francisco to New York City will likely be flown there rather than trucked or sent by boat.

However, sending a package from Los Angeles to San Diego might be trucked or sent by boat rather than flown. 

Priority Mail is a service offered by USPS that allows you to mail packages quickly and easily. It’s the fastest way to ship items within the US and can be used for domestic and international shipping.

The service provides delivery times ranging from one to three days, depending on where you’re sending your package. Priority Mail also offers to track information for your packages.

What About First-Class Mail?

USPS does use planes for first-class mail. First-class mail is delivered by plane to remote areas, including Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS uses planes for first-class mail because some areas don’t have access to roads or railroads. Without access to these forms of transportation, it would be impossible for the USPS to deliver letters without using airplanes.

First-class mail is a classification of mail service that includes letters, postcards, and other types of correspondence sent between individuals or businesses.

It’s also called standard mail by USPS, which means that it’s not expedited delivery but will still arrive at its destination within two to three days of being mailed.

Read also: Does USPS Charge For Redelivery? (We Checked)

How Long Does USPS Airmail Take?

While the average delivery time for domestic shipments is 1-3 business days, international packages can take between 7-10 business days or longer to arrive at their destinations.

The reason for these delays is that international shipping services are not as reliable or fast as domestic ones. This is because more variables are involved in international shipping than in domestic shipping.

Each country’s postal system has its own set of restrictions regarding the kind of items that can be mailed, with some countries having more stringent rules than others.

How long it takes to get an international parcel also depends on whether or not you reside near a major airport. Sometimes, large cities like New York City or Los Angeles will have multiple mail centers available at their airports.

Those centers will then be able to deliver packages quickly within their surrounding areas. However, if you don’t live near one of these hubs, your package will likely take longer to arrive at your doorstep.

Does USPS Use Commercial Airlines?

A common misconception about the USPS is that it operates its fleet of aircraft.

This isn’t the case, as USPS does not have its fleet of aircraft. Instead, it uses commercial airline planes to transport mail and packages around the country and even internationally.

The reason is that the USPS has a very low-cost structure and can afford to ship packages through commercial airlines at a lower cost than airlines would offer.

It also means that the USPS’s aircraft don’t have to comply with strict safety standards or maintenance requirements, so they can be much cheaper to maintain.

What Airlines Does USPS Use?

USPS contracts with various airlines, including:

• American Trans Air
• Continental Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Midwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Airlines

FedEx is another common carrier used by USPS.

The partnership between USPS and FedEx enables USPS to ship items on the same aircraft as FedEx.

This is a fantastic method for USPS to give an additional service to their consumers without incurring more costs.

Does USPS Use American Airlines?

USPS has been contracting American Airlines for many years now, and the airline is ranked second largest mail contract with USPS.

The partnership between USPS and American Airlines has allowed them to provide a reliable service to customers, especially those in remote areas.

Even though the US government’s airmail service is no longer in operation, USPS still relies on American Airlines for some of its mail delivery.

Read also: Does USPS Redeliver Automatically? (Here’s What Happens)

What Are USPS Packages Shipped by Air?

Packages that are shipped via Air Mail are usually small and lightweight.

They can be sent in padded envelopes, tubes, or packages.

In addition, USPS frequently ships priority mail items via air because the service is typically utilized for time-sensitive shipments that must arrive at their destination as soon as possible.

Priority Mail packages frequently include a tracking number, allowing you to track your product as it travels through the postal system.

How Do I Know if My USPS Package Is Shipped by Air?

If your package is shipped via USPS Priority Mail, it will likely be an air shipment. This includes packages that are marked as “Priority Mail Express.”

If you receive a package marked “USPS First-Class Package International Service,” keep in mind that this indicates that your package has been shipped using international service.

Most packages sent through this service are sent by sea, but some may be sent via air.

Does USPS Fly Mail Across the Country?

The USPS doesn’t just deliver mail locally. They also deliver it across the country and even internationally.

There are many reasons why USPS might fly mail across the country. The most typical scenario in which air transport is required is when the delivery is time-sensitive.

Flying mail provides faster delivery times than other forms of transit like ground or water transportation.

You can get important documents or packages delivered quickly and efficiently without waiting for them all day.

Furthermore, flying mail provides lower postage costs than other forms of transit like ground or water transportation. This means you will only pay the necessary rates for sending your items rather than spending extra.

Can You Use Regular Stamps for Airmail?

You can use regular stamps for Airmail. However, you should use the postage meter to get your package’s correct amount.

