19 Best Chase Credit Cards for Travel and Everyday Use

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart and Target)
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Travel protections, purchase coverage, extended warranty
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and transfer partners

Key Benefits:

• Strong travel rewards on common categories
• Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protections and purchase coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has an annual fee and fewer premium perks compared to higher-tier travel cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers strong rewards, simple redemption options, and manageable costs, making it a good entry-level travel card.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• APR: 20.24%–28.74% variable
• Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, travel protections
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass™ lounge access
• Strong travel and purchase protections
• Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back, gift cards, and more.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, with a FICO score of 740 or above.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for people who travel rarely.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Beginners benefit from the simple earning structure and easy-to-use travel credit.

Earning Structure:

• 3x miles on United purchases
• 2x miles on other travel
• 2x miles on dining
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQP after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $350
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Other benefits: $200 annual United purchase credit, two free checked bags, priority boarding
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Earn more miles on United purchases
• Annual United purchase credit
• Travel protections like primary car rental coverage
• Free checked bags for the cardholder and companion
• Priority boarding on United flights

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through the MileagePlus program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 to 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a higher annual fee, which may not suit travelers who fly United only a few times per year.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is easy to use for those loyal to United, with simple earning categories and clear travel benefits.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (activation required)
• 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery
• 3% on drugstore purchases
• 1% on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders may qualify for a $200 cash back bonus after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone protection
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Other relevant details: Contactless payment enabled

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• High rewards on everyday categories
• Rotating 5% bonus categories
• Strong dining and drugstore rewards
• Access to Mastercard World Elite benefits

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, gift cards, or purchases with select retailers.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often starting around a 670 FICO score.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The 5% categories require activation each quarter, and the foreign transaction fee makes it less useful abroad.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides simple cash back rewards with no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 3% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders may receive a $50 gift card instantly upon approval, which can be used for Amazon purchases right away.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.49%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Equal Pay financing options, purchase protection, extended warranty
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Works with Chase Travel for bonus rewards

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Strong rewards at Amazon and Whole Foods
• Bonus categories for dining and gas
• No foreign transaction fees
• Flexible financing options through Equal Pay

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed for Amazon purchases, travel through Chase, gift cards, or cash back.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 to 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Rewards are strongest for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, so value may be limited for those who rarely shop with these brands.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is easy to use, has no annual fee, and provides straightforward rewards that fit into everyday spending.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on drugstores and dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Purchase protection, travel protections, extended warranty
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional details: Multiple redemption options available

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Straightforward earning structure
• Flexible redemption choices
• Useful purchase and travel protections
• Pairs well with other Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, gift cards, or statement credits.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for use abroad.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The simple structure and no annual fee make it easy for first-time cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods with an eligible Prime membership
• 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and transit
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders may receive a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0 (Prime membership required for full rewards)
• APR: 19.49%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash-back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to hold the card
• Strong rewards at Amazon and Whole Foods
• Bonus rewards on dining and gas
• No foreign transaction fees
• Instant gift card upon approval

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed for purchases at Amazon, statement credits, or travel through the Chase portal.

Credit Requirements:

A FICO score between 670 and 739, considered good to excellent credit, is typically required.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The highest rewards are limited to Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 3x points on dining and grocery purchases
• 3x points on Air Canada purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Other benefits: Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, preferred pricing on award tickets
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Earn extra points on groceries and dining
• Free checked bag on Air Canada flights
• Access to preferred award pricing
• No foreign transaction fees
• Strong airline and partner network

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners, as well as for upgrades and other travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants with a FICO score of 670 to 739, falling in the good to excellent range, are most likely to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The best value comes from Air Canada and partner redemptions, so those who rarely fly internationally may find less benefit.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The simple earning structure and direct redemption options make it easy for new cardholders to use effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 4x miles on United purchases
• 2x miles on dining and eligible travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Other benefits: United Club membership, priority boarding, free first and second checked bags
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Extra perks: Access to more award availability on United flights

Key Benefits:

• United Club airport lounge access
• Free checked bags for the cardholder and companion
• Priority boarding on United flights
• PQP earning toward elite status
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline tickets, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, with a FICO score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card’s high annual fee may not be worth it for travelers who do not fly United often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It helps beginners earn miles quickly while offering strong travel perks for those who want to start with premium benefits.

Earning Structure:

• 2x miles on United purchases
• 2x miles on dining
• 2x miles on hotel stays
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150 after
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Other benefits: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club passes each year
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag on United flights
• Priority boarding privileges
• Two annual United Club passes
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protections included

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically qualify with a FICO score of 670 to 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card’s strongest value applies only to United flyers, so those who do not fly the airline often may find limited use.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and airline perks that are easy for new travelers to use.

