You earn bonus points on travel, dining and streaming, and points are worth more when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners. For a $95 annual fee, it’s one of the most flexible travel cards you can get.
The bottom line
A big welcome offer, valuable points and solid travel protections make the Northwind Voyager Preferred Card a top pick for people who travel a few times a year. If you want simple cash back instead, a no-fee card will serve you better.
Northwind Voyager Preferred Card
- Annual fee:$95
- Rewards rate:1x–5x points
- Intro offer:75,000 points
- Regular APR:20.24%–27.24% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Pros and cons
- Bonus worth $900+ in travel
- 5x points on travel booked through Northwind
- Transfer partners for outsized value
- Primary rental car coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Best value takes some effort
Detailed review
For travelers, the $95-annual-fee Northwind Voyager Preferred Card stands out as a flexible, high-value choice. You earn Northwind points on every purchase and can redeem them in several ways: book travel through Northwind’s portal, take a statement credit, or transfer them to 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs.
It isn’t the simplest card to use well. But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes planning redemptions, it can return far more than its annual fee every year.
Northwind Voyager Preferred: the basics
- Card type: Travel rewards
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Interest rate: 20.24%–27.24% Variable APR
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Ongoing rewards
- 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Northwind Travel
- 3 points per $1 on dining, including takeout and delivery
- 3 points per $1 on select streaming services
- 2 points per $1 on all other travel
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
How much is a point worth?
Points are worth 1 cent each as cash back or a statement credit, and up to 1.25 cents when you book travel through Northwind. Transferring to an airline or hotel partner can be worth 1.5 to 2 cents per point, depending on the program and the route.
Ledgerly tip
Before you transfer points, check award availability with the partner first. Transfers usually can’t be reversed, so only move points once you’ve found a seat or room you want to book.
Benefits and perks
- $120 annual travel credit for hotel stays booked through Northwind Travel.
- Primary rental car coverage so you can decline the rental company’s insurance.
- Trip delay and cancellation protection when you pay for the trip with the card.
- 10% anniversary bonus on the points you earned in the previous year.
Drawbacks and considerations
It has an annual fee. The $95 fee is modest for a travel card, but if you rarely travel, a no-fee cash back card like the Brightline Cash Plus will likely earn you more.
You need good credit. Most approved applicants have a FICO score of 690 or higher.
Compare to other cards
-
Meridian Travel Elite Card
100,000 bonus miles
- Annual fee:$395
- Rewards rate:2x–10x miles
- Intro offer:100,000 miles
- Regular APR:21.24%–28.24% Variable
- Credit score:720–850 (Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Summit Gold Rewards Card
60,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$250
- Rewards rate:1x–4x points
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Regular APR:See issuer terms
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Forge Business Rewards Card
90,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$95
- Rewards rate:1x–3x points
- Intro offer:90,000 points
- Regular APR:21.24%–26.24% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Is it right for you?
If you travel at least a couple of times a year and spend a fair amount on dining, the Northwind Voyager Preferred Card is easy to recommend. The welcome bonus alone covers the annual fee for years, and transfer partners give you room to get even more value.
Earn up to 5x points on travel, transfer points to 15 airline and hotel partners, and get up to $120 in yearly travel credits.
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for the Northwind Voyager Preferred Card?
Most approved applicants have good to excellent credit, which usually means a FICO score of 690 or higher.
Is the $95 annual fee worth it?
For most people who travel at least once or twice a year, yes. The $120 hotel credit alone can more than offset the fee.
Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?
No. You can use it abroad without paying a foreign transaction fee.