In this article I’ll review the Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals for travelers looking for valuable rewards, flexible redemption choices and useful travel perks.
- Key Points & Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals
- 10 Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals
- 1. Citi Strata Premier® Card
- 2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 4. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card
- 5. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- 6. Bilt Mastercard®
- 7. American Express® Gold Card
- 8. World of Hyatt Credit Card
- 9. United Explorer Card
- 10. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Conclusion
- FAQ
We’ll examine top credit card alternatives, evaluating their rewards programs, annual fees, travel perks and everyday spending benefits to help you choose the right card to suit your lifestyle, budget and travel goals.
Key Points & Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals
- Citi Strata Premier® Card: Earns transferable ThankYou Points with strong travel, dining, supermarket, and gas rewards.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Offers straightforward miles earning on everyday purchases and flexible travel redemption options.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Combines premium travel benefits, lounge access, annual credits, and strong rewards earning.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card: Rewards frequent travelers with elevated points on hotels, airlines, restaurants, and other purchases.
- Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Provides versatile rewards on travel, dining, gas, transit, and popular everyday spending categories.
- Bilt Mastercard®: Helps eligible renters earn rewards on rent while collecting points for travel and dining.
- American Express® Gold Card: Delivers valuable rewards on dining and groceries, appealing to food-focused travelers.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: Offers Hyatt hotel rewards, annual free-night benefits, and opportunities to earn elite status.
- United Explorer Card: Provides United Airlines benefits, including checked-bag perks, priority boarding, and travel-related rewards.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: Earns flexible travel rewards with no annual fee and straightforward redemption options.
10 Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals
1. Citi Strata Premier® Card
Citi Strata Premier® Card If you want to earn rewards on everyday spending categories, the Citi Strata Premier® Card is a good alternative to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It earns 3 ThankYou® Points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and other hotel purchases.
Cardholders can also earn 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel. The card features $100 annual hotel benefit on one qualifying stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through the portal. The $95 annual fee and transferable points are attractive for flexible travel rewards.
Citi Strata Premier® Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rewards Earnings | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible dining, supermarkets, gas, EV charging, air travel, and other hotel purchases. |
| Travel Booking Rewards | Earn 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel. |
| Annual Hotel Benefit | Receive $100 off one qualifying hotel stay of $500 or more annually through Citi Travel, excluding taxes and fees. |
| Annual Fee and Redemption | Pay a $95 annual fee; redeem ThankYou® Points for travel or transfer them to participating airline and hotel partners. |
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a traveler who prefers a simple rewards structure and doesn’t want to track multiple categories of spending, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card could be a good fit. Cardholders usually earn 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases with unlimited rewards, and bonus rewards on eligible bookings through Capital One Travel. Miles can be used to pay for eligible travel expenses or transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.
This flexibility means travelers can plan flights, hotel stays and other trips that suit their preferences. The annual fee has remained $95, which makes it a more budget-friendly choice compared to premium travel cards. Check current fees, welcome offers and redemption terms before applying.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Everyday Rewards | Earn unlimited miles on eligible purchases, with a simple earning structure for routine spending. |
| Travel Booking Rewards | Earn elevated miles on qualifying hotels, rental cars, and other eligible bookings through Capital One Travel, according to current terms. |
| Flexible Redemptions | Redeem miles for eligible travel purchases or transfer them to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs. |
| Annual Fee and Benefits | The card has traditionally carried a $95 annual fee and provides a straightforward alternative to premium travel cards. |
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The top pick for frequent fliers who love airport lounges and travel credits. It earns unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
It has a $395 annual fee, but you get 10,000 anniversary bonus miles and a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit to help offset that cost. Eligible cardholders also receive airport lounge access via Capital One and Priority Pass. This is a great perk for frequent travelers who can take advantage of these benefits often.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Everyday Rewards | Earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar on eligible everyday purchases. |
| Premium Travel Rewards | Earn elevated miles on eligible flights, hotels, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. |
| Travel Credits | Receive a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles under applicable terms. |
| Airport Lounge Access | Access eligible Capital One and participating partner lounges, subject to current access rules; the annual fee is $395. |
4. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card
If you’re a traveler who wants to earn elevated rewards on flights and hotel stays but doesn’t want to be tied to one travel-booking portal, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card could be a good fit. It earns 4 points per dollar on airline purchases, 5 points per dollar on hotels and 3 points per dollar on other eligible travel and dining purchases .
