Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, but the mounting costs can quickly drain the excitement. Having the right credit card in your wallet can be a game-changer and can quickly regain that excitement. Chase is known for their remarkable rewards and benefits and offers some of the best travel credit cards on the market. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the top Chase travel credit cards, helping you take that amazing vacation.
Why Choose a Chase Travel Credit Card?
Chase travel credit cards stand out among the pack thanks to their versatile rewards program, flexible redemption options, and extensive travel-associated perks. From luxuries like airport lounge access to practical benefits like travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees, Chase makes sure you travel in style and safety.
One of the key advantages of Chase travel credit cards is the flexibility of their rewards program. With Chase Ultimate Rewards you can transfer your points to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, allowing you to redeem them for flights, hotel stays, and more. This versatility gives you the freedom to choose how you want to use your rewards.
One notable consideration when choosing a Chase travel credit card is the infamous “5/24 Rule.” This rule states that if you have opened five or more credit card accounts (from any bank, not just Chase) in the past 24 months, you are likely to be denied certain Chase credit cards. Your points and miles strategy will come into play when choosing travel credit cards. Chase has several different travel credit cards available and can fit into almost anyone’s points and miles strategy. However, it’s essential to be mindful of this rule when applying for Chase cards because it can impact your eligibility. It is usually recommended to choose your Chase travel credit cards first before opening other bank credit cards.
Unique Advantages of Chase Travel Credit Cards:
Chase Ultimate Rewards: Chase’s loyalty program is known for its versatility and value. With Ultimate Rewards, you can earn points and enjoy flexible redemption options, including transferring points to various travel partners.
Transferable Points: Many Chase cards allow you to transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. This provides you with more options for redeeming your rewards.
Travel Insurance: Chase travel credit cards often come with robust travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and rental car insurance.
With these unique advantages and considerations in mind, let’s explore the best Chase travel credit cards in various categories.
Key Features to Look for in Travel Credit Cards
Before diving into the specific Chase travel credit cards, let’s establish the essential features to consider when choosing any travel credit card.
Types of Chase Travel Credit Cards
Chase offers several types of travel credit cards. Each type has its unique advantages and features:
Co-Branded Chase Travel Credit Cards
– These cards are co-branded with specific airlines or hotel chains, providing exclusive benefits for loyal customers.
– Ideal for frequent flyers of a particular airline or guests of a specific hotel chain.
– The points earned from these cards cannot be transferred to another airline or hotel.
General Chase Travel Credit Cards
– These cards offer flexible rewards that can be used with various airlines and hotels.
– Perfect for travelers who prefer versatility in their travel rewards.
Premium Chase Travel Credit Cards
– Premium cards come with higher annual fees but offer a plethora of premium benefits, such as priority boarding, airport lounge access, and concierge services.
– Best suited for frequent travelers who desire luxury and convenience.
– Typically have better customer service support.
Top Chase Travel Credit Cards
Now, let’s dive into the best Chase travel credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Rewards: 2X points on dining and travel, 1X point on all other purchases.
Perks:
– Transfer points to various travel partners.
– Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
– No foreign transaction fees.
– Recommended for beginners entering into the points and miles game.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual Fee: $550
Sign-up Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Rewards: 3X points on dining and travel (excluding $300 travel credit), 1X point on all other purchases.
-Perks:
– $300 annual travel credit.
– Priority Pass Select lounge access.
– Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-up Bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
Rewards: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
Perks:
– No minimum to redeem for cash back.
– Cashback rewards can be converted to points if you have a Chase Sapphire card.
– Good general “catch-all” card that will earn at least 1.5% (or 1.5X if comparing cash back to points).
Chase United Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Rewards: 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, 1X mile on all other purchases.
Perks:
– Free checked bag and priority boarding on United flights.
– Two United Club passes annually. These passes can be gifted to anyone to use.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Rewards: 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2X on all other purchases.
Perks:
– Free night award every account anniversary.
– Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits each year.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points — 30,000 after spending $3,000 in the first three months and an additional 30,000 by spending $6,000 within the first six months.
Rewards: 4X points at Hyatt properties, 2X on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships. 1X on all other purchases.
Perks:
– Free night award at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel every year.
– World of Hyatt Discoverist status and five qualifying night credits each year.
Table: Top Chase Travel Credit Cards
Tips for Maximizing Chase
To make the most of your Chase travel credit card, keep these tips in mind:
Earn Points Strategically: Maximize bonus categories, like dining and travel, to earn more points. Use your card for everyday expenses to accumulate points. Keep that ATM card at home.
Redeem Wisely: Explore the Chase Ultimate Rewards program for valuable redemption options. Look into transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to one of their travel partners.
Leverage Travel Perks: Make use of airport lounge access, travel insurance, and loyalty statuses that come with your card to enhance your travel experience.
Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid high-interest charges by paying your balance in full each month. Set payment to autopay your statement balance each month. This way, you’ll enjoy the rewards without the financial burden and never forget to pay your credit card bills.
Conclusion
Chase offers an extensive range of travel credit cards, each uniquely suited to different travel needs. With the right Chase travel card, you can earn valuable rewards and enjoy a range of travel benefits. If you seeking to get into the Chase travel credit card game, I recommend applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Chase Ultimate Rewards program work?
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards. Points are earned through your credit card purchases, and different Chase cards offer different redemption values and options. This includes the ability to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to one of their travel partners.
Can I transfer points to travel partners?
Yes, many Chase cards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. This can be a great way to maximize your rewards for specific travel goals.
What are the best redemption options?
The best redemption options depend on your travel preferences. You can use points to book flights, hotels, or even transfer them for more value with certain partners. Cash back and gift cards are also popular redemption choices. However, they will not offer you the best value – especially if your goal is to travel more with points and miles.
How to avoid interest charges?
To avoid interest charges, pay your credit card balance in full and on time each month. Set payment to autopay your statement balance each month. If you follow this #1 Rule, you can enjoy the rewards without incurring additional costs.
What are foreign transaction fees?
These are the additional charges you have to pay when making transactions overseas. Many Chase travel credit cards, however, offer zero foreign transaction fees.
Additional Resources
Chase Credit Card Comparison Tool
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Make sure to check the official Chase website and the terms and conditions of each credit card for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
