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The florida keys: seven mile bridge.

Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys.

- - Peter W. Cross for VISIT FLORIDA

Jeff Klinkenberg

No need to be scared. Go ahead and drive over the Seven Mile Bridge. It’s modern now.

Finished in 1982, the longest bridge in the Florida Keys is wide enough to give a motorist room to pull over to change a flat tire and steal many glances at the perfectly green water.

The original bridge I grew up crossing was less friendly, narrow and harrowing, requiring concentration and a good grip on the steering wheel as you left Marathon Key on your way to Key West and suddenly found yourself driving over the ocean. Smart drivers kept eyes on the oncoming traffic instead of nature. The bridge seemed too constricted for two passing cars.

Completed in 1912, the old structure, initially a railroad bridge, was known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World’’ because even attempting to build something so ambitious over miles of open water and a soft bottom in a harsh tropical climate seemed a bit nutty.

Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys

- Peter W. Cross for VISIT FLORIDA

As you drive over the modern bridge now you can see the old bridge nearby. Only the pelicans and great blue herons use it as a perch. But for some of us, the old bridge reminds us that the Keys have always been a place for dreamers and schemers who didn’t like to be told “You can never do that.” Henry Morrison Flagler, a craggy, white-haired business genius who made his fortune in the oil business, hadn’t gotten rich by being cautious. In the 19th century he came to Florida, built a hotel in St. Augustine and founded the Florida East Coast Railway. By 1896, his train was going all the way to Miami. That wasn’t good enough. He wanted his railroad to go another 100 miles or so south – to Key West.

“Flagler’s Folly.’’ That’s what a lot of folks called it. “Just watch me,’’ was Flagler’s credo.

Starting in 1905, he spent $30 million of his own money to lay track and build dozens of bridges, hiring 4,000 workers for the small fortune of $1.50 a day. They had to wade through swamps where boots sank into the mud as crocodiles slipped off the banks. Some workers died of heatstroke and snakebite. Everybody was bitten by mosquitoes. Folks were chronically hungry and thirsty.

In 1908, the workers reached Marathon Key where about seven miles of open water lay ahead. Flagler’s civil engineers had to invent new technology as they went along. At their disposal were two steamships, tugboats, paddle wheelers, dredges, launches and a catamaran. Flagler sent away to England for a kind of cement capable of drying underwater. Divers wearing helmets positioned underwater structures. Barges swung in the current as workers tried to keep their balance.

They slept in tents and in bunkhouses Flagler built on Pigeon Key, about two miles from shore. The bunkhouses are still there. A ferry will take you to the island and a guide will show you around. Do it. You’ll learn that on Jan. 28, 1916, the train rumbled to a stop in Key West. Flagler, 82, stepped out of his private car with his young wife. “Now I can die happy,” Flagler whispered to a friend. “My dream is fulfilled.’’ Dreams die hard in the Keys.

The death of Flagler’s railroad happened on Labor Day in 1935. It began when the barometer started dropping. Nobody knew that the most powerful hurricane to ever hit the United States was on its way.

It swept across Matecumbe Key, in the Central Keys, that evening. Officials from the railroad had dispatched a train to evacuate residents and 800 World War I veterans who were living in tents and working on a new road near the railroad tracks.

The train arrived too late.

Years ago, I spent a day with Bernie Russell, whose family – 53 brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins – lived on Matecumbe as commercial fishermen and Key lime growers. He told me what happened as the eye of the hurricane got closer.

The wind rose and the tide creeped into buildings. Russell, two siblings and his parents, abandoned a crumbling fruit packing house and made a run for the railroad tracks at the high point of the island.

In the 200-mph winds, Bernie watched his mother blow away. He never saw her again. Other relatives disappeared in the howl of wind-driven rain. Somehow he and his dad survived. In the morning, they saw that virtually every palm tree on the island was snapped in half. The railroad cars were blown off the track. Only the locomotive, which weighed 320,000 pounds, stood up to the storm.

More than 400 bodies were recovered. Most had drowned though others were killed by flying debris.

Bernie Russell lost more than 40 relatives.

The Flagler railroad was lost too.

Not every bit, but enough that the Florida East Coast Railway decided to end service to the Keys. It sold the railroad line to the U.S. Government. A roadway was placed over the surviving railroad bed and broken track became the guardrails on the new motorist bridges.

The Overseas Highway, as it still is called, opened in 1938.

I lived in Key West during the summer of 1954. I grew up in Miami, but the Keys remained my playground, a place to camp and fish and study nature and history.

When I was a kid, my dad would park the car at the end of Marathon and we’d carry our fishing poles and bait bucket out on the Seven Mile Bridge.

I don’t remember catching much. Just a few grunt and snapper. But it was a great adventure, standing on the long bridge, looking down into water clear enough to see passing sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, endangered sawfish.

The bridge was a good place for dreamers. It left its mark on me.

When I drive across the New Seven Mile Bridge now I crane my neck to look at the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

I see ghosts.  

Florida Keys

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Florida's iconic 100-year-old Seven Mile Bridge reopens to cyclists and walkers

Mar 23, 2022 • 4 min read

Fresh off a multimillion-dollar facelift, a Florida landmark is welcoming back cyclists and pedestrians for sunrises, sunsets and one of best photo ops in the state © Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau / HO

After a years-long $44 million restoration,  Florida 's landmark Old Seven Mile Bridge is welcoming runners, cyclists and pedestrians once again, for sunrises, sunsets, and one of best photo ops in the state. 

Running parallel to the Florida Overseas Highway in the Middle Keys and linking the city of Marathon with Pigeon Key, a tiny island below the bridge, Old Seven – as it's known locally – was originally built in the early 1900s as part of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, which connected the islands to the mainland for the first time. In 1938, the bridge was converted for automobile use, and in the 1980s it evolved once again, becoming a hub for outdoor pursuits of all kinds. 

More recently, however, the century-old 2.2-mile span began showing its age, and by 2016 there were reports of crumbled decking and rusted and broken railings, per the Miami Herald . Renovations began the following year, kicking off phase one of a 30-year, $77 million plan to restore and maintain the iconic structure. 

To that end, changes were implemented to make Old Seven safer for recreational use, with improvements including structural steel and bridge joint system repairs, as well as new decking and handrails for pedestrians and cyclists.

“What made the project challenging was that it is a historic bridge, and that we had to restore the bridge to the same aesthetic fabric as the original,” project manager Tony Sabbag, a Florida Department of Transportation contractor, said in a press release.  

The bridge reopened in mid-January, several months ahead of schedule, and the crowds are already returning. “It really is more of a linear park, where people can come out and recreate and go biking, walking, cycling, running, take a look at all the marine resources whether it be spotting turtles, sharks, rays, tarpon,” Kelly McKinnon, executive director of the Pigeon Key Foundation, said in the press release. “It's just an unbelievable experience for individuals and families to come out and take advantage of." 

In addition to the recreational opportunities provided by the bridge, Pigeon Key is an attraction in its own right. Once home to 400 workers on Flagler’s railroad, it now offers snorkeling, bird-watching, fishing off the pier and a small museum with artifacts detailing the island’s history – and by spring, a new 60-passenger tram is slated to be up and running for easy access. 

“As you come onto Pigeon Key, you really do step back in time,” McKinnon said. “It's fantastic to walk around, see these original structures, be on the same ground that these men 100-plus years ago were on.”

Both Pigeon Key and the bridge itself are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and their significance has been well established, thanks to the involvement of Henry Flagler. One of the main architects of modern Florida, Flagler recognized the state’s potential as a tourism destination early on, and he was responsible for some of its trailblazing accommodations, including the Hotel Ponce de León in St Augustine and the Breakers in what’s now Palm Beach. 

According to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum , the Standard Oil tycoon began acquiring Florida railroads the 1880s with an eye toward further development, so when the US announced plans for the Panama Canal in 1905, he quickly clocked that extending his Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway from Miami to Key West could prove valuable for trade with Cuba, Latin America and even California to the west. 

Still, the engineering challenges involved in that extension were not insignificant – steel and concrete bridges were required to lift almost half of the 156 miles of track over water and marshland, for one – and the project was dubbed “Flagler’s Folly” by the doubters. 

But seven years, five hurricanes and a reported $50 million later, the first train on the Over-Sea Railroad rolled into the depot at Key West. The line would operate from January 22, 1912,​​ until Labor Day 1935, when a massive category 5 hurricane demolished the Keys, killing more than 400 people and the railway along with it.  

“I was a school teacher then and myself and another teacher were coming back to Key West from Tulane University in New Orleans where we’d taken a course,” Wilhelmina Harvey, a Keys native and then Monroe County Commissioner, reminisced to the Miami Herald in 1982, when the new Seven Mile Bridge was dedicated and the old one retired. “When we got into the FEC depot in Miami, I asked ‘what time is the next train to Key West?’ The man said, ‘Young lady, the last train that has ever gone to Key West left a few days ago. Haven’t you heard, there’s been a hurricane.’”

“I’ll always remember being a passenger on that train traveling north,” Harvey continued. “I can still hear the porter call out in a high voice, ‘Seven Mile Bridge coming up.’ And everybody would leave their seats and we would hang our heads out the windows as much as we could so we could get a look at the beautiful view. It still is beautiful.”

You might also like: First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway Which Florida Keys island is best for you? Land the perfect outdoor adventure in the Florida Keys

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A Visitor’s Guide to Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach

If you’ve ever daydreamed about relaxing on a beautiful beach in a Caribbean paradise, you likely imagined something very close to Seven Mile Beach on the island of Grand Cayman. With warm, clear, azure ocean waters, soft, pearly white sand, and swaying palm trees, this beach is known as one of the best in the world.

And that’s not just our opinion! Caribbean Travel and Life named it ‘Best Beach in the Caribbean’, while MSN rated it the 12th best beach worldwide.

At Red Sail Sports, we are leaders in boat excursions in Grand Cayman , as well as beach activities and watersports , so we know Seven Mile Beach inside out. As such, we’re perfectly placed to provide this Visitor’s Guide to Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach.

Keep scrolling down to read through our advice and recommendations. And if you have any questions about adventures on the island, please feel free to get in touch !

Where is Seven Mile Beach?

Seven Mile Beach is a huge, crescent-shaped beach running along a vast stretch of our island’s western coastline and is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Grand Cayman . Owen Roberts International Airport is conveniently located only seven miles away. As such, Seven Mile Beach is easily accessible for new arrivals to Grand Cayman and those who have a flight to catch or a cruise ship to return to.

What are the Sand and Water Like at Seven Mile Beach?

The three Cayman Islands are the peaks of coral mountains beneath the water. As such, Seven Mile Beach has soft, powdery coral sand. The beach is also well-kept and clean, so it always looks inviting and pristine.

