Best travel credit cards by monthly spend
At $2,000 a month, the Amex Platinum Card has the highest first-year value ($2,931) and the IHG One Rewards Premier the highest Year 2+ value ($954 a year). The first-year figure for the Amex Platinum Card (175,000 points) assumes the maximum “as high as” welcome offer; American Express says your offer may be lower. At $3,000 a month, the Amex Platinum Card has the highest first-year value ($3,210) and the Capital One Venture X the highest Year 2+ value ($1,329 a year). The first-year figure for the Amex Platinum Card (175,000 points) assumes the maximum “as high as” welcome offer; American Express says your offer may be lower. At $5,000 a month, the Amex Business Gold Card has the highest first-year value ($5,206) and the Amex Gold Card the highest Year 2+ value ($2,213 a year). The first-year figure for the Amex Business Gold Card (200,000 points) assumes the maximum “as high as” welcome offer; American Express says your offer may be lower.
| Monthly spend | Top first-year value | Top Year 2+ value | Top personal card (year 1 / Year 2+) | Top no-fee card (Year 2+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 a month | Amex Platinum Card $2,931 | IHG One Rewards Premier $954 | Amex Platinum Card $2,931 / IHG One Rewards Premier $954 | Wells Fargo Autograph $635 |
| $3,000 a month | Amex Platinum Card $3,210 | Capital One Venture X $1,329 | Amex Platinum Card $3,210 / Capital One Venture X $1,329 | Wells Fargo Autograph $954 |
| $5,000 a month | Amex Business Gold Card $5,206 | Amex Gold Card $2,213 | Amex Gold Card $4,063 / Amex Gold Card $2,213 | Wells Fargo Autograph $1,589 |
Each budget uses our sample profile’s category mix scaled to that amount, median published point values, only “easy” credits, and the welcome bonus only when the spending reaches the minimum in time. Full tables and assumptions on each page. Not a rating or a recommendation.