If you do not have a postage meter, you can weigh your package at a post office and then purchase your postage.

If you’re sending a letter via Airmail, it’s important to ensure you’re using sufficient postage stamps. If you don’t, you could pay more than you have to. Or worse, your letter could never make it to its destination.

Here’s what happens if you don’t use sufficient postage for Airmail:

• You’ll have to pay extra postage on top of what is already required by law.
• Your letter might be sent back to you because it wasn’t properly marked with the proper postage amount.
• The post office will not accept your letter due to insufficient postage and may return it to the sender or destroy it without delivering it at all.

How Do You Indicate That a Letter Should Be Shipped by Air?

The most common way to indicate that a letter should be shipped by air is to write “AIRMAIL/PAR AVION” on the address of your postcard, letter, or large envelope.

You can also use this method if sending an oversized envelope through First-Class Mail International.

After you’ve written your message on the envelope and sealed it, you can insert the item you’re sending inside.

USPS – Airmail: A Brief History

Postal Times – Airlines Could Lose Big if U.S. Postal Service Fails

USPS – 244 Mail Preparation

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What is priority mail and how does it work?

The definition is right in the name: Of all the classes of shipping it offers, USPS ® prioritizes the delivery of its Priority Mail ® services:

• Priority Mail Express ® : 1 - 2 day or overnight delivery of anything mailable up to 70 lbs.
• Priority Mail: 2 - 3 business day delivery of anything mailable up to 70 lbs.
• First-Class Mail ® : 1 - 3 business day delivery of mail, small packages up to 13 oz.
• USPS Retail Ground ® : 2 - 8 business day delivery of packages of any size/weight
• Media Mail ® : 2 - 8 business day delivery of educational materials and media

In addition to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail is divided into two more categories: Priority Mail Flat Rate and Priority Mail Retail/Commercial.

Read on to learn which Priority Mail service is right for your business, find answers to frequently asked questions and get tips for shipping Priority Mail from home.

Priority Mail pricing and delivery time FAQs

Is priority mail shipping faster than flat rate shipping.

Delivery times are the same for Priority Mail shipping and Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping, with both estimated to arrive in two to three business days.

Priority Mail Express is the only Priority shipping service to guarantee its delivery time, with one to two-day shipping or overnight shipping options available. Priority Mail Express is more expensive than the other Priority types.

Is Priority Mail Flat Rate less expensive than Priority Mail Retail/Commercial?

It depends. Most online sellers shipping Priority Mail from home use Flat Rate to ship small, heavy packages and Commercial to ship large, lightweight packages. Here’s why:

Priority Mail Flat Rate lets you ship domestic packages up to 70 lbs. to any state in the US for the same price (or flat rate). If your item fits in that official pre-priced Flat Mail package, you can ship it at that rate. When purchasing online, prices start as low as $7.65 for a small Flat Rate box.

Priority Mail Retail and Commercial rates are based on weight, dimension and destination. If your package is large, light and destined for a location in a zone near you, Priority Mail Retail/Commercial might be cheaper. For example, you can ship a 1 lb. package within a 51 – 150-mile radius for $7.02.

What is the difference between Priority Mail Retail and Commercial?

Priority Mail Retail is the price you’ll pay if you purchase Priority Mail postage from your local Post Office branch. Priority Mail Commercial is the rate USPS offers when you buy Priority postage through an online shipping service like PitneyShip .

Priority Mail Retail is the more expensive option. By being able to offer Commercial rates to all their subscribers, PitneyShip offers substantial savings over the Retail rates you receive at the Post Office.

Which Priority Mail option is better – flat rate or metered?

Metered mail is a fancy way of saying mail that is weighed to determine its shipping rate, like is done for Priority Mail Retail/Commercial and First Class. As for which one is better or least expensive, it again depends on how heavy your package is and where it’s going.

If you’re shipping via metered rates from home, you’ll need a scale to determine your package’s weight. An online shipping solution like PitneyShip includes a scale with its service, as well as postage discounts on Priority Mail packages and First-Class postage.

Does Priority Mail deliver on Sundays?

Priority Mail Express packages are delivered on Sundays. Regular Priority Mail packages are not (except for some packages sent via Amazon ® Logistics).

Priority Mail extras and options FAQs

What about priority mail tracking.

So long as your package includes an official Priority Mail shipping label and barcode, free tracking is included.

Can I insure my Priority Mail shipments?