Other qualifying purchases typically earn 1 point per $1 spent. The card has an annual fee of $95 and may be a good fit for those who regularly pay airlines and hotels directly. You can redeem rewards through eligible options, such as participating transfer partners. It’s a great alternative to the Chase Sapphire Preferred for heavy travel spenders.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Rewards | Earn 5 points per dollar on eligible hotel purchases. |
| Airline Rewards | Earn 4 points per dollar on eligible airline purchases. |
| Dining and Travel | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible restaurant and other travel purchases. |
| Annual Fee and Benefits | Pay a $95 annual fee; benefits include a $50 annual airline statement credit with a qualifying purchase, subject to terms. |
5. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is a solid choice for travelers who want rewards but not an annual fee. It gives you 3 points for every dollar spent on qualifying categories including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
Other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. It’s a flexible rewards program that enables cardholders to earn points on everyday spending and save for future travel. Depending on the terms of the current rewards program
points may be redeemed for travel, eligible statement credits or transferred to participating loyalty partners. The card is especially appealing to occasional travelers who want lower ongoing costs and the flexibility of everyday rewards.
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dining Rewards | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible restaurant purchases. |
| Everyday Category Rewards | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible gas, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. |
| Travel Rewards | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases. |
| Annual Fee and Redemption | Pay no annual fee; redeem points through eligible options, including travel and participating transfer partners, subject to program terms. |
6. Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt Mastercard® has been well received by renters who want to earn rewards on their housing payments and earn points on everyday purchases. Bilt’s rewards ecosystem lets members earn points on eligible rent payments without a transaction fee, subject to applicable program terms, but eligibility and earning rules depend on the current card and payment arrangement.
You can redeem Bilt points for travel through the Bilt Travel Portal or transfer them to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs. Members also enjoy dining, neighborhood and other lifestyle benefits.
This option can make sense for those with high monthly housing costs, but they should be sure to check out current card terms closely, as Bilt’s card offerings and rewards structure have changed.
Bilt Mastercard® Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rent Rewards | Bilt’s rewards program offers ways to earn points on eligible rent payments, subject to current card and payment terms. |
| Everyday Spending | Earn rewards on eligible purchases according to the applicable Bilt card rewards structure. |
| Travel Redemptions | Use eligible Bilt points for travel bookings or transfer them to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs. |
| Fees and Eligibility | Review current card availability, annual fees, rent-payment rules, and earning requirements because Bilt’s card offerings and program terms have changed. |
7. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a solid choice for travelers who spend in their budgets on regular restaurant dining and grocery shopping. The U.S. version earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year) and 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year).
It also gets 3 points per dollar on eligible flights booked directly with the airlines or through Amex Travel, and 5 points on eligible prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. People who make the most of its rewards and eligible statement credits may find the $325 annual fee worth it. Points can also be transferred to participating airline and hotel partners.
American Express® Gold Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Rewards | Earn 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at eligible restaurants worldwide, up to the applicable annual spending limit. |
| Supermarket Rewards | Earn 4 points per dollar at eligible U.S. supermarkets, up to the applicable annual spending limit. |
| Travel Rewards | Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible flights and 5 points per dollar on qualifying prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. |
| Annual Fee and Benefits | The U.S. card has a $325 annual fee and offers eligible dining and other statement credits subject to enrollment and terms. |
8. World of Hyatt Credit Card
If you’re a frequent Hyatt hotel guest, the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a hotel-centric alternative to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Cardmembers can earn World of Hyatt points for eligible purchases and redeem them for eligible hotel stays, room upgrades and other rewards of the loyalty program.
