Live chat: What’s the best credit card for travel rewards? Ask the ‘Points Guy.’

Travel rewards credit cards can unlock incredible perks, from free flights and hotel stays to airport lounge access and cashback on purchases. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

To help answer this question, we hosted a live chat with Brian Kelly, better known as “The Points Guy”—a leading expert in maximizing credit card rewards and travel benefits. Below, we break down the key takeaways from the discussion, including top card recommendations, expert tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card?

Before diving into the best cards, it’s important to understand why travel rewards credit cards are worth considering:

Free or Discounted Travel – Earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more.
Luxury Perks – Enjoy benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, and elite status with airlines or hotels.
Travel Protections – Many cards offer trip cancellation insurance, rental car coverage, and fraud protection.
Sign-Up Bonuses – Some cards offer massive welcome bonuses (e.g., 100,000 points after meeting a spending requirement).

Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2024

During the live chat, Brian Kelly highlighted several standout cards based on different travel styles:

1. Best All-Around Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Why It’s Great: Flexible points (transferable to airlines like United and hotels like Hyatt), strong travel protections, and a low annual fee.

2. Best Premium Travel Card: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual Fee: $695
Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
Why It’s Great: Elite perks like Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status (Marriott Gold & Hilton Gold), and annual travel credits.

3. Best Airline Card: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Annual Fee: $350
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 SkyMiles + 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Why It’s Great: Free checked bags, priority boarding, and a companion certificate each year.

4. Best Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 60,000 points (30,000 after $3, 000 s p e n d in 3 m o n t h s + 30, 000 a f t er$ 15,000 spend in 6 months).
Why It’s Great: A free night award annually, automatic Discoverist status, and strong point redemption value.

5. Best No-Annual-Fee Card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Why It’s Great: Simple earning structure and no annual fee, making it great for beginners.

Expert Tips from The Points Guy

During the live Q&A, Brian Kelly shared some valuable insights:

1. Choose a Card That Matches Your Spending Habits

If you dine out often, the American Express® Gold Card (4X points on dining) is ideal.
If you fly frequently with one airline, an airline-specific card (like the United Explorer Card) may be best.

2. Maximize Sign-Up Bonuses

Many cards offer their highest bonuses at certain times of the year (e.g., during limited-time promotions).
Always meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus.

3. Use Transfer Partners for Maximum Value

Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Amex Membership Rewards®, and Citi ThankYou® Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for higher redemption value.

4. Avoid Carrying a Balance

Travel cards often have high APRs—pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

5. Combine Cards for Extra Benefits

Pairing a general travel card (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®) with a hotel or airline card can maximize rewards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for Too Many Cards at Once – This can hurt your credit score due to multiple hard inquiries.
Ignoring Annual Fees – Some high-fee cards are worth it, but only if you use the benefits.
Letting Points Expire – Keep track of expiration policies and use points before they vanish.
Not Using Travel Credits – Many premium cards offer annual credits (e.g., Amex Platinum’s $200 airline fee credit)—use them!

Final Thoughts: Which Card Is Right for You?

The best travel rewards credit card depends on your spending habits, travel goals, and budget. Here’s a quick guide:

Frequent Travelers: Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum
Casual Travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture
Hotel Loyalists: World of Hyatt Card or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®
Airline Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or United Explorer Card

Live Q&A Highlights

Q: Should I get a card with a high annual fee?
A: Only if the benefits outweigh the cost. For example, the Amex Platinum’s $695 fee is justified if you use the lounge access, Uber credits, and airline fee credits.

Q: How do I avoid losing points?
*A: Stay active—use your card at least once every few months. Some points expire after inactivity (e.g., 18-24 months for some programs).*

Q: Can I have multiple travel cards?
A: Yes, but manage them wisely. Too many cards can be hard to track, and high annual fees add up.

Conclusion

Choosing the best travel rewards credit card can save you thousands on flights, hotels, and luxury perks. By aligning your card with your spending and travel habits—and following expert advice from The Points Guy—you can maximize rewards and enjoy unforgettable travel experiences.