Maximize Your Travel with Credit Card Rewards

When it comes to travel credit cards, the American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Sapphire Preferred are arguably the best options on the market. Each card offers a unique set of benefits that can help you save money, earn rewards, and access perks to enhance your jet-setting experience. All three travel credit cards provide a transfer partner program that allow you to utilize your valuable points with their corresponding partners for flexible reward redemption. In addition, each provides you confidence with their various trip insurance, cell phone, and purchase protection offerings.

The American Express Platinum is ideal for frequent travelers who want access to luxury perks and exclusive experiences.

• Annual Fee: $695
• Sign-Up Bonus: 150k points sign-up bonus via exclusive referral (normally only 80k), after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
• Transfer Partners: Air France, KLM, Delta, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Iberia Plus, Virgin Atlantic, Asia Miles, Singapore Airlines, Finnair, Scandinavian Airlines, Qantas, Hilton Rewards, Mariott Bonvoy, Radisson Rewards
• Card Perks: $1,648 value
  • $200 Annual Uber Credit
  • $100 Annual Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit
  • $200 Hotel Credit (booked through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts)
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit (Hulu, Peacock, Audible, Sirius XM, Disney+, ESPN+, NY Times)
  • $300 Equinox-Soul Cycle Membership Credit
  • Priority Pass Lounge Access ($99 value)
  • American Express Centurion Lounge Access
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fee Credit ($100 value)
  • CLEAR Membership Credit ($189 value)
  • Cell Phone & 90-Day Purchase Protections
  • Travel & Car Rental Insurance Offerings

Next, let’s look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This card is perfect for travelers looking to maximize travel points and prefers Chase’s transfer partners.

• Annual Fee: $550
• Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, United, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Iberia Plus, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, IHG One Rewards, Mariott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60k points sign-up bonus, after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Card Perks: $499 value
  • $300 Travel Credit
  • 10x Points on hotels, car rentals, and dining booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
  • 3x Points on travel and dining
  • Priority Pass Lounge Access ($99 value)
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fee Credit ($100 value)
  • Cell Phone Purchase Protection
  • Travel & Car Rental Insurance Offerings

Finally, there is the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Ink Business Preferred. These cards are ideal for those just getting started with travel award programs or who want to add a second card and transfer program at a low annual fee.

• Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
• Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Iberia Plus, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, IHG One Rewards, Mariott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt
• Sign-Up Bonus:
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred (personal card): 60k points sign-up bonus, after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
  • Chase Business Ink Preferred (business card): 100k points referral exclusive sign-up bonus (typically 60k), after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months
• Card Perks:
  • 5x Points on hotels, car rentals, and dining booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
  • 3x Points on travel and dining
  • Cell Phone Purchase Protection
  • Travel & Car Rental Insurance Offerings

All three cards offer travelers incredible benefits and are well worth their annual fees. Ultimately, the best credit card for you will depend on your travel habits and preferences, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each card before making your decision.