Traveling can be an expensive affair, and that’s where travel credit cards come in handy. They offer rewards and benefits that can help offset the cost of your trips. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 13 best travel credit cards in March 2023, based on our research and analysis.
Travel Credit Card Comparison Table (2023)
To give you an overview of the best travel credit cards in March 2023, here’s a comparison table of the top 13 cards:
Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Earning Rate | Redeeming Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 100,000 points | 2x points on travel and dining | 1.25 cents per point |
American Express Platinum | $695 | 100,000 points | 5x points on flights and hotels | 1 cent per point |
Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 100,000 miles | 2x miles on all purchases | 1 cent per mile |
Citi Premier | $95 | 80,000 points | 3x points on travel, gas, and groceries | 1.25 cents per point |
Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 60,000 points | 3x points on travel and dining | 1.5 cents per point |
American Express Gold | $250 | 60,000 points | 4x points on restaurants and groceries | 1 cent per point |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass | $95 | 150,000 points | 12x points on Hilton purchases | 0.5 cent per point |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | $95 | 125,000 points | 6x points at Marriott properties | 0.8 cent per point |
Delta SkyMiles Platinum | $250 | 90,000 miles | 3x miles on Delta purchases | 1.2 cents per mile |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | $149 | 50,000 points | 2x points on Southwest purchases | 1.5 cents per point |
Discover it Miles | $0 | No bonus | 1.5x miles on all purchases | 1 cent per mile |
Bank of America Travel Rewards | $0 | 25,000 points | 1.5x points on all purchases | 1 cent per point |
Capital One Platinum | $0 | No bonus | 1x miles on all purchases | 1 cent per mile |
Best Card for First-time Cardholders
For first-time cardholders, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It has a low annual fee of $95 and a generous welcome bonus of 100,000 points. You’ll also earn 2x points on travel and dining, making it a great card for those who frequently eat out or travel.
Best Cards for Luxury Travelers
Luxury travelers will appreciate the American Express Platinum card. It has a steep annual fee of $695, but it comes with perks like airport lounge access, hotel credits, and concierge service. You’ll also earn 5x points on flights and hotels, making it a great card for those who value luxury travel experiences.
Best Value Hotel-branded Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card is a great choice for those who prefer to stay at hotels. It has an annual fee of $95, but you’ll earn 12x points on Hilton purchases, which can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton properties. The redeeming value may not be as high as some other cards on this list, but the earning potential is significant.
Best Cards for the Everyday Spender
If you’re an everyday spender who wants to earn rewards on all purchases, the Capital One Venture Rewards and the Discover it Miles cards are great options. The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers 2x miles on all purchases, while the Discover it Miles card offers 1.5x miles on all purchases. Both cards have no annual fee and their redeeming value is 1 cent per mile.
Best Cards for Travelers Who Want Simple Earnings and Redemptions
We recommend the Bank of America Travel Rewards card and the Capital One Platinum card for those who want a simple and straightforward rewards program. Both cards have no annual fee and offer a flat earning rate of 1.5x points/miles on all purchases. The redeeming value for both cards is 1 cent per point/mile.
Best Card for the Low Spender
If you don’t spend a lot on your credit card but still want to earn rewards, the Discover it Miles card is a great choice. It has no annual fee and offers 1.5x miles on all purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the miles you earn in the first year of card membership, effectively doubling your rewards.
Best Card for Family Road Trippers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card is a great choice for families who love road trips. It has an annual fee of $149, but you’ll earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, which can be redeemed for free flights. Plus, the card offers other benefits like priority boarding, in-flight discounts, and a yearly travel credit.
Best Card for the Budget Traveler
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to earn rewards on your travels, we recommend the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It has an annual fee of $95, but you’ll earn 6x points at Marriott properties, which can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels. The redeeming value may not be as high as some other cards on this list, but it’s still a great value for budget travelers.
Best Card for the Hotel Loyalist
If you’re loyal to a specific hotel brand, their branded credit card may be worth considering. For example, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card offers 3x miles on Delta purchases, and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card offers 6x points at Marriott properties. These cards often come with additional benefits like free hotel nights, elite status, and waived fees.
How We Selected Our List of Best Travel Credit Cards
We selected our list of the best travel credit cards based on various factors, including welcome bonuses, earning rates, redeeming value, annual fees, and additional benefits. We also considered the needs and preferences of different types of travelers, from luxury to budget travelers. Our research and analysis involved reviewing and comparing dozens of travel credit cards, as well as consulting with industry experts and reading customer reviews.
A travel credit card can be a great tool if you’re looking for ways to save money on your travels. Many travel credit cards offer rewards points or miles for every dollar you spend, but they also often come with perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and waived foreign transaction fees. With so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best travel credit cards for March 2023. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning a few trips this year, one of these cards could be a great way to save money and make your travels more comfortable. And if you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, check out our article on “Hotels to stay in Los Angeles, California” to find the perfect accommodations.

Hello, and welcome to my travel website! My name is Jennifer E. Sheahan, and I’m a passionate travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures. I believe that travel is not just a way to escape from the daily grind, but also a way to learn and grow as a person.