Best Starter Travel Credit Card: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a travel enthusiast who's looking to maximize your rewards and benefits on travel expenses? Well, look no further because a travel credit card might be the perfect fit for you! In this article, we will be discussing the best starter travel credit card, including its features, benefits, and drawbacks. We'll also include a USA available credit card that you can consider.

 

 

Introduction to Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards are a popular choice among travelers because of the numerous rewards and benefits they offer. These rewards come in the form of points or miles, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel expenses. Additionally, travel credit cards also offer travel-related benefits, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and free checked bags.

 

What to Look for in a Starter Travel Credit Card

Choosing the right starter travel credit card can be overwhelming, given the variety of options available. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some essential factors to consider when selecting a starter travel credit card:

Annual Fee

Most travel credit cards come with an annual fee, which can range from $0 to over $500. It's essential to consider if the benefits outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

Rewards Program

Travel credit cards offer various rewards programs, such as cashback, points, or miles. It's important to choose a rewards program that matches your spending habits and travel preferences.

Sign-Up Bonus

Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. However, these bonuses often come with spending requirements that you need to meet to receive the reward.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you plan to travel abroad, it's important to consider a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you frequently use your credit card abroad.

Other Benefits

Travel credit cards offer different perks and benefits, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and free checked bags. These benefits can make a huge difference in your travel experience.

 

Best Starter Travel Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred

After thorough research and analysis, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred as the best starter travel credit card. Here are its features, benefits, and drawbacks:

Features & Benefits

This is the Chase Sapphire website's travel credit card rewards and benefits:

• Earn a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which equates to $750 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. This offer is available to new cardmembers who haven't received a bonus for any Sapphire card in the past 48 months.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits annually for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, and 2x points on other travel purchases.
• Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out.
• Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
• Earn 3x points on select streaming services.
• Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• Receive 25% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Each account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made in the previous year.
• Eligible cardmembers can use My Chase Plan® to break up purchases of $100 or more into fixed monthly payments with no interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire travel credit card offers premium dining and travel rewards, with a variable APR ranging from 20.74% to 27.74%.

 

 

 

Drawbacks

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers many benefits, it's not without its drawbacks. The card comes with an annual fee of $95, which may be a deal-breaker for some. Additionally, the rewards program may not be suitable for those who don't travel frequently or dine out often.

 

Conclusion

A starter travel credit card can be an excellent way to earn rewards and benefits on your travel expenses. When choosing a travel credit card, consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and the benefits that matter most to you. With the right starter travel credit card, you can earn rewards and enjoy travel-related perks that can enhance your travel experience. So, start exploring your options and choose a travel credit card that suits your needs and preferences.

 

Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to promote or endorse any specific credit card. We are not affiliated with Chase Sapphire or any other credit card company. It is important to carefully research and compare different credit cards to determine which one is the best fit for your personal financial situation and travel goals.

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