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THE WALLET, CONSIDERED

The card edit.

Start with the life you have. Then choose the travel card that makes sense for it. Annual fees, useful benefits and the tradeoffs worth reading.

8 cards · US issuersChoosing your first travel card Our affiliate policy
01
Chase

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Visa

Building a versatile travel balance

A flexible-points candidate for a first considered travel wallet.
ANNUAL FEECheck termsOfficial card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Ultimate Rewards ecosystem
  • Travel and dining earning categories; terms apply
  • Compare eligible transfer and travel-protection benefits
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
02
Chase

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Visa

Travelers who naturally use premium benefits

Premium travel benefits worth evaluating against your actual booking and credit usage.
ANNUAL FEECheck termsOfficial card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Chase lounge network and eligible Priority Pass access
  • Travel-credit ecosystem with eligibility conditions
  • Check current hotel and dining benefit windows
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
03
American Express

American Express Platinum

American Express

Frequent travelers who use its specific benefits

A benefits-focused premium card that deserves a careful annual credit audit.
ANNUAL FEE$895Official card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Global Lounge Collection; access conditions apply
  • Eligible prepaid hotel-booking credits
  • Enrollment and timing restrictions apply to many benefits
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
04
American Express

American Express Gold

American Express

Dining and eligible everyday spending

A dining-led rewards candidate when normal spending and usable credits support the fee.
ANNUAL FEE$325Official card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Membership Rewards ecosystem
  • Dining-focused benefits with eligibility rules
  • Check category limits and enrollment requirements
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
05
Capital One

Capital One Venture X

Visa

Simple earning with premium travel options

A premium travel candidate for people comfortable using the Capital One booking ecosystem.
ANNUAL FEE$395Official card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Capital One miles ecosystem
  • Eligible travel-booking benefits
  • Check current lounge-access and guest rules
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
06
Citi

Citi Strata Premier

Mastercard

A broad-category travel wallet

A flexible-points alternative to compare on travel and everyday earning categories.
ANNUAL FEE$95Official card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • ThankYou Points ecosystem
  • Travel and everyday bonus categories; terms apply
  • Eligible hotel-booking benefit with spending conditions
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
07
American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

American Express

Committed Hilton travelers

A brand-focused candidate when Hilton stays and certificate use are already part of your plans.
ANNUAL FEECheck termsOfficial card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Hilton Honors reward ecosystem
  • Free Night Reward benefit; current terms apply
  • Evaluate every credit against eligible actual spending
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

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08
American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

American Express

Frequent Marriott guests

A premium Marriott-focused candidate to evaluate around repeat stays and usable benefits.
ANNUAL FEECheck termsOfficial card details
Benefits & things to know
THE USEFUL BENEFITS
  • Marriott Bonvoy reward ecosystem
  • Hotel-focused benefits and eligibility conditions
  • Check current annual fee, award terms and benefit timing
READ BEFORE APPLYING

Check the issuer's current pricing and terms

Welcome offers and eligibility vary. Confirm the offer and complete terms on the issuer's site before applying. Affiliate application links have not been supplied.

Issuer information checked .

Read the issuer’s current terms
THE SMALL PRINT THAT MATTERS

Credit approval is determined by the issuer. Benefits, annual fees, offers and eligibility can change. Confirm current application terms directly with the issuer. Compensation never determines our editorial recommendations.

Before renewal, do the credit audit