Earning Structure:

• 3x Avios on British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus purchases
• 2x Avios on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
• 1x Avios on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 within the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 spend in a calendar year
• Network: Visa
• Type: Airline rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Earn Avios on everyday purchases
• Access to Oneworld partner airlines
• Travel Together Ticket opportunity
• No foreign transaction fees
• Flexible redemption for international flights

Redemption Options:

Avios can be redeemed for flights on British Airways and Oneworld partner airlines, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The best value comes from redeeming Avios for international flights, so domestic travelers may find limited use.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a simple earning structure and clear travel rewards, making it easy for new cardholders to understand and use effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points on Southwest purchases
• 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a limited-time 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first five months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $229
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Travel credit, anniversary points, and upgraded boardings
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Tier qualifying points toward elite status

Key Benefits:

• Travel credit each year
• Anniversary bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Upgraded boarding opportunities
• Points count toward Companion Pass

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need a FICO score of 670 to 739, which is considered good to excellent credit.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card carries an annual fee and is most valuable for those who fly Southwest often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and straightforward redemption, making it easy for new travelers to use.

Earning Structure:

• 9x points per $1 spent at Hyatt: 4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels and up to 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club and gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of membership. Plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 bonus points per $1 spent in the first six months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: One free night each year at a Category 1–4 Hyatt property
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Automatic elite night credits toward higher status levels

Key Benefits:

• Free night certificate each year
• Elite status boost with qualifying nights
• No foreign transaction fees
• Strong earning rates at Hyatt properties
• Bonus categories beyond hotel stays

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and experiences through the World of Hyatt program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need a FICO score between 670 and 739 to qualify, which falls within the good to excellent credit range.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card is most beneficial for frequent Hyatt guests and may not be as useful for travelers who favor other hotel brands.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides straightforward earning categories and a free night each year, allowing new cardholders to quickly recognize its value.

Earning Structure:

• Up to 26x points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• 5x points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $99
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Anniversary free night, automatic Platinum Elite status, fourth night free on award stays
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Anniversary free night each year
• Automatic elite status with IHG
• Strong bonus categories for travel and dining
• Fourth night free when booking with points
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for hotel stays with IHG, transferred to airline partners, or used for gift cards and merchandise.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of at least 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The best value comes from IHG hotel stays, so travelers who prefer other chains may find the rewards less useful.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers easy-to-use rewards and a simple path to free hotel nights, making it beginner friendly.

Earning Structure:

• 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 3x points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases on groceries, gas stations, and dining each year
• 2x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 3 Free Night Awards (each valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Free Night Award each year on account anniversary
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Automatic Silver Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy program

Key Benefits:

• Annual Free Night Award
• No foreign transaction fees
• Elite status benefits at Marriott hotels
• High earning potential at Marriott properties
• Broad Visa acceptance

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, upgrades, travel packages, and transfers to airline partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often starting at a score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card is most valuable for Marriott loyalists, so travelers who rarely stay at Marriott hotels may find limited use.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides simple earning categories, a straightforward welcome bonus, and annual perks that are easy to use.

Earning Structure:

• Up to 17x points on IHG Hotels & Resorts purchases
• 3x points on monthly utilities
• 3x points at restaurants and gas stations
• 2x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Mastercard World Elite perks, purchase protection
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Hotel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Automatic Silver Elite status with IHG
• Ability to earn Gold Elite status with $20,000 annual spend
• Mastercard World Elite travel and shopping benefits

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, digital rewards, experiences, or transferred to airline partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score of 670–739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card’s highest rewards apply mainly to IHG stays, so frequent travelers outside the brand may find limited value.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides hotel perks and rewards without an annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to start earning travel benefits.

Earning Structure:

• This card does not offer points or cash back earning.

Welcome Bonus:

The card does not currently advertise a traditional welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.99%–28.99% variable
• Other benefits: Automatic review for a higher credit limit after meeting spending and payment requirements
• Network: Visa
• Type: Balance transfer / low interest
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Balance transfer fee: 3% intro, then 5% of each transfer amount

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Long 0% intro APR period
• Option for higher credit limit after review
• Helpful for balance transfers
• Simple structure with no reward tracking

Redemption Options:

Since this card does not earn rewards, there are no redemption options.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not provide rewards for spending, and foreign transaction fees apply when used abroad.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It’s beginner-friendly, providing a simple way to manage debt without annual fees or complex rewards programs.

Earning Structure:

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

The card offers a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 25.99% variable
• Other benefits: Access to Chase Credit Journey for free credit monitoring
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Other relevant details: Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat-rate rewards on every purchase
• Helps build credit history
• Simple earning structure without categories

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or used for gift cards through Chase.

Credit Requirements:

This card is available to applicants with limited or no credit history, with a FICO score between 300 and 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high APR and foreign transaction fees, making it less ideal for carrying balances or international use.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides an easy way to build credit while earning rewards without complex rules.

Earning Structure:

• 1% in Disney Dream Reward Dollars on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a $150 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.24%–27.24% variable
• Other benefits: Special Disney discounts and exclusive character experiences
• Network: Visa
• Type: Rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional perks: Access to limited-time Disney promotions

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Discounts on select Disney purchases
• Access to exclusive Disney character photo opportunities
• Ability to earn rewards on all purchases

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed for Disney theme park tickets, merchandise, dining, and Disney vacations.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 670–739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card earns a flat 1% on all purchases, which is lower than many other rewards cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a simple rewards system with no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.