What characterizes a good travel card? One that offers the biggest signup bonus? One that has airport lounge access? Or maybe one that has the lowest annual fee with highest potential travel value that can be unlocked. All of these are subjective and can be weighted differently based on an individuals preference.
However, for the sake of this exercise, I will just assume that the one commonality we all have is that we want to obtain the most value possible while paying the least amount of annual fees. Yes, some people only get credit cards for the perks and benefit like lounge access but my ranking is based on the assumption that generating the most value is the key element for the majority of us.
Let’s get to the list
1. Capitol One Venture X
The Capitol One Venture X card has mastered the art of balancing generating value while also providing the most amount of freedom with that value. When taking into consideration the signup bonus + the 10k anniversary miles + the $300 annual travel credit, you are obtaining value that you have control over and not a coupon book style benefits which do the choosing for you. Yes I am looking at you American Express Platinum. One of the most underrated benefits of this card is the 2X miles on all purchases giving you plenty of opportunity to earn points even after your sign-up bonus. You can also add an authorized user for no fee which usually comes at a cost from most other credit card issuers.
2. Aeroplan Card by Chase
Known as one of the friendliest countries in the world and now officially one of the friendliest travel credit cards is the Aeroplan card. The main selling point of this card is the points flexibility you have with the vast number of airline partners you can redeem your points with. This includes all the airlines within the star alliance network such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and Etihad to name a few.
3. Hilton Honors Surpass
Last but not least is the Hilton Honors Surpass card. There are two main reasons I put this card on the list. First, the fact that Hilton is a global brand with a wide array of properties worldwide. Second, the amazing signup bonus. The card currently has a signup bonus of 150K points which is one their higher offers to date. As an example, during off-peak travel season, you can stay at a Hilton property in Paris for 30-40K points per night in Paris, which could easily equal 4-5 nights.