In addition to being a flat coral island, Grand Cayman doesn’t have any rivers. This means there’s essentially no natural runoff that adds silt to the water. These factors combined result in Grand Cayman’s famously clear ocean water. It’s so clear, in fact, that visibility typically varies between 60ft and 100ft.

And if that didn’t sound amazing enough, the water’s year-round temperature varies from 73°F to 85°F.

Even National Geographic said there’s no better introduction to Grand Cayman than Seven Mile Beach.

What Can You Do at Seven Mile Beach?

There’s something for everyone at Seven Mile Beach, from reading a book in the shade to feeling the thrill of watersports, and everything in between.

Here are a few of our favourite recommendations for Seven Mile Beach activities…

Watersports

Seven Mile Beach is renowned for its gentle waves and warm waters, so it’s ideal for an array of watersports, including:

• Windsurfing
• Kiteboarding
• Snorkelling
• Stand-up paddleboarding

At Red Sail Sports, we provide the complete experience for anyone looking to go snorkelling at Seven Mile Beach . This includes sailing on a luxury catamaran, exploring teeming coral reefs, and viewing the wreck of the Kittiwake, a 251ft sunken submarine vessel.

For an even deeper experience, consider scuba diving at Seven Mile Beach . Our Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Cayman Islands is a must-read if you’re planning a dive holiday here in paradise.

Beach Activities on Seven Mile Beach

When you want to get out of the water and try something different, there’s plenty to do on the beach itself and in the surrounding area. If you’re visiting Grand Cayman and Seven Mile Beach for the first time, you might be surprised by what you can find on this stunning stretch of coastline.

There is a golf course and an art gallery, as well as tennis courts, yoga studios, and multiple playgrounds for children to enjoy. There are also plenty of opportunities for a spot of shopping too!

Some other popular activities on and around the beach include picnicking (no glass allowed on the beach itself), birdwatching, hiking, and long strolls. Of course, you can always take it easy and top-up your tan while sunbathing.

Whether you’re hitting the water or staying ashore, Red Sail Sports has got all your Seven Mile Beach activities covered.

What are the Dining Options at Seven Mile Beach?

From family-friendly meals to romantic dinners for two, you can find the full spectrum of dining options around Seven Mile Beach. If you want to try some local cuisine while you’re here, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from slightly inland from the beach.

You can find incredible international fare with spectacular views along the beachfront. What could be better than enjoying mouthwatering food while watching a beautiful Grand Cayman sunset?

Here are some of our personal favourite dining options along Seven Mile Beach…

• Local Cuisine: Peppers, Heritage Kitchen 
• Fun and Family-Friendly: Casa43, Lloyds, Tukka, Macabuca
• On the Water and Romantic: Casanova, Pappagallo, Morgans, Bacaro
• Our Favourites: Agua, Grand Old House, Abacus, Cracked Conch

We know how important food is to any holiday, so we’ve written plenty on the topic! If you’re hungry for more, check out our Grand Cayman Culinary Guide . You can also read our picks for the best local Caribbean restaurants in Grand Cayman and the best food to try when visiting the Cayman Islands . 

What Kind of Wildlife is at Seven Mile Beach?

You can find a diverse range of wildlife here, including iguanas, sea turtles, exotic bird species, and schools of colourful fish. There’s also a chance of seeing stingrays! For the ultimate stingray experience, check out our Stingray City tours .

When at Seven Mile Beach, it’s important to respect any wildlife you encounter. Please do not feed or disturb any animals.

What is the Best Way to Get to Seven Mile Beach?

The answer to this question will depend on where you are staying while in Grand Cayman. There are multiple large parking lots at Seven Mile Beach, so travelling by car is easy. Plus, all parking in Cayman is free! 

Taxis and shuttle buses also operate from George Town and other areas of the island. Of course, if you’re staying in a hotel or resort by the beach, it’s easily accessible on foot.

Read our blog on how to get around in the Cayman Islands for more useful information about the best and most convenient ways of travelling around Grand Cayman.

Is Seven Mile Beach Seven Miles Long?

It’s actually not! But it measures 6.3 miles long, so it’s close enough! Regardless, on a beach this size, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the kind of vacation you have in mind.

As we are reaching the end of this blog, we’d like to point you in the direction of our Ultimate Guide to Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman . Whereas this blog is more of an introduction, our Ultimate Guide offers a much deeper dive and is packed with essential information you need to plan a memorable stay at Seven Mile Beach.

Discover Seven Mile Beach and Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports!

We hope this Visitor’s Guide to Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach has inspired and informed in equal measure. And remember, this is only an introduction — there’s so much more to see and do here!

Browsing our range of boat excursions in Grand Cayman is the perfect place to start planning your adventure! For more information about any of our activities or tours, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Grand Cayman

This stunning Caribbean island combines an incredible food scene with white-sand beaches — and it's easy to get to.

• Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Things To Do

Best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

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The legendary white sands of Seven Mile Beach put the Cayman Islands firmly on the map as a beach destination, chosen by Travel + Leisure editors as one of the  best places to travel in 2023 . However, beaches are just the start in Grand Cayman, an island increasingly known for everything from its  budding art scene  to its foodie bona fides that extend beyond the Caribbean.

Home to the annual  Cayman Cookout  at  The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman , the island is considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean. "It earns the title. Grand Cayman is small enough that all the chefs know each other and can collaborate. It makes for great synergy," says Sandy Tuason, the executive chef at  The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa .

Innovation from Grand Cayman's tastemakers continues beyond the food. Several new, elevated cocktail bars, with Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's  Library by the Sea  at the helm, are transforming the island into a full-blown mixology destination. 

Refurbished beachside accommodations and new, stylish boutique properties like  Palm Heights  add a healthy dose of style to the island. With one of the most extensive flight lifts in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman looks more accessible and appealing than ever.

Courtesy of Palm Heights

Best Hotels & Resorts

The westin grand cayman seven mile beach resort & spa.

The largest pool in Grand Cayman and the longest stretch of white sand on Seven Mile Beach make  The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa  one of the most impressive resorts on the island. Extensive health, wellness, and activities offerings, plus a kids club, the Hibiscus Spa, and innovative dining options like Woto are highlights.

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Voted one of our reader's favorite resort hotels in the Caribbean  in 2020 by T+L readers, the  Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa  sits on the heart of Seven Mile Beach. This 264-room property   also boasts the   impressive Library by the Sea cocktail bar and Mexican street food-inspired beach eatery Coccoloba, which warrant a visit even among travelers staying elsewhere.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Home to the largest luxury suite in the Caribbean,  The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman  shines after an extensive refurbishment in 2021. "It sits along the Seven Mile Beach so the stunning beach is conveniently accessible," says Susmita Baral, T+L's travel editor. "While guests should leave the property and explore the island, you could stay on-site the entire time and have a great time."

The resort's  Cayman Cookout  festivities every January are a must for foodies, though the tasting menus at Blue by Eric Ripert make the resort a culinary destination year round. "Guests at the Cayman Cookout can experience great food and famous chefs, but it's really about making memories," Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman tells T+L at the 2024 Cayman Cookout. "We hope to create a myriad of experiences — a moment and memories — that they'll remember when they go home."

Palm Heights

Opened in October 2019,  Palm Heights  is a stylish boutique property and one of the newest resorts in Grand Cayman. As  Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon recently reported for T+L , Palm Heights is "a haven for creative types — and those who want to be near them — who crave a bit of visual stimulation with their relaxing resort vibes." With just 52 rooms and suites, it offers a refreshing boutique experience amidst nearby mega-resorts.

Related:   Top All-inclusive Cayman Islands Resorts

Stephen Frink/Getty Images

Stingray City

A short cruise takes visitors to a sand bar surrounded by crystal-clear waters to swim with giant yet gentle stingrays at  Stingray City . One of the most popular experiences in Grand Cayman, these excursions also offer optional snorkeling at colorful Coral Gardens.

Kittiwake Shipwreck

"Throw on a snorkel anywhere in Grand Cayman, and it's like National Geographic out there," says Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's Jim Wrigley. However, one of the island's most unique dive sites is the  shipwreck of the USS Kittiwake , sunk in 2011. Turtles and tropical fish now populate the wreck, known for being easily accessible even for less-experienced divers.

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is "the best place to discover Caymanian art and to understand its evolution,"  says Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon for T+L . It's just the start of numerous galleries and art exhibits for travelers looking to discover a burgeoning art scene on the island.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Visit Grand Cayman's impressive  botanical gardens  to see all the richness of the island's flora, including species of orchids you won't find anywhere else on the planet. The park also welcomes visitors to its conservation facility for the island's endemic blue iguanas.

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Library by the Sea

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's  Library by the Sea  serves a curated collection of literary-inspired cocktails that offer "a slice of time and history with each sip," says the resort's beverage manager Jim Wrigley. Highlights include a glowing blue  Dune -inspired drink and a Hemingway daiquiri made using 1932 Bacardí rum, just like the author would have had at El Floridita in Havana. Drinks are "served" with first-edition and vintage copies of the tomes that inspired their creation.

Located in the shopping and entertainment hub of Camana Bay,  Next Door  is a new cocktail bar offering some of the most innovative drink creations on the island. A commitment to using sustainable ingredients and frequent live music events have made it one of the island's best happy hour spots.

Blue by Eric Ripert

The Caribbean's only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant,  Blue by Eric Ripert  at the Ritz-Carlton offers tasting menus highlighting local seafood, making it the undisputed fine dining star of Grand Cayman. "Blue by Eric Ripert created the dining scene in the Cayman Islands, Langevin tells T+L. "It's the flagship restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton and elevates the dining experience on the island."

Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden

Patterned after a bohemian backyard oasis, Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden might just be the coolest place to eat in Grand Cayman. The retro 70's vibe woven into every detail and international-inspired menu are refreshing and unique.

As Grand Cayman's first dedicated poke, sushi, and ceviche restaurant, The Westin's  Woto  has quickly become a favorite dining destination. Chefs trained in Japan make dishes authentic, while locally-sourced ingredients root them in Caribbean flavors. 

Peppers Bar & Grill

Tastemakers, foodies, and chefs across the island all recommend beachfront  Peppers Bar & Grill  as one of the best local restaurants in Grand Cayman. "The jerk chicken, rice, and peas are the best on the island," says Wrigley.

Coccoloba  at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is Seven Mile Beach's elevated beach bar experience. The Mexican street food-inspired menu offers everything from fresh-catch tostadas to churros and an incredible piña colada.

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Grand Cayman enjoys warm, tropical weather year round, with temperatures hovering around the 80s. Wet weather and tropical storms are possible during the Atlantic hurricane season between June and November.

