best travel cards for gas

The Best Gas Credit Cards for Road Trippers and Commuters Alike

By Ramsey Qubein

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Whether you’ve been road tripping for the last year or plan to rev up for summer vacation, the credit card you use to pay for fuel can make a big difference. And with gas prices at record highs, the rewards you earn for every dollar you spend on it is more important than ever: You should be earning more than one reward point or mile for every dollar you spend at the pump. If you’re not, then you’re not doing it right.

For starters, if you are renting a car, then you’ll want a card that comes with car rental damage protection or roadside assistance. If cashing in points on free travel isn’t a priority, other cards offer the choice to be rewarded as cash back instead. Here are seven gas credit cards that can speed up those rewards (or cash back balance) in a hurry and make that road trip budget stretch just a bit farther along the way.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card

With no annual fee and a slew of bonus-earning spend categories, the Chase Freedom Flex is a champion when it comes to accruing points. The card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards, which is a popular flexible point system ideal for everyone from beginners to loyalty program nerds. You can opt for cash back instead of points, which also makes this a great card even for less frequent travelers.

Points collectors can transfer points to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, Marriott, Southwest, and United or spend points like cash (one point equals one penny) directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal. Since there’s no annual fee, this is a top-value card for those that want fast access to points (or cash back) with minimal cash outlay.

What you'll get at the gas station: Each year, gas purchases earn five points per dollar spent (up to $1,500) during at least one quarter.

Other perks: The revolving 5x bonus category changes each quarter and can include a variety of retailers like home improvement stores and pharmacies. You’ll also earn three points at drugstores, restaurants, and on takeout services all year-long.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

This card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee ( see rates and fees ). That small fee may seem like peanuts to drivers with long commutes, carpooling parents, and road trippers looking to accrue cash back year-round at the pump. If you spend heavily on transit, fuel, and groceries, this card also provides solid returns.

What you’ll get at the gas station: Unlike other cards that only award bonuses a few months a year, this AmEx card delivers three percent cash back on fuel purchases all year long. Even if you’re not the one driving, you’ll earn three percent cash back when using this card to pay for transit including rideshare services, taxis, buses, trains, and even tolls.

Other perks: It’s not just drivers that will see meaningful return. Cardholders will also earn six percent cash back at grocery stores and on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions. Everything else earns one percent cash back.

Discover It Cash Back Credit Card

Another rewarding card without an annual fee is the Discover It Cash Back, which offers bonus-earning categories on a similar quarterly rotation. This is a purely cash-back card , which means travelers looking for points to redeem toward a business class flight or luxe vacation may be less enticed. Still, big-time road trippers, families, and business travelers can rack up some serious cash with this card. It’s also great for young spenders like college students that want to put a little extra cash in their pocket while earning a bonus on their regular purchases.

What you’ll get at the gas station: During at least one quarter per year, cardholders will earn five percent cash back at the pump.

Other perks: Other quarterly reward bonuses include five percent cash back at grocery stores, Amazon, and restaurants, which are everyday spend categories for many Americans. Without the quarterly restriction, the Discover It Gas and Restaurants Card offers two percent cash back on up to $1,000 per quarter. Depending on how much you drive and dine out, this card could be worth it.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why not choose which categories you want for bonus point earning? That’s what the no-fee Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you do. That flexibility means that you can customize your cash back earning to your own spending patterns. Still, the quarterly spending caps can stifle the returns if you spend more than $2,500 in that category every three months. Big spenders would be better off with another card.

If you're a Preferred Rewards member at Bank of America, though, you can multiply your earnings, with top-tier Platinum Honors members getting up to a 75 percent cash-back bonus.

What you’ll get at the gas station: Each quarter, you can select a category to earn three percent cash back. These include gas stations, but also dining, online shopping, and travel spending, which means you can coordinate your gas station–specific earnings and your road trip planning. You can even change your earning category once per month, but can only earn rewards on up to $2,500 in spending per quarter.

Other perks: Expect two percent cash back year-round on grocery and wholesale club purchases and one percent back on everything else, but only up to the $2,500 quarterly limit.

