So you’ve heard about people flying to Europe in business class for almost nothing, or booking
week-long hotel stays with points. Sounds like a dream, right?
The truth is, you don’t need a $695 annual fee card to get started.
Your first travel credit card can be a mid-tier card—simple, powerful, and packed with value. In
this post, we’ll cover what to look for in your first card and break down three of the best beginner
options: Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Amex Gold. Then, we’ll take a
quick peek at the heavy hitters in case you’re already dreaming bigger.
✈ Start Here: You Don’t Need a $400+ Fee Card to Travel
for Free
There’s a common misconception that travel credit cards are only worth it if you’re paying for
lounge access, luxury perks, or elite hotel status.
But mid-tier cards (with annual fees around $95–$325) are often the sweet spot for beginners.
These cards:
● Earn flexible points or miles
● Offer access to airline/hotel transfer partners
● Come with strong sign-up bonuses
● Have annual fees that are easy to offset
So let’s look at the top 3 starter travel cards for 2025:
💳 Capital One Venture Rewards Card
This is the easiest “starter travel card” for beginners.
✅ Key Benefits:
● Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
● Access to transfer partners (Avianca, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, etc.)
● Redeem miles directly for travel charges (super beginner-friendly)
💥 Current Sign-Up Bonus:
75,000 miles + $250 when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
Ends soon – Apply Now!
💵 Annual Fee: $95
Offset it with:
● Global Entry credit ($125 value every 4 years)
● Use just $475 in travel redemptions/year to break even
💼 Earning Structure:
● 2x on ALL purchases = ultimate catch-all card
● Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One
Travel
● Pairs well with almost any other card setup (no need to track categories)
Bottom line: It’s simple, powerful, and flexible. Great first card if you want ease + value.
💳 Chase Sapphire Preferred®
If you’re getting serious about points, this is a favorite.
✅ Key Benefits:
● Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards travel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest
● Built-in primary rental car insurance
● Strong travel protections
💥 Current Sign-Up Bonus:
100,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months
(That’s ~$1,250 – $2,050 in value)
Apply Now!
💵 Annual Fee: $95
Offset it with:
● 10% anniversary points bonus
● Solid redemption value through the Chase travel portal
● Just 1-2 redemptions per year can easily cover the fee
💼 Earning Structure:
● 5x on travel booked through Chase
● 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel
● 1x on everything else
Bottom line: If you want to get into transferring points for high-value redemptions, this card is
your entry point.
💳 American Express® Gold Card
This card is a literal workhorse for everyday spenders.
✅ Key Benefits:
● Access to Amex transfer partners (Air France, ANA, Emirates, etc.)
● Monthly dining and Uber credits
● Amazing for foodies and families
💥 Current Sign-Up Bonus:
60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
Apply Now!
💵 Annual Fee: $325
Offset it with:
● $10/month Uber credit ($120/year)
● $10/month dining credit ($120/year for Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
● $7/month Dunkin credit ($84/year)
● $50/6 months Resy Credit ($100/year)
● That’s $424 in statement credits + killer earning rates
💼 Earning Structure:
● 4x on dining at restaurants (up to $50K/year)
● 4x on groceries (up to $25K/year)
● 3x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
● 1x on everything else
Bottom line: If you spend a lot on food or groceries, this card prints points. It’s underrated
and overpowered.
🏆 Top Travel Credit Cards (Premium Tier)
Once you’ve nailed your first card or two, you might want to go big. These are the top-tier
travel cards with premium benefits and higher annual fees—but also massive value if you use
them right.
✨ American Express® Platinum Card
● 5x on flights and prepaid hotels
● Airport lounge access (Amex Centurion, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass)
● Uber + Saks credits, CLEAR credit, hotel status, and more
● $695 annual fee
● Offset it with: ~$1,400 in credits + lounge access + elite travel perks
● Current Bonus: 80K–150K points depending on offer
Apply Now!
🧭 Capital One Venture X
● 2x on everything, 10x on hotels & 5x on flights (Capital One Travel)
● Priority Pass & Capital One Lounge access
● Annual $300 travel credit
● $395 annual fee
● Offset it with: $300 credit + 10,000 mile anniversary bonus = pays for itself
● Current Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4K spend
Apply Now!
💠 Chase Sapphire Reserve®
● 3x on travel & dining, 10x on Chase Travel hotels & cars
● Priority Pass lounge access
● $300 annual travel credit
● $550 annual fee
● Offset it with: $300 credit + 50% boost on point redemptions
● Current Bonus: 60,000 points after $4K spend
Apply Now!
✈ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to jump into a $695 card to start traveling for free. Mid-tier travel cards like the
Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Amex Gold offer incredible value,
flexibility, and point-earning potential—without overwhelming you.
Choose the one that fits your spending habits, travel goals, and lifestyle—and remember: a
strong first card sets the foundation for an entire travel rewards strategy.
💡 Ready to get started?
Check out our latest recommendations or apply using the referral links above to support the
blog.
And don’t forget to follow @pointive.me on Instagram for weekly updates, deals, and bite-sized
tips.