Best Cash Back Travel Credit Cards
Traveling can be expensive, with accommodation, transportation, and food expenses adding up quickly. That’s where travel credit cards come in handy.
They help you earn rewards and cash back that can be used to offset some of your travel expenses. But with so many options available, which is the best cash back travel credit card for you?
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard
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Synchrony Premier World Mastercard offers 2% cash back on purchases, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers. There is no annual fee, which is a bonus, and it offers ID theft protection.
This card is ideal for those who are looking for a straightforward cash back card without all the bells and whistles.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is another option for travel rewards. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with flexible rewards and options to redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
If you’re looking to maximize your rewards, this card is ideal. Plus, there is no annual fee!
Citi Double Cash Card
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Citi Double Cash Card is another straightforward cash back card that offers 2% cash back on all purchases. It is also paired with ThankYou points and offers fraud protection.
This card is ideal for those who want cash back but also want the option to redeem points for other rewards.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred is one of the best credit cards for those who frequently spend on certain categories, such as groceries and gas. You can get 6% cash back on select categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
However, it does come with an annual fee.
Capital One Savor Rewards
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Capital One Savor Rewards card is perfect for foodies who love dining out and attending entertainment events. It offers a generous 4% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $300 cash back bonus after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
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Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers 3% cash back on travel purchases, making it a good option for those who frequently travel. It comes with no annual fee and offers a $200 introductory cash back offer.
This card is ideal for those who want simple cash back rewards without any extra frills.
Deserve PRO Mastercard
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Deserve PRO Mastercard is perfect for those who want more than just cash back rewards. It offers a range of benefits, such as Mastercard World benefits, extended warranty, and price protection.
Plus, you can earn 3% cash back on travel purchases, making it a great option for those who like to travel.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is ideal for those who want a simple, no annual fee credit card. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no foreign transaction fees.
This card is great for those who travel abroad frequently.
Benefits of Cash Back Travel Credit Cards
Earning rewards, miles, and other perks is the top benefit of using a travel credit card. Depending on the card, you can earn cash back on purchases, earn miles that you can use towards flights, or earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards.
Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses, allowing you to earn even more rewards for simply using your card. Simplified Transactions Across U.S. and Abroad
Travel credit cards also simplify transactions, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Most cards are accepted worldwide, making it easy to make purchases in a foreign country without having to pay any additional fees. Additionally, some travel credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to save money while you travel.
Specific Benefits for Travelers
Many travel credit cards offer specific benefits for travelers. For example, some cards offer priority boarding on flights, free luggage check-in, and reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
Other cards offer travel insurance, purchase protection, and other perks that can be useful while traveling.
Cash Back Rewards
Lastly, the cash back rewards that come with a travel credit card can help offset some of your travel expenses. Depending on the card and your spending habits, you can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cash back each year.
This can be a huge help when paying for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. In conclusion, there are many options available for those who want to earn cash back rewards while traveling.
Depending on your spending habits and preferences, one of the aforementioned travel credit cards may be the perfect fit for you. With rewards and benefits like these, there’s no reason not to sign up for a travel credit card today!
Best Features of Cash Back Travel Credit Cards
Cash back travel credit cards offer a wide range of benefits and rewards that can help you save money while traveling. Here are some of the best features of the top cash back travel credit cards:
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard
One of the best features of the
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is that there are no restrictions on how you can use your cash back rewards. You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
Additionally, this card has a competitive APR, making it a good option for those who carry a balance.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
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Chase Freedom Unlimited card is often praised for its shopping categories. You can earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, new cardholders can take advantage of an introductory offer, earning $200 cash back after spending $500 within the first three months.
Citi Double Cash Card
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Citi Double Cash Card may have a slightly complicated cash back process, but it’s worth it for those who want to maximize their earnings. You can earn 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% cash back when you pay off your balance.
Additionally, points earned on this card can be redeemed for ThankYou points, which can be used towards travel rewards.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred is a great option for those who frequently spend in specific bonus categories, such as groceries and streaming services. You can earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services and at U.S. supermarkets, and 3% cash back on transit and gas purchases.
This card does have an annual fee, but the rewards can easily offset the cost.
Capital One Savor Rewards
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Capital One Savor Rewards card is a great option for those who frequently travel abroad. It has no foreign transaction fees and offers a concierge service that can assist with travel planning and booking.
Additionally, you can earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases, and 2% cash back at grocery stores.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
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Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card has a unique feature – you can choose a bonus category with 3% cash back and earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Plus, this card has a $200 introductory offer and no annual fee.
Deserve PRO Mastercard
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Deserve PRO Mastercard is ideal for frequent travelers who want extra perks. It comes with a Priority Pass membership, giving you access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
Additionally, you can earn 3% cash back on travel and entertainment purchases, and 2% cash back at restaurants.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card has a competitive 0% APR introductory offer for the first 15 months, making it a good option for those planning to make big-ticket purchases. Plus, you can earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Back Cards
Here are answers to some common questions about cash back travel credit cards:
2% Cash Back vs. Higher Rates for Specific Categories
Many cash back credit cards offer high rates of cash back for specific categories, such as dining, gas, or groceries.
While it may be tempting to choose a card with higher rewards for specific categories, it’s important to consider if those categories align with your spending habits. If you don’t spend a lot in those categories, a card with a flat 2% cash back rate may be a better choice.
Travel Points vs. Cash Back
Travel points and cash back rewards are two different types of rewards offered by travel credit cards.
Travel points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses, while cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. It’s important to determine which type of reward is more valuable to you before choosing a travel credit card.
Best Credit Card for Big-Ticket Items
If you’re planning to make a big-ticket purchase, such as a new appliance or furniture, a credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer may be a good option. This allows you to pay off the balance over time without accruing interest charges.
Best Credit Card for International Travel
A credit card with no foreign transaction fees and widespread acceptance is the best option for international travel. Many travel credit cards offer these benefits, as well as other travel-related perks such as travel insurance and priority boarding.
It’s also a good idea to inform your credit card company of your travel plans in advance to avoid any issues with fraud protection. In conclusion, cash back travel credit cards are a great way to earn rewards and offset some travel expenses.
With numerous options available, it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences. The article covered the best cash back travel credit cards and their features, such as bonus categories, no foreign transaction fees, and introductory offers.
Additionally, there are some common questions to consider when choosing a cash back travel credit card, such as the difference between travel points and cash back and the best credit cards for big-ticket items and international travel. By taking advantage of these rewards and benefits, you can enjoy stress-free travel and save money along the way.