Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners: Why Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Stands Out

 

 

 

I. Introduction

If you're new to the world of credit cards, choosing the right one for your travel needs can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it's important to do your research to find a card that suits your lifestyle and travel goals. In this article, we'll be discussing the best travel credit card for beginners - the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - and why it's a great choice for those looking to earn rewards and maximize their travel experiences. So, whether you're planning your next vacation or simply looking to earn points on your everyday purchases, read on to discover how the right travel credit card can make all the difference.

 

II. What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card for Beginners

When it comes to choosing a travel credit card as a beginner, it's important to consider certain factors that can help you maximize your rewards and benefits. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Rewards: Look for a card that offers rewards on the types of purchases you make most frequently, such as travel, dining, gas, or groceries. Some cards may offer bonus points or cash back for certain categories, so make sure you choose one that aligns with your spending habits.

2. Redemption Options: Consider the redemption options available for the rewards you earn. Some cards offer more flexibility, allowing you to transfer points to travel partners or redeem for statement credits or gift cards. Others may limit your redemption options, so make sure you choose a card that offers the most value for your rewards.

3. Fees: Look for a card with a reasonable annual fee, or even better, no annual fee. Some cards may also charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up quickly if you travel frequently. Make sure you read the fine print and choose a card with fees that fit your budget.

4. Introductory Offers: Some cards may offer introductory offers such as bonus points, cash back, or 0% APR for a limited time. These can be a great way to earn rewards or save money on interest, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the offer before applying.

By considering these factors, you can choose a travel credit card that fits your needs as a beginner and helps you earn rewards and benefits for your spending.

 

III. Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you're new to the world of travel credit cards and looking for the best one to get started with, we highly recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Here are some of the reasons why:

Firstly, this card offers a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, making it a great choice for frequent travelers and diners. You can earn high rewards on several areas of spending, with 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.

Another great feature of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is that you can transfer points to travel partners at a 1:1 rate, allowing you to maximize your rewards and redeem them for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Plus, you can enjoy many travel and shopping protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and lost luggage insurance.

The card does have an annual fee, but the benefits and rewards far outweigh this cost. And while there is no intro APR offer, the high rewards rates and redemption flexibility make this a great card for frequent travelers.

In terms of the card details, you can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which is worth $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can also get a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit and enjoy 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for beginners looking to get started with a travel credit card. It offers high rewards rates, redemption flexibility, and valuable travel and shopping protections, making it a dream for frequent travelers and diners.

 

IV. Other Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for many, there are other credit cards that are also great for beginners who are interested in earning travel rewards. Here are a few other options worth considering:

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card This card offers a simple rewards program with no minimum spending requirements. You'll earn unlimited 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, and you can redeem those miles for travel statement credits, transfer them to travel partners, or use them to book travel through Capital One's portal. The card also comes with a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit and no foreign transaction fees.

2. Discover it® Miles This card offers a unique feature where all the miles earned in the first year will be matched. For instance, if you earn 20,000 miles in the first year, Discover will match that, giving you a total of 40,000 miles. This is a great option for those who are looking for a credit card with no annual fee. You'll earn unlimited 1.5x miles per dollar on all purchases, and you can redeem those miles as a statement credit towards travel purchases.

3. Citi Premier® Card This card offers high rewards rates on several categories, including 3x points on travel, including gas stations, 2x points on dining out and entertainment, and 1x points on all other purchases. You can transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel partners, and you can also use them to book travel through Citi's ThankYou® portal. The card also comes with travel and purchase protection benefits, and it has a lower annual fee compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Overall, these cards are great options for beginners who are interested in earning travel rewards, and they offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and spending habits. It's important to do your research and choose the card that best fits your lifestyle and goals.

 

V. Can You Get a Travel Credit Card as Your First Credit Card?

It's a common misconception that you need to have an established credit history to get a travel credit card. While some travel credit cards do require a good credit score, there are several options that are beginner-friendly and can be obtained with little or no credit history.

