Vacations can require a lot of upfront planning. That includes coming up with the funds to pay for your trip. But even the best-laid plans can go awry, and we can fall short of our savings goals.
If you've got a trip coming up in a few months and you won't have the funds to cover it, you may want to look into a travel credit card with a strong signup bonus. Signup bonuses can help you get to your destination by contributing to many types of travel expenses.
Here are five cards with strong travel signup bonuses that can help get you there. And if you're looking for ideas where to travel, you may want to consider these 12 places you could visit for free this summer (with the right credit card).
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Rewards: Two points per dollar spent on dining and travel, one point per dollar spent on everything else
Signup Bonus: 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
Annual Fee: $0 the first year, $95 after
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Variable 16.74% to 23.74%
Why We Picked It: The signup bonus can be redeemed for extra value through Chase Ultimate Rewards, Chase's travel booking platform.
For Your Upcoming Trip: With two points per dollar spent on dining and travel, one point per dollar spent on other purchases and 50,000 bonus points, this card has strong potential in the first few months. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel costs, and are worth an extra 25% when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which makes the signup bonus good for up to $625 in travel credits.
Drawbacks: If you don't frequently dine out or travel, this card won't deliver as strong a value.
2. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
Rewards: Five points per dollar spent at Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest properties, two points per dollar spent at restaurants, car rental agencies and on airfare, one point per dollar spent on everything else
Signup Bonus: 80,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
Annual Fee: $85
APR: Variable 16.74% to 23.74%
Why We Picked It: Marriott customers can cut the cost of their hotel stays.
For Your Upcoming Trip: You'll earn points for Marriott stays no matter how you spend, with extra incentives for Marriott and travel spending. The 80,000 bonus points can help put a dent in your hotel costs. Points required for redemption vary between hotel properties.
Drawbacks: If you aren't a loyal Marriott guest, you'll have little use for this card.
3. Hilton Honors Surpass Card
Rewards: 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases with a participating Hilton hotel, six points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, three points per dollar spent on everything else
Signup Bonus: 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
Annual Fee: $75
APR: Variable 15.99% to 19.99%
Why We Picked It: The signup bonus can knock down the cost of your upcoming Hilton stay, and you can earn 12 points per dollar while you're there.
For Your Upcoming Trip: You can put the 75,000 bonus points to good use on any upcoming stays at Hilton properties. Plus, with multiple ways to earn 12, six and three points on the dollar, you can rack up points quickly.
Drawbacks: If your trips don't often include Hilton properties, this card won't get you as far.