Never Mind the Chase Sapphire Reserve — A Good Travel Card Shouldn’t Cost Hundreds

My 6 favorite travel credit cards under $100 Chase Sapphire Preferred: Unmatched travel rewards CNET’S PICK Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 4.3/5 Rating Breakdown 4.3 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 5.0 Value for Money 5.0 Benefits 4.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 8.6/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Learn More Learn More Intro Offer 60,000 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℠. Annual Fee $95 Rewards Rate 1x – 5x 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. Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Rating Breakdown 4.3 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 5.0 Value for Money 5.0 Benefits 4.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rates 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. Rating Breakdown 4.3 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 5.0 Value for Money 5.0 Benefits 4.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rates 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. Capital One Venture Rewards Card: Ideal for everyday spending CNET’S PICK Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 3.6/5 Rating Breakdown 3.6 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 7.1/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Learn More Learn More Intro Offer Earn 75,000 + $250 in Travel Credit Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel Annual Fee $95 Rewards Rate 2x – 5x 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) Rating Breakdown 3.6 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you Rewards Rates 5x 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2x 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day Rating Breakdown 3.6 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you Rewards Rates 5x 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2x 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: Competitive traveling and dining rewards CNET’S PICK Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card 3.7/5 Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 7.4/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards See rates & fees Apply Now Apply Now with Wells Fargo Intro Offer 60,000 bonus points Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip. Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions. Annual Fee $95 Rewards Rate 1x – 5x 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 Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR See rates & fees Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Pros Earn a good rewards rate no matter which hotel you book or which airline you fly An annual $50 statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase Points transfer to airline and hotel partners Strong travel protection benefits No foreign transaction fees Cons Modest list of transfer partners (for now) No premium features such as airport lounge access Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%, min: $5 Rewards Rates 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 Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Pros Earn a good rewards rate no matter which hotel you book or which airline you fly An annual $50 statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase Points transfer to airline and hotel partners Strong travel protection benefits No foreign transaction fees Cons Modest list of transfer partners (for now) No premium features such as airport lounge access Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%, min: $5 Rewards Rates 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 Citi Strata Premier Card: Great for gas and groceries CNET’S PICK Citi Strata Premier℠ Card 3.7/5 Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 7.4/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards See rates & fees Apply Now Apply Now with Citi Intro Offer 70,000 bonus points 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 Annual Fee $95 Rewards Rate 1x – 10x 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 Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable) See rates & fees Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. Rewards Rates 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 Rating Breakdown 3.7 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. Rewards Rates 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card: Nice airline benefits CNET’S PICK Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card 2.8/5 Rating Breakdown 2.8 Welcome Bonus 3.0 Rewards Program 3.0 Value for Money 3.0 Benefits 1.5 Fees and APR 2.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 5.5/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Intro Offer Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles! 50,000 bonus miles plus buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Annual Fee $95 Rewards Rate 1 mile – 3 miles Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.; Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.; Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers Rating Breakdown 2.8 Welcome Bonus 3.0 Rewards Program 3.0 Value for Money 3.0 Benefits 1.5 Fees and APR 2.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers Balance Transfer Fee 4% of the amount of each transaction Rewards Rates 3 miles Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. 2 miles Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. 1 mile Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Rating Breakdown 2.8 Welcome Bonus 3.0 Rewards Program 3.0 Value for Money 3.0 Benefits 1.5 Fees and APR 2.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers Balance Transfer Fee 4% of the amount of each transaction Rewards Rates 3 miles Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. 2 miles Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. 1 mile Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Great hotel benefits CNET’S PICK IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card 3.8/5 Rating Breakdown 3.8 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 3.5 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards 7.6/10 CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Learn More Learn More Intro Offer Earn 5 Free Nights Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Annual Fee $99 Rewards Rate 3x – 26x Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.; Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.; Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Rec. Credit 670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Rating Breakdown 3.8 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 3.5 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rates 26x Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. 5x Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. 3x Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Rating Breakdown 3.8 Welcome Bonus 3.5 Rewards Program 3.5 Value for Money 3.5 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Card Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.49% – 28.49% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rates 26x Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. 5x Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. 3x Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Comparing top travel credit cards under $100 You don’t have to spend hundreds for a top-notch travel card The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Categories: Travel

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