Which Is Better? – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Mid-tier travel cards offer useful benefits for individuals who want to enjoy travel, but may not fly or stay at hotels as frequently as a typical road warrior. If you travel every few months, have no interest in airport lounges or don’t chase elite frequent flyer status, mid-tier travel cards might be worthwhile. The best part? Annual fees are usually under $100.

The American Express® Green Card* grants card members annual statement credits of up to $189 on CLEAR® Plus membership and up to $100 on LoungeBuddy airport lounge access. The Amex Green Card offers the following rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and transit including flights, hotels, taxis, rideshare services, trains, parking and more, 3 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and 1 point per dollar on other purchases and has a $150 annual fee.

The mid-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card reignited travel rewards cards when it was introduced in 2009 and remains a solid credit card for vacationers. It earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

These points can be redeemed for flights and hotel experiences. Chase Ultimate Rewards® are one of the most valuable and useful transferable points currencies for its versatility and strong travel partners.

Citi offers a mid-tier card that casual vacationers should consider: The Citi Premier® Card. It earns a strong 3 ThankYou points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels, 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases and a total of 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, merchandise and flights. You can book via Citi’s travel portal or transfer miles to several major airlines.

While many airlines and hotels offer mid-tier travel rewards credit cards, some of the top options include the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card for its annual companion fare starting at $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (terms apply) for its valuable Hilton Honors™ Gold elite status that offers complimentary breakfast at international destinations and a free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.

We also encourage hotel-goers to consider The World of Hyatt Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card* for the annual free night award each card offers to its cardmembers.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor