6 Top Travel Credit Cards to Consider This October

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This October brings only treats, not tricks, in credit card offers. In an unexpected twist, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has increased its introductory bonus to 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening, plus up to $300 in Chase Travel(SM) Credit for any purchases made on Chase Travel. With 60,000 Chase points worth $750 on the travel portal, this results in a total welcome bonus valued at $1,050 ($750 + $300)—one of the highest we’ve ever seen for this card.

As Capital One strengthens its position as a leading travel card provider, they're enticing new cardholders with attractive introductory offers on both the budget-friendly Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the premium Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: You can earn up to 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months. While both cards are excellent options, we favor the Venture X for its extensive benefits, even though it comes with a $395 annual fee compared to the Venture’s $95. (Check out our detailed comparison of these cards.) On the airline front, Delta SkyMiles AmEx cards are offering increased introductory bonuses until October 23, 2024. Among Delta’s AmEx offerings, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card features the largest bonus, providing 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 within the first six months. There are many appealing offers available now. Here are our top six credit card recommendations for your consideration.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Ideal for: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is perfect for individuals seeking a reliable travel credit card that quickly accumulates points while maintaining a low annual fee.

Why consider it now?: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently offering one of its most impressive opportunities to earn substantial points and credits through its limited-time welcome offer.

Welcome bonus: With the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on new purchases within the first three months, along with up to $300 in Chase Travel Credit (provided as a statement credit) for purchases made on Chase Travel. These bonus points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each—a total value of $750—when booking travel through the Chase Travel portal. Together, this bonus equates to $1,050.

Annual fee: $95

Points earning: Accumulate five points per dollar spent on travel through Chase Travel and Lyft rides; three points per dollar on dining, including takeout, eligible delivery services, and international eateries; three points per dollar on select streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix, Sling, Vudu, FuboTV, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube TV; three points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); two points per dollar on travel not booked via Chase, including airfare, hotels, trains, rideshares, and more; and one point per dollar on all other purchases.

Credits: Receive $50 back annually in statement credits for hotel bookings made through Chase Travel. Additionally, cardholders earn bonus points equal to 10 percent of their total purchases from the previous year. For instance, if you spend $25,000 over the year, you would earn 2,500 bonus points. It may not seem like much, but every point adds up!

Notable perks: Chase points are highly versatile and can be transferred to 11 airline and three hotel partners, including Hyatt, Southwest, United, and Air Canada Aeroplan. This flexibility allows cardholders to earn points on everyday expenses and then convert them into points or miles with their chosen partner program when they need them for specific redemptions. Chase points can also be redeemed at a rate of 1.25 cents each for bookings through the Chase travel portal or for certain categories, which change quarterly, under the 'Pay Yourself Back' feature.

2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Ideal for: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is perfect for individuals seeking a top-tier travel credit card that justifies its cost through credits, benefits, lounge access, and a lucrative earnings structure—while also offering flexibility in how miles can be redeemed.

Why consider it now?: Capital One is fully committing to travel for its Venture X cardholders, launching its own network of airport lounges, introducing the Premier Collection (which offers unique perks at hundreds of premier hotels worldwide), and the Lifestyle Collection (providing cardholders with benefits at boutique hotels globally).

Welcome bonus: With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from the account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Points earning: Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. All other purchases earn 2 miles for every dollar spent.

Credits: When booking through Capital One Travel, enjoy $300 in credits each calendar year. Receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit every four years (up to $120). Additionally, earn 10,000 bonus miles each year following your account anniversary.

Key benefits: Gain access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium lounges at airports. This card is also advantageous for those looking to add authorized users to their accounts, as you can add up to four at no additional cost. Each of these additional cardholders will enjoy Priority Pass lounge membership and access to Capital One and Plaza Premium airport lounges without extra fees. Regarding redemptions, miles can be transferred to 16 airline and hotel partners.

3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Ideal for: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is perfect for occasional Delta travelers seeking free checked bags and an easy way to enhance their SkyMiles balance.

Why consider it now?: This card features an exceptional bonus offer, and there’s no annual fee for the first year.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months.

