The top credit cards for the world traveler

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Today, more than ever, it seems travel has become an important part of our culture, whether you're traveling for work, taking advantage of your vacation time or simply following your wanderlust dreams. If you aren't living that trust fund lifestyle, but are still trying to live up to your globetrotting potential, then you may quickly find that money is a big determining factor in where and how often you can get away. The good news for all you jet-setters out there is that there are a lot of credit cards with benefits and rewards that can help you maximize every dollar spent towards travel. These are the top credit cards for world travelers.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn 40,000 miles after spending $3000 in the first 3 months of account opening (equivalent to $400 towards travel)
  • 2x miles on every purchase and 2x miles on dining in the US
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $59 after tha

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

  • Earn 50,000 points after spending $4000 in the first 3 months of account opening (equivalent to $625 towards travel)
  • 2x points on travel including airfare, transportation, and hotels and 2x points on dining worldwide
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $95 after that

Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express

  • Earn 25,000 points after spending $2000 in the first 3 months of account opening
  • 3x points for airfare purchases, 2x points for restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, and 1x points on all other purchases
  • $100 airline fee credit for incidental fees each calendar year
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 introductory fee for first year, then $195 after that

Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn 40,000 points after spending $1000 in the first 3 months of account opening
  • 2x points for Southwest purchases and on purchases with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 1x points on all other purchases
  • 3,000 bonus points as a Special Anniversary Gift
  • Southwest perks- 2 free checked bags; no blackout dates or seat restrictions
  • $69 annual fee

United Mileage Plus Explorer Card

  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
  • 2x miles for airfare purchased through United, 1x miles on all other purchases and other opportunities for bonus miles
  • United perks- free first checked bag, priority boarding and lost luggage reimbursement
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $95 annual fee

Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard

  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
  • Earn 2x miles on all purchases and get 5% miles back every time you redeem
  • 0% introductory APR for first 12 months
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 fee for the first year, then $89 annual fee after that

British Airways Visa Signature Card

  • Earn 50,000 Avios points after spending $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months with opportunities to earn additional bonus points during the first year of account opening
  • Earn 3x Avios points on British Airways purchases and 1x Avios points on all other purchases
  • Automatically enrolled in the Executive Club for new card members
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $95 annual fee
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