Citi Premier Credit Card

For $95 each year, this card delivers some strong benefits for drivers including three Citi ThankYou points on every dollar spent on gas. You’ll also earn triple points on dining, hotels, airfare, and grocery stores. If you’re an on-the-go person, this card has strong benefits for not much annual outlay.

What you’ll get at the gas station: It’s not just fuel that offers triple points, but all sorts of travel spending. While there are cards that offer bonus points on fuel without charging an annual fee, Citi ThankYou points are a valuable points currency to have. You can redeem them as cash for travel or transfer them to other programs like Choice Privileges, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Air France-KLM Flying Blue among others.

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Other perks: The card also comes with a $100 hotel credit to use on stays of more than $500, no foreign transaction fees, and a host of travel and purchase protections. These include extended warranty, damage, and theft protection on things that you purchase with the card. There’s also a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three rides each month.

PNC Cash Rewards Visa

This fee-free card is ideal for frequent drivers since it awards bonus points without charging an annual fee. You’ll earn four percent cash back on every dollar you spend at gas stations. The only caveat is that this card is only available to applicants that live in the District of Columbia or the 28 states where PNC has a branch.

What you’ll get at the gas station: There is an $8,000 limit on bonus-earning categories, but you can still maximize the benefits on this card if you want to earn a rebate on your spending. Wise cardholders will use this card for gas spending and turn to other cards for bonus categories once they reach the annual $8,000 limit.

Other perks: The cash back on this card is impressive (despite the limit) with two percent back on grocery store purchases and three percent back on dining. Everything else earns one percent cash back, which makes this card a solid winner for those that live in one of PNC’s states.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

This winner of a card is purpose-built for travelers and road trippers. The tradeoff is that U.S. Bank Altitude points do not have any airline or hotel program transfer partners , which means you can only redeem them for benefits like travel and gift cards at the rate of one penny per point. You can also opt for cash back, but consider how much you spend to see if it is worth it. The card has a $95 annual fee, but is waived for the first year.

What you’ll get at the gas station: You’ll earn four points per dollar (or four percent cash back) on travel and gas purchases all year long, not only during one quarter of the year like on some other cards. There is no limit on how much you can earn, either. That’s pretty generous.

Other perks: You’ll earn two percent back on eligible purchases at grocery stores (including delivery) and on dining or streaming services. There are also statement credits for streaming services like Netflix or expedited travel security programs like TSA PreCheck.

See rates and fees for the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred Card .

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Best credit cards for gas for May 2024

Like many Americans, you probably spend more time than you’d like waiting to fill up your car at the gas station each week. Not only is pumping gas a chore, but it’s also expensive — especially with gas prices consistently rising over the past year .

Luckily, the right credit card can help you offset rising prices by earning rewards at the gas pump.

Best gas station credit cards in 2024

Plenty of great cash-back and rewards credit cards offer competitive perks on gas station spending and other common everyday budget items. We’ve done the math to help narrow down some of the best options and help you start maximizing your fuel purchases today.

Best for essentials: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Potential annual gas rewards: $67

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 within the first six months

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%)

6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions

3% cash back on transit

3% cash back at U.S. gas stations

1% cash back on all other purchases

More details: On top of cash-back rewards, you can get up to $84 in statement credits per year ($7 per month) when using Blue Cash Preferred to pay for a Disney Bundle streaming subscription. You’ll get up to another $120 back as statement credits each year ($10 per month) when you enroll in an auto-renewing Equinox+ subscription with your card. Finally, there’s an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months on both new purchases and balance transfers before the standard interest rate kicks in.

Why we like it: Amex’s Blue Cash Preferred Card offers some of the best cash-back rates on many common budget items with great returns at the gas pump, one of the highest rates available today at supermarkets, plus streaming, transit, and more.

Because the Blue Cash Preferred Card does have a $95 annual fee (though it’s waived for the first year), do the math to ensure your bonus category spending is enough to outpace the card’s cost. That’s possible given Americans’ average annual spending today, though — and even more so if you’re shopping for yourself and a partner or family. For example, if you spend $500 at U.S. supermarkets each month (maxing out the 6% rate), you’ll earn $360 cash back each year in this category alone.

Best for cash-back: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Annual fee: $0 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 within the first six months

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets*

3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases*

3% cash back at U.S. gas stations*

*applies up to the first $6,000 spent in each category per year, after which you earn 1%

More details: The Blue Cash Everyday card’s added benefits include up to $84 annually ($7 per month) when you use your card for a Disney Bundle streaming subscription and up to $180 annually ($15 per month) when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription. Both benefits are offered as statement credits and are subject to auto-renewal. There’s also a 0% intro APR for new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Why we like it: This cash-back card can be a great option for rewards at gas stations and supermarkets, with a bonus category for online shoppers. If you supplement a lot of your monthly household shopping with Amazon.com or other online retailers, this can be a great way to make sure you’re getting rewarded in a not-so-common category.

Just note each of the three Blue Cash Everyday 3% rewards categories comes with an annual spending cap of $6,000. If you don’t spend more than $500 per month at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, or shopping with U.S. retailers online, this shouldn’t be a concern. But if you have a much larger budget, you may want to look for a cash-back card with unlimited rewards in your top spending categories.

Best for rotating categories: Chase Freedom Flex®

Potential annual gas rewards: $82

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $500 within the first three months

5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories (up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter)

5% cash back on Chase Travel purchases

3% cash back on dining

3% cash back at drugstores

More details: In addition to rewards, the Freedom Flex has an introductory 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. Chase partner brands like Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart offer a few added perks, and in addition to cash back, you can redeem rewards for travel through Chase Travel.

Why we like it: As a rotating category card, gas rewards are usually only available for one quarter of each year. But at a 5% return, you can get a lot of value even over a short period and potentially come out ahead compared to other cards with lower rewards year-round. There is a $1,500 combined quarterly cap on 5% categories, and you must remember to activate rotating categories by the deadline each quarter.

But the Freedom Flex has plenty to offer outside of gas station rewards. Ongoing 3% cash back on dining and at drugstores can help you maximize other regular spending throughout the year, and 5% back on Chase Travel purchases offers an easy way to get rewarded for any upcoming trips, especially if you don’t already have a dedicated travel credit card.

Best for business: American Express® Business Gold Card

Potential annual gas rewards: 8,932 points, which are worth up to $89 if used to book flights through Amex Travel

Annual fee: $375 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months

4x points on the two eligible categories your business spends the most each month, among the following purchases (up to $150,000 spent each calendar year, then 1x):

U.S. advertising providers for select media (online, TV, radio)

U.S. electronics retailers, plus software and cloud system providers

U.S. restaurants

U.S. gas stations

U.S. wireless phone service providers (monthly service charges)

3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel

1x points on all other purchases

More details: To help recoup the annual fee cost, the Amex Business Gold offers credits worth up to $395 per year. This includes up to a $240 flexible business credit ($20 per month in statement credits) for eligible U.S. spending at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores. Also, get up to a $12.95 statement credit each month to cover the cost of Walmart+ membership.

Why we like it: If you’re a business owner who frequently drives to client meetings or site visits, a gas rewards card can help you make the most of this common business expense. And at 4x points per dollar, there aren’t many business credit cards that reward gas station purchases as highly as the Amex Business Gold . You’ll earn the 4x rewards on your top two eligible categories each month (based on transactions posted to your account, up to $150,000 spent per year). So, if gas is not consistently one of your highest expenses, you may want to strategize how you can maximize categories for the best return.

Unlike many of the cards on our list, the Amex Business Gold earns Membership Rewards points , not cash back. Before you opt for this card, make sure the redemption options make sense for you. While you can redeem your Membership Rewards for statement credits and to cover charges, those redemptions are much less valuable than using points to book flights through Amex Travel or transferring to travel partners. It’s wise to read all the details of your rewards agreement before applying for any new business or personal rewards credit card .

Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn during your first year

5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined category spending per quarter, then 1%)

More details: As a student, you may be able to more easily qualify for the Discover it Student Cash Back card and begin building a great credit score for the future. In addition to rewards, there’s a 0% introductory APR for new purchases for the first six months. After you graduate and establish a regular income, you can also call to see whether you qualify for a credit line increase.