Yes, your Priority Mail shipments include, without additional charge, either $50 or $100 insurance for loss, damage and missing merchandise. Additional insurance can be purchased, too.

Priority Mail packaging FAQs

Does priority mail have to be shipped in a priority mail package.

Only shipments sent via Priority Mail Flat Rate require official Priority Mail packaging. Flat Rate prices are based on the package itself, and anything that fits inside it can be shipped at that rate. If you’re shipping Priority Mail from home, the Priority Mail label you purchase online must match the Flat Rate package you are using.

You can order free Priority Mail packaging online through the USPS website or through an online shipping service like PitneyShip. Keep in mind, it’s illegal to use Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes for non-Priority Mail shipments. (That includes turning the box inside out, Mr. McFrugal).

Can I use my own box for Priority shipping?

Yes, so long as you’re not shipping via Flat Rate. If you’re shipping Priority Mail Commercial from home, you can use any box you want. Just be sure to remove any old postal barcodes or labels. By using PitneyShip, you can easily weigh and measure your package and print the appropriate Priority Mail postage.

Shipping Priority Mail from home

Whether you’re just starting an online business or already selling through multiple channels, shipping via Priority Mail from home saves time and money.

In addition to ordering free Flat-Rate boxes online, you can also schedule a package pickup. Simply notify the post office that you have packages, what service you’re using and where the packages will be left.

But first, you’ll need to purchase and print your Priority Mail shipping labels. This is where access to an online service like PitneyShip comes into play. The digital sending software makes it easy to choose between services and purchase and print official Priority Mail shipping labels with nothing more than an ordinary printer and paper. Simple prompts walk you through each step and option.

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April 18, 2022

U.S. Postal Service Implements New First-Class Package Service Standards and Updates Priority Mail Service Standards

• Improves utilization of surface transportation while reducing air network usage, which is more costly and continues to face reliability issues
• Contributes to costs savings efforts and improves reliability across all product classes
• Aligns with 10-year “Delivering for America” plan’s commitment to service excellence
• Majority of delivery standards for packages unaffected by service standard changes
• Removes extra day for Priority Mail transported via ground established April 2020 for COVID-19
• Priority Mail transported by air will maintain the extra day for the near term

WASHINGTON, DC — On May 1, the Postal Service is taking additional actions to improve service reliability by announcing the implementation of changes to the First-Class Package Service (FCPS) service standards. This initiative is part of “Delivering for America,” the Postal Service’s 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence. A fact sheet on the proposed changes to service standards for first class packages is available here: Delivering for America: Our Vision and Ten-Year Plan to Achieve Financial Sustainability and Service Excellence - about.usps.com

Modifying these service standards will allow for additional transport time for long-distance package deliveries and increased network efficiencies. The new FCPS service standards will also enable additional package volume to be transported by surface transportation, which is more reliable and affordable compared to air transportation.

Sixty-four percent of First-Class Package Service volume will be unaffected by the proposed standard changes. Four percent will be upgraded from a 3-day to 2-day service standard. For the remainder of the volume (32 percent), the service standard will increase by one or two days.

“Modifying select service standards is a key growth element and enabler of our 10-year plan. This action will contribute to our cost savings efforts and improve our reliability across all product classes, including our growing package market,” said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. “By implementing the elements of our 10-year plan, we will deliver the consistent, reliable service that the American people and our customers expect and deserve and grow package volume, spurring revenue growth that can be invested back into the Postal Service.”

The Postal Service previously received an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding these service standard changes. 

Additionally, the Postal Service is removing an extra day for Priority Mail transported via ground. The extra day was temporarily put in place in April 2020 to account for ongoing global supply chain, transportation and employee availability challenges across our network posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the continued high demand on the overall air network, the Postal Service is retaining the extra day at this time for Priority Mail transported via air until the reliability of our key providers improves.

As part of implementing the new service standards for FCPS, the Postal Service is removing the extra day that has applied to FCPS.

Service standards are delivery benchmarks for how long customers can expect the Postal Service to deliver different types of mail from origin to destination — Point A to Point B. Service standards are not the same as the percentage targets or the actual measured service performance.

With full implementation, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan aims to reverse a projected $160 billion in losses over the next 10 years. The Plan’s growth and efficiency initiatives will spur cash flow and savings to make $40 billion in capital investments over the next 10 years – including $20 billion towards the Postal Service’s mail and package processing network, facility upgrades and procurement of new processing equipment.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom . Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , Pinterest and LinkedIn . Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel , like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog . For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com .

