The best cards for travelers
By Rachel Lipson
August 2, 2025
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Figuring out which cards to use when you’re a frequent traveler can be challenging. Offers may appear in your inbox, on billboards and even in flight! With all the info out there, it can be really hard to know which card is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a personal card or a business card, here are some important points (no pun intended!) to consider when making your choices.
Transferable points
Using a card that earns transferable points can make a big difference when it comes time to book a flight with points or miles. Rather than earning points or miles from a specific airline or hotel, earning points that can transfer to various transfer partners will help you get the most out of your points.
Lounge access
Ideally, you arrive at the airport with enough time to check any bags and get through security but not so much time that you’re stuck sitting at the gate. But, if you have lounge access, you may find yourself actually wanting to arrive earlier to enjoy it!
Certain cards can offer access to lounges even with an economy ticket. For families, lounges can make a huge difference in cost when spending time at the airport. The free drinks, meals and snacks can save you money while the calm and relaxing environment at the airport can help set your family up for success on a long flight.
Multipliers
Credit card multipliers are a way to earn more rewards in specific spending categories. Instead of earning a flat rate—like 1 point per dollar—you might earn 2x, 3x, or even 5x points or miles on certain purchases, such as restaurants, take out, travel, groceries, or gas. These “multipliers” make it easy to maximize rewards simply by using the right card for the right purchase.
Some cards offer bonus rates automatically, while others require category activation or have monthly caps. Understanding where your card offers the best return is key to building points faster — without changing your spending habits.
The personal cards we recommend
The American Express® Gold Card
Thanks to this card’s excellent multipliers, card holders have the opportunity to earn significant points each month by using this card on everyday purchases.
Take for example the 4x points offered at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year). This multiplier has the potential to earn your family up to 200,000 additional Membership Rewards points each year.*
Then, there’s the 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x). If your family spends around $2000 a month at supermarkets, using this card has the potential to earn you an additional 100,000 points per year.*
*Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express card can get you airline lounge access — including Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass Select lounge access (excluding restaurant locations) and Delta Sky Club access when flying same-day Delta flights (limited to 10 annual visits) — for eligible card members through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.*
*Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.
This card is a heavy hitter when it comes to airport lounges. With access to the Centurion lounges, Priority Pass Select and a limited number of visits to Delta lounges, it checks a lot of boxes for folks looking for an elevated airport experience.
The business cards we recommend
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Rates & fees, terms apply
With 2 points per dollar on purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year, this card’s everyday multiplier can really help to boost your points stash. This is a great card to have for business purchases that wouldn’t otherwise fall into a higher category on another card.*
*Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Rates & fees, terms apply
The American Express Business Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most in each billing cycle from the following 6 categories:
Purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
U.S. purchases at gas stations
Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
While your top 2 categories may change each billing cycle based on where your business spent the most, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories from this list each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
Annual fee $375
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
This card can be incredible for businesses with purchases that fall into these above categories. For business that are able to fully maximize the 4x categories, there is a potential to earn up to 600,000 points in a calendar year.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Similar to the personal version of this card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can get you airline lounge access — including Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass Select lounge access (excluding restaurant locations) and Delta Sky Club access when flying same-day Delta flights (limited to 10 annual visits) — for eligible card members through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.*
*Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.
Rachel Lipson
There are so many things to consider when getting a credit for travel. Hopefully these tips help you make smart choices for your family and business!
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Brooklyn Family Travelers and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