Travel high season falls from December through April. While prices are the highest and beaches the busiest, consistently mild weather and sunny skies make these months one of the best times to visit the island. For a sweet spot combining lower prices, fewer tourists, and nice weather, the late spring months of April, May, and June are another great time to visit Grand Cayman.

Cayman Cookout is held annually in mid-January and is worth planning your trip around. The event brings celebrity chefs to the forefront with cooking demos, wine tastings, curated dinners, and an array of exclusive activities. (In 2024, guests could go deep sea fishing with chef Emeril Lagasse and take a private jet to Jamaica's GoldenEye resort with chef Eric Ripert and the CEO of New Zealand-based winery Craggy Range.)

Visit in early May for  Cayman Carnival Batabano . Batabano isn't as over-the-top as the carnival celebrations of some Caribbean neighbors, but it’s a fantastic time to experience Caymanian food, music, and dance traditions.

Grand Cayman is one of the most accessible Caribbean islands for North American travelers. Numerous airlines offer frequent direct flights to Grand Cayman's Owen Roberts International Airport from cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and others. Miami, just under two hours away, is a gateway city to the Cayman Islands, with up to four daily direct flights to Grand Cayman during the high travel season.

Cayman Airways  offers small daily inter-island flights between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. While there is no public ferry service between the islands like you might find in other Caribbean destinations, travelers can also choose private boat charters, which are relatively affordable.

Many visitors also arrive in Grand Cayman by cruise ship at the port in the capital city of George Town. The cruise port allows for up to four ships to anchor at once; any additional ships remain in harbor. Passengers are tendered to shore and arrive at one of three terminals.

Seven Mile Beach

Nestled along the white sands of one of the  most beautiful beaches in the world  is the indisputable center of the action in Grand Cayman. The Seven Mile Beach area is home to Grand Cayman's buzziest resorts, bars, and restaurants, all within short walking distance of each other.

Just a stone's throw from Seven Mile Beach is the  Camana Bay  area. Jump on a catamaran cruise from the harbor or explore the bustling Town Centre, which features frequent events and a Wednesday farmers and artisan market from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. This modern neighborhood has lots of shopping and some of the island's best eateries and bars, including Next Door and chef-favorite  Agua .

Kick back and relax on the breezy white-sand beach at Rum Point for a quintessentially Caribbean escape from the island's built-up resort area. Rum Point's Wreck Bar holds the distinction for creating the iconic Caymanian cocktail known as the mudslide. While the recipe differs from many classically Caribbean beverages - think vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's, and cinnamon — it's an island classic. 

Head east for the antithesis of the built-up Seven Mile Beach area. Weekend farmers' markets and more remote beaches are favorites. "East End is more of a trek, but the local food here is worth it. You'll find food shacks where you just walk up and receive a plate of delicious food from grandma in the back who has been doing this for ages," says Wrigley. 

Marc Guitard/Getty Images

With so many of the best resorts, bars, and restaurants in Grand Cayman clustered along Seven Mile Beach, booking a rental car is only a necessity for travelers looking to explore Rum Point or the island's East End. The airport is the best place to rent a car, with a number of large companies here. Remember that cars drive on the left side of the road in the Cayman Islands, though you can find cars with the steering wheel on either side of the vehicle.

Taxis tend to be the best transportation option for most travelers in Grand Cayman, though they can be comparatively expensive. Download  CI:GO , an app the Cayman Islands government created to calculate taxi fares between locations, which will estimate your fare in USD and Cayman Islands Dollars (KYD).

Grand Cayman doesn't have the ridesharing companies most visitors will recognize from home. The local app  Island Ride  is an alternative, though many travelers tend to stick with taxis, as ridesharing can be even more expensive than a standard taxi.

Local Buses

Mini-buses run on predetermined routes around the island and cost just a few dollars per trip, though they tend to get crowded and won't stop if they're already full. Catch a bus at a stop along the route or by flagging one down as it passes. More information on routes and schedules is available on the  Public Transportation Unit website .

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SEVEN MILE BEACH

Award winning seven mile beach, grand cayman.

Named the 4th Best Beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisor, and the 12th of the best beaches in the world by MSN, Seven Mile Beach is among the many reasons why Cayman is considered the ultimate Caribbean destination. Situated on the western side of Grand Cayman, the area attracts travellers from all over the world. With sparkling waters and coral sands, this shoreline is home to many of the Caribbean's most luxurious properties. The expansive waterfront here is open to the public, making it possible to walk the full length of the shore regardless of where you’re staying. Taking a stroll, you’ll stumble on restaurants at the resorts and several beach bars. Seven Mile Beach encompasses so many different activities, too. Whether you want to work on your tan and watch the waves roll in, or partake in some parasailing or take an exciting ride on a jet ski , Seven Mile Beach gives you every chance to enjoy what Cayman is all about.

Seven Mile Beach is also in close proximity to several popular areas including Cayman’s capital, George Town, as well as Camana Bay.

A Visitor’s Guide to Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach

If you’ve ever googled ‘the best beaches in the world,’ odds are the Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach has come drifting across your screen. And, while being touted among the best in the world doesn’t come lightly, you’ll quickly find it’s true. There’s no doubt about it, this stretch of cerulean seas and pearly, powder-soft sand is the picture of heaven.

But, before you can submerge your soul into paradise, AKA Seven Mile Beach, here is a visitor’s guide you’ll need to know how to get there. Start by centering yourself smack-dab in the middle of the Caribbean. It’s a precious pocket of sea pinched between the Americas, where the Cayman Islands are arguably the king of the proverbial sandcastles.

Seven Mile Beach, well, it’s the icing on the cake…er, castle. It’s THE place to be on Grand Cayman Island. The hub of utopia if there ever was one. Located on, you guessed it, seven miles (well, almost) of pristine beaches. Butted up against dreamy seaside accommodations, epic beach bars, and obviously, seafood eateries with million-dollar views. 

How To Get To Seven Mile Beach From George Town

Seven Mile Beach is situated just seven miles from Owen Roberts International Airport, making it easy to reach for both arriving and departing flights. The beach is also close to George Town cruise port, making it a convenient stop for visitors on a Caribbean cruise. There are several ways to reach Seven Mile Beach from both the airport and George Town, and the cost will vary depending on the transportation method you choose. 

This is the most popular option and will cost about $25-$30 from the airport and $10-$15 from George Town. 

Public bus 

There are buses running between Seven Mile Beach, the airport and George Town several times a day. The bus fare is just $7 per person, making it an affordable option for travelers on a budget. 

Airport transfer

This service provides transfer from the Owen Roberts International Airport to a hotel, resort, or other type of accommodation in Seven Mile Beach. It’s normally $50 – $60 per person and it includes a pick-up and a return drop-off.

This is a good option for travelers who are staying in Grand Cayman for an extended period and want the freedom to explore the island at their own pace. Car rental rates will vary depending on the rental agency and the type of vehicle chosen, but rates start at around $50-$60 per day.

What To Do In Seven Mile Beach

If you’re looking for something to do besides basking beneath palm trees and bobbing in heaven’s seas, you’ll find there’s a little bit of something for everyone on and around Seven Mile Beach.

Water sports at Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most popular destinations for water sports and activities in the world. This stunning stretch of sand is known for its warm, turquoise waters and gentle waves, making it perfect for some on the water fun. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, jet ski, or snorkel, the options are endless. You’re promised to be kept entertained in Seven Mile Beach.

One popular activity in this area is stand-up paddleboarding. With its paddle attached to a longboard, this growing sport lets you explore the ocean up close and personal. And because of the calm waves and shallow reefs found along many parts of Seven Mile Beach, stand-up paddling is an ideal way to take in all the area has to offer. Other popular water sports here include kiteboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking.

In addition to its beautiful beaches , Seven Mile Beach is also known as an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking up some rays. With shallow water that stretches out into the sea and no strong currents, it’s easy to splash around or go for a relaxing dip any time of day. The shallow waters make it great for families with young children who want to learn how to swim.

Land activities in Seven Mile Beach

Feel like ditching the sea legs? There’s plenty to do ashore, too! Be it a safari, a spa, a golf course, or an art gallery, they have thought of it all on this stretch of Grand Cayman. You can even go shopping and head to the theater, or spend the day stretching for drop shots on a tennis court. How about stretching your muscles at a yoga studio? 

Other popular land activities include hiking, biking, and picnicking. You can also find several playgrounds located along the beach, making it a great spot for families with young children.

There is also plenty to see if you enjoy bird watching in this area. With a diverse range of local species flocking to the beach throughout the year it’s a great spot for avid bird watchers looking to spot some incredible species.

Dining options in Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is a culinary paradise for all kinds of tastes! With options that range from beachfront casual to exquisite fine dining, this Caribbean oasis has something for everyone. Sample local cuisine at some of the inland restaurants or enjoy the international fare at any number of spots with spectacular beach views.

Here, you can have a romantic dinner for two, an intimate night out with friends, or a family-friendly experience – whatever your taste and budget there’s something here to please even the pickiest eater.

Aerial Tours on Grand Cayman

Traveling to Seven Mile Beach from the skies is an experience unlike any other! Aerial Tours take you on a breathtaking journey across the island with incredible views of turquoise waters, white sand beaches and lush green jungles. Get a unique perspective of the picturesque island that you might not be able to get anywhere else – explore untouched areas of Seven Mile Beach and enjoy the beauty of it all from an aerial view!

Which part of Seven Mile Beach is the best?

There is no easy answer to this question, as the entire stretch of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach is stunning. From the crystal-clear water, powdery white sand to the serene, balmy weather and vibrant marine life, it’s difficult to pick a favorite section of this incredible beach. Some might prefer the quiet solitude offered by the northernmost tip of the beach, while others may gravitate towards the lively bars and dining spots closer to downtown. 

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference, so the best way to find your ideal spot on the beach is simply to explore and enjoy! After all, an afternoon spent soaking up the sun or kicking back in a lounge chair with a good book is sure to be time well spent on any part of this exquisite beach. Without a doubt, whatever area of the beach you find yourself on you’re bound to be impressed.

Where To Stay On Seven Mile Beach

Accommodation options on Seven Mile Beach are as varied as the fish in the sea, so long as you’re looking for condos, resorts, and villas! It is undoubtedly the best place to stay on Grand Cayman Island, particularly if you’re yearning for ocean views, sea breeze, and endless amenities. 

Tip: be sure to book your stay well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the high season or for special events. Here are 3 popular complexes:

Snug Harbour View

With 9 beautifully renovated one and two-bedroom condos, a large canal-front swimming pool, private storage lockers, ample parking, and a 186-foot private boat dock, Snug Harbour View is the ideal choice for beach lovers. You can rent boats and jet skis steps from your front door and explore shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment attractions just minutes away!