Why we like it: Like other rotating category cash-back cards , you won’t earn 5% on gas purchases year-round. However, over the past several years, Discover has offered 5% rewards at gas stations for at least one quarter. Whether you’re a commuter student or like to take weekend trips off-campus with friends, those rewards are likely to earn you a solid return. With this card, you must activate your quarterly rewards before you can begin earning, and you’ll get 5% on the first $1,500 spent in eligible categories.

Overall, Discover it Student Cash Back is a solid pick for students , with no credit score required to apply and no annual fee. You can earn up to 5% cash back on your spending while building your credit score with good credit habits like paying your balance on time and keeping your utilization low.

Best for customized categories: Citi Custom Cash® Card

Potential annual gas rewards: $112

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months

5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 per billing cycle, then 1%)

Eligible categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment

More details: To earn the full 5% rewards, you don’t need to track or opt into spending categories each month — Citi will automatically determine where you spent most and allocate your rewards. You can also benefit from the card’s introductory 0% APR on both new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Why we like it: As an alternative to rotating cash rewards, you can use a customizable cash-back card to tailor the categories where you earn most to your spending. Even with Citi Custom Cash’s $500 monthly spending cap on 5% rewards, you can potentially earn more than with nearly any other gas rewards cash-back card option today.

Because your highest spending category is automatically pulled from your transactions over the month, this is also a solid choice if gas isn’t always one of your biggest expenses. If you have a large home improvement store purchase one month, for example, you might dedicate your 5% rewards towards that. This card can be a great option for anyone looking for more flexibility in where they maximize rewards.

Best for travel rewards: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Potential annual gas rewards: 6,699 points, worth up to $67 in cash rewards

Welcome offer: 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months

3x points on restaurants

3x points on travel

3x points at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations

3x points on transit

3x points on popular streaming services

3x points on cell phone and landline phone plans

More details: The Autograph card also has a 0% intro APR on new purchases for the first 12 months after opening. Its primary ongoing benefit is up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible; when you pay your phone bill with the card).

Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Autograph is one of the only cards on our list with no spending cap limiting the rewards you can earn at gas stations — or on any eligible categories. With six spending categories that all earn 3x points on each dollar you spend, there are plenty of ways to maximize your purchases with this card, especially since there’s also no annual fee.

Be aware that your rewards are earned as points within the Wells Fargo Rewards Program. You can redeem your points toward purchases you make with your card, for travel through Wells Fargo, new purchases with select merchants, credit to a Wells Fargo account, and more.

Other gas cards to consider

Costco anywhere visa® card by citi.

With a Costco credit card , members can earn 4% cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging — up to the first $7,000 spent per year, then 1%. For no annual fee (except Costco membership cost), you’ll also earn 3% cash back on restaurants and travel, 2% cash back on all other purchases at Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on other spending.

Unlike regular cash-back cards, you’ll get the rewards you earn with the Costco Anywhere Visa as a rewards certificate once per year, which you can redeem for purchases you make at U.S. Costco warehouses. Our estimated annual gas rewards you can earn with this card is $89.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited may not have a specific category for gas station rewards, but this flexible cash-back card can still reward you on your spending. For no annual fee, you can earn 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, you can earn an extra 1.5% back in each of these categories during your first year.

We estimate your potential annual return on gas station purchases with a Chase Freedom Unlimited card at about $34. First-year cardholders with boosted 1.5% rewards may earn $67 — before the rate goes back down in the second year.

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

As another business credit card option for gas station purchases, we like the Ink Business Cash — especially since it charges no annual fee. To start, you’ll earn $750 in bonus cash back if you spend $6,000 within the first three months of account opening. For ongoing rewards, get 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. Also get 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on other purchases.

For the spending caps, Chase tracks your annual spending by account anniversary, not calendar year. We estimate the Ink Business Cash ’s annual return on gas station spending at $45.

How much can you save with a gas credit card?

Your annual gas rewards savings depend on how much you spend filling up your car’s fuel tank each year.

To come up with our rewards predictions for the cards above, we used average consumer gasoline spending data. Based on that, we expect you can save around $50 to $100 annually using a card that earns 3x/3% or more at gas stations — and that’s before accounting for any other rewards categories or spending.

Starting from the average, you can use your own spending to determine which card offers the best savings for you.

