I get that. When you first start out travel hacking, there’s cheaper options to choose from.
But frequent travelers can easily get more value out of these cards than the cost of the annual fee thanks to the host of benefits that premium cards offer.
Most premium cards come with unlimited airport lounge access, free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, travel insurance, high welcome bonuses, higher points-earning capabilities than lower fee cards, and other perks, such as statement credits for travel, dining, or delivery — all of which help offset the annual cost of the card.
That means that having a premium card in your wallet makes your travel experience easier and more comfortable, which can make a big difference since flight delays and cancellations are more common than ever.
To help you decide what card is best for you and your travel goals, here is my list of the best premium travel credit cards out there:
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MY TOP PICK: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This is my favorite premium rewards card. It’s the upgraded version of one of the most popular travel credit cards out there (the Rates and fees.
Rates and fees.
Rates and fees.
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The premium travel credit card space has more options than ever. Whether you’re looking for premium lifestyle benefits, just need an easy-to-use card, or want to elevate your airline or hotel experiences, there’s a premium card out there for you. If you’re smart and take advantage of all that these cards have to offer, you can easily come out on top, traveling for free and making your entire experience that much more enjoyable.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card to get started. For US residents, here’s how you can get points on rent too.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
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Editorial Disclosure: “Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.”
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