Regal Beach Club

If you want a hassle-free beach vacation, check out Regal Beach Club . You can enjoy pristine sugar-white beaches and lush palms, as well as nearby restaurants, shops and entertainment steps away. Luxury 2 and 3-bedroom condos have been remodeled with designer furnishings and high-end bedding – ideal for travelers who want to be close to the action but still have the privacy of their own vacation rental.

Seven Mile View

Experience luxury and relaxation like never before at Seven Mile View Condos ! Enjoy beautiful oceanfront views from each of the five units, making it the perfect destination for couples or families seeking an unforgettable, VIP getaway. Watch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea from your very own private balcony , take part in world-class activities, or simply relax and enjoy the warm sunshine. 

The Best Time To Visit Seven Mile Beach

Saying there isn’t a good time to visit Seven Mile Beach is like saying there isn’t a good time to eat chocolate, not true! After all, air and sea temps have little variation throughout the year. It’s always summer in the Caribbean! However, if you are looking for special distinctions like on or off-season, it may indeed matter. 

High season on the Cayman Islands

The high season for the Cayman Islands is from mid-December through mid-March. This is when lodging, tours, and activities have both the highest booking rates and least availability. So it’s the crucial season to plan and book ahead.

Hurricane season in the Caribbean

You might also be wondering about hurricanes, which is a natural concern in the Caribbean. The greatest chance of hurricanes affecting the Cayman Islands is from September through November. Although, that certainly doesn’t mean the islands are closed up. You can still visit, and likely enjoy a less expensive trip. Fortunately, there hasn’t been a major disturbance from hurricanes on Grand Cayman in nearly 20 years.

The best season to visit Seven Mile Beach

Arguably, the best time to visit Seven Mile Beach and Grand Cayman is during the shoulder season. This is the time of year when the crowds are less, costs are down, and the threat of storms is minimal. The shoulder season on Grand Cayman is during summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This means the perfect time to book an island getaway is during the months of May through August.

With so many amazing vacation properties to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect place for your island escape. Start planning your dream Cayman Islands getaway today!

For more information on visiting the Grand Cayman Islands, please visit our national tourism board website .

Commonly Asked Questions About Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is actually approximately 6.3 miles long, but it is referred to as Seven Mile Beach due to its reputation as one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

You can enjoy different activities at Seven Mile Beach including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and more. There are also a few beachfront bars, restaurants, and shops that offer refreshments and souvenirs.

Yes, there are a few restrictions for visitors, including that nudity is prohibited and you are not allowed to bring glass containers onto the beach.

No, there is no entrance fee for Seven Mile Beach. However, some of the beachfront facilities and activities may require a fee, such as beach chairs and umbrellas, water sports, and equipment rentals.

Yes, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is a great place for families with children. The beach has gentle waves, calm waters, and different activities to keep everyone entertained. 

The best way to get to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is by car, with several large parking areas available for visitors. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available from George Town and other parts of the island, and the beach is easily accessible by foot from many nearby hotels and resorts.

Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas, and a number of bird species. Visitors can also see schools of colorful fish while snorkeling and may even spot dolphins or rays from the shore. It’s important to respect wildlife by not disturbing or feeding them.

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Popular places to visit.

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Seven Mile Beach during your trip to Seven Mile Beach? Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

• Governor's Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Governor's Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Seven Mile Beach. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Camana Bay during your visit to Seven Mile Beach. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its seafood restaurants.

• Cayman Crazy Golfing Mini Golf

Enjoy a trip to Cayman Crazy Golfing Mini Golf and popular activities like snorkeling in Seven Mile Beach. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

• The Strand Shopping Center

You can do some window-shopping at The Strand Shopping Center during your visit to Seven Mile Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

• Kittiwake Shipwreck and Artificial Reef

Explore the lovely green spaces of Kittiwake Shipwreck and Artificial Reef and enjoy the snorkeling spots in Seven Mile Beach. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Things to do

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Best beach I have ever been on!

Water is warm and crystal clear.

Will continue coming back

The hotel's beach was fine, but other areas had a lot of coral.

If you’re not renting a car, this is where you want to be; very walkable as well as great bus service on the island including up and down Seven Mile Beach.

we loved it and can't wait to go back

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Seven Mile Beach

Cayman islands, his and hers.

• Cities near Seven Mile Beach

George Town

• Places of interest
• Cemetery Beach
• National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
• Governors Square
• Britannia Golf Course
• Galleria Plaza
• Ugland House
• Port of Georgetown
• Stingray City
• Grand Cayman Blow Holes
• Starfish Beach
• Spotts Beach
• Star Fish Point
• North Sound
• North Sound Golf Course
• National Trust for the Cayman Islands
• Bonnie's Arch
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
• Cayman Islands National Museum
• East End Lighthouse
• Pedro St. James National Historic Site

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Bankrate's Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

• Best starter travel card:  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel:  The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for no annual fee:  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  ( See Rates & Fees )
• Best for foodies:  American Express® Gold Card
• Best for everyday spending: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best for intro APR:  Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for point values:  Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for practical perks:  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for pairing:  Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for hotel bookings: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best no-annual-fee hotel card:  Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Best for luxury hotel perks: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Best for transfer partners:  Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for gas:  Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best for companion tickets:  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Best starter airline card:  Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Best for savers: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Best for first-year value:  Discover it® Miles
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Intro offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

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Rewards rate

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.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

What we love: This popular card comes loaded with features that can make it easy even for occasional travelers to offset the modest $95 annual fee without eating into hard-earned rewards. Plus, its rewards program is one of the best, giving you some of the most valuable travel redemptions — through both Chase and transfer partners — and Chase card pairing opportunities if you want to build your card portfolio eventually. Learn more: Why expert Margaret Weck loves using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives:   If you’re looking for an even simpler travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a terrific option. Its flat rewards rate makes it easy to know exactly how much you’ll earn with every purchase and though it can’t match the Sapphire Preferred’s redemption flexibility, it offers more redemption options than the typical travel rewards card. 

• You earn Ultimate Rewards points with this card — some of the most valuable and flexible rewards around, especially if you pair it with Chase’s cash back cards in the future.
• The card touts significant long-term benefits like anniversary bonus points and travel credits, as well as travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
• Doesn’t offer airline- or hotel-specific perks like free checked bags, elite status or free night stays.
• The sign-up bonus is decent, but the card has previously offered higher, chart-topping bonus points.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 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, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best for flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn 75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: It’s a great option for travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program and flexible redemption options. You'll earn unlimited miles on all eligible spending and can redeem not only for travel bookings, but also as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made in the past 90 days. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a higher rewards rate in some everyday spending categories and potentially more valuable points. Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each if you redeem for travel through Chase, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel. Plus, Chase rewards are more helpful for occasional travelers since you can redeem as cash back at 1-cent-per-point value.

• Carries solid perks given its low annual fee, including expedited airport purchase security and hotel experience credits, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
• Zero foreign transaction fees make this an excellent choice for international travelers.
• You can’t offset the annual fee with annual travel credits or bonuses alone as you can with some rival cards.
• The card’s sign-up bonus carries a high spending requirement, so it may be tough to earn if you don’t have large purchases on the horizon.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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.

Earn 80,000 points

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 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

See Pay Over Time APR

• 5X 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.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

What we love: Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits, including annual statement credits worth around $1,700, elite hotel loyalty status and access to perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available with a credit card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card® from American Express Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost than many premium travel cards. You can unlock a generous rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, complimentary access to popular airport lounge memberships and valuable annual travel credits and anniversary miles.

• Comes with a generous welcome offer and a longer time period to earn it compared to most rewards cards.
• A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners and related perks make this card truly valuable for travelers.
• The $695 annual fee may not be worth it if you don’t spend much on travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the card’s luxury — and often niche — perks.
• Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
• 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. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Best for no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: This card offers some of the same advantages as the Capital One Venture, without the burden of an annual fee. It gives you the chance to earn flat-rate miles on your everyday spending and the option to transfer miles to over 15 loyalty program partners to even cover travel purchases outside Capital One — a unique level of redemption flexibility for a starter travel card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: A general-purpose flat-rate credit card that offers 2X points or 2 percent cash back on all purchases may bring more value if you don’t travel often and aren’t ready to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card with an annual fee. However, the Discover it® Miles earns a flat-rate 1.5X miles that can also be redeemed for cash back at 1-cent per mile, which is unusual for travel rewards.

• The welcome offer is generous for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
• Booking hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel nets you an impressive 5X miles.
• Unlike several no-annual-fee travel cards, redeeming for non-travel purchases waters down your rewards’ value.
• Capital One has no major U.S. carrier in its line-up of travel partners.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best for foodies

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: Few credit cards are more rewarding for traveling foodies than the American Express Gold Card. Both the food-related annual credits and the rewards rates at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or via the Amex travel portal are some of the best on the market. In fact, the up to $240 in credits each year alone nearly make up for the annual fee. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is worth the annual fee Alternatives: If the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee sounds high, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It carries key travel perks, high travel and dining rewards rates, and a much lower annual fee.

• This card features one of the best rewards return rates available on dining, groceries and food deliveries.
• There is no preset spending limit, so you can enjoy extended purchasing power, and you also have the option to pay off purchases with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Although the card touts a solid collection of travel perks, it doesn’t include popular premium card perks like airport lounge access or trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Only eligible airfare earns more than 1X points, while rival cards often earn similar (or higher) reward rates on hotel stays and other travel purchases as well.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Best for everyday spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

70,000 bonus points

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

• 10X Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• 1X Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What we love: This card’s high rewards rate in everyday bonus categories makes it an especially good choice for occasional travelers and people looking for a standalone rewards card. Its practical bonus categories mean you can earn rewards quickly, even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel. Alternatives:   As long as you don’t mind buying groceries online, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be an even more lucrative everyday rewards card. That’s thanks mostly to its high point redemption value (1.25 cents per point when you use points to book travel with Chase, versus just 1 cent per point when you book with Citi using the Strata Premier).

• It’s one of the only travel cards that offers a high rewards rate on groceries, dining and gas, so it should work well whether it’s your standalone card or just one part of your card stack.
• Its annual hotel benefit carries enough value to potentially offset the annual fee on its own.
• The annual hotel benefit, though generous, isn’t very flexible: You’ll only get the $100 discount if you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com.
• Based on Bankrate’s latest point and mile valuations, Citi ThankYou rewards carry a lower average redemption value than Chase, Amex and Capital One rewards.
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best for intro APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

25,000 points

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

What we love: This entry-level travel card keeps things simple for occasional travelers. It offers simple flat-rate rewards and lets you redeem for a broad mix of travel options not typically available on many travel cards, such as cash back toward purchases with travel agencies,  zoos, art galleries and more. It’s even more valuable if you’re a Bank of America customer and can qualify for a rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another great starter travel card, but, unlike many cards in this category, it lets you transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners, potentially for a higher redemption value.

