The Chase Sapphire Preferred® emerges as the standout card for travelers to Georgia, offering a powerful combination of travel rewards, flexible redemptions, and comprehensive trip protections.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).
- Earning Rates: 5× points on travel booked through Chase, 3× points on dining (including Georgian cuisine), 2× points on all other travel, 1× point on everything else.
- Redemption: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Transfer 1:1 to partners like United Miles and British Airways Avios for award flights to Tbilisi.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Travel Protections: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person; primary rental car collision coverage; baggage delay insurance; 24/7 concierge service.
- Annual Fee: $95 (great value given the benefits).
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
- Earning Rates: 2× miles on every purchase, every day.
- Redemption: Redeem miles as a statement credit against any travel purchase (including flights, hotels, tours in Georgia) at 1 cent per mile. Transfer to 15+ airline partners such as Air France KLM Flying Blue.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Travel Protections: Rental collision insurance; 24-hour travel assistance services; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit ($100 every 4 years).
- Annual Fee: $95.
3. American Express® Gold Card
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning Rates: 4× points at restaurants worldwide (perfect for Tbilisi’s dining scene); 3× points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1× point on other purchases.
- Redemption: Transfer points 1:1 to 20+ travel partners (e.g., Delta SkyMiles, Avianca LifeMiles) to book award flights to Georgia.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Travel Protections: Baggage insurance plan; car rental loss and damage insurance; purchase protection.
- Annual Fee: $250 (offset by up to $120 dining credit and up to $100 airline fee credit).
4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates: 2× miles on American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas; 1× mile on other purchases.
- Redemption: Redeem AAdvantage® miles for award flights on Oneworld partners like British Airways or Qatar Airways to Tbilisi via connecting hubs.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Travel Protections: Trip cancellation/interruption protection; auto rental collision damage waiver; lost luggage reimbursement.
- Annual Fee: Waived first year, then $99.
5. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months (worth $1,250 when redeemed for travel via Chase).
- Earning Rates: 3× points on the first $150,000 per year on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and advertising purchases.
- Redemption: 25% more value on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points transfer 1:1 to partners such as United MileagePlus®.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Travel Protections: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; cell phone protection; primary auto rental coverage.
- Annual Fee: $95. Ideal for self-employed travelers or small business owners planning trips to Georgia.
When choosing a travel credit card for your trip to Georgia, consider factors such as earning rates on travel and dining, flexibility of point redemptions, the presence of foreign transaction fees, and travel protections. Each of these top cards combines generous welcome bonuses with ongoing rewards and protections to help you maximize value and minimize costs on your journey to the captivating country of Georgia.