Annual fee: There’s no annual fee for the first year; thereafter, it’s $150 (see rates and fees).

Points earning: Earn two miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants globally, including eligible delivery services in the U.S. and U.S. supermarkets. Earn one mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Credits: Enjoy a $100 Delta Stays statement credit each year on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings made on delta.com. Also, receive a 15 percent discount on Delta SkyMiles redemptions with the TakeOff 15 benefit.

Notable perks: Cardholders and up to eight companions can check one bag for free when flying Delta, enjoy priority boarding, and receive 20 percent back on in-flight purchases of food and beverages.

4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Ideal for: A standout option in the Capital One Venture lineup, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides ample travel benefits for the occasional traveler, all while maintaining a low annual fee.

Why consider it now?: The card is currently offering an impressive bonus for a card with a low fee.

Welcome bonus: With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Points earning: Earn five miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel website, and two miles per dollar on all other purchases.

Credits: Receive up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.

Notable perks: Enjoy two complimentary visits each year to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges in 2024, along with access to the Lifestyle Collection when booking through Capital One Travel, which provides cardholders with benefits at boutique hotels globally.

5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Ideal for: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is perfect for loyal Delta customers and high spenders looking to enhance their elite status through credit card expenditures, while also enjoying the card’s premium perks, including the highly valued Companion Certificate.

Why consider it now?: This premium card boasts the most comprehensive perks of all Delta consumer cards, offering enough benefits to justify its substantial annual fee.

Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months.

Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)

Points earning: Earn three miles per dollar on purchases made with Delta and one mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Credits: Receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip flights to select destinations in the domestic U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska), the Caribbean, or Central America each year upon renewal of your card. Enjoy up to $120 in rideshare statement credits annually (credited as $10 back monthly), up to $240 in Resy statement credits annually (credited as $20 back monthly), and a $200 Delta Stays statement credit each year for eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Also, get 15 percent off Delta SkyMiles redemptions with the TakeOff 15 benefit, and a credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee (up to $100) once every four years. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

Key benefits: On Delta flights, enjoy one free checked bag for yourself and up to eight travel companions on the same itinerary, plus priority boarding. Cardholders can access Delta Sky Clubs at no charge when flying on Delta-marketed or operated flights, and American Express Centurion Lounges when booking their Delta flight with the card. Each year, cardholders receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes. Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will be eligible for 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Additionally, unlimited Club access can be earned after spending $75,000 on the eligible card in a calendar year, valid for the year the spending occurs plus the following calendar year.

6. American Express® Gold Card

Ideal for: The American Express Gold Card is a great option for those who frequently spend at restaurants and supermarkets, offering impressive earning rates on food and travel purchases.

Why consider it now?: The American Express Gold Card ranks among the brand’s most sought-after cards.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months, plus get 20 percent back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide in the first six months, up to $100. Terms apply.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Points earned: Accumulate four points for every dollar spent at restaurants globally, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then one point per dollar), and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then one point per dollar). Earn three points for each dollar spent on airfare booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, two points on other travel expenses booked via amextravel.com, and one point on all other purchases.

Credits: Cardholders enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash each year, given as $10 monthly credits added to their Uber account linked to the Gold Card. Ensure you have the latest version of the Uber app and that your eligible American Express Gold Card is set as a payment method in your Uber account. This benefit is only applicable in the U.S. Additionally, there's a dining credit of up to $120, provided as $10 in statement credits each month when using the card at Grubhub, the Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required). You can also earn up to a $100 experience credit when booking a two-night stay or more at the Hotel Collection through American Express Travel.

Key benefits: AmEx points can be transferred to 17 airline partners—three domestic and 14 international—as well as three hotel partners. The Gold Card also offers various travel insurances when you charge your trips to it, including premium car rental coverage (for theft or damage, plus medical costs if you’re injured in an accident) and baggage insurance (for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage).

The offers outlined above are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change at any moment and may no longer be available. Eligibility and benefit levels may vary by card.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be necessary for certain American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com for more information.