If you have a long commute or take regular road trips, you may want to prioritize a card with no annual cap on gas rewards, for example, so you can ensure you maximize that spending year-round. On the other hand, if you spend closer to the national average (about $160 to $250 per month) on gas, you might be fine with a spending cap in exchange for a higher rewards rate up to that max.

What counts as ‘gas’ for credit card rewards?

Credit card issuers can have different standards for “gas” or “gas station” rewards categories, so it’s always important to read the terms of any new card before you apply.

Gas stations, for the purpose of rewards, usually means retailers that sell gasoline for cars, which you can either buy at the pump or purchase inside with an attendant. Boat marinas, as well as gas pumps at supermarkets, superstores like Walmart, and wholesale clubs like Costco may not count toward your gas rewards, but it often depends on how the transaction is coded by the merchant when you buy.

Some issuers also offer the same bonus rewards for both gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations. If you have an electric vehicle, look for this specifically within the terms of your card — if it’s not listed, you may not earn boosted rewards at EV charging stations.

Finally, look for any requirement of “U.S. gas stations” within your rewards agreement. Say, for example, you plan to rent a car on a vacation abroad and want to use your card to earn rewards internationally. Before doing so, make sure your card earns gas rewards worldwide (and don’t forget to check potential foreign transaction fees , too).

General gas credit cards vs. retail gas credit cards

For our list of best gas credit cards, we primarily looked at general rewards credit cards that offer solid perks on gas station purchases. For most people with variable expenses and average spending on gas, we believe a more general rewards option can help maximize overall spending.

If you’re a regular at a particular gas station for its convenience or competitive gas prices — and you also spend a significant amount on filling up your gas tank each month — you may also consider a retail gas card offered by your preferred gas station chain.

However, there are restrictions to know, compared to more general rewards cards . For one, you’re more likely to earn rewards as discounts per gallon of gas than cash back or points: 5 cents off per gallon, for example, compared to 5% cash back on your overall purchase. Some retail gas credit cards (like store credit cards ) are also limited to purchases with the gas station, so you can’t use them for any other regular spending .

Finally, while any credit card today is likely to have a very high interest rate , retail cards are notorious for raising those rates even higher. It’s important to pay off your balances in full anytime you can, but if you must carry a balance, you’ll accrue interest much more quickly with a variable APR of over 30%. Always read the card terms before you apply to understand your interest obligations.

Our methodology

We started with dozens of credit cards available today that offer specific gas station rewards to create our list of the best credit cards for gas. To narrow down the options, we set a few guidelines.

First, we only ranked general (not co-branded) rewards credit cards with gas rewards categories. This helped us find the cards we think are most relevant to the largest range of people. While co-branded cards from superstores with gas stations or with specific gas retail chains may be great options for some, cash-back and rewards cards that offer gas rewards in addition to other categories are often more useful to a broader number of cardholders.

To that end, each eligible card we ranked had to earn more than 2% or 2x rewards in the gas category, narrowing down options to the cards we believe go above and beyond when it comes to gas rewards. If rewards at the gas pump aren’t a big priority for you, there are plenty of cash-back credit cards and even travel credit cards with 2x rewards on gas station purchases. But we wanted to find cards for spenders looking to specifically maximize gas — in addition to their other regular purchases .

From there, we rated each of the cards on our list using criteria centered specifically on gas rewards (potential earnings, gas rewards percentage, etc.) as well as more general details (annual fee, APR, introductory offer, issuer transparency, etc.).

We used consumer expenditure data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine how much the average spender could save each year on gas. Based on an average of the past four years of available data (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) totaling $2,233, we determined how much you could earn with each card — accounting for spending caps, rotating categories, and other terms. For cards with customizable categories, we assumed gas would be the category of your choice or the highest spending category.

Our final list is made up of the cards that both score the highest in our ranking and earn the greatest potential annual rewards on gas station purchases.

This article was edited by Alicia Hahn

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Best gas credit cards for May 2024

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Gas credit cards reward cash back or points whenever you fill up at the pump. The best gas credit cards earn high rewards rates for gas purchases while also offering rates in other common spending categories. These are our picks for some of the best credit cards for gas on the market.

