Hey there! If you‘re looking to maximize your travel in 2023, then you‘ll definitely want to check out some of the top travel credit cards recommended on Reddit.
As an avid Reddit user myself, I often browse subreddit threads to get the real scoop on which cards deliver the most value. Redditors are happy to share their first-hand experiences and tips for maximizing credit card rewards.
In this post, I‘ll share 5 of the best travel credit cards commonly recommended on Reddit for 2023. For each card, I‘ll provide details on the rewards, perks, fees, and real user reviews. I‘ll also include tips from Reddit users on how to maximize each travel card. Let‘s dive in!
1. Capital One Venture X – Ideal for Straightforward Travel Rewards
The Capital One Venture X quickly emerged as a Reddit favorite after its release in 2021 due to its unmatched combo of high rewards rates and premium perks.
Key Features:
- 100,000 mile welcome bonus after spending $10,000 in 6 months (that‘s enough for $1000 in travel!)
- Earn unlimited 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases – great flat rate!
- Up to $300 back yearly when booking travel through Capital One Travel
- Access to 2,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- No foreign transaction fees
"Got the Venture X this year and I‘m blown away by the rewards," writes Redditor pointschatter. "Between the huge 100k welcome bonus, 10x miles at hotels, and unlimited 2x everywhere, it‘s my new favorite card!"
With a $395 annual fee, the Venture X is on the premium side but is packed with high-end perks to offset the cost. For instance, Redditor collegemom529 says "I was able to use the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and Priority Pass lounge visits to negate most of the annual fee."
Tips for Maximizing the Venture X:
- Use Capital One‘s ‘Plan It‘ feature to pay for large travel purchases over time while still earning rewards
- Take advantage of 10x miles by booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Use the 2x miles you earn to redeem for any travel purchase, not just Capital One flights/hotels
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred – Excellent All-Around Value
For a mid-tier card with moderate $95 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is arguably one of the most recommended travel cards on Reddit due to its solid rewards program and redemption options.
Key Features:
- 60,000 point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel)
- 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025 (unmatched by competitors!)
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, online groceries
- 2x points on travel
- 25% bonus when redeeming rewards for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
"I‘ve had the Sapphire Preferred for 5 years and it‘s never let me down," says 10kKarmaForNoReason. "The $95 annual fee is 100% worth it for the travel perks and protections."
Redditor collegemom529 says "I use my Sapphire Preferred points to cover flights, hotels, cruises, and more. The 1:1 point transfers to partners like Hyatt and United help maximize my rewards."
Tips for Maximizing the Sapphire Preferred:
- Take advantage of 3x dining rewards by adding restaurants, food delivery, and coffee shops
- Use Pay Yourself Back feature to redeem points for purchases at grocery stores, home improvement shops
- Transfer points to Hyatt, United Airlines, and other partners to maximize value
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve – Packed with Luxury Travel Perks
For Redditors who travel at least a few times per year, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is often the top recommendation due to its premium rewards and upscale benefits. But it comes at a cost – a $550 annual fee.
Key Features:
- 50,000 point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth $750 or more toward travel)
- 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 3x points on dining, select streaming, online groceries
- 3x points on travel after earning the welcome bonus
- $300 annual travel credit to offset part of $550 fee
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Trip delay insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
"The Sapphire Reserve is pricey but pays for itself quickly thanks to the $300 travel credit and 3x on travel," explains Redditor awardtraveling. "I also use the TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years which is awesome. Lounge access is the cherry on top."
Frequent flyer powerballerina says "I easily get $500+ in value from the Reserve card per year. The 50k sign-up bonus alone made the card worth getting for me."
Tips for Maximizing the Sapphire Reserve:
- Use annual $300 travel credit toward airfare, hotels, parking, and more to offset fee
- Take advantage of 3x travel rewards by booking flights, hotels, rental cars, ride shares
- Pay for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application with card to use credit
- Book luxury hotels through Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
4. American Express Platinum – Packed with High-End Travel Perks
The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium charge card with a $695 annual fee. But frequent luxury travelers on Reddit say the VIP benefits, statement credits, and Membership Rewards points make this fee more than worth it.
Key Features:
- 100,000 point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in 6 months (worth $1,000 or more in flights)
- Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit
- Up to $200 in Uber credits annually
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
- Hotel benefits via Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com
"I was hesitant about the $695 fee but I‘ve gotten way more value from my Amex Platinum," explains Redditor luxurytraveler73. "The Centurion lounge visits, airline credits, and FHR perks easily offset the fee for me as a frequent flyer."
Redditor awardtraveling says "Having a comfortable lounge to relax in before a long flight is worth the Platinum annual fee alone for me. Add in the 60k+ Membership Rewards I earn each year and it‘s a no brainer."
Tips for Maximizing the Amex Platinum Card:
- Use monthly Uber credits for rides and Uber Eats orders
- Book flights directly with airlines to earn 5x points
- Look for special AmexOffers for statement credits at select retailers
- Use Membership Rewards points to transfer to airline/hotel partners for maximum value
5. Citi Premier® Card – No Annual Fee with Strong Rewards
For travelers who want to avoid hefty annual fees, the Citi Premier Card is frequently recommended on Reddit for its $0 annual fee and well-rounded rewards.
Key Features:
- 60,000 point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth $900 in travel)
- 3x points on travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, entertainment
- Points are worth 1.25 cents each toward travel booked through Citi
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
"I wanted a travel rewards card with no annual fee and the Citi Premier is perfect," explains Redditor bargainhunter. "The 60k bonus covered my flights for the year. 3x rewards in categories like dining and entertainment is easy to maximize too!"
Frequent flyer milesguy says "With no annual fee, I keep the Citi Premier Card long term to earn bonus points on purchases I‘m making anyway. It makes my frequent trips much more affordable."
Tips for Maximizing the Citi Premier Card:
- Use the 60,000 point welcome bonus to book travel and offset the $95 first year fee
- Take advantage of 3x points on common purchases like dining, groceries, gas, ride shares
- Set up custom bonuses through Citi for additional points at preferred merchants
- Transfer points to airline partners for maximum value on award bookings
Find the Right Card for Your Travel Style
Hopefully this overview gives you a sense of the top travel credit cards recommended by Redditors based on ease of earning, redemption value, perks, and more.
Look for a travel rewards card that offers a big bonus, earns points quickly in your frequent spending categories, and provides elite benefits that make travel more enjoyable for you. Whether you want luxury perks, cash back simplicity, or no annual fee, there‘s a great card option out there!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about choosing the best travel credit card! I‘m always happy to share more insights from Reddit communities and my own experiences using these cards.