Our Picks for Top 5 US Travel Credit Cards for 2016

If you are a digital nomad that likes to travel a lot, you might prefer using cash. There are many benefits to that and we won’t deny it, but credit cards can offer you so much more, from bonus points and free flights to better exchange rates for foreign currencies. The only thing you have to do is pick the one that suits your needs, and if you read this article, that will be an easy choice.

Standard Luggage Co's Top Travel Credit Cards for 2016

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  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Travel Preferred Card

This credit card is extremely popular among travelers, and it’s no wonder why when you check out the benefits. You won’t have to pay the annual fee for the first year (later on it would stand at $95), there are no foreign transaction fees and you get 2 points per dollar on dining and travel. The advantages don’t stop there. In case you spend over $4,000 in the first 3 months, you will receive 50,000 ultimate reward points, or $625. Just by adding another authorized user, you will get another 5,000 points. The card has been the number one choice for quite some time now, and it looks like nothing is going to change in 2016 as well.

  1. Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Master Card

Barclay's Arrival Plus

If you are looking for a flexible credit card, this might be the best choice for you. In order to get that 40,000 bonus miles, you first need to spend $3,000 on purchases during the first 90 days. Those miles would equal to $400 you can spend on travel. However, unlike many other credit cards, you won’t be tied up to certain airlines or hotels, and that is why this card is becoming more and more popular by the day. Furthermore, you will get 2x miles on all purchases and you won’t have to pay attention to category bonuses. To round it up, we will mention that there are no foreign transaction fees with this card.

  1. BankAmericard Travel Rewards

Bank of America Travel Card

Some of these cards can ask for a substantial annual fee, but if you are looking to get away from that, BankAmericard Travel Rewards is your best choice. To be fair, it doesn’t have a huge bonus point offer, as it stands at just 20,000 points, but it is important to notice that you’ll get extra 1.5 points per every dollar spent on everyday purchases. They encourage their users to make purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center, for which they offer 3 points per one dollar spent, and there are no limitations. This means you can rack up big bonuses. Also, if you pair it with BankAmericard Cash Rewards you can increase the bonuses for grocery store purchases and gas.

  1. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express

Starwood American Express

This credit card is the perfect choice for people that like to travel around and stay in hotels most of the time. If you spend over $3,000 in your first 3 months, you will earn 25,000 bonus Starpoints. Most purchases will only bring you one point per dollar spent, but that’s not what really separates this card. If your purchase is made on Starwood properties, that increases to 3-5 points per dollar. In case you were wondering, Starwood properties can be found in over 100 countries, with a grand total of around 1,200 objects. Furthermore, there are no foreign transaction fees, and the first year is free of charge, while after that, the annual fee would cost $95.

  1. Chase Ink Plus Bussines Card

Chase Ink Plus Travel Card

In case you are a big spender looking for a credit card with big bonuses, look no further. After you spend $5,000 in the first three months, you will receive astonishing 60,000 bonus reward points. The advantages don’t stop there. You can earn 5 points for every dollar spent on cell phone, landline, cable TV and internet service, as well as shopping at office supply stores. Additionally, 2 points per dollar are awarded for money spent at gas stations and hotels. The only limit stands at $50,000 spent annually. The only drawback is that you will have to pay $95 in annual fees right from the start.

Have a recommended travel card? Let us know in the comments below!


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