I'm a busy professional, a mom of three, and a high school principal - not a full-time travel hacker. Everything on this page is something I personally use, have researched thoroughly, or would recommend to a colleague sitting across the table from me.
Some links below are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you're approved or make a purchase. It costs you nothing extra and doesn't affect my recommendation in any way. I will never list something here I wouldn't use myself - that's a promise I take seriously.
If you're not sure where to start, start at the top. The cards are listed in the order I teach them and the order I recommend getting them.
Disclosure: 3P Travel is an independent education brand. I am not a financial advisor. Credit card recommendations are based on personal experience and research. Always read the full terms and conditions before applying. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your individual credit profile.
Best Credit Cards
These are the exact cards I teach in the 3P Travel curriculum.
Chase Sapphire Preferred — Start here. Always. The best beginner travel card on the market. Earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, unlocks World of Hyatt, United, Air France, and more. Low annual fee, massive welcome bonus. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Chase Sapphire Reserve — The upgrade with a higher annual fee (but may be overwhelming for beginners). For the frequent traveler ready for premium perks. $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and 3x on travel and dining. Same Ultimate Rewards ecosystem as the Preferred. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Chase Ink Business Preferred — Your second card. One of the best business card offers available. 3x points on travel, shipping, and advertising. Huge welcome bonus that does NOT count against Chase 5/24. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Chase Ink Business Unlimited — The free catch-all. No annual fee. Earns 1.5x on everything. Pairs perfectly with the Ink Business Preferred to maximize everyday spending. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Chase Ink Business Cash — For office spenders. 5x on office supply stores and internet/cable/phone services. No annual fee. Another strong addition to a Chase business card stack. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Chase Freedom Unlimited — The personal catch-all. 1.5x on everything, no annual fee, and pairs with the Sapphire Preferred to make those points fully transferable. A great supporting card. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Amex Gold Card — For foodies and families. 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. If your grocery and dining spend is high, this card earns faster than almost anything else in the Amex ecosystem. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Amex Platinum Card — The premium lounge card. Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass. 5x on flights booked directly. High annual fee, but the credits and perks more than offset it for frequent travelers.
Amex Business Gold — For business owners with varied spending. 4x on your top two spending categories each month — automatically. Great for businesses with fluctuating expenses. [Apply Here Referral Link]
Amex Business Platinum — The business premium card. 5x on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. Massive welcome bonus. Best for high-spending business owners who travel frequently. [Apply Here - Referral Link]
Capital One Venture X — Premium travel, simplified. 2x on everything, $395 annual fee largely offset by travel credits and lounge access. Great for travelers who want simplicity with premium perks. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Capital One Venture — The straightforward earner. 2x miles on every purchase. No category management required. Solid option for someone who wants a simple, flat-rate travel card. [Apply Here — Referral Link]
Citi Strata Premier — The underrated gem. 3x on hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas. Transfers to Turkish Airlines, Air France, Singapore, and more. Seriously underrated in the points community.
Bilt Mastercard — For renters, this is a no-brainer. The only card that earns points on rent with no transaction fee. Transfers to United, Hyatt, American, and more. No annual fee. If you rent, you need this card.
