Are you a frequent traveler looking to maximize your rewards and earn points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses? If so, using a travel credit card with bonus categories can be a great way to earn more points on your everyday spending. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best travel credit card for your specific needs. In this post, we will be discussing the best travel credit cards for bonus categories, helping you choose the right option to earn the most rewards on your travel expenses. Whether you’re looking for bonus points on airfare, hotels, dining, or other travel expenses, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
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Best Travel Credit Cards for Bonus Categories
In general, my strategy is to qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status as quickly as possible. Qualifying for Globalist status is done in two ways – staying in hotels and spending on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card and World of Hyatt Credit Card. Each of these credit cards earns elite qualifying nights through credit card spending. Once I’ve earned Globalist status, I strategically spend on credit cards with the highest earning rates in each of these bonus categories.
Airfare
The American Express Platinum Card and American Express Business Platinum Card offer several ways for cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points. Cardholders can earn 5X points on eligible airfare and prepaid hotels booked through the American Express Travel website, as well as 1X points on all other purchases.
Cell Phone and Internet
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers several ways for cardholders to earn Ultimate Rewards points and is the card I use for cell phone purchases after earning World of Hyatt Globalist status. Cardholders can earn 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually in select business categories, including travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.
The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers a simple and straightforward points-earning structure and is the card I use for internet expenses. Cardholders can earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points) on every purchase they make.
Dining
I use the American Express Gold Card to earn 4X points per dollar spent 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide. The card also earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year), and 3X points per dollar spent on flights when booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
When I’m on the road for work I use the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card to earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points) on every purchase I make.
Drugstores
The Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card offers a simple and straightforward points-earning structure for my drugstore spending. Cardholders can earn 3% cash back (or 3X points) on drugstore purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn 5% cash back (or 5X points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back (or 3X points) on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 1.5% cash back (or 1.5X points) on all other purchases.
Gas stations
Citi Premier Credit cardholders can earn 3X points per dollar spent at gas stations. In addition, the card earns 3X points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels, 3X points per dollar spent on restaurants (including takeout and delivery), and supermarkets.
Grocery Stores
The American Express Gold Card is my go-to to use at grocery stores. American Express Gold Cardholders can earn 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year). Additionally, the card earns 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Hotels
The Bilt Credit Card is the first card I reach to use at hotels to earn 2X points on travel, including hotels. Additionally, the card earns 1X points on rent payments up to 50,000 points each calendar year, 3X points on dining, and 1X points on other purchases.
On business trips, I use the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card for my Hyatt hotel stays. Cardholders can earn 4X points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, as well as 2X points per dollar spent on eligible dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships. If I’m not staying at a Hyatt property, I use the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
Non-Bonus
The Capital One Venture X Credit Card earns 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card also earns 10X miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5X miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card earns 2X Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year. It’s the card I use for non-bonus business spending if I’m not using the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.
Rotating Quarterly Bonuses
The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card earns 5% cash back (or 5X points) on up to $1,500 in purchases made in rotating bonus categories each quarter, which includes categories such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more. Additionally, cardholders can earn 5% cash back (or 5X points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back (or 3X points) on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 3% cash back (or 3X points) on drugstore purchases.
Travel
The Bilt Credit Card earns 2X points on travel is the card I use in this category when I’m not using my World of Hyatt Credit Card. The Bilt Credit Card also earns 1X points on rent payments up to 50,000 points each calendar year, 3X points on dining, and 1X points on other purchases.
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually in select business categories, including travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.
Conclusion on Best Travel Credit Cards for Bonus Categories
In conclusion, choosing the best travel credit card for bonus categories can be a great way to earn rewards and maximize your spending. By understanding the various bonus categories offered by different credit cards and how to use them to your advantage, you can earn valuable points, miles, or cashback on your everyday purchases. From the American Express Platinum Card to the Chase Freedom Flex Card and many others in between, there are plenty of options available for those looking to earn rewards on their travel spending.
Which of these travel credit cards do you think would be the best fit for your travel needs? Have you used any of these cards before, and what was your experience like? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to me on my contact page.
Disclaimer: If you click and/or sign up for a credit card through certain links on this site or any of my related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click-through. The editorial content on this page and the user comments are not provided by any of the companies mentioned and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The opinions expressed here are mine alone.