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USPS Priority Mail: A Full Breakdown

Table of Contents:

What is Priority Mail?

How much is priority mail, commercial rates vs. retail rates, recommended bookmarks.

USPS Priority Mail is a convenient, cost-effective method for shipping items in a timely manner. The process for shipping items through Priority Mail is simple, making it an ideal option for small businesses that don’t have resources for a shipping staff. 

USPS Priority Mail features and rates vary according to the type of Priority Mail you’re shipping ( Flat Rate , Regional Rate , or Commercial Rates). Below, we provide a full breakdown of Priority Mail to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your business’s shipping needs.

USPS Priority Mail is the fastest mail class at USPS. Packages typically deliver faster than First Class Mail and can weigh up to 70 pounds, with a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches. To calculate girth, measure the distance around the thickest part of the package.

For more definitions, check out our Small Business Shipping Terms blog !

How long does a Priority Mail package take? Priority Mail packages typically arrive within 1-3 days. For an even faster option in this mail class, you can opt for Priority Mail Express . 

Priority Mail is a domestic service, meaning it can be transported:

• Within the United States
• U.S. territories, Marshall Islands, Federal States of Micronesia
• U.S. military and diplomatic posts, and the United Nations, NY

Priority Mail is typically compared to UPS and FedEx packages that weigh under 10 pounds and fit in a mailbox. It’s delivered 6 days a week, with no extra fee for Saturday delivery. Priority Mail packages also include insurance, and the amount covered depends on how you purchased the label. Retail customers qualify for up to $50 or $100 insurance and manifest mailers paying with a permit imprint qualify for up to $100.

Learn how to file USPS insurance claims in our blog !

Usps priority mail features.

When you use USPS Priority Mail, you get access to extra features for your convenience (most of them at no additional charge). 

• Mail packages from any local Post Office, or just hand prepaid packages to your letter carrier at your normal mail delivery time at no additional charge 
• Free USPS tracking 
• Package Pickup and Pickup on Demand services available
• You can pay postage by stamps or postage meter—packages over 13 ounces. with postage paid by stamps have to be handed to a local Post Office clerk (Note: You can’t use a USPS Corporate Account to pay for Priority Mail postage)
• Packages can be forwarded or returned with no charge

You can send packages based on weight and dimension, or via Priority Mail flat rate envelopes. Prices for Priority Mail packages depend on how the mailpiece is packaged.

Priority Mail packages not mailed in flat rate envelopes (that don’t qualify for dimensional weight or balloon rate pricing) are charged based on zone and weight. The zone is dependent on the shipping origin and destination. All fractions are rounded up to the nearest whole pound. 

Retail First-Class Mail packages that weigh over 13 ounces. are automatically mailed at the Priority Mail service price. If you have USPS Priority Mail Commercial Rates, that maximum for First Class Package Service is increased to 15.999 ounces. You can always request for items that weigh less than 13 ounces to be sent at the Priority Mail service price if you want to add on a Priority Mail extra service, but the cost could be nearly double. 

Flat Rate Envelope Pricing

If an item is packaged in a flat rate envelope or box, the sender pays a set price independent of the item’s weight or destination, up to 70 pounds. For convenience’s sake, USPS allows all Priority Mail envelopes smaller than the 12.5” x 9.5” Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope to be mailed at the flat rate envelope’s price (even if the envelope isn’t technically a flat rate envelope). 

If your items fit into Flat Rate Envelopes or Flat Rate Small Boxes, using these free priority mailers will always be more affordable than USPS Regional Rate boxes, regardless of weight and zone. Avoid stuffing, as your item only fits in the Flat Rate box if the container flaps close and seal within the normal folds. 

For a deep dive into USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate options and when to use them, read our breakdown here.

Regional rate.

The Regional Rate service is a blend of the flat rate and zone pricing options. While it requires specially marked boxes, it is a cost-effective method so long as items fit in the box. The boxes can be ordered for free from USPS and delivered to your door.

The contents of your Regional Rate box can’t exceed 20 pounds. Regional Rate Boxes (A and B) are the best price when shipping to a lower zone/closer destination. They’re meant for small, dense packages being shipped short distances. If you’re shipping to a higher zone (further distance), then Medium and Large USPS Flat Rate boxes are the more affordable option. 

The Priority Mail Regional Rate is a great way to save on shipments that weigh less than 20 pounds. Zones are key in taking advantage of the Regional Rate, as rates vary by zone. 

