Best Travel Credit Cards of 2019
The best travel credit card for you depends on how often you fly, where you go, and whether you carry a balance. In 2019, issuers leaned into flat-rate rewards, travel credits, and luxury perks. This guide walks through the leading options so you can match a card to your actual travel habits rather than chasing the shiniest sign-up bonus.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Top Contenders at a Glance
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 2X on travel and dining | Flexible travel rewards |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 2X miles on all purchases | Simple flat-rate earning |
| American Express Gold | $250 | 4X on dining, 3X on flights | Dining-focused travelers |
| Citi Premier Card | $95 | 3X on travel and dining | High earners who want straightforward points |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 3X on travel and dining | Premium travelers wanting luxury perks |
| Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 3X on travel and shipping | Small business owners |
What Made 2019 a Strong Year for Travel Cards
2019 was a pivotal year for travel rewards. Issuers responded to consumer demand for simplicity by offering flat-rate earning on many cards, reducing the need to track rotating categories. At the same time, premium cards expanded their credit to offset rising annual fees. The overall trend was toward more generous rewards on everyday spending, which meant even non-frequent flyers could extract meaningful value from a travel card.
How to Choose the Right Card for Your Travel Style
Start by asking three questions: How many flights do you take per year? Do you dine out often? Will you pay the annual fee enough times to justify it? A card with a lower fee and solid earning rate often beats a premium card if your travel volume is modest. Conversely, frequent travelers can leverage lounge access, statement credits, and elite status to turn a high annual fee into a net gain.
Casual Travelers
If you take one or two trips a year, a no-annual-fee or low-fee card like the Capital One Venture Rewards is a strong pick. The flat 2X miles on everything removes guesswork, and the credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck effectively erase the annual fee for many users.
Frequent Travelers
For those who fly regularly, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Citi Premier Card offers elevated earning on travel and dining. The real advantage often comes from transfer partners, which let you move points to airline and hotel loyalty programs for better redemption value.
Premium Card Users
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Gold target high spenders. They deliver substantial credits and lounge access, but only if you use them enough to offset the fee. If you rarely use the perks, a lower-cost card is the better financial choice.
Sign-Up Bonuses: Worth Chasing?
Sign-up bonuses in 2019 were aggressive, with some cards offering 50,000 to 60,000 points after meeting a modest spending threshold. These bonuses can be the most valuable part of a card, but they should not be the sole reason you apply. Run the numbers: divide the bonus value by the annual fee and the minimum spend to see whether the math works for your budget.
Hidden Costs and Trade-Offs
Travel cards often carry higher APRs than standard cards, so paying in full each month is essential. Foreign transaction fees vary by card, and some premium cards require you to book through specific portals to access certain credits. Read the fine print on anniversary credits, hotel status matches, and lounge access, as these benefits can change with little notice.
The Bottom Line
The best travel credit card of 2019 is the one that fits how you actually travel. A no-fee flat-rate card may outperform a premium option if you spend modestly and travel infrequently. If you fly often and leverage perks, a higher-fee card can deliver outsized value. Match the card to your habits, and the rewards will follow.