What’s the Best Premium Travel Credit Card for 2021?

As 2021 progresses, many people are looking to pack their bags and venture off to all corners of the world. If you’re a frequent jet-setter, the best premium travel rewards card for your needs can take your globe-trotting to a higher level by helping you earn free trips faster. You can also enjoy numerous perks along the way – especially since many premium travel cards currently come with sign-up bonuses ranging between 75,000 and 200,000 miles or points.

Of course, sorting through all the options to choose the best premium travel credit card for you can seem daunting. There are general purpose travel cards, co-branded airline cards, and co-branded hotel cards, to name a few. What’s more, annual fees vary, and the way cards accrue points and deliver rewards can be remarkably different. A starting point for navigating premium travel credit cards is to understand what they offer so you can determine whether they fit your needs.

Premium credit cards differentiate themselves from other cards through the exclusive perks they offer. They accumulate miles that can be used for airline tickets, deliver free and discounted services, and provide benefits – such as lounge access and cabin upgrades – that make trips more comfortable.

In addition to points and miles you can use for travel, shopping, and other things, these perks can be significant. For example, many premium travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, include free travel or rental car insurance, and offer credits that can be used on in-flight expenses, at eligible hotels, or with ride-sharing services. Some cards even offer reimbursement credits for Global Entry, TSA Pre✓^®, and CLEAR^®, all of which provide different degrees of expedited security checks at airports. 

But these premium benefits come at a premium price. For top-shelf travel cards, annual fees typically land in the neighborhood of $450 to nearly $700, so they aren’t for everyone. And to qualify, you’ll generally need an excellent credit score, about 750 or higher. For the light traveler, basic travel cards with little or no fees offer benefits like the ability to earn travel rewards or maybe a free checked bag. But if you travel more than a few times a year – and particularly on international excursions – a premium travel rewards card may be just the ticket. 

The primary factor in selecting a premium travel credit card revolves around your travel habits, patterns, and preferences. If you regularly fly the same airline or alliance, your best premium travel card option might be a co-branded travel card with a specific airline carrier. Some premium travel cards offer benefits, such as:

• Bonus miles multipliers for direct airline ticket purchases, plus bonus miles in other specific spending categories.
• Ways to boost your airline loyalty program status level.
• Free airport lounge access and cabin upgrades.
• Complimentary companion certificates.

But airline cards aren’t the only premium travel rewards credit card to consider. Travel cards that focus on hotel benefits may make sense – and save you dollars – if you often spend nights in hotels and tend to stay with a particular chain on a regular basis. In addition to offering travel points multipliers in certain spending categories, these cards typically offer benefits like:

• Deeply discounted or free nights.
• Room upgrades.
• Other amenities, including complimentary breakfasts and premium internet access.
• Statement credits for annual stays at their properties.

But what if you’re a globe-trotter who relies on a mix of airlines and hotel chains? The best card might be a general purpose premium travel card. These cards allow you to accrue points across various airlines and book in a more flexible way. For example, you may be able to redeem points for airline tickets or hotel stays through any carrier or hotel chain, often without blackout dates and other restrictions. What’s more, cards might offer as much as 5X multipliers on qualified travel purchases, among other common travel card benefits, like Global Entry fee credits and more.