Commercial Rates

USPS offers commercial pricing at a discounted postage rate. It’s lower than retail pricing and available to qualifying shippers ( ShippingEasy subscribers included, regardless of volume) with an annual shipping volume greater than 50,000 units/year. 

However, it’s important to note that Commercial Pricing requires a contractual agreement with USPS.

On average, commercial rates will save you 17% off retail but can be up to more than 40% in some instances. 

USPS Priority Mail is a great way for small businesses to send out packages at an affordable rate. With discounted commercial rates, so many different ways to ship, and convenient extra features, Priority Mail makes the process easy for even the most inexperienced shipper. Click below to start a free trial of ShippingEasy today to access USPS Commercial Rates, easy shipping automation , and award-winning support at your fingertips.

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Flat Rate Shipping: What Are USPS Flat Rate Boxes?

Shipping Unboxed: FAQs about Shipment Dimensions

Shipping Unboxed: FAQs about USPS

What is Media Mail?

Small Business Shipping Terms

How to Ship a Package

USPS Priority Mail® Regional Rate Boxes

What Are USPS Zones & How Do They Affect My Shipping?

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A Look at Every Form of Transportation USPS Has Used

Mules. Trains. Handcarts. Rockets. Over the past two centuries since its inception in 1775, the United States Postal Service has experimented with a wide variety of transportation methods to deliver mail to our country’s residential addresses. Some methods stuck around, and others fell by the wayside. We thought it’d be a fun idea to list them all out and talk a little bit about each one. So, voila! Here is every form of transportation USPS has used (and still uses) to deliver mail.

Delivery Vans

Pretty much since the day we were born, we’ve all seen USPS vans making their rounds on the street every day. The red, white, and blue boxy vehicles are as recognizable of a brand as McDonald’s or Coca-Cola— everybody knows them. While the delivery vehicles have evolved over the years, USPS has relied on their trusty motor vehicles to deliver mail ever since they first started using them in the early 1900s. One postal worker named Lloyd Mortice even went so far as to soup up his Model T into a snowmobile in 1926 so he could make his rounds during snowstorms. Talk about a commitment to the job!

Air delivery is one of the most popular forms of transportation that USPS uses, for obvious reasons. When they need to deliver packages quickly, the fastest way to get them around the country is via an airplane. USPS typically uses airplane delivery for express services such as Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. Transcontinental air service began in the summer of 1924 and has been going strong ever since.

Trains were the primary method of transport for long distances before airplanes came into existence, and USPS took full advantage of them. Believe it or not, USPS still uses trains to transport parcels across the country! Trains obviously take longer to reach their destination, but they are a much more cost-effective solution than air travel. In fact, whenever a USPS customer sends a package in the mail class USPS Retail Ground, that package will most likely end up on a train such as Amtrak (unless it doesn’t need to travel a long distance, of course).

Boats and Ships

To this day, the US Postal Service utilizes boats and ships to transport letters and packages both domestically and abroad. This is obvious. However, did you know that USPS relies on water transport to deliver mail to some select parts of the United States? In fact, some of these water delivery methods are pretty niche. For example, one route on Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake features “mail jumping,” in which letter carriers jump from their boat, swap incoming and outgoing mail on the dock, then jump back onto their still-moving boat to hit the next dock! While these water routes are pretty interesting, 99% of them are only seasonal. The only year-long water mail delivery route in the entire United States is in Magnolia Springs, Alabama, which services roughly 180 homes and is 31 miles long.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles have been part of the delivery fleet for several decades, and USPS still uses them to deliver mail in states that receive heavy snowfall during the winter, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Alaska. We bet postal workers have a lot of fun tearing it up on their routes after some fresh powder hits the ground…just as long as it’s not so cold outside that USPS has to stop delivery altogether .

Highway Buses

The USPS highway bus was introduced in the early 1940s as sort of a “Post Office on wheels.” The 1930s saw a significant decline in railway traffic, and as a result, the Postal Service created the concept of the highway bus to shoulder some of the burden of long-distance letter transportation. It was an impressive feat: these red, white, and blue buses were outfitted with distributing tables, letter cases, and enough space to hold up to 150 mail sacks. However, highway buses eventually fell out of fashion in the 1970s due to advances in sorting automation and a major restructuring of the entire postal system. In fact, this restructuring led to the high-speed sorting system in centralized locations that USPS still uses to this day.