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Best Gas Credit Cards for 2024

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card : Best overall
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for gas and groceries
• Citi Rewards+® Card : Best for everyday spending
• Discover it® Chrome : Best for low APR
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for no annual fee

What to know about gas credit cards

What people are saying about gas credit cards, expert advice on gas credit cards, more information on gas credit cards, how we assess the best gas credit cards.

• Frequently asked questions

Credit range

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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Card categories

How do we choose the best overall card?

In determining which cards were worthy of “Best Overall” distinction on marketplace pages, our editorial team reviewed the cards currently available on each page and narrowed the list of candidates to only those cards that either:

• A) had received a minimum 4.0-star overall rating in their primary scoring category based on our proprietary card rating methodology , or 
• B) were currently the highest-rated card on the page. 

We then surveyed an internal panel of expert credit card writers and editors as to which card from the candidate list was most deserving of a “Best Overall” distinction. The winner was selected based on popular vote.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Rewards rate

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Regular APR

• 3% Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
• 2% Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
• 1% Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Why it’s the best overall: “It offers a ton of flexibility with its customized categories. I've earned rewards at a great rate not only on gas, but also on everything from online shopping to dining, changing my custom category based on the purchases I'm planning each month."" — Nouri Zarrugh , Senior Editor, Credit Cards What we love: Since you can choose your highest-earning rewards category each month (gas is just one option), this card can be a versatile and valuable option long after you've earned the sign-up bonus. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card worth it? Alternatives: If you want a more streamlined experience, consider a card with a flat-rate rewards program. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or another flat-rate cash rewards card could be a good choice. These cards earn rewards at an equal rate on purchases and don’t require you to enroll in specific categories.

• The card’s intro APR offers on both purchases and balance transfers could provide a decent break on interest during the intro period.
• Instead of being limited to a couple of bonus categories year round, you can choose which eligible category you’d like to earn the most in.
• You’ll only earn a top cash back rate on the first $2,500 you spend in your two highest-earning bonus categories each quarter.
• The sign-up bonus spending requirement is high compared to other no-annual-fee rewards cards.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 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%.
• 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.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations 1% Cash Back on other purchases

• 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
• 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
• 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases

What we love: This is one of the most well-rounded gas rewards cards out there. Since it offers one of the best rewards rates you can get at U.S. supermarkets as well as a generous U.S. gas stations and transit rewards rate, it’s a great standalone option for families, commuters and more. Learn more: Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred worth it? Alternatives: If you don’t spend heavily on groceries and worry you won’t earn enough cash back to offset this card’s annual fee, consider the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express instead. Though it carries a much lower cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets, its $0 annual fee and still-solid rewards rates could make it very lucrative.

• It carries one of the best cash back rates you can at U.S. supermarkets, making it a smart standalone option for everyday spending.
• Its welcome offer is about 25 percent more valuable than the typical cash back card welcome offer.
• The U.S. supermarket category excludes purchases at wholesale clubs, superstores (like Walmart), and specialty stores (bakeries, farmers markets, etc.).
• This card’s intro APR offer is relatively short compared to the offers you’ll find on competing cards.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.

Citi Rewards+® Card

Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Special offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.

• 5X Special offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
• 2X Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
• 1X Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.

The true value of this card is in its unique roundup feature, which rounds up your purchases to the nearest 10 points — a feature that makes your daily $3 coffee worth 10 points. That’s a great rewards rate for low-cost purchases  and it makes the card a terrific choice for city dwellers or people always on the move.   Read our full Citi Rewards+ Card review .

• The card’s intro APR on purchases and balance transfers gives the card the additional flexibility to help you save on interest.
• The annual bonus on point redemptions offers some nice additional value on top of the card’s strong base rate.
• This card charges a foreign transaction fee, which can make using this card abroad pricey.
• It earns “basic” ThankYou points, which you can’t transfer to travel partners.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+® Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap.
• No Annual Fee

Discover it® Chrome

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

• 2% Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
• 1% Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

What we love: Along with its impressive first-year cash back match offer, this card carries a solid intro APR offer, a chance at a relatively low ongoing APR and a decent cash back rate at gas stations and restaurants. This makes it a well-rounded option for cash back starters wary of high fees and interest. Learn more: Discover it® Cash Back vs. Discover it® Chrome Alternatives: Other no-annual-fee cash back cards offer better year-round rewards rates for gas. For example, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card earns 3X points at gas stations and on transit, so it could be a more lucrative option overall for commuters. 

