The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Saturday, April 27, 2024

7 Highest-Limit Travel Credit Cards (April 2024)

Highest Limit Travel Credit Cards
Bob Haegele

Written by: Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele
Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer who specializes in topics like credit cards, banking, and investing. After repaying his student loans and taking control of his finances, he’s made it his mission to help people get out of debt, save, and invest for a better future. His practical approach helps people simplify their finances and stop overspending. He’s been quoted or featured in media outlets such as Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, MarketWatch, TIME, and many others.

See full bio »

Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

See full bio »

Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

See full bio »
Advertiser Disclosure

A high-limit travel credit card can come with many benefits, including the ability to book expensive trips and accumulate a large number of rewards in the process. In addition, travel cards with high limits are often premium travel cards with extra benefits, such as lounge access and travel insurance.

But getting a travel card with a high limit isn’t just about signing up for a premium credit card. You must also meet certain requirements, which may include having excellent credit and a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

With the right qualifications, you may be able to qualify for a high credit limit on a card with excellent travel benefits. Here are some travel credit cards to consider and how to get a high credit limit on them.

Travel Cards With the Highest Reported Credit Limits

Many credit cards could be considered travel cards, but these credit cards have some of the highest theoretical limits available. But you may not always qualify for the highest possible limit – credit card issuers have several criteria they use to determine credit limits. Nevertheless, these cards are some of the best options if you want a high-limit travel credit card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review

at Chase’ssecure website

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™; Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
22.49%-29.49% Variable
$550
Good/Excellent

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is reported to have a limit as high as $500,000. But a credit limit of that magnitude is not available to all cardholders. 

For instance, a $500K limit may require a cardholder with an income of seven to eight figures or to already be one of Chase’s private wealth clients. Still, it’s not uncommon for Chase to extend a limit of $15K to $20K on a more modest income.

This card also comes with a slew of benefits, including bonus points when booking travel through Chase, the ability to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners, and an annual travel credit. Plus, you won’t have to pay a foreign transaction fee when traveling abroad. As a premium travel card, the annual fee is steep, but the travel credit can offset the cost.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review

at Chase’ssecure website

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • 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.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.49%-28.49% Variable
$95
Good/Excellent

The highest available limit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card should be similar to the limit for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as both cards are part of the Sapphire line. The two cards are similar, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a much lower annual fee and lower earning rates as a result. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card still maintains most of the benefits, including bonus points when booking through Chase and transferable points. It also has an annual hotel credit to offset the annual fee.

More Travel Cards With High Limits

The Chase cards are in a league of their own when it comes to high limits, but other travel cards can also have relatively high limits. If you’re looking for an alternative to Chase cards, here are some travel credit cards to consider.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

You may be able to qualify for a high limit with a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. For instance, one cardholder reported a credit limit of $55,000 on their Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card also has some nice benefits, including high bonus earnings in a category of your choice, overdraft protection, and a low introductory APR offer. There is also an introductory balance transfer offer. Despite this, it has no annual fee.

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
$395
Excellent

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is reported to have a credit limit of up to $30,000. This card is often seen as a competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® but with a lower annual fee. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also has a travel credit, lounge access, and similar earning rates when booking travel. 

It also includes unlimited access to Capital One Lounges with two guests per visit. But the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card tends to have lower redemption rates when redeemed through Capital One.

The Platinum Card® Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.7/5.0
  • Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Also earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
  • $200 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $25 monthly Equinox credit, $15 monthly Uber cash credit, $50 bi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and more.
  • Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection, including 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Enrollment required.
  • Choose among three card designs
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.24% – 29.24% Pay Over Time
$695
Excellent

The Platinum Card® has no preset spending limit, which could make it the perfect choice among high-limit travel credit cards. The Platinum Card® credit limit changes based on factors like your income and payment history. 

The annual fee may be high, but the card includes several credits, high earning rates, and a generous welcome offer. The Platinum Card® includes Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status, plus travel insurance and purchase protections.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review

at Chase’ssecure website

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a flexible spending card with a limit as high as $26,000, according to one Chase customer. This card maintains some of the same benefits as the Sapphire cards, such as bonus rates on each travel purchase booked through Chase and a low intro APR. 

This card has no annual fee, but it has lower earning rates on travel and has fewer travel perks, such as lounge access. Still, it’s a good option if you don’t want to pay an annual fee, and the credit limit can be high for a no-annual-fee card.

Highest-Limit Travel Card For Bad Credit

If you have bad credit, your options for high-limit travel cards will be limited. But the next card on this list is among the best options to consider if your credit needs some work.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

TRAVEL RATING

★★★★

4.0

OVERALL RATING

3.8/5.0
  • Earn unlimited cash back while building credit for the future. Start with a security deposit of $300 to $5,000.
  • Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose, 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 2% back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
  • Use your card everywhere Visa is accepted. Your secured card works and looks like any other credit card.
  • Choose your payment due date and enjoy zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions.
  • No annual fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% Variable
$0
None/Bad

As a secured credit card, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card requires a security deposit before you can start using it. Your credit limit equals the amount you deposit, and you can deposit up to $5,000 with this card. 

There is no annual fee, and you can earn elevated cash back rates on prepaid flights, plus hotel and rental cars booked in the Rewards Travel Center. You can also choose two categories with higher earning rates and earn extra cash back on all eligible purchases.

What is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a credit card with features designed to benefit customers who regularly use their card to book travel. These features can often make travel cheaper for frequent flyers or include perks that make trips more convenient or enjoyable. Generally, their aim is to improve the travel experience for customers.

Examples of common benefits and perks travel credit cards may include are:

  • Points and miles: Travel credit cards often earn points or miles, with an emphasis on redeeming for travel. In addition, they often have high earning rates when you use the card to book travel.
  • Welcome offers: These cards often include welcome offers, which reward you with points or miles after spending a set amount within a certain period of opening the card.
  • Annual travel credits: Some travel cards give you a travel credit every year of card membership to use toward booking travel, either through their travel portal or for any travel reservation, in some cases. If you frequently travel, these credits can help balance the annual fee.
  • Travel insurance: Many travel credit cards include travel insurance coverages for things like trip cancellation, trip delay, and lost luggage.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Some travel credit cards provide credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can allow you to sign up for these programs for free.

Remember that every credit card has its own set of benefits and perks, and these are subject to change. The best credit card for you depends on your budget, travel habits, perks, and the benefits you care about. Check with your card issuer to see which benefits are available to you.

How Do I Get a High Limit on a Credit Card?

Getting a high limit credit card is not guaranteed, but it may be possible with the right approach. These steps may help you increase your credit limit:

  • Have good to excellent credit: Your credit score is one of the most basic numbers creditors look at when determining your credit limit. This number allows the bank to assess the risk of extending you a line of credit. Having good to excellent credit shows the bank that you are a good credit risk, which may lead to a higher credit limit.
  • Have a good payment history: Having a good payment history is one of the most important factors in determining your credit score. If you need to increase your credit score, try to make at least the minimum payment and, if possible, pay the full statement balance every month.
  • Have a low credit utilization: Your credit utilization is the ratio of the sum of your outstanding balances on all your credit cards to the total limit across all cards. For example, if your total credit card debt is $10,000 and your combined credit limit is $50,000, your utilization is 20%. Experts generally recommend keeping this ratio under 30%. If you have a high utilization on any of your cards — say you are using 50% of the available limit — this could also hurt your chances of getting a high credit limit.
  • Have a low DTI ratio: Your DTI is the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. For instance, if your gross monthly income is $6,000 and your monthly debt payments total $1,200, you have a DTI of 20%. You should generally aim for a DTI of 35% or less. If your DTI is high, the bank may not be willing to assign you a high credit limit.
  • Report income increases to your issuer: The IRS may be aware of your income increases, but the card issuer may not know about them until you update your information on file. All else being equal, a higher income reduces your DTI, which can lead to a higher credit limit.
  • Wait for credit limit increases over time: Many credit card issuers review credit accounts periodically and increase the credit limits of customers who manage their accounts responsibly. This typically happens once every six months to one year. Of course, you should make consistent, on-time payments if you plan to wait for an increase.
  • Request an increase: While it’s possible to wait for an automatic credit limit increase, that could take several months. If you can’t or don’t want to wait, you may be able to request an increase from your card issuer. You can often do this on their website, by phone, or by visiting a branch, if available. You may have to explain why you need the increase and how you will use the credit in a responsible way.

These are just general guidelines, and many factors determine your credit limit. If you do manage to qualify for high limit credit cards, be sure to use your credit card responsibly and avoid going into debt.

How Do I Redeem Rewards For Travel?

Depending on the card issuer, there may be many ways to redeem credit card rewards for travel. For example, your issuer may allow you to redeem points for a statement credit, cash, gift cards, or travel. 

Screenshot of Amex rewards redemption options in mobile app
Rewards can be redeemed for travel or transferred to travel partners through the issuer’s website or mobile app.

Some card issuers have other redemption options, such as transferring points to travel partners. Check with your credit card issuer to see what redemption options are available.

Once you know how you want to redeem your rewards, you can redeem them through the credit card issuer. The redemption process also varies by the card issuer, but you typically do this through an online portal or the card issuer’s mobile app. 

If you transfer points to a travel partner, you typically must first initiate the transfer in your card issuer’s portal or mobile app, then make the booking through the travel partner.

But once you’ve transferred your rewards to a partner, they can’t be transferred back, so make sure it’s exactly what you want to do before doing it.

What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Travel Card?

The credit score you need to get a travel card varies because many types of travel cards are available. Consider the following examples of different travel credit cards, all of which may have different credit score requirements:

  • Secured travel card: Secured credit cards require a security deposit, and the amount of the deposit is equal to your credit limit. Because you have already provided the cash up front, you may qualify for a secured travel card with a lower credit score. For example, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa is available to those who are building their credit, typically with at least a fair credit score range.
  • Entry-level travel cards: Basic travel cards may be available to those with scores in the fair to good range. These cards often have no annual fee, but their benefits and perks may be less generous than premium travel cards. In addition, their interest rates may be higher.
  • Mid-tier travel cards: These credit cards are typically available to those with credit scores in the good to excellent range. They usually include more benefits and perks than entry-level cards with higher earning rates. But there is usually a small annual fee to compensate.
  • Premium travel cards: These high-end travel cards are usually only available to those with excellent credit. They tend to offer the best benefits and perks in the industry, with high earning rates, many redemption options, and credits that balance their annual fees. Extra benefits may include airport lounge access, large signup bonuses, and free checked bags.

Remember, your credit score is just one factor in determining your eligibility for any given credit card. Credit card issuers may also consider your employment history, income, DTI, and other factors. 

Remember to take all these factors into account if you are having trouble gaining approval for a certain card. In addition, you can ask the card issuer to provide more details if you receive a rejection when applying for a credit card.

What is a Good Credit Card Limit?

It’s difficult to provide a simple answer to this question because it can be subjective, and the answer should vary based on factors discussed earlier, such as your income and DTI. 

For instance, it makes sense to extend a higher credit limit to someone with a higher income. This person is more likely to have the funds available to pay for a high amount of credit card spending. Similarly, someone with a low DTI is more likely able to pay their credit card balance than someone with a high DTI.

Because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it’s better to focus on your credit factors and how they may affect your credit limit. If you aren’t satisfied with your credit limit, try improving your credit history, then see if you can get approval for a higher limit.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

There is no definite number of credit cards you should aim to have, but for most of us, two to three credit cards are a great start. This can help lower your DTI and credit utilization, both of which can lead to better approval odds and higher limits. 

Average number of credit cards per person in 2021

It can also help your credit profile to have other types of credit, such as a mortgage or installment loan. Credit card issuers like to see that you can effectively manage multiple types of credit.

It’s also important to remember that you must use your credit cards responsibly, such as by making on-time payments. If you have more than three credit cards, it can be difficult to keep track of them and miss payments. Start with a small number of cards and build your habits with them before you consider opening another credit card.

Can I Get a Travel Credit Card with a 650 Credit Score?

You may be able to qualify for some travel credit cards with a 650 credit score, but your options will probably be more limited than those available to consumers with good to excellent scores. 

This list includes a few credit cards specifically intended for those with fair credit, including the U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card. But be aware that credit cards in this category may have monthly fees or program fees and potentially higher interest rates.

If you don’t have at least good credit, it may be best to work on improving your credit before applying for a travel credit card. This will allow you to qualify for cards with lower interest rates, better benefits, and lower fees.

A High Limit Can Help Maximize Your Next Vacation

When booking a vacation, there’s no single strategy that works best for everyone in every situation. But a high travel credit card limit can help maximize your point or mile redemption. In some cases, these cards may include benefits and perks that can make your trip safer, more enjoyable, and more convenient.

Not everyone will qualify for the most premium travel cards with the highest limits. To qualify, you may need a high income, a low DTI, and perhaps request a credit limit increase over time. No matter which path you take, be sure to use your credit card responsibly, as a large amount of debt can wipe out any benefits of using the card.

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.