Horse and Wagon

As shown in this article’s main picture, horses and the wagons they pulled behind them were a very popular method of mail delivery in the 1800’s. This wasn’t an all-too-terrible way to deliver mail, as the wagons had plenty of space to hold letters and horses could easily pull them. However, working with a live animal isn’t always the most reliable option, and as soon as operational motor vehicles came around, the horse-and-buggy method was history.

Electric-Powered Vehicles

Before a shiny, rubber-burning Tesla pops into your head, we’re not talking about the type of electric vehicle that you’re thinking of. USPS actually started using electric-powered vehicles back in the early 1900’s. However, technology during that time wasn’t what it is now, and vehicles weren’t deemed as adequate replacements for horses and sleds during the winter season! We’ve come a long way since then, and USPS is slowly working its way back to its early electric vehicle ambitions. In fact, USPS recently began testing all-electric vans in central California on February 5th. This could be a huge step towards a sustainable future for the US Postal Service, and who knows? Maybe they’ll be at the top of this list if we redo it someday.

Mail by Mule

Believe it or not, USPS still uses mules to deliver mail to residents of Supai, Arizona! Technology and innovation have brought us planes, trains, and automobiles over the years, and as a result, this once-popular form of mail delivery has nearly been phased out. However, it’s not over until it’s over. The Supai route to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is the last remaining mule route in the entire country. Say what you will and laugh all you want, but the mule system still works like a charm down there for USPS.

The Three-Wheeled “Mailster”

The Three-Wheeled Mailster was a funny-looking vehicle with a top speed of 35 miles per hour that allowed postal workers to carry up to 500 hundred pounds of mail at one time. That kind of volume of was unprecedented at the time, and USPS rolled the dice on Mailsters in a big way. By 1966, Mailsters comprised well over one-third of USPS’ entire delivery fleet! However, the investment didn’t quite pay off the way the organization hoped. While Postal Service higher-ups were in love with the idea, the actual workers driving these vehicles hated it. Mailsters could be immobilized by as little as a few inches of snow and didn’t provide adequate heating. Also, they could tip over as easily as a college junior after having one too many drinks.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles may seem like a viable alternative to larger motor vehicles, as we still see them every day. However, motorcycles didn’t work their way into the US Postal Service the same way they did with police forces. In fact, USPS only used the motorcycle on an experimental basis in Washington, D.C. in 1912, and they quickly put a stop to it when winter rolled around. Suffice it to say, it didn’t quite work out the way they had hoped. Motorcycles don’t have enough storage space to hold mail, and they don’t perform so well on snow and ice.

It seems hard to imagine in the age of smartphones, but letter carriers once used to deliver mail on foot using handcarts. Talk about trudging along…we wouldn’t want to walk a mile in their shoes! If faced with the choice, we’d rather just Uber…but unfortunately, postal workers didn’t have that luxury back then. They might have been slow, but handcarts got the job done just fine until more efficient modes of transportation eventually came along.

Remember when segways were a thing? Back in the height of their popularity, it wasn’t uncommon to see a postal worker riding around on a segway to complete his or her route like Aladdin on his magic carpet. However, there wasn’t enough storage space on them, navigating sidewalks and curbs was tricky, and tackling a flight of stairs was just not possible. Ultimately, the fad didn’t last long. These days, Bird and Lime scooters are taking the world by storm, and those devices aren’t all that different from segways. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see USPS workers whizzing by on electric scooters to deliver mail one of these days.

Apparently, the United States Postal Service beat Elon Musk to the punch 60 years ago. Seriously. In the late 1950s, United States Postmaster General Arthur Summerfield called for a new means of mail delivery to satisfy growing demand across the country. Apparently, the best idea these guys could come up with was mail by missile. On June 8, 1959, the Navy submarine USS Barbero launched a missile containing 300 letters off Florida’s coast in a demonstration that was more of a publicity stunt than anything. The demonstration was a success, and Postmaster Summerfield proudly declared, “We stand on the threshold of Rocket Mail!” Obviously, Rocket Mail never came to fruition…but the fact that it was even a discussion in the first place still blows our minds (pun intended).