• Its easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and intro APR offers give this card good short-term value.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
• It only offers 1.5X points on purchases, and you can’t transfer points can’t to airline partners for more rewards value, so it may not be as lucrative as competing cards.
• The top tiers of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for point values

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Rewards-savvy travelers will be hard-pressed to find a card with better rewards potential than the Sapphire Reserve. Points are worth 50 percent more through Chase Travel, and potentially more with the right transfer partner. It’s a stellar partner for Chase’s cash back cards and stacks on even more value with enough perks to recoup the annual fee without relying on hard-earned rewards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers some of the same key perks as the Sapphire Reserve at a much lower cost. Along with a generous rewards rate on both Capital One Travel and general purchases, the card boasts valuable, practical benefits like competitive airport lounge access , up to $300 in annual Capital One Travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.

• You can kickstart your rewards bank with one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses on the market.
• Its top-tier benefits include up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access, exhaustive travel protections and stand-out partner perks.
• The card’s cost could be a deterrent for some new cardholders, especially if they plan on encountering adding multiple authorized users.
• You won’t get as many luxury hotel and airport lounge perks with this card as you would with some of its rivals.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best for practical perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 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

75,000 miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 10 Miles

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: This is the perfect middleground for travelers who want the practical benefits from luxury travel cards without dealing with bloated features and an annual fee upwards of $500. It offers complimentary lounge access, high-earning bonus rewards categories, anniversary credits and bonus miles, which can easily make the card worth it for frequent travelers. Learn more: Capital One Venture X Benefits Guide Alternatives: If a higher annual fee is no issue, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers thanks to its impressive welcome offer and luxury perks like annual travel credits, lounge access and hotel elite status. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be better if your luxury travel experience calls for racking up more rewards.

• Offers anniversary bonus miles and a chance to earn credits worth hundreds of dollars starting at your first account anniversary.
• Comes with complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 lounges for you and two guests per visit.
• To earn the anniversary credit, travel must be booked through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s not as flexible as some other cards, which offer credits that cover any travel purchases, regardless of how you book.
• Lacks some perks found on other premium travel cards like airline or hotel elite status, which can get you benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Best for pairing

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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.

Up to $300 cash back

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

• 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
• 1.5% 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

What we love: Not only does it earn 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, but it also has a bonus cash back rate for drugstores and dining at restaurants. And if you pair it with one or two premium Chase travel cards, you could pool your rewards for better travel redemption value.  Learn more: Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited Alternatives: If you want to take advantage of even more rewarding cash back categories and remain in the Chase family, consider the Chase Freedom Flex® .

• You can pool rewards with other Chase cards to maximize your earnings.
• The additional rewards rate offer can add even more cash back to your pocket for the first year.
• The welcome offer isn’t as competitive as other cards’ offers.
• Maximizing rewards with this and other Chase cards can get complicated for people who like simple rewards programs.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Best for hotel bookings

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels. Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines. Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 5X Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
• 4X Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: It offers a great rewards rate on hotel bookings and gives you a chance to earn a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. Add in a solid rate on airline purchases, other travel and restaurants and this card carries great value as a standalone mid-tier card for occasional travelers. Alternatives: If you want to earn travel rewards but don’t actually spend much on hotels and airfare, the lower-tier Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is also worth a look. Though it earns also rewards on travel, it boasts a great mix of other practical everyday categories (including gas stations).

• You can transfer points to Wells Fargo’s new list of airline and hotel partners, including popular programs like British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges and more, which could boost the redemption value of your rewards.
• The $50 annual statement credit offsets more than half the card’s $95 annual fee and should be a cinch to earn if you fly at least once per year.
• Wells Fargo only offers one other card that earns travel rewards (the Autograph), and there is some category overlap between the two, so they may not be as lucrative as some competing card stacks.
• The card doesn’t carry some popular travel perks available on other mid-tier travel cards, such as credits for expedited airport security screening or rideshares.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.

Earn 70,000 points

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

20.99%-29.99% Variable

• 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

What we love: This card earns rewards in a terrific mix of everyday bonus categories, so it should be easy to rack up Hilton points even if you don’t spend a ton on hotel bookings. Since it charges no annual fee and provides a few Hilton Honors benefits like Silver status, it’s also a great fit if you’re new to hotel cards and want a single no-annual-fee option instead of juggling multiple rewards cards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Hilton Honors American Express Card Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be more flexible since it lets you earn and redeem rewards on a much wider variety of travel purchases, including airfare and bookings with several hotel brands, not just Hilton. You can transfer points to the Hilton Honors program as well, but the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card may be better if you prefer upgraded Hilton-specific rewards, loyalty status and other perks.

• Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a free fifth award night when you book at least four consecutive nights with points.
• Earns rewards in three of the average person’s biggest spending categories, making it a terrific standalone option for earning Hilton points.
• A higher-tier Hilton card would earn more on Hilton bookings and could be more lucrative for frequent guests, even with an annual fee.
• You can only redeem points with Hilton and its partners, which limits the rewards value you earn on the everyday categories compared to a general-purpose cards’ rewards.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.

Best for luxury hotel perks

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points

• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• 6X Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• 3X 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X 2X points on all other eligible purchases

What we love: Frequent Marriott guests looking for luxury card-level perks and elite status should be able to justify this premium card. Along with a terrific rewards rate on Marriott bookings and an annual free night award, you could enjoy generous annual credits for restaurant purchases and Marriott property stays, airport lounge access, elite night credits and more. Learn more: Best Marriott credit cards Alternatives: If you’re looking for top-tier travel perks but want the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards for stays at any hotel chain, consider an elite travel card from Chase or Amex, which can come with generous travel benefits, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to Marriott. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another lucrative alternative.

• Outperforms other Marriott cards with its boosted rewards on travel-related categories and 21X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, thanks to the automatic Platinum Elite status.
• It’s one of the only hotel cards that includes complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, top travel protections and credits for expedited airport security screening.
• Unlocking some of the card’s best perks — like Five Suite Night Awards — requires a $60,000 annual spend, which may be tough to reach even for frequent Marriott guests.
• Unless luxury perks are at the top of your wishlist, the annual fee may not be worth it and a lower-tier hotel card may offer more value overall.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Best for transfer partners

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

3x points on dining. 2x points on travel. 1x points on other purchases. Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

1X Points - 3X Points

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: Not only is this card is a terrific choice for renters since it earns rewards and waives transaction fees when using it to pay rent, it’s also great for rewards strategists considering the extremely robust travel rewards program. You can earn rewards on travel and dining and your points carry a high value whether you redeem through the Bilt travel portal or one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatives: If you like the Bilt card’s travel rewards program but don’t see yourself renting long term, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It earns generously on both travel and dining and also boasts high-value points and transfer partners. If the way you pay rent doesn’t incur credit card payment fees, a flat-rate card may also be worth weighing. 

• It’s the only card that helps you avoid the fees typically associated with paying rent with a credit card.
• Offers a solid collection of travel perks for a no-annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and other high-level travel protections.
• You can only use rewards to cover rent, toward a future home down payment or for travel and shopping. Cash back isn’t an option.
• There is no sign-up bonus. Most competing travel cards — even those with no annual fee — offer at least a $200 bonus.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Best for gas

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

What we love: The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great option for occasional travelers and households on the go looking to earn rewards while avoiding an annual fee and reduced redemption value for cash rewards. It’s one of a few entry-level travel cards to offer high, year-round bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit and other key travel needs. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternatives: If you’re looking for ways to maximize the value of your rewards, you should consider a travel card that lets you transfer your points to airlines or hotels, like the Bilt Mastercard® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• While some issuers only reward travel purchases made directly with airlines or through issuer portals, this card lets you shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and still earn extra rewards.
• Carries decent perks such as rental car collision damage waiver coverage, roadside assistance and Visa Signature® Concierge benefits, like access to Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection (terms apply).
• Unlike with traditional travel cards, you cannot transfer your points to airlines or hotels
• The travel perks and intro APR are weak compared to competing travel-oriented cards’ offers.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Best for companion tickets

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 85,000 miles

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The annual companion certificate on Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply) comes with this card after the first year is valuable enough to justify the annual fee even if you’re just looking for great Delta perks to make travel smoother with a partner. Plus, the companion certificate is easier to obtain than other airline cards’ since it carries no spending requirement that must be met beyond the card’s annual fee. Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be a great alternative since it charges a lower $150 annual fee, lets you earn and redeem rewards on travel with any eligible airline (not just Delta) and offers credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus. You can even transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

• Boasts several valuable travel perks, including priority boarding, a free first checked bag and specialized annual credits for select rideshare services and reservations with Delta Stays and Resy.
• Gets you closer to Medallion Status and discounts on in-flight purchases, complimentary upgrades, and more.
• Its rewards rate on non-travel purchases is lacking — a general-purpose travel card could potentially offer better rewards value and flexibility for rewards travel outside Delta.
• No longer offers complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access as of this year, although airport lounge access is a staple perk for premium travel cards.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Best starter airline card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 85,000 points

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This card’s anniversary bonus offers enough value to nearly offset the annual fee on its own, so it should be a terrific low-stakes option whether you’re new to airline cards or a regular Southwest flyer looking for a low-maintenance card. Plus, its sign-up bonus value is on par with the value you’ll get with much pricier airline and travel cards. Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus benefits guide Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could offer better value overall, despite its $149 annual fee. It carries an annual $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary — more than enough value to justify the higher fee.

• You’ll automatically earn 3,000 Rapid Rewards points each year after your account anniversary, which could offset much of the card’s already-low annual fee.
• Delivers the same hefty sign-up bonus as higher-tier Southwest cards.
• Unlike several travel cards, it doesn’t carry rewards categories for popular everyday purchases like gas or dining.
• It may not be the best Southwest value for frequent flyers since it poses a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and doesn’t offer perks like upgraded boardings or elite status benefits.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Best for savers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: If you do your banking with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards status, this card could provide an exclusive 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate boost. The  rewards rates — 2X points on dining and travel, with 1.5X points on all other purchases — could increase to an incredible 3.5X on travel and dining with an unrivaled flat 2.62X points rate. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Alternatives: The similarly-priced Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best alternatives thanks to its stellar travel protections, yearly bonus rewards and stronger rewards program. However, flat-rate cards like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Discover it® Miles card could be lucrative if you don’t think the $95 annual fee is worth it.

