Abby’s Top Picks
Credit Card Recommendations
These are the cards I personally use and recommend. Each one is hand-picked to help you earn points, unlock perks, and travel more for less.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
The #1 starter card for travel rewards — and the one I recommend most.
- Annual $50 Hotel Credit: Receive up to a $50 statement credit each account anniversary year for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel.
- Transfer Partners: Transfer points 1:1 to leading loyalty programs like World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, United MileagePlus, and Southwest Rapid Rewards.
- 10% Anniversary Points Boost: Earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous account year.
- DoorDash Perks: Receive complimentary DashPass membership (activations required by Dec. 31, 2027) which unlocks $0 delivery fees, plus a $10 monthly statement credit on qualifying non-restaurant DoorDash orders.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid extra fees when making purchases outside the United States.
- Travel Protections: Includes primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and lost luggage insurance.
Chase Ink Unlimited or Cash
A great no annual fee business card that pairs perfectly with your Sapphire card.
A great no annual fee business card. You can earn points instead of cash back, and transfer them to your Chase Sapphire Card to use on travel. Earn bonuses with the Ink Business Premier® card, Ink Business Preferred® card, Ink Business Unlimited® card or Ink Business Cash® card.
Apply NowSouthwest Rapid Rewards
Consider opening with the goal of earning the companion pass.
- No Blackout Dates: Any seat on any Southwest flight can be booked with points.
- Points Never Expire: Your points will not expire as long as your account remains active.
- Free Cancellation & Changes: Standard points tickets can be canceled for a full refund of your points, and cash tickets give you flight credits that never expire.
- Cash + Points: Combine points with cash for greater flexibility when booking.
You can choose any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Apply NowChase Freedom Unlimited or Flex
Earn cash back or points that can be transferred to your Chase Sapphire card to use for travel.
Earn cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex credit card.
Learn More & ApplyCapital One Venture X
Premium travel perks, lounge access, and generous annual credits.
- Annual Travel Credit: Up to $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel.
- Anniversary Miles: Receive 10,000 bonus miles every year starting on your first card anniversary.
- Airport Lounges: Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landing locations, and a Priority Pass Select membership.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Up to a $100 statement credit to cover the application fee every four years.
Capital One VentureOne
A great entry-level travel card with no annual fee and a solid intro offer.
- Everyday Spending: Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
- Travel Booking: Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Entertainment: Earn 5X miles on eligible Capital One Entertainment purchases.