Gary Terrell

The Post Office once experimented by using hot air balloon . The Ballon got in trouble due to weather and the mail was tossed over board. This information can be found in The Annual Report of The Postmaster General I do not remember the year

Steven Spenser

You left out:

1) Horses–The Pony Express delivered U. S. Mail

2) Steamboats

3) Bicycles: The Postal Service delivers mail by bicycle on 50 routes in Arizona and Florida

4) Gyrocopters: ( https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/04/that-time-the-us-postal-service-actually-used-gyrocopters-to-deliver-mail/amp/ )

5) Microfilm (V-mail) https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a4291/weird-ways-deliver-mail/

6) Indoor mail robots ( https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/mailmobiles-mail-robots-technology-retirement )

7) Pneumatic tubes ( https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a4291/weird-ways-deliver-mail/ )

8) Jet boats: (a) On Oregon’s Rogue River ( https://www.roguejets.com/historic-mail-route/ ) and (b) On the Snake River in Hell’s Canyon ( https://www.hellscanyontours.com/hells-canyon-all-day-tour/ )

9) Hovercraft. The USPS uses them in remote areas of Alaska. ( https://www.alaskajournal.com/community/2003-11-17/hovercraft-turns-profit-delivering-mail-bethel-area )

The USPS says on its blog that it (also) moves mail using:

10) Ferries; 11) Helicopters; 12) Subways; and… 13) Float planes

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Amazon drones can now fly farther and deliver to more customers following FAA approval

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all commercial drone operators are able to maintain a line of sight to their drones until it approves a technology that can safely enable drones to fly beyond visual line of sight. Beyond Visual Line of Sight, known as BVLOS, is a term used in aviation to describe flying a drone where the remote pilot can't see it directly with their own eyes. Instead, a remote pilot would rely on instruments or technology to monitor and control the drone at all times.

When it comes to commercial drones, regulators around the world have been working on creating new rules and authorizing technologies that will allow more complex drone operations, like package delivery, to safely scale and operate beyond the line of sight of a remote pilot.

We’re excited to share that the FAA has given Prime Air additional permissions that allow us to operate our drones beyond visual line of sight, enabling us to now serve more customers via drone and effectively expand and scale our drone delivery operations. To obtain this permission, we developed a BVLOS strategy, including an onboard detect-and-avoid technology. We’ve spent years developing, testing, and refining our onboard detect-and-avoid system to ensure our drones can detect and avoid obstacles in the air.

We submitted crucial engineering information to the FAA, including our onboard detect-and-avoid capabilities. This included how our system was designed, how it is operated, how it is maintained, and ultimately how we validated that the system performs to specified requirements. We then conducted flight demonstrations in the presence of FAA inspectors to show our system works in real-world scenarios—we flew in the presence of real planes, helicopters, and a hot air balloon to demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each of them. We also provided extensive analysis and test data for our technology that further validated the safety of our system. After reviewing this information and observing the technology in action at our test site, the FAA provided Amazon Prime Air with BVLOS approval.

This new authorization and new permissions allow us expand our delivery area in College Station, Texas. It means more Amazon customers than ever before will be eligible to choose from thousands of items for drone delivery, including household essentials and beauty and drugstore products. Later this year, drone deliveries will begin integrating into Amazon’s delivery network , meaning drones will deploy from facilities next to our Same-Day Delivery sites, which will provide Amazon customers with faster delivery of an even greater selection of items.

Safety is our top priority

Deploying this onboard technology allows us to expand the reach and capabilities of our delivery services while maintaining our same stringent commitment to safety.

We received an Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA in 2020 that allowed Amazon to operate as an airline and deliver small packages via drone. With that certification and the newly granted permission to fly beyond the line of sight, we’re laying the foundation to scale drone delivery for customers.

Now that we’ve been granted these permissions by the FAA, we’ll immediately scale our operations in College Station with our current MK-27 drone to reach customers in more densely populated areas.

Our vision has remained unchanged since we started working on Prime Air: to create a safe and scalable way to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less using highly autonomous drones. To achieve our goal of delivering 500 million packages, per year, by drone, by the end of this decade, we knew we had to design a system capable of serving highly populated areas and that was safer than driving to the store. It’s taken years of inventing, testing, and improving to develop these breakthrough technologies, and now, on the heels of regulatory approval and cutting-edge technology, we’re excited to launch this next chapter for Prime Air.

Learn more about Amazon drone deliveries:

• Get medications faster with drone delivery from Amazon Pharmacy
• Amazon is launching ultra-fast drone deliveries in Italy, the UK, and a third location in the U.S.
• 11 photos of Amazon’s new Prime Air drone that can fly in light rain and deliver packages up to 5 pounds in under an hour

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14 best travel credit cards of June 2024

The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits . For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.

Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly, what is a travel credit card, helpful tools, how we rate cards, how to maximize travel credit cards, how to choose the best travel credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of travel credit cards, frequently asked questions.

• Airport Lounge Access

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• Annual $50 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• The card comes with a $95 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

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, worth $1,388 based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
• Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• $395 annual fee
• $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
• 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

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• Yearly cap on bonus categories.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 100k 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℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
• The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
• Few travel perks and protections.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

• No annual fee.
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
• Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
• Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
• Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
• Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
• Steep $695 annual fee.
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uncapped earning potential
• $50 annual statement credit
• Solid point earning rates in popular categories
• This card features an annual fee
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners.
• 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee.
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
• 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®

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

• This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

• You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
• Hefty $375 annual fee.
• There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
• No travel and purchase protections.
• 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.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

• Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
• Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
• Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ), identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations  peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ). The card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases for no annual fee. Plus, Bilt points can be transferred to any of its multiple travel partners. 

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better option.

Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights , hotels and more with their many perks and rewards . 

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Additionally, it’s often advantageous to travel with more than one credit card for a variety of reasons. Carrying a backup credit card when you travel can provide peace of mind in the case of bank or issuer problems or if you have a card flagged for fraud while you travel. (In this case, knowing if your card requires you to set up travel alerts for lengthy travel could be worthwhile).

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

How to redeem points and miles  

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

There are plenty of ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes with your travel rewards . For instance, be sure you do your research with your rewards to get a high-value redemption and make sure your accounts are in good standing so you don’t risk losing them.  

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

How to use travel credit card portals  

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

What TPG readers have to say about their favorite travel credit cards

Fan favorites among top travel credit cards include those that earn both points and miles. In addition to helping offset the cost of travel — whether it’s for rental cars, hotel stays or flights — some TPG readers love that travel cards also offer travel insurance (including protections for things like delayed or lost baggage). We asked our readers which credit card has made the biggest impact when they travel and why — here are their responses.

Note: Responses have not been edited.

“Allowed me to justify staying at nicer hotels and just overall leveling up with how I travel.” — Jackie C via Facebook  

“ Venture X for me - lounge access and my first long haul biz [sic] class flight on points! Changing my travel game for the better!” — Lauren R via Facebook

“Can't beat the flexibility of the $300 travel credit from the Chase Sapphire Reserve .” — Armando S via Facebook

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
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Earn the welcome bonus

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus . Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus .

Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status . 

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost-effective for a traveler on a budget .

And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

It’s important to consider where you’re looking to go when you book trips, as certain cards are especially useful for international travel . Plus, if you’re someone who frequents the skies (such as a digital nomad), there are certain credit cards best for long-term travelers .

Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.

Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options, including award chart sweet spots that can get you the most maximized redemptions for your points and miles.

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
• 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite travel credit card — and why?

• Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
• Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
• Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
• Credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
• The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
• Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access,  rental car insurance  or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

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Priority Mail Express International

3–5 business days 1 & flat rate pricing 2.

Priority Mail Express International ® service is fast, reliable, and affordable. Ship to about 180 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

• Flat Rate option: Ship using free Flat Rate Envelopes up to 4 lbs, starting at $59.50
• Or ship by weight: For packages up to 70 lbs, prices vary by destination country price group and start at $61.60.

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Packages sent to countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules need more-detailed content descriptions for customs forms. Learn what you need to do .

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• Delivery in 3–5 business days 1
• Ships to about 180 countries
• Money-back guarantee to select destinations 2
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• Maximum weight for Mailing Boxes is 70 lbs.
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Note: Packages sent to countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules need more-detailed content descriptions for customs forms. Learn what you need to do .

When you send international packages using Priority Mail Express International, your package must have a complete and computer-generated customs form:

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1. For many major markets. Actual number of days may vary based on origin, destination, and customs delays. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 1 2. You can receive date certain service with a money back guarantee to select locations. You must pay postage and mail your letter or package at a Post Office ™ location. Browse Individual Country List . Back ^ to legal disclaimer 2 3. Up to 4 lbs in the Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 3 4. For details on free Package Pickup, visit Schedule a Pickup . Back ^ to legal disclaimer 4 5. Limitations may apply for certain destinations. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 5 6. See the International Mail Manual for maximum amount of insurance allowed by each country. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 6 7. Visit the International Mail Manual for insurance details . Back ^ to legal disclaimer 7 8. Boxes and envelopes are delivered with your regular mail usually within 7 to 10 business days. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 8