As you build your family’s travel adventures — whether for a beach getaway with the kids or a luxurious hotel stay you redeem with points — choosing the right credit card welcome bonus is a powerful first step. Below you'll find the best six first cards, from beginner-friendly picks to premium travel cards, and yes — I might earn a small commission or referral bonus points if you apply through my links (at no extra cost to you).
(Don’t worry — I only recommend cards I believe are strong value for families and travel-hackers like us.)

How to Choose a Card (Quick Guide)

Before diving in, here are three smart filters to help you pick the right card:

1. Your travel goals – Are you earning miles to transfer into hotels/airlines? Or looking for cash-back rebates you can apply toward your next family vacation?

2. Your points flexibility – Choose cards that earn transferable points (like Chase, Capital One, Amex) so you can move your points to multiple airline and hotel partners. This gives you way more options and often the best value per point.

3. Your points strategy – If you hold cards within a brand family (e.g., one bank issuer), make sure you understand the 5/24 Rule and eligibility rules (welcome-bonus limits, churn rules, etc.).

Beginner Cards

These are great if you’re new to travel-hacking and want to start earning meaningful welcome bonuses without much worry.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome Offer:

Highlights:

• Earn 5x points when you book travel through Chase Travel℠

• Get 3x points on dining, select streaming platforms, and online grocery purchases

• Receive 2x points on other travel expenses outside the Chase portal

• Earn 1x point on all other everyday purchases

• Enjoy up to $50 in annual statement credits each account anniversary year when you book a hotel stay through Chase Travel℠

• Transferable points to top travel partners (hotels & airlines)

• Travel protections and no foreign transaction fee

Annual Fee:

$95 (see terms)

Earn 75,000 bonus points

Why I Love It:

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred is hands-down my favorite everyday spending card. I love earning flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points on everything because I can transfer them directly to my favorite travel partners — Hyatt for amazing hotel stays, Southwest for family trips, and United / Flying Blue for international travel.

• For families who want simple, powerful rewards that turn into real travel, this card is the perfect balance of value, flexibility, and ease. It’s a must-have in any beginner or seasoned travel-hacker setup — and the card I personally reach for the most.

Capital One Venture X® Credit Card

Welcome Offer:

Highlights:

• Earn 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

• Redeem miles to erase almost any travel purchase (75,000 miles = $750 in travel value)

• Transfer miles to a wide range of partners, including Flying Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airlines, and more

• Receive 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary year (worth at least $100 toward travel)

• Enjoy a $300 annual travel credit when you book through Capital One Travel

Annual Fee:

$395

Earn 100,000 bonus points

My Take:

• Don’t let the $395 annual fee intimidate you — this card more than pays for itself. Between the $300 travel credit and the 10,000 bonus miles you get every anniversary, the value you get each year is incredible.

• One thing I love about the Venture X is how easy it is to use. You always earn 2x miles on every single purchase, so when we’re not actively working on a new welcome bonus or maximizing spending categories, this is our go-to everyday card. I always tell my husband, “If you’re not sure which card to use, just grab the Venture X!”

• The perks aren’t just on paper either. You get Priority Pass access and entry to Capital One Lounges, which makes airport time so much more enjoyable — especially when traveling with kids.

• Overall, the Venture X is one of those rare premium cards that’s simple to use, packed with value, and easy to keep long-term.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Welcome Offer:

Highlights:

• Earn 2x points on Southwest® purchases, local transit, commuting, and select streaming services

• Earn 1x point on all other purchases

• Each year, receive 3,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary

• No blackout dates when you redeem points for flights

• Bags fly free® with Southwest

Annual Fee:

$99

Earn 85,000 bonus points

Why I Love It:

• The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is one of the easiest ways to start earning points toward free flights andworking your way to the coveted Southwest Companion Pass—the benefit that lets one person fly with you for almost free for up to two years.

• You’ll earn points on every purchase, enjoy extra perks like 3,000 anniversary points each year, and get access to Southwest’s flexible, fee-free travel style. If you’re aiming for the Companion Pass, this card can be a great first step or a perfect pairing with a Southwest business card to reach the qualifying points even faster.