• The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category thanks to the up to $100 in yearly airline incidental statement credits.
• You can smooth out your travel experience with great benefits like credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
• This card does not offer a few popular premium travel perks like lounge access.
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Best for first-year value

Discover it® Miles

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Discover Match®

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

• 1.5X Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

What we love: In addition to the exceptionally valuable Discover Match® , this card combines solid flat-rate rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like minimal fees and an equal value for both travel and cash back redemptions. Travelers who value simplicity will appreciate this card’s straightforward rewards and adaptability — even when you aren’t traveling. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover it® Miles Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a more straightforward and still easy-to-reach welcome bonus. The VentureOne card also gives you the option of transferring miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, which could increase the redemption value of your rewards.

• All miles earned in your first year will be matched at the end of the year, which could make it one of the most valuable first-year offers for no annual fee.
• Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back, which gives it a leg up over many travel rewards programs for occasional travelers.
• You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
• The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best for fair credit

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.

Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site. Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

29.74% Variable

• 10X Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other purchases

What we love: The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid option if you want to earn points on travel but have trouble qualifying for mainstream travel cards. Not only is this card accessible with only fair credit, but its rewards program boasts generously high rewards rates in key travel categories. Learn more: Best travel cards for people with bad or fair credit Alternatives: If you don’t mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *. It’s a unique secured card that lets you build credit while earning rewards in a category of your choice (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

• It’s one of the only travel rewards cards available with a fair credit score, making it a decent option if you want to earn travel rewards as you work on your score.
• Provides 5X points in travel, dining and gas, plus 10X points on eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Credit One Bank — rare and impressive rates with only fair credit.
• Its annual fee is high compared to other cards you can get with a fair credit score , so it may not be the best fit if you prioritize building credit over earning rewards.
• Other travel cards may offer better perks, fewer redemption restrictions and more value, so it may be worth working on your score with a lower-cost card before committing to the costly annual fee.
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company.

The information about the American Express® Green Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.

Compare Bankrate's best travel credit cards of 2024

What are travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more.

The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — travel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance , annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards .

Tips on choosing the best travel credit card for you

The right travel credit card for you will carry features and benefits that give you the best value. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the steps to choosing the best travel card.

How to choose a travel credit card

1. know how you prefer to travel.

Knowing whether your travel expenses lean toward airfare, hotel stays or a mix of other travel will help you decide whether you should get an airline card, hotel card or general-purpose travel card. A co-branded airline or hotel credit card may be a good fit if you mostly travel with a certain brand and want exclusive privileges to enhance your experience. A general-purpose travel card is better if you prefer to keep your travel options open.

2. Prioritize redemption value

You may have to pick between simplicity and maximum value when comparing cards and rewards programs. Many travel cards offer a standard point or mile redemption value of 1 cent when you redeem toward travel through the issuer portal, but some cards can get you a higher redemption value when you transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. However, it's common for many travel reward programs to reduce the redemption value toward non-travel options or limit these redemption options altogether. If you prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards, you may want to consider cards that allow you to redeem points or miles at an equal 1-cent value toward general travel purchase credits, cash back or other non-travel options.

3. Match your card to your spending habits

Take a look at your typical spending and find which travel categories and non-travel categories you spend the most in to help you choose a card that offers a high rewards rate for your regular spending. Just make sure you factor in rewards spending caps.

4. Note what's worth the extra money

High rewards rates and valuable travel perks are the biggest reasons to get a travel card, but many of the best cards carry a high annual fee. You could stick with a no-annual-fee travel card (or at least one with around a $99 fee) if you're mainly focused on earning rewards, but you may have to pay up to $500 or more for luxurious perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits .

5. Look toward your next trip abroad

If you travel overseas, check to see if the card you're considering charges a foreign transaction fee. And since some credit cards aren't as widely accepted as others, you'll also want to make sure your credit card will work when traveling overseas . For example, merchants may not accept Discover and American Express cards as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If a trip is coming up in the next three to six months, keep an eye out for the big sign-up bonuses travel cards are known for. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

Experts typically divide travel credit cards into two categories: co-branded travel cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards are linked to a particular airline or hotel, while general travel cards offer more flexible reward opportunities. Here’s why and when you might want one or the other.

• Co-branded cards
• General travel cards

Co-branded travel cards tend to offer higher rewards rates on eligible travel purchases in exchange for limiting your reward redemption options to just one airline or hotel program . These cards may also feature more specific perks associated with the respective hotel or airline, such as free award nights, complimentary airline elite status or priority boarding — which general-purpose travel cards don’t often carry).

However, you won’t be able to use your rewards with a wide variety of different hotels and airlines like general-purpose cards allow. Plus, despite co-branded travel cards’ typically higher rewards rates, many brand-specific rewards tend to be worth less than the potential value of general-purpose cards’ points and miles.

When to get a co-branded travel card : When you often fly or stay with a specific airline or hotel and want to maximize your benefits with that brand.

General travel cards earn rewards on various travel categories and aren’t limited to a particular airline or hotel. Such cards may lack some of the dedicated perks you’ll find on a co-branded travel card, such as in-flight discounts, but make up for it with rewards flexibility and broader perks like general travel credits, expedited security screening and wider airport lounge access. 

The top travel cards even let you transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 rate. Redeeming with some airlines and hotels can even make your rewards more valuable than they would be if you redeemed with the card issuer.

When to get a general travel card : When you have no preferred airline or hotel and want the additional flexibility a general travel card offers. 

Who should get a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is almost always worth it for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to earn rewards toward their next vacation.

If you can save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, you’re on your way to significant travel savings. However, the right travel card for you will depend on your travel habits.

Frequent travelers

Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases.

Travel beginners

If you’re new to travel rewards, a good place to start is with a travel card that makes it easy to earn and redeem points, without requiring you to navigate a complex rewards program or worry about tiered rewards rates or varying point redemption values. 

Brand loyalists

If you tend to book travel with the same brands frequently or already belong to an airline or hotel loyalty program, a co-branded travel card can offer terrific value.  Airline- and hotel-specific rewards cards often earn a top rate on bookings with the brand as well as exclusive perks like lounge access and automatic elite status. 

Business travelers

Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards . Whether you're a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. 

International travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. Plus, if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards offer statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Luxury travelers

Luxury travel cards often charge a pretty penny but also offer a ton of value via perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. These perks not only make travel more comfortable, but also often carry enough value to offset the card’s cost on their own.

Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Here’s how a Bankrate editor chose his travel card

Here’s how a bankrate editor chose his travel card.

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrugh on how he chose his travel card:

When it comes to earning rewards, I’ve always stuck with cash back cards, preferring the simplicity of knowing exactly how much my rewards are worth and the ease of redeeming for statement credits. Recently, though, I decided I wanted to travel a bit more frequently, and I figured a new travel rewards card could be a great tool to help me earn free trips. When choosing the right card for me, a few major points of consideration stood out: Cost: I didn’t feel like I traveled enough to justify a huge annual fee. Simplicity : I wanted to stick with a single, streamlined travel card and not worry about juggling multiple rewards programs or rewards rates. Perks : While I didn’t need anything too fancy, I thought it might be nice to have a perk like TSA Precheck included, since I hate waiting in long airport security lines. To my surprise, the card that stood out most was the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Though it carried an intimidating annual fee of $395 ( See Rates & Fees ), I found this cost was more than worth it once I dug into the details. In fact, its benefits were so valuable, I barely needed to worry about offsetting the cost.  Two of its annual perks — a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every year on my account anniversary — are valuable enough to offset the fee on their own. This means as long as I take one flight a year, I can basically break even on the card. Any rewards or perks I get beyond that feel like pure upside. It’s a huge bonus, then, that the card also includes practical benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a credit of up to $100 toward the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While I’ve never frequented airport lounges, I see these privileges as essentially free considering the value of the annual travel credit and bonus miles. So, I figure, why not take advantage?  For me, the Venture X strikes the perfect balance: A flat rewards rate that makes it easy to earn miles on everything I buy; flexible redemption through Capital One or via transfer to airlines and hotels, and practical perks I know I’ll use when I travel. I never imagined I’d have a $395 travel card in my wallet, but for me, it’s at worst a coupon for a flight every year, which can nudge me to take that next trip. — Nouri Zarrugh, Editor, Bankrate

Travel benefits may differ from card to card, but some of the most popular travel cards available often feature a few key perks. 

Travel insurance

Travel cards may offer various travel insurances , such as trip delay protection, trip cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. These benefits aren’t worth anything until you need them, but you’ll be glad you have them when your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost.

Travel credits

Credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a popular and common benefit on many travel cards. You can typically use this credit once every four years, which roughly corresponds to how long a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership lasts. Some cards may also provide an annual credit toward Clear Plus — another expedited security membership. Higher-end travel cards often offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases, and many of these credits nearly offset these cards’ annual fees. 

In-flight perks

Co-branded airline cards typically offer some airport and in-flight benefits on top of their reward-earning capabilities. These can include discounts on in-flight purchases (usually 25 percent back on refreshments and WiFi), free checked bags, flight seating upgrades or priority boarding. 

Free hotel award nights

Co-branded hotel cards may include free hotel award nights annually as part of their benefits. Some cards also add an extra complimentary awards night to your stay if you’ve booked a certain number of consecutive nights. These nights are typically capped at a certain value (sometimes based on the card or your elite status), and may be valuable enough to make up for some cards’ annual fees.

Airport lounge access

One of the most popular (and valuable) travel benefits featured on high-end and luxury travel cards is complimentary access to airport lounges. The lounges you gain access to depend on the card, though co-branded cards will often grant access to the lounge corresponding to the card’s airline. The Amex Platinum card currently offers the best airport lounge access .

If you want to add a credit card to your portfolio for your travel needs, knowing what cards are popular and why people like them can help steer your decision. We regularly stay abreast of these conversations online and noticed two travel cards come up regularly: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express .

These cards shine because they offer some of the best rates on travel purchases and the most comprehensive set of benefits and perks . Despite their annual fees, what you get in return can far outweigh your costs. And the conversation around these two cards isn’t new: Is the effort of maximizing their perks worth it?

What people say about travel credit cards perks

The Sapphire Reserve is often referred to as the gold standard in travel benefits and protections, and the value of its trip insurance is a big part of that. A member of the Rick Steves Forum remarks on the value of the insurance: “It has pretty extensive coverage wherever I travel … my entire trip is covered as long as I charged any portion of the trip to my card.” This feature is unique to the Sapphire Reserve and sets it apart from other premium cards, which require you to charge your entire trip purchase to the card to have active coverage.

