Best Cash Back Cards for Travel
Cash back cards ranked by effective return rate on travel purchases.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Travel, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Top Pick
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
- +$200 cash back bonus (~$200 value)
VISACore Rate
3.2¢
per dollar on travel
No annual fee
Welcome: $200 cash back
Runner-Up
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase
5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +No annual fee. Other listed credits: DoorDash (up to $10/qtr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
MASTERCARDCore Rate
2.9¢
per dollar on travel
No annual fee
Welcome: $200 cash back
Also Great
Citi Double Cash Card
Citi
5% cash back on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal
- +5% cash back on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal
- +$200 cash back bonus (~$200 value)
- +No annual fee
MASTERCARDCore Rate
2.8¢
per dollar on travel
No annual fee
Welcome: $200 cash back
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom UnlimitedChase | 5% cash back Flights | 3.2¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5% cash back Flights | 2.9¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| Citi Double Cash CardCiti | 5% cash back Hotels & Lodging | 2.8¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5% cash back Hotels & Lodging | 2.4¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| SoFi Unlimited 2%SoFi | 3% cash back Travel | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| SavorOne Rewards from Capital OneCapital One | 5% cash back Hotels & Lodging | 2.1¢/$ | $39 | mastercard |
| The AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®Barclays | 3% cash back Flights | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| U.S. Bank Shield Visa CardU.S. Bank | 4% cash back Flights | 1.9¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardU.S. Bank | 5% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 1.7¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit CardBank of America | 3% cash back Travel | 1.2¢/$ | $0 | visa |
More Options
#4Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardNo fee
2.4¢/$
#5SoFi Unlimited 2%No fee
2.0¢/$
#6SavorOne Rewards from Capital One$39/yr
2.1¢/$
#7The AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®No fee
2.0¢/$
#8U.S. Bank Shield Visa CardNo fee
1.9¢/$
#9U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardNo fee
1.7¢/$
#10Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit CardNo fee
1.2¢/$
Want to customize by spend amount, programs, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Points & MilesPoints vs. cash back: 3 numbers that decide which card earns moreCash back is worth its face value; points are worth what you redeem them for. Compare earn rate, point value, and annual fee to see which pays you more.
- Cash BackFlat-rate cash back versus category bonuses: a household spending comparisonA 3%/1% card beats a flat 2% card only when half your spending lands in its categories. Three households, the break-even formula, and how caps change it.
- Cash BackHow to choose a cash back card from your actual spendingA 3% card can earn less than a 2% card. Compare annual cash back on your real spending, apply caps and merchant rules, then subtract fees.