The card also offers an annual free-night award at an eligible Category 1-4 property after your account anniversary date (subject to program terms). That can create value for frequent Hyatt guests by giving them more opportunities to earn free nites and work toward elite status.
The big downside is that it’s very flexible, so those travelers who prefer independent hotels or other hotel chains might be better off with a general-purpose travel card.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Rewards | Earn World of Hyatt points on eligible purchases and qualifying Hyatt spending. |
| Free Night Award | Receive an annual free-night award at an eligible Category 1–4 Hyatt property after your card anniversary, subject to terms. |
| Elite Status Opportunities | Build progress toward Hyatt elite status and additional rewards through eligible spending and program benefits. |
| Annual Fee and Redemption | The card has traditionally carried a $95 annual fee; redeem points for eligible Hyatt stays and other program rewards. |
9. United Explorer Card
If you’re a frequent traveler on United Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, the United Explorer Card is a great option. You’ll earn MileagePlus miles on qualifying purchases and you’ll have airline-specific benefits that can help to make your time in the airport more convenient.
Perks include one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on eligible United-operated itineraries and two one-time United Club passes per year under the applicable terms.
Holders can redeem miles for award flights and other qualifying rewards. The value of the card is highly reliant on how often you fly United and use its perks. For people who like to mix and match airlines, transferable rewards can be more flexible.
United Explorer Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | Earn MileagePlus® miles on eligible purchases and redeem them for qualifying United and partner-airline award flights. |
| Checked-Bag Benefit | Eligible cardholders and one companion can receive their first standard checked bag free on qualifying United-operated itineraries. |
| Airport Lounge Access | Receive two one-time United Club passes each year, subject to current terms and lounge access rules. |
| Annual Fee and Travel Perks | The card has an introductory annual-fee waiver in some offers, followed by a standard annual fee; check current pricing and benefits. |
10. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no-brainer for travelers who want simple rewards and no annual fee. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on everyday purchases, and 3 points per dollar on eligible travel booked through Bank of America Travel.
Cardholders can redeem points as statement credits on eligible travel and dining purchases, providing flexibility without the need to book through a particular airline or hotel loyalty program. The card also has no foreign transaction fees, which can help with eligible purchases made internationally.
Additional Rewards bonuses are available for Preferred Rewards members. Its straightforward earning structure appeals to budget-minded travelers who prioritize low costs over premium perks.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Everyday Rewards | Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases. |
| Travel Redemptions | Redeem points as statement credits toward eligible travel and dining purchases, according to program rules. |
| Annual Fee | Pay no annual fee, making the card suitable for budget-conscious travelers. |
| International Purchases | The card has no foreign transaction fees, which can be useful for eligible purchases abroad. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Best Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Rivals are solid alternatives for travelers who want flexible rewards, low annual fees, and premium travel perks. For varying spending needs, cards such as Capital One Venture X, Citi Strata Premier®, and Wells Fargo Autograph® are great options.
Before selecting a card, consider reward rates, annual fees, redemption options and travel perks to find the credit card that fits your lifestyle and financial objectives.
FAQ
What are the best Chase Sapphire Preferred travel rivals?
Citi Strata Premier®, Capital One Venture X, and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey®.
Which travel credit card offers no annual fee?
Wells Fargo Autograph® and Bank of America® Travel Rewards charge no annual fee.
Is Capital One Venture X better than Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Venture X suits lounge users; Sapphire Preferred offers affordable, flexible travel rewards.
Which card is best for dining rewards?
American Express® Gold and Citi Strata Premier® offer competitive dining rewards.
Which credit card is best for hotel rewards?
World of Hyatt Credit Card benefits frequent Hyatt guests with hotel rewards.
