When utilized correctly, credit cards can be a great way to get discounts, especially during vacations and other travels. 

CNN’s Underscored has just released its Best Travel Credit Cards for 2020 list and it’s perfect for those wanting to travel while being financially responsible. 

So how did they come up with the list? According to CNN, “Our comprehensive methodology compares every aspect of each travel credit card to our ‘benchmark credit card’ — the Citi Double Cash Card — to determine which cards can potentially bring you maximum value.”

They also mentioned that even though you may already have a credit card to use towards travel, it is most likely outdated and no longer the best choice. 

Here’s a list of the best travel credit cards for 2020, according to the CNN Underscored list.

Capital One Venture Rewards

This credit card is best for easy-to-use travel rewards. The great thing about this card is that you’ll be able to earn 2 miles per dollar for every purchase you make with the card. You can then use the miles towards any travel purchase or transfer them to Capital One’s airline partners for even bigger perk redemptions. 

If you want to earn free travel, this credit card is the perfect option for you. 

Additional offerings with the Capital One Venture Rewards:

  • No annual fee for the first year, then $95 per year for the following years
  • Up to $100 credit when you apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • You can redeem miles for travel purchase for 1 cent per mile
  • You can transfer miles to any of Capital One’s 17 airline partners

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is awesome for those travelers who have large travel and dining expenses. 

Here’s what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers:

  • You will earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining
  • You will earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases
  • There is a $95 annual fee
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • You can redeem points for travel using the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (the rate is 1.25 cents per point)
  • You can transfer points to any of Chase’s 13 airline and hotel partners

The Platinum Card, American Express

This one is for all the luxury travelers out there! Although it’s not a cheap card to have, you’ll be able to redeem major perks when it comes to travel. 

Here’s what The Platinum Card by American Express offers:

  • You’ll get access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts
  • You’ll earn 5 points for every dollar spent on flights if you book directly with American Express Travel or airlines
  • You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Tavel
  • You’ll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchase
  • You can redeem points for travel with Amex Travel (rate of up to 1 cent per point)
  • You can transfer points to any of American Express’s 21 airline and hotel partners
  • You can use up to $200 in statement credits each year for incidental fees at a selected qualifying airline
  • You can use up to $100 in statement credits each year at Saks Fifth Avenue
  • You can use up to $15 in statement credits each month with $35 in December with you use your card for Uber rides
  • You’ll get free access to American Express Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when you’re flying Delta, and Priority Pass airport lounges
  • You’ll receive free Gold Elite status with Hilton and Marriott hotels
  • You’ll receive free Preferred Elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental chains
  • You’ll receive a free Shoprunner membership
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $550 annual fee
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Chase Sapphire Reserve

This card is the best option for large travel purchases. This card is also an expensive card to have but it pays off with perks like a $300 yearly travel credit and a $60 yearly credit for DoorDash. 

Additional offerings with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

  • You will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining purchases
  • You will earn 3 points for ever dollar spent on travel purchases 
  • You will earn 10 points for ever dollar spent on Lyft purchases until March 2022
  • You will earn 1 point on all other purchases
  • You’ll be able to redeem points for travel using the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (with the rate at 1.5 cents per point)
  • You can transfer points to any of Chase’s 13 airline and hotel partners
  • You will get up to two years of complimentary DashPass membership
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • $550 annual fee

American Express Green Card

The AMEX Green Card has improved a lot in the past few years. Now you can get 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel and dining purchases. This card is ideal for those who travel occasionally but would still like to receive perks for travel.

Additional offerings with the American Express Green Card:

  • You can redeem points for travel using Amex Travel (rate of 1 cent per point)
  • You’ll be able to transfer points to any of the 21 airline and hotels Amex partners with 
  • You’ll receive up to $100 annually in statement credits for a CLEAR membership
  • You’ll receive up to $100 annually in statement credits for any LoungeBuddy purchases
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • $150 annual fee

Wells Fargo Propel American Express

This card is great for those who spend a lot of money on travel, gas, and dining and want to receive travel rewards.

Here’s what the Wells Fargo Propel American Express card offers:

  • You will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining and travel
  • You will earn 3 points for ever dollar spent at gas stations, ride-share apps and travel
  • You will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on certain popular streaming services
  • You will earn 1 point per every dollar spent on other purchases
  • There is cell phone protection coverage
  • There are 0% interest charges on all purchases for the first year, 15.49%-27.49% afterward
  • There is 0% interest for a year on balance transfers made during the first 120 days of having the card, 15.49-27.49% afterward
  • There is a 3% fee for balance transfers
  • There is no foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Capital VentureOne Rewards

This card has no annual fee, which is great and you can earn 1.25 miles per every dollar spent with no limit.

Additional offerings with the Capital VentureOne Rewards card:

  • You can redeem miles for any travel purchase for 1 cent per mile
  • You can transfer miles to any of Capital One’s 15 airline partners
  • There is 0% interest on all purchases made during the first year, 13.49%-23.49% for purchase made afterward
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Do you hate paying checked bags fees? If the answer is yes, then this card is for you!

Here’s what the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers:

  • You will earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, and U.S. grocery stores
  • You will earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on all eligible purchases
  • Your first checked bag will be free for you and 8 of your family or friends on Delta flights
  • You will receive 20% back on Delta in-flight food, beverage and audio headsets purchases
  • You will receive $100 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 in purchase in one year
  • You will receive Main Cabin 1 priority boarding for you and up to 8 of your friends and family members on Delta flights
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • The annual fee is free for the first year but every year after is $99

World of Hyatt Credit Card

This card is perfect for those who usually stay at Hyatt hotels when traveling. 

Here’s what the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers:

  • You will earn 4 points for ever dollar you spend at Hyatt hotels
  • You will earn 2 points for every dollar spent on dining and airline tickets purchased from the airlines
  • You will earn 2 points for every dollar spent on local transit and gym memberships
  • You will earn 1 point on all other purchases
  • You will receive free World of Hyatt Discoverist elite status and 5 qualifying night credits annually 
  • You will receive an additional 2 qualifying night credits each time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • You will receive 1 free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotels annually after becoming a cardholder for a year
  • There are no foreign transaction fees
  • $95 annual fee
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