Six Credit Cards That Earn the Most Rewards for Travel Spending

A frequent traveler’s credit-card strategy can change with spending habits, but this roundup centers on six cards used regularly rather than cards kept mainly for perks. The approach is simple: match each purchase with the card offering the strongest rewards for that category, then compare the result with annual fees and personal goals.

For everyday purchases without a special bonus, the Bilt Palladium Card carries a $495 yearly fee and earns 2x points plus 4% back in Bilt Cash on eligible spending. That cash can support rewards on housing payments or increase the return on some non-housing purchases. Taxes are excluded from earning points. Bilt points can move to partners including Alaska Atmos Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Overseas, the Atmos Rewards Summit Card is the featured choice. Its $395 annual fee comes with 3x points on foreign purchases, without a spending cap. Reaching $60,000 during an anniversary year can also unlock a 100,000-point Global Companion Award. The card awards one status point for every $2 spent and includes a 25,000-point companion award plus waived partner booking fees. The article also identifies the Amex Gold Card for households with significant food spending, though the supplied text does not include its full details.