Best Travel Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees
After decades in the workforce, retirees finally have free time to pursue personal interests. They can develop hobbies, visit relatives or friends, travel for pleasure, or enjoy fun activities. For most seniors, retirement is the ideal time to take on extended travel adventures, such as international trips, which may have been challenging to do during their working years. Improved technology on travel planning, booking, and connecting on the go has helped easing travel experience for retirees.
International travelers would inevitably learn that using credit cards for purchases abroad may incur foreign transaction fees, which is usually a surcharge of 3% on purchase prices. Such fees sting for everyone, especially for seniors who typically live on a fixed income. However, there are a few travel credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees. These credit cards are the best payment cards to use overseas. In addition, some credit cards offer lucrative travel rewards or bonus, such as 3% rewards, $500 travel bonus, extra travel credit to cover incidentals such as baggage fees, airport lounges, or expedited security screening, etc.
Here is a quick rundown of the top travel credit cards for seniors and retirees.
Credit Card | Bonus and Rewards | Annual Fee |
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| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $95 rates & fees |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | $95 |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026. | $0 rates & fees |
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