Choosing the right credit card for travel and business expenses can help you maximize rewards, save on fees, and gain valuable perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and cashback. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a business owner looking for the best financial tools, the right credit card can make a significant difference in your spending efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for travel and business expenses, highlighting their key benefits and rewards.
Best Travel Credit Cards
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Key Benefits:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- 2X points on travel and dining.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
- Primary rental car insurance coverage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Travel protection and purchase coverage.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
This card is ideal for those who want a solid balance of rewards and travel benefits without a high annual fee. Points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, making it versatile for travelers.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Key Benefits:
- 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- 5X points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel.
- Complimentary access to airport lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs, etc.).
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.
- Luxury travel perks such as Hilton and Marriott elite status.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
This is one of the best premium travel cards, especially for frequent flyers who want lounge access, travel credits, and elite hotel benefits.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- 2X miles on every purchase.
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
This card is perfect for travelers who want a straightforward rewards system with flexible redemption options.
4. Citi Premier® Card
Key Benefits:
- 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- 3X points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
- Points transfer to multiple airline loyalty programs.
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
This card offers excellent travel rewards across multiple spending categories, making it a strong choice for both business and leisure travelers.
5. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Key Benefits:
- 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
- 2X points on travel and dining.
- 1.5X points on all other purchases.
- Up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great for Travel:
This card offers solid travel rewards with no blackout dates, making it a good option for frequent travelers who value simplicity.
Best Business Credit Cards for Travel and Expenses
1. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Key Benefits:
- 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months.
- 3X points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services, as well as advertising purchases (up to $150,000 per year).
- 1X points on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Employee cards at no additional cost.
Why It’s Great for Business:
This card is excellent for business owners who want to earn high rewards on travel and essential business services.
2. American Express® Business Gold Card
Key Benefits:
- Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $10,000 in the first three months.
- 4X points on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle.
- 25% airline bonus when booking flights with Membership Rewards points.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Expense management tools.
Why It’s Great for Business:
This card is highly flexible and rewards business owners for their highest spending categories, making it great for maximizing rewards.
3. Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Key Benefits:
- 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months.
- 2X miles on all purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Employee cards at no additional cost.
- Flexible redemption options, including travel purchases and transfer partners.
Why It’s Great for Business:
This card is ideal for business owners who want simple and effective travel rewards without worrying about category restrictions.
4. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Key Benefits:
- 120,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in the first three months.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- $200 airline fee credit.
- Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and other airport lounges.
- 35% airline bonus on point redemptions.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Expense management tools for businesses.
Why It’s Great for Business:
This premium business card is perfect for high-spending business travelers who need elite travel perks, lounge access, and extensive rewards.
5. U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
Key Benefits:
- Earn 75,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first 120 days.
- 2X points in the top two spending categories each month.
- No preset spending limit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Expense tracking tools for businesses.
Why It’s Great for Business:
This card offers great rewards for businesses with varying monthly expenses, automatically adjusting to reward the highest spending categories.
Choosing the best credit card for travel and business expenses depends on your spending habits and financial goals. For frequent travelers, premium options like The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer great perks. Business owners can maximize rewards with options like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. By selecting the right card, you can earn significant rewards, enjoy valuable travel benefits, and optimize your business expenses effectively.
