How to choose the best credit card with travel perks

Summary

• If you’re an avid traveler, you can choose a travel credit card that gives you the flexibility to earn rewards when booking flights, hotels and car rentals.
• Look for a card that offers reimbursement for features like TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry®.
• Choosing a credit card with airport lounge access and VIP experiences can help upgrade your travel even more.
• You can also opt for a card with perks like trip cancelation, interruption or delay reimbursement so you’re always prepared for the unexpected.

If you’re an avid traveler, you’re probably familiar with using a travel rewards credit card to rack up points. But for those less familiar with how travel credit cards work, navigating card benefits and comparing points-earning potential against annual fees can be intimidating. In this article, we’ll help you compare key features of travel credit cards so you understand which perks are the most valuable for your next trip.

Pick a card that aligns with your travel priorities

Some co-branded credit cards help you earn points to use at a specific hotel chain or airline. But there are other more general cards that allow you to earn points on whatever type of travel you prefer. If you prefer to choose airlines and hotels on your own terms, you may want to explore cards that offer more flexibility.

For example, with a general travel card like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® card you’d have plenty of opportunities to earn no matter where you stay and how you get there.

Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees

When traveling outside of the U.S., some credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee on every purchase. These fees typically average around 3% of the charge. Find a card with no foreign transaction fees and you’ll have that 3% back in your pocket to spend on delicious pasta in Italy or shopping sprees in France

 

Keep security top of mind

Innovative technology, including contactless functionality, continues to make credit card payments easier and more secure for travelers. With some cards, you just tap your physical card or mobile device for quick transactions.

All U.S. Bank cardholders can use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Fitbit Pay, or Garmin Pay for digital payments.

In addition to payment security, some credit cards can help you breeze through airport security lines. Your card may reimburse application fees for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® with up to $100 in statement credits once every four years.

 

Consider a card with travel protections

No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario when on vacation. But it pays to be prepared for anything. Many travel rewards credit cards offer peace of mind with fraud protection and emergency assistance. The best travel credit cards also offer perks like trip cancelation, interruption, or delay reimbursement to help meet your needs, even if events beyond your control cause you to miss planned travel.

In the event that a card is misplaced or stolen, U.S. Bank cardholders have added protection through our Mobile App. If needed, the lock function lets you temporarily turn off purchases to your credit card. You can also set travel notifications so we know when and where you’re traveling to prevent card fraud and payment declines when you’re away from home.

 

Look at travel credit cards with perks that help you travel more comfortably

Many travel cards give exclusive access to airport lounges and VIP experiences Being able to spend a layover in an airport lounge instead of in front of the gate can create a more luxurious travel experience.

Finding the best credit card with travel perks means looking at rewards-earning potential alongside other factors like security and perks that can make travel more fun. Before you set out on your next adventure, make sure you have the right credit card to maximize benefits while providing a safe and widely accepted way to pay.

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