But using trip insurance isn’t always a simple process. As a user in the r/CreditCards forum on Reddit cautions: “Credit card travel insurance in general is very specific on what it covers, and people tend to overestimate just how useful the coverage actually is,” they write. “These are named peril policies, so unless you see your exact situation as a covered hazard the policies won't pay out.”

The Platinum Card from American Express gets a lot of buzz for reasons similar to the Sapphire Reserve. The card gives so many benefits, credits and additional perks that it’s often called a coupon book for luxury travel. But for many people, the value comes down to whether they’re willing to do the work to maximize its features. Another r/CreditCards member says they use the card’s Hilton and Marriott status boosters, rental car company loyalty program automatic status features, Centurion lounge access, hotel and airline incidental credits, membership credits and more. Using all these features helps them offset the annual fee.

While some people love maximizing the card’s features to extract  as much value as possible, others, like this Redditor, think it’s too much work:

“The only benefit the Platinum card really adds is Centurion but only to the [cardholder] … I believe the Platinum is worth [it] at least the first year for the [sign-up] bonus but then it doesn't get much use after that. Trust me the credits are really annoying to use.” — r/CreditCards user

These two premium cards stand out from the rest because they offer the most comprehensive features available to suit your travel needs and protect you from any issues that arise. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an exceptional option to protect you from travel issues, but make sure you know the fine print. While the Amex Platinum may not be as ideal for travel protections, the credits offered more than offset its annual fee if you can put in the effort to fully maximize them.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cardholder, your travel card should always work in your favor by offering the features and benefits you’ll actually use and that make your travels more enjoyable. But whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maximize a card’s value is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Credit card points and miles are two of the key types of credit card rewards , along with cash back. You’ll earn points and miles by making purchases with your credit card, but you can typically redeem these rewards for travel, gift cards and more — not just statement credits.

Points and miles tend to be more flexible than cash back, but since their value depends on how you redeem them — and, in the case of travel redemptions, where you’re going, when you book, your fare class and more — it may take a bit more effort to make the most of them.

What are your points and miles worth?

Since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that continually optimize airfare and room prices, it can be hard to know exactly how much your rewards are worth without doing a little math.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a travel hacker to get a sense of this idea. Before you redeem, you can check your reward redemption value by dividing the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This calculation will result in the cash value of your points or miles.

You can also compare this value to Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations to determine if you’re getting a good deal on your redemptions. Bankrate collected data on hundreds of bookings across dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs and estimated how much each program’s rewards are worth on average .

• Airline rewards values
• Hotel rewards values
• Credit card program rewards values

The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated reward redemption value for a variety of popular airline loyalty programs. You’ll notice how widely the value varies between airlines, with some offering close to 3 cents per point in average redemption value and others struggling to meet a 1-cent-per-point value.

Keep in mind, however, that these values are averages based on a variety of fare classes, destinations, booking periods and more. For example, while Bankrate estimates Delta SkyMiles carry an average redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile, they could be worth more or less depending on the details of your booking. 

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like airline miles, hotel points fluctuate in value. The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated point values for some of the most popular hotel brands. 

As you can see, hotel points tend to be worth less than airline and credit card rewards on average, often carrying less than 1 cent per point in redemption value. That said, hotel loyalty programs sometimes offer more favorable exchange rates when you transfer rewards from a credit card rewards program. For example, you may be able to turn 1,000 credit card points into 2,000 hotel points (a 2:1 transfer ratio). 

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

Unlike hotel and airline rewards programs, credit card reward programs typically earn points or miles that offer a consistent redemption value when you use them with the issuer. Though the redemption value of your rewards may vary based on how you redeem, each redemption method should offer a consistent baseline value. 

Some credit card rewards programs may also allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which could boost their value considerably. For each major credit card rewards program, we estimate a baseline redemption value (assuming you book for travel with the issuer) and a Bankrate’s Value, which averages the program’s best-value transfer partners.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

When to use rewards vs. cash

To demonstrate when it’s best to use your reward miles versus paying in cash, we set up this example:

We estimate American Airlines AAdvantage miles are worth 1.0 cents. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1.0 cents, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight.

But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our latest valuation, you’re coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight.

Bankrate experts share their advice on using travel credit cards

It’s important to know how to maximize your rewards and perks. Otherwise, a travel card could end up being a money pit. Here are a few pointers from our experts for making the most of your travel card: 

Combine cards to maximize rewards

Knowing how much you spend in different categories and which merchants are eligible for rewards will help you earn more and build an optimized stack of rewards cards. A flat-rate card is often a great starting point to earn the same rate on every purchase you make. As you build out a rewards strategy, you can incorporate a card with bonus categories to earn even more in your highest spending areas.

Expert Insight:

“For a long time, I’ve used a combination of Chase credit cards known as the Chase trifecta for all my family’s spending…. [I] don’t typically use my Sapphire Reserve for everyday spending and bills. Since it only offers 1X points on non-bonus category spending, I use my Freedom Unlimited to make sure I earn a minimum of 1.5 percent cash back on everything I buy.” “I use each card strategically to earn as much in rewards as possible, then I pool them in my Sapphire Reserve account to redeem them for airfare, excursions, hotels and more.” — Holly D. Johnson — Award-winning personal finance writer and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Maximize your rewards value with transfer partners and issuer travel

Save your rewards for the most valuable redemption options. Travel points and miles often lose value toward non-travel options like cash back, so you’ll want to redeem your rewards for travel through the issuer portal for at least 1 cent per point or mile. However, transferring your rewards to the right airline or hotel partner program is usually worth the extra effort since it could net you even more value.

Expert Insight

“When I redeem my points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the most I can get is 1.25 cents apiece, which is pretty good. However, if I transfer them to a partner airline’s loyalty program, I will often get much more. For example, I can transfer my points to United Airlines MileagePlus and use them to pay for flights. When I do, I generally get a value of 2 or more cents per point — in line with Bankrate estimates that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth around 2 cents apiece on average when used with the right transfer partner.” — Margaret Wack — Personal finance expert and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Make the most of your travel perks

Travel benefits are one of the main reasons to get a travel card, and are often key to making up a card’s annual fee. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can take full advantage of these offers . For example, one card’s travel credit may apply to any travel purchase, including airfare, while another card’s may only cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases. 

“This is the year to take inventory of your credit cards and make sure they’re serving you well. If you’re paying an annual fee, look for a card with recurring benefits. Whether it’s annual award nights, waived luggage fees or elite status benefits, these perks can offset your annual fee and make your travels more pleasant … Despite putting minimal spending on my Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card, I keep renewing it every year. That’s because the card provides automatic Hilton Diamond elite status, which can easily offset the $550 annual fee. Recurring card benefits like [these] can save you a lot on travel and are worth considering when shopping for a new credit card.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: Five benefits you need from a travel credit card

Plan for the sign-up bonus

The best travel cards come with generous welcome offers, but these bonuses may require a high spend in a short timeframe. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the spending requirement fits with your typical spending habits or whether you need to plan purchases to meet the requirement. Just be sure not to overextend yourself or take on debt you can’t pay back just to earn a bonus — interest and fees can easily eat through any value you’d get.

“Keep in mind that credit card sign-up offers change often. So if you’re interested in a particular card but not blown away by its current offer (there are some for 100,000 points or more that aren’t always worth the trouble), it could be worth your while to wait for a better one.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: 6 ways to get bigger credit card bonuses

Look out for limited-time offers, partner perks and other benefits

Keeping an eye out for limited-time offers like extraordinarily high sign-up bonuses, perks with partner services (like rideshares or delivery services) and other reward-earning opportunities is a great way to squeeze the most value from your travel card. Issuers sometimes provide shopping and travel portals and card-linked reward programs for select purchases (like for pre-paid dining or participating merchant spending), which can help you bank extra rewards.

“Keep an eye on your email inbox and rewards portal for any limited-time promotions your issuer may be offering. Many American Express cards feature Amex Offers, which lets you access perks like statement credits for spending a certain amount on specific hotels and other retailers.  Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X, also have occasional promotional offers, such as a credit for 5 percent back on VRBO rentals.” — Lori Zaino — Travel expert and Bankrate contributor: How to maximize credit cards for cheaper accommodations this holiday season

Track your spending and rewards each account statement

Track your favorite stores’ and services’ merchant category codes (MCCs) to fine-tune your spending habits for maximum rewards. If you notice your expenses changing, this practice may also help you notice whether you need to change which rewards cards you carry.

“The first step to optimizing your spending is to take the time to collect the MCCs of stores you frequently shop at. During the process, you might find that some stores in the same chain may have different MCCs, depending on their primary inventory. Even different counters or sections in the same department store may carry different MCCs. You can use this to your advantage if you know one location near you will provide a better cash back rate than the other. These “loopholes” can provide great opportunities to reap cash back on purchases that typically wouldn’t earn rewards.” — Garrett Yarbrough — Writer and credit cards expert at Bankrate: Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back

Our data: What credit score do you need for the best travel cards?

It’s no secret that your credit score heavily influences which cards you’re likely to get approval for. But how good does your credit need to be to get the best credit cards for travel? We analyzed our data of Bankrate readers who applied for credit cards on our pages in 2023 and compared the approval rates of readers’ different credit tiers.

We found that, on average, 61.9 percent of users with excellent credit were approved for travel cards on our site. Then, an average of 39.5 percent and 19.5 percent of users with good and fair credit, respectively, got approval for travel credit cards they applied to.

If you have fair or bad credit, you still have options for travel credit cards. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card caters to people with fair credit — 57 percent of people with fair credit who applied on our site in 2023 were approved for this card , according to our data.

Obviously, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get the card you apply for , but other factors can affect your application. Issuers may also consider your income, recent credit applications, homeownership status and monthly rental or mortgage payment. Keep these other factors in mind with your credit score when you apply for credit cards.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best travel cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best travel cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology — our primary scoring category for travel cards — and details we considered when putting together our list of the best travel cards.  

• Flexibility 15%
• Customer experience 5%

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

And since this list focuses on travel cards, we tend to favor cards that carry travel-centric features like travel insurance, airport lounge access and credits for expedited security screening, instead of more general perks like food delivery credits or shopping discounts.

More information on travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards, are travel credit cards worth it.

Travel cards can be well worth it since they often have exclusive travel perks like credits for airfare, hotel stays, expedited airport security services and more, as well as complimentary airport lounge access and airline or hotel privileges. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. It’s important to at least offset the cost of these cards by taking advantage of the various travel perks and features included on the card. 

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card?

It’s possible to get a travel credit card with bad or fair credit, but most travel rewards cards are geared toward people with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 661).

Do travel miles or points expire?

Even though many major credit cards earn rewards that don’t expire, you may lose your points and miles if your account closes or isn’t in good standing. However, some co-branded cards’ rewards may expire if you don’t earn or redeem rewards within a certain timeframe (typically 12 to 36 months after the rewards are earned).