One of the best options for beginners is a secured credit card, which requires a security deposit to open. This deposit acts as collateral and reduces the risk for the issuer, making it easier to obtain approval. Over time, responsible use of a secured credit card can help establish a credit history and improve credit score, making it easier to qualify for other credit cards, including travel credit cards.

Another option for beginners is a co-branded credit card, which is offered in partnership between a credit card issuer and a specific airline or hotel chain. These cards often come with perks such as free checked bags or room upgrades, making them an attractive option for frequent travelers. While some co-branded cards may require a good credit score, there are options available for those with limited or no credit history.

It's important to note that applying for multiple credit cards at once can negatively impact your credit score, so it's recommended to do research and only apply for cards that you are likely to qualify for. Additionally, it's important to use credit responsibly and pay off balances in full each month to avoid accruing interest charges and potentially damaging credit score.

Overall, while it may be more challenging for beginners to obtain a travel credit card, there are options available and responsible use can help establish a credit history and unlock travel rewards in the future.

 

VI. What Beginner Credit Card Has the Best Benefits?

 

When looking for the best beginner credit card with the best benefits, it is important to consider your spending habits and travel goals. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a solid rewards rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, making it a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward rewards program. Additionally, it offers a generous sign-up bonus and flexible redemption options.

2. Discover it® Cash Back: While not a travel credit card, the Discover it® Cash Back is a great option for beginners looking for a card with strong benefits. It offers a generous cashback program on rotating categories, no annual fee, and a unique feature where your cashback earnings are doubled at the end of your first year.

3. American Express® Gold Card: This card offers a variety of benefits, including high rewards rates on dining and groceries, airline fee credits, and travel protections. However, it does come with a higher annual fee compared to other beginner-friendly credit cards.

Ultimately, the best beginner credit card with the best benefits will depend on your personal preferences and spending habits. Consider what benefits are most important to you and do your research to find the best option for your needs.

 

 

VII. Is it Hard to Get a Travel Credit Card?

When it comes to getting a travel credit card, some people might be worried about the difficulty of being approved, especially if they are just starting to build their credit. While some travel credit cards may have stricter requirements, there are many options that are beginner-friendly.

It's important to keep in mind that each credit card company has its own set of requirements for approval, and these can vary depending on the specific credit card. Generally, travel credit cards tend to require a good credit score, which is typically considered to be in the range of 670-739. However, some beginner-friendly travel credit cards may be more lenient and require only a fair credit score, which is typically in the range of 580-669.

In addition to your credit score, credit card companies will also look at other factors such as your income, employment status, and credit history. If you have a limited credit history or a lower income, it may be more difficult to be approved for certain travel credit cards. However, some beginner-friendly options may be more accommodating in these areas.

It's important to do your research and compare different travel credit cards to find one that fits your individual financial situation and goals. Keep in mind that applying for multiple credit cards at once can also negatively impact your credit score, so it's best to be selective and only apply for cards that you are likely to be approved for.

 

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, travel credit cards can be a great way for beginners to earn rewards and save money on their travel expenses. When looking for a travel credit card, it's important to consider the rewards rates, redemption options, and fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option for beginners because of its high rewards rates and flexibility, but there are other options available as well.

While it's possible to get a travel credit card as your first credit card, it's important to have a good credit score and income to qualify for the best cards. If you're not quite ready for a travel credit card, there are other beginner-friendly options available that can help you build credit and earn rewards.

Overall, choosing the right credit card can be a daunting task, but with a little research and careful consideration, you can find a card that fits your needs and helps you achieve your travel goals. Remember to always read the terms and conditions carefully and use your credit card responsibly to avoid unnecessary debt.

Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or credit advice. We do not sell or endorse any specific credit cards mentioned in this article. Before applying for any credit card, it's important to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor to determine what's best for your individual financial situation.

 

 

 

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