• The card’s intro APR on purchases and balance transfers offers cardholders some extra initial flexibility in saving on interest.
• This card is more forgiving than many when it comes to rates and fees.
• You must wait a year to reap the benefits of the Cashback Match welcome offer.
• The cash back cap for each quarter is low compared to competing rewards cards that feature spending caps.
• Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.

• 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases.

What we love: True to its name, this card makes it easy to earn rewards in some of the average person’s biggest everyday spending categories, including U.S. gas stations. These rewards rates and bonus categories, plus the $0 annual fee, give the card excellent long-term value. Learn more: Is the Amex Blue Cash Everyday worth it? Alternatives: If you want to boost your rewards earning potential on gas, the Citi Custom Cash® Card could be a great option thanks to its best-in-class rewards rate in a variety of everyday bonus categories, including gas.

• The card packs some strong upfront value thanks to a solid welcome offer and intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• It’s one of the only cards that offers bonus rewards year-round on online shopping — a lucrative but surprisingly hard-to-find bonus category.
• Wholesale clubs like Costco and superstores like Walmart and Target aren’t included in the card’s U.S supermarket category. Purchases at those stores will only earn 1 percent back.
• You can only redeem rewards as cash back or gift cards. You won’t enjoy the value or flexibility that comes from earning Amex Membership Rewards.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.

Compare Bankrate's top gas credit cards

On This Page

Expert experience with gas rewards

Like other rewards credit cards, gas cards can earn cash back or points at gas stations. But some of the best grocery cards and travel cards also earn rewards for spending at the pump, so any card that offers customized rewards or includes gas purchases in a bonus category can be your gas card.

Types of gas credit cards

The two main types of gas credit cards are co-branded and general-purpose. They both have their benefits, but general-purpose cards that include gas as a rewards category can be more versatile.

• General-purpose gas credit cards
• Co-branded gas cards

General-purpose gas cards are simply credit cards that offer bonus rewards at gas stations. These may come with rewards programs that offer cash back or points as you spend. Typically the best general-purpose credit cards include a range of rewards categories and give you the flexibility to maintain your spending habits without thinking about how to maximize your rewards strategy .

A great general-purpose gas credit card might also earn generously at U.S. supermarkets or at wholesale clubs. However, it’s rare that gas is the highest rewards tier. 

Some gas station chains offer co-branded credit cards that allow cardholders to earn credits for gas and receive discounts on fuel. These perks can come in handy when gas prices increase . While these cards can provide discounts on the price of a gallon, they usually don’t offer rewards for purchases outside of the gas station chain. Even so, some of these options and the gas loyalty rewards programs they’re part of can bring in a nice chunk of savings.

Gas rewards cards pros and cons

Like any type of rewards credit card, gas cards have their perks and drawbacks. Consider the following before you apply:

Affordability : Plenty of gas cards available don’t charge annual fees.

Additional rewards : Most gas cards offer rewards in other valuable categories like dining or groceries.

Accessibility : Gas cards are available to people with many kinds of credit scores, so you can find a gas credit card with bad credit .

Loyalty cards lack flexibility : Gas rewards cards tied to a particular brand may be inconvenient if that gas station isn’t available everywhere you travel.

Not optimized for electric vehicles : Few gas cards earn rewards on electric vehicle charging.

May not be the biggest part of your budget: Gas isn’t the biggest spending category for most people, so getting a card solely for rewards or savings on gas could be less optimal than getting one for other everyday categories like groceries or dining.

Bankrate Insight

The average American spends $3,120 per year on gasoline, other fuels and motor oil, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent Consumer Expenditures Report . Charged on a credit card that earns 3 percent cash back on gas, those expenses would earn you $93.60 back per year.

Discussions about gas credit cards online typically revolve around which cards earn the most cash back or points. The Citi Custom Cash® Card , Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card are some of the most popular gas cards. Some users also note that paying for gas with a rewards card can be worth it even if a station offers a discount for cash transactions.

