You can find round-trip flights to Barcelona this fall for just $400 to $600 from major U.S. airports. Not bad for a European getaway.
But you know what’s even better than a cheap flight? A free flight!
With the right travel credit card, you could earn enough rewards to fly to Barcelona for free (and maybe even cover a friend’s ticket, too).
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Built for flexible travel rewards
I’ve had the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for many years. It’s not just my personal favorite travel card, it’s the first one I recommend to friends and family when they ask about travel rewards.
The welcome bonus alone could get you to Barcelona (and might even cover a couple hotel nights, too).
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth up to $750 in Chase Travel℠ value for booking flights, hotels, or rental cars.
While you’re out tasting the best paella and crema catalina in the world, you’ll pay no foreign transaction fees and earn 3X points on all your dining.
This card also comes with built-in travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance, and more.
Ready to book a getaway to Spain? Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card today and snag those 60,000 bonus points!
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express: For serious travel luxuries
If you’re after a more premium experience (think airport lounge access, hotel upgrades, and airline fee credits), The Platinum Card® from American Express might be your best bet.
This card’s welcome offer is 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months. That’s worth $800 toward flights booked through American Express Travel®! Terms apply.
I was an Amex Platinum Card holder back in my heavy‑travel years. And let me tell you, holding this card will truly change your travel experience.
You’ll breeze into Barcelona’s El Prat airport with complimentary Priority Pass™ access and chill in the spacious Sala VIP Pau Casals lounge with snacks and drinks. The $200 airline fee credit can cover in-flight purchases for the long ride over the Atlantic. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Beware: This is a luxury credit card and sports a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). But for frequent flyers or those planning a big trip like Barcelona, the fee is well justified.
Get ready to travel like a celebrity. Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express and unlock over $1,500 in annual value.
3. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Solid and fee-free
If you’re not ready to commit to an annual fee, no worries! The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees) still gets you in the game.
The welcome offer is small but very easy to earn. It offers 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, which is worth $200 in the form of cash rewards, travel bookings, or gift cards.
Now, that doesn’t entirely cover your plane ticket. But the rest can be earned through everyday rewards, since you’ll earn 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
Let’s say you spend $10,000 in these 3X categories throughout the rest of the year. You’ll rack up an extra 30,000 points, or $300 more in rewards. Stack that with the $200 welcome offer, and you can likely cover most of your Barcelona flight.
The best part? It has a $0 annual fee, so all the rewards go straight to your travel fund.
Start earning free travel with no annual fee. Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card today and start earning triple points on everyday travel and dining.
Barcelona is closer than you think
If you’ve been dreaming about sipping sangria in Barcelona, then turn that dream into a reality.
Each of these cards offers a different strategy for getting there.
Whichever you choose, be sure to pay your balance in full each month, hit the welcome offer spending requirement, and book smart.
Explore all the top travel cards here to find the one that best matches your lifestyle.