If you’ve created a strict budget for your upcoming travels, you want to make sure you also have the financial tools to complement it.
This is why you’ll want to find the best credit cards for travel.
With the right credit card, staying on track financially should be a breeze.
The key is obtaining the right credit card that works with your plans and situation.
The Best Credit Cards for Travel on a Budget
1. The American Express Platinum Card
RT @AmericanExpress: Over the next two weeks Platinum Card Members can stop by the #TheCenturionLounge US locations for a festive holiday treat. Each lounge will be spreading #HolidayCheer with special events, treats and more. Terms apply. pic.twitter.com/xFd8UfdTmO
— Savio Internet (@SavioInternet) December 9, 2017
American Express offers a variety of credit cards that can help you stay within your budget.
For example, if you plan to travel often, the American Express Platinum credit card can help you build up points and reach your goals.
The travel card has other specific perks that set it apart from other credit cards.
If you spend more than $5,000 within the first three months, you receive a bonus of 60,000 miles on your card.
You also obtain useful credits, such as Uber credits to help you reach your hotel or destination from an airport and a credit for airline fees.
These credits can help cut back on other travel costs.
Additionally, the exact bonus associated with the card, when you include all of the available perks and benefits, is more than $1,700 to help with your travel plans.
Keep in mind that terms and conditions apply, so you must comply with any standards set by the card at the time you apply for the credit card.
However, the American Express credit card does have a downside.
It has an annual fee of $550.
Before signing up, make sure that you feel comfortable including these fees in your budget.
2. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a useful option when you plan to travel, but do not plan to spend a large amount on the experience.
For example, if your plane tickets and other travel costs are limited due to a strict budget or a close location, then you may not need a card with large bonuses.
A key benefit of this card is that your bonus of 20,000 miles applies after you reach $1,000 within a three month period.
When you are traveling on a budget, you may have several short trips or a single large trip that account for the amount.
The points add up to $200 of credit toward your future travel expenses.
The Bank of America credit card does not have any annual fees.
3. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Master Card
When looking for the best credit cards for travel, you should consider the Citi AAdvantage Platinum card.
The credit card only requires $3,000 spent on the card to qualify for 60,000 miles on your card.
These miles amount to $840 that you can apply to your travel costs.
While the card does have an annual fee of $95, the fees are waived for the first year after you apply for the card.
4. The Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
7 Benefits of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard – https://t.co/7whIpb1SJS pic.twitter.com/SXdHDpQYC0
— Angelina Aucello (@angelinaaucello) December 28, 2016
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card is a simple travel credit card.
If you spend $3,000 within the first three months on the card, then you receive 40,000 bonus points or $400 toward your future travels.
The card waives the annual fee for the first year but does have a fee of $89 for each year after.
5. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of American Premium Rewards card is one of the best credit cards for travel when you want to stick to a budget.
The card does have an annual fee of $95 but also offers a reasonable bonus when you comply with the standards set by the card.
If you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days, then you receive 50,000 points or miles on your card.
You can then redeem the points for $500 in travel costs.
The card also has an additional perk of $100 on an airline incidental statement credit, for a total of $600 in credits and rewards.
Mari Johnson shares her top suggested credit cards perfect to use when you travel below:
When you want to find the best credit cards for travel on a budget, you should look for cards that fit your situation and your needs.
Focus on your budget and the amount you intend to spend on traveling over a three month period to find the best card and bonus.
You also want to pay attention to the annual fees to avoid unnecessary complications with your budget.
Been traveling and have a favorite credit card for overseas? Share your experience in the comments.