For infrequent travelers, finding the right travel card can seem daunting with so many options available. Whether you travel occasionally for business or pleasure, selecting a travel card that offers flexibility, rewards, and minimal fees is essential. This article explores the key features to consider and highlights some of the best travel cards tailored for infrequent travelers.
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating travel cards for infrequent travelers, consider the following features to ensure you get the most value:
- Annual Fee: Look for cards with no annual fee or low annual fees, especially if you don’t travel often enough to justify higher costs.
- Rewards Structure: Opt for cards that offer flexible rewards or cash back on everyday purchases, not just travel-related expenses. This way, you can earn rewards even when you’re not traveling.
- Travel Insurance: Check if the card provides travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement, to protect you during your trips.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges when making purchases abroad.
- Additional Perks: Consider additional perks such as airport lounge access, concierge services, and travel credits, which can enhance your travel experience even as an infrequent traveler.
Best Travel Cards for Infrequent Travelers
Here are some of the top travel cards recommended for infrequent travelers based on their features and benefits:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: Earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Bonus: Earn a generous signup bonus after spending a certain amount within the first few months.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and primary car rental insurance.
2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
- Bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of miles once you spend a certain amount on purchases within the first few months.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and extended warranty protection on purchases.
3. Discover it® Miles
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
- Bonus: Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, free FICO® Credit Score access, and no blackout dates for booking flights.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
- Bonus: Receive 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, no expiration on points, and points can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover travel purchases.
Tips for Using Your Travel Card Wisely
- Pay Off Monthly Balances: To avoid interest charges, pay off your balance in full each month.
- Maximize Rewards: Use your card for everyday purchases to accumulate rewards points or miles, even when not traveling.
- Monitor Benefits: Familiarize yourself with the card’s benefits and insurance coverage to make the most of them when you do travel.
Choosing the best travel card for infrequent travelers involves evaluating annual fees, rewards structures, travel benefits, and additional perks that align with your spending habits and travel needs. By selecting a card that offers flexibility, rewards on everyday spending, and useful travel benefits without high fees, you can maximize your benefits whether you travel frequently or occasionally. Explore the options available, compare features, and choose a travel card that enhances your travel experiences and financial well-being.