Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.3 |
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x on all other purchases.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$95
20.74% – 27.74% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for travel rewards enthusiasts. With a $95 annual fee, it offers great value through excellent rewards on travel and dining purchases. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners for even more flexibility.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers impressive earning potential:
Highlights:
This card is a fantastic option for frequent travelers looking for value and peace of mind.
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Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
$695
Pay Over Time APR
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Amex Platinum Card stands out for its unparalleled travel perks and benefits. With access to exclusive lounges, automatic hotel elite status, and valuable annual statement credits, this card is a top choice for travelers who prioritize luxury and convenience, making it worth the higher annual fee.
The Amex Platinum Card offers incredible value, starting with a lucrative welcome offer valued at $1,600.
Key Benefits:
With its extensive benefits, the Amex Platinum Card is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and convenience.
The Amex Platinum Card’s $695 annual fee is best suited for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its benefits.
Considerations:
Make sure the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel frequency before committing to the annual fee.
The American Express Platinum Card offers an extensive array of benefits and credits designed for travelers and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown:
With these perks, the card is ideal for frequent travelers and those who can maximize the credits. However, the $695 annual fee makes it best suited for those who value and actively use its premium benefits. Terms apply.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, redeemable for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery) and drugstore purchases.
1.5% cashback on all other purchases.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
$0
19.74% – 28.49% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile card that earns cash back on every purchase. Its value increases significantly when paired with a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allowing you to unlock even greater redemption options like travel transfers and premium rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.4 |
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
$0
17.24% – 26.24% Variable
580-750 (Good/Excellent)
This card is a strong choice for students who want to get cash back on everyday spending.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$95
20.49% – 26.49% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a great choice for business owners, offering a generous sign-up bonus and rewards on popular business spending categories like travel, shipping, advertising, and telecommunications. It also includes valuable benefits such as travel protections, shopping protections, and primary rental car coverage for business use, which extends to your employees. This card provides excellent value for businesses looking to maximize their spending.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
$395
19.99% – 29.24% Variable
740-850 (Excellent)
If you fully utilize the $300 credit for Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively drops to $95, matching the fee of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Additionally, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary (valued at $185 by Lone Travellers) and enjoy lounge access. These benefits make the Venture X an exceptional choice for many travelers seeking value and premium perks.
One can apply for a credit card online, by mail, or over the phone, with online applications being the easiest option. During the process, you’ll need to provide personal and financial details, such as your name, contact information, annual income, and Social Security number. You’ll be asked to read the terms and conditions of the card’s benefits, interest rates and applicable fees.
Once you apply, many issuers will give you a decision in just a few seconds, but you could end up having to wait for up to two weeks for an answer.
When it comes to how to select a credit card that is best for you, it’s important to identify the particular features that are most important to you. For example, if you want a credit card that has travel perks, then the cards that provide dining rewards, points on miles or airline rewards are the best choice for you.
Here are three important things to think about:
1. Sign-Up Bonuses
A welcome bonus can be one of the most valuable features of a credit card. These bonuses are often much larger than the rewards you’d earn through regular spending. If you’re confident you can meet the spending requirement, signing up for a card with a strong bonus could be a smart move.
2. Reward Categories
Many credit cards offer extra rewards for spending in specific categories, like dining, travel, or groceries. To make the most of your spending, look for a card that aligns with your lifestyle and maximizes the rewards you’ll earn in the areas where you spend the most.
3. Annual fee
Many cards on the best cards list feature a premium annual fee, but that means they also come with premium benefits. Choose the best credit card for you by selecting cards that have benefits that would be worth more than the card’s annual fee.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to credit cards. The best card for you depends on your unique spending habits, financial goals, budget, and credit access. What suits one person may not suit another—and that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, the ideal credit card is the one that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
With hundreds of credit cards from various issuers, each comes with its own pros and cons. For example, some cards offer great balance transfer deals but lack rewards, while top travel cards often have annual fees. Instead of searching for the “best” credit card company, focus on your unique needs and eligibility based on your credit profile. Once you understand these, you can choose the card that fits your goals perfectly.
Credit cards can boost your credit score if used responsibly. The two most important factors are your payment history and the amount you borrow. For those with a poor credit history, secured credit cards can be a great option to start rebuilding credit.
Credit cards provide excellent benefits and strong fraud protection, making them a top payment choice. However, they’re not ideal for everyone. If you tend to overspend, it’s wiser to use a debit card until you’re confident in managing credit responsibly.
Getting a credit card generally takes anywhere from 5 to 14 days after approval. Some issuers offer instant approval right after completing online applications, and many provide virtual card numbers so you can start using the card right away while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
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At Lone Travellers, we believe credit cards can open up incredible opportunities for travelers, turning everyday expenses into cash back or unforgettable trips. That’s why we share helpful guides and honest comparisons to help you pick the right card for your adventures.
When you apply for a credit card through our links, we may earn a commission, which can influence how products are displayed. However, our reviews are always independent and based on thorough analysis—never controlled by banks or card issuers.
Copyright © 2025 Elite Edge Advertising, LLC. All rights reserved.
