My picks
Cards I personally carry, chosen for their sign-up bonuses, earning rates, and real-world value.
The best starter travel card, full stop. Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points you can transfer to airlines and hotels, or redeem for 25% more through Chase Travel.
Simple and flexible. Earn 2x miles on every purchase. Miles can be used to erase travel purchases or transfer to airline partners. Great if you want to keep things easy.
A great companion card. Earns 1.5% cash back on everything (which converts to Chase points if you also have a Sapphire card), plus 3% on dining and drugstores.
Earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 3% on dining and drugstores. Pairs perfectly with the Sapphire Preferred to maximize your Chase points.
The premium version of the Preferred. $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and 3x on dining and travel. Worth it if you travel frequently.
The gold standard for premium travel perks. Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 hotel credit, and Amex Membership Rewards points that transfer to dozens of partners.