Check out our guide to credit card rewards expiration for a thorough breakdown of several popular issuers’ policies.

Are points or miles better on a credit card?

Whether points or miles offer better value will depend on the specific rewards program and how you redeem rewards. One airline loyalty program may earn miles that offer less than 1 cent each in average redemption value while another program’s points may offer close to 3 cents each on average. Similarly, a hotel card’s points may be worth less than half of a credit card issuer’s rewards points. Some programs offer points with only average baseline redemption value but high value when transferred to a partner airline or hotel. 

Ask the experts: Is it a good idea to have multiple travel credit cards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whether you should have multiple travel credit cards depends on several factors, including your brand affinity, frequency of travel and ability to pay off your cards in full each month. As a credit counselor, I see many people carrying credit card debt at high interest rates while continuing to make charges to the account for the sake of earning rewards. They lose far more than they earn each month. Having more than one travel credit card could make sense for you if you’re able to maximize your earnings by strategizing spending across each card. Just take into account annual fees and actual interest paid.

Contributor, Personal Finance

If you’re up for managing multiple cards and their benefits, then there are definitely big reward payouts to be had. But if the thought of multiple cards is overwhelming, it’s also a good strategy to have one or two more flexible cards and focus on maximizing your earnings and redemptions until it becomes second nature.

Contributor, Credit Cards

Definitely! I currently have two travel credit cards. In addition to the Chase card that I use for my United Airlines purchases, I have the Capital One Venture card for all other airlines. I earn a solid amount of miles on everything I buy with it, so it's an easy go-to for non-travel related expenses.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Global entry: Trusted traveler enrollment program . U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

Discover International acceptance . Discover. Accessed on June 5, 2024.

“ Consumer Expenditures 2022 ,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

7 Easiest Hikes To Hot Springs

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• Hot springs offer relaxing, therapeutic benefits through mineral-rich waters in geothermal pools.
• Many hot springs in the U.S. are accessible via easy hikes, making them great destinations for all hikers.
• Travelers can enjoy unique experiences along these hiking trails that have hot springs, from scenic hikes in Yellowstone National Park to lesser-known hot spring trails in Arkansas, Texas, and California.

Hot springs are natural geothermal pools where the Earth's internal heat warms up groundwater and rises to the surface, and the United States has an abundance of them. They offer heated, soothing, mineral-rich waters that can provide therapeutic benefits and a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.

Additionally, since some locations allow bathing and swimming, hot springs can be some of the most romantic destinations in North America for couples. One more reason to add hot springs to travel plans? Hiking! Indeed, there are many hikes that lead to hot springs in America; however, contrary to popular belief, the hike to these geothermal pools is not always as challenging as it seems.

Exploring these natural wonders through easy hikes is a delightful way to connect with nature while enjoying a relaxing adventure. Here are a number of easy hiking trails that offer accessible paths leading to rejuvenating geothermal pools.

Those seeking an even easier experience can also check hotels built on hot springs !

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7 Travertine Geologic Ride, California

A well-maintained 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the travertine hot springs.

The Travertine Hot Springs is often described as the ultimate cozy destination , and reaching this tiny paradise is also uncomplicated. Visitors must take an easy 2.4-mile hike along the Travertine Geologic Ride through Bridgeport Canyon, which rewards them with a natural wonder—a series of terraced, mineral-rich hot spring pools.

The only things hikers must bring are a swimsuit and a towel. Visitors can soak in steaming water surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation. The well-maintained trail makes this a perfect choice for families or casual hikers seeking a unique hot spring experience.

The Travertine Hot Springs offer varying temperatures, allowing visitors to find their perfect fit for relaxation.

6 Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana

This easy hike that leads to yellowstone's grand prismatic hot spring can be done in less than 40 minutes.

Yellowstone National Park is a famous geothermal area, so it's unsurprising that some trails lead to hot springs. One of the most famous spots within the park is the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in Yellowstone .

The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail is a popular 1.4-mile hike near Midway Geyser Basin. The trail starts at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, around one mile south of the basin itself. The initial portion follows the wide Fairy Falls Trail for roughly 0.6 miles. This section is an easy walk and is suitable for most visitors.

The viewing platform at the end of the trail provides a mesmerizing sight. The Grand Prismatic Spring unfolds its vibrant colors resulting from thermophilic bacteria, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

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5 Mammoth Terraces Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana

The boardwalk along this easy trail to the mammoth terraces makes it accessible for hikers with different levels of experience.

Beyond the iconic Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park is home to other impressive hot springs like the Mammoth Terraces, a series of otherworldly formations created by hot springs depositing minerals over thousands of years.

On the trail to the Mammoth Terraces , hikers will encounter towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant-colored pools. The boardwalks wind throughout the area, creating a series of easy walking paths suitable for amateurs and seasoned hikers.

This is a popular spot within the national park, so visitors can expect to meet many other hikers. Those seeking to avoid crowds should consider doing this trail early in the morning.

4 Grand Promenade, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

This is a short and easy paved trail with hot springs along the way.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Hot Springs National Park , Arkansas, is by taking a 0.6-mile hike along the Grand Promenade . This brick-paved path featuring spas, hot springs, and bath houses is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities, including leashed pets.

On one side, the grand historic Bathhouse Row stands tall, remnants of a time when Hot Springs was a bustling spa destination. These architectural beauties offer a glimpse into the park's rich past.

Visitors describe it as well-marked and well-maintained.

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3 Big Bend Hot Springs Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas

The short distance and gentle incline to big bend's natural hot springs are manageable for most hikers.

The Big Bend Hot Springs Trail , Texas, is an easy 1.1-mile that offers an immersion in nature. Hikers will encounter a well-maintained path that meanders along the Rio Grande, showcasing breathtaking desert landscapes and the possibility of spotting park wildlife.

After a short 0.5-mile trek, the reward awaits: the natural hot springs! These aren't fancy pools but a series of terraced wonders with varying temperatures. What makes it easier is that the short distance and gentle incline are manageable for most. However, the hot springs' popularity means crowds are likely, especially during peak season.

2 Paulina Lakeshore Loop, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

The easy terrain makes it easy to reach the paulina hot springs.

The Paulina Lakeshore Loop at Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a 7-mile loop trail circling Paulina Lake. The well-maintained trail boasts a gentle incline, making it a breeze for most hikers.

Visitors often describe it as a leisurely walk surrounded by stunning scenery - lush forests, colorful wildflowers depending on the season, and panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

While not directly on the main loop, a short detour leads hikers to a hidden gem: Paulina Hot Springs. These natural hot springs offer a chance to soak in steaming mineral water, a perfect post-hike reward.

10 Things To Do In Dunton: Complete Guide To Colorado's Hot Springs Town & Surrounding Area

Dunton Hot Springs is known to be peaceful and healing. Here's what to do here and in the surrounding area.

1 Hot Creek Interpretive Trail, Inyo National Forest, California

The easy terrain creates a leisurely trail that leads to the vibrant hot creek (with designated soaking areas further downstream off the trail).

The Hot Creek Interpretive Trail in California's Inyo National Forest is a three-mile out-and-back path that offers a scenic stroll alongside the vibrant Hot Creek , renowned for its geothermal wonders. This well-maintained trail is perfect for a casual hike. Along the path, educational plaques provide information about the area's geology and the role of hot springs in the ecosystem.

The highlight is Hot Creek itself! Steaming turquoise water flows along the creek bed, creating a mesmerizing sight. While swimming in the creek isn't allowed, designated soaking areas further downstream (outside the trail) offer a chance to experience the warm mineral water.

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• Local & State

Celebrate Juneteenth at these Maine events

The holiday is Wednesday, but events start this weekend and run through the end of the month.

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Westbrook Middle School students Bella Zollarcoffer, Priscila Nzolameso and Sarikong Oak held tables educating and informing the community on Black hair history at Westbrook’s Juneteenth celebration last year. Cullen McIntyre/Staff Photographer

Juneteenth, which became both a federal and state holiday in 2021 , celebrates the anniversary of federal troops’ arrival in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure all enslaved people had been freed. This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, but celebrations are happening over the next two weeks.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. –  Indigo Arts Alliance presents The Welcome Table, an intergenerational symposium celebrating global cultural and culinary histories. Activities include art, movement and meditation workshops led by activists and cultural workers. 60 Cove St., Portland.  indigoartsalliance.me

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Victoria Mansion is hosting a community day with free admission and a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation by local actors. 109 Danforth St. Portland.  victoriamansion.org

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Space and the Tate House Museum are putting on a Juneteenth community day with free admission and tours of Ashley Page’s “Imagining Freedom” exhibit at the museum. The historical art piece puts viewers into the shoes of an enslaved woman named Bet. 1267 Westbrook St., Portland.  space538.org Advertisement

1-6:30 p.m. –  The first event of “The City that Carries Us: Pain, Streets, and Heartbeats” will take place at the Public Theatre in Lewiston. The celebration will have a parade and a block party with performances, as well as scheduled activities and rituals throughout the day. It is hosted by the organization Maine Inside Out. 31 Maple St., Lewiston, maineinsideout.org

2-3 p.m. –  Through “Poems of Reckoning and Resilience,” the Portland Museum of Art and Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance seek to honor the legacy of Black Americans. Featured poet Nathan McClain will join local poets in the Great Hall at the museum to celebrate Black liberation and creativity. The museum is also offering free admission Saturday through Monday, in celebration of both Juneteenth and Pride Month. 7 Congress Square, Portland.  mainewriters.org

11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. –  The fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on House Island in Casco Bay will focus on Black joy, as well as nature, health and economic opportunity. Guests can stay for one or two days, and partake in activities like camping, hiking, yoga and games, all led by BIPOC leaders. Fortland, House Island, Portland.  eventbrite.com

4:30-7 p.m. –  The Community Organizing Alliance is putting on an event with speakers, live performances, poetry readings, a voter registration drive and catering by Bab’s Table. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the racial justice movement. The Atrium at Bates Mill, 36 Chestnut St., Lewiston.  eventbrite.com

1-3 p.m. –  Riverbank Park in Westbrook will host a community event with art, poetry, music and guest speakers. There will also be a barbecue picnic, a student fashion show, hair braiding, pick-up soccer and more activities sponsored by the city. 667 Main St., Westbrook.  On Facebook.

7-8 p.m. –  The Portland Yoga Project is putting on a class called “Liberated Breath: A Juneteenth Yoga Experience” that seeks to reflect on the holiday through yoga. The class is free for BIPOC community members and is sponsored by the Portland Public Library. 7 Bedford St., Portland, allevents.in

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