For example, one Reddit user in the r/CreditCards community compares how much you can earn with a credit card to what you can save by paying with cash:

“A nearby gas station that has a ‘cash discount’ is $4.799 with a card, and $4.699 with cash. I'm getting almost $0.10 back with a basic 2% cash back card. Paying almost nothing to not have to carry around a bunch of cash and wait in line at the register is totally worth it for me. I'd come out slightly ahead using my Autograph, and even better with a Custom Cash. [Even if] I lived in nearby Arizona, where prices are maybe $1.40 less. If the gas station is the type that offers a cash discount and I have a 2% cash back card, I'm getting back about 7 cents per gallon. If the cash discount is 10 cents, I'd rather pay that additional 3 cents or so per gallon to avoid carrying a bunch of cash around, and avoid waiting in line at the register.” — r/CreditCards Reddit user*

But the conversation isn’t limited to rewards and savings. Many people also discuss the enhanced security of credit cards, particularly as it relates to card skimmers. 

Skimming devices closely resemble point-of-sale card readers and can collect card numbers, allowing thieves to steal your information to make fraudulent purchases. These devices pose a security threat when you use either chip or mag-strip payment methods on credit and debit cards. One user in the same r/CreditCards thread notes * that “gas stations seem to be a popular location for skimmers” and that debit cards are typically less secure than credit cards. Other users argue debit cards are just as secure.

To protect yourself from fraud, it’s important to keep an eye out for reports of card skimming at gas stations in your area. That said, credit cards are one of the most secure payment methods available and many come with fraud protection, so you shouldn’t let worries over card skimming prevent you from earning rewards at gas stations.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Gas isn’t the largest spending category for many people, because grocery, travel and dining spending largely outpace it. But that doesn’t mean gas rewards cards can’t be a valuable addition to your card strategy. Here’s how Bankrate writer Brendan Dyer uses his gas rewards to maximize his earnings:

“I spend roughly $50 each month on gas so I never set out to open a credit card solely for gas purchases. But of my three cards, two have boosted rewards for gas purchases and I use one at the pumps because it earns a very generous rewards rate. I know I won’t earn a lot of cash back from my gas purchases, but I’m satisfied knowing I’m doing everything I can to maximize rewards in that area of my spending. Every bit adds up.” — Brendan Dyer, Writer, Bankrate

Check out our expert advice on filling up the tank and rewards with a gas credit card to help you maximize your earnings.

Review current spending

Determine where gas station spending fits in your budget.

Gas credit cards are best for people who spend significantly at the pump. People who work from home or don’t drive often might not find value in earning cash back for gas station purchases. Using a gas card could help you earn some of the most significant rewards if you’re a commuter or you take frequent road trips . Outside of rewards on gas purchases, evaluate other major spending categories you’d like to earn in. Busy families with high grocery budgets or commuting professionals can apply for a gas credit card that also rewards these purchases.

Monitor category rewards

Always check what counts as “gas” for earning rewards and monitor your rewards balance with each payment.

Read the fine print on the card’s gas category to make sure that you can earn on all gas station purchases everywhere — and not just on purchases at the pump. While you may spend the most while filling the tank, make sure you also get cash back when you run in to grab a snack or buy an energy drink.

It’s important to check the fine print before you apply for a card to fully understand how you can earn on your gas purchases and read up on merchant category codes that earn cash back .

For example, the Discover it® Chrome’s fine print states:

“ Gas station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. ”

And Bank of America’s terms claim that the gas category for its Customized Cash Rewards credit card could include automated fuel dispensers, electric vehicle charging stations, fuel dealers for coal, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum and wood, marinas and marine service and supplies, and service stations with or without ancillary services.

If you notice that your gas card isn’t earning rewards when you run into the attached convenience store for a snack or fill up at a wholesale club’s gas station, check the fine print for the card’s rewards program or call the issuer for clarification.

Offset annual fees

A gas card—or any rewards card—is only rewarding if you make more in cash back or rewards than you pay to hold it.

While many gas cards don’t charge an annual fee, a few do. Cards with annual fees usually have better perks and benefits, but no-annual-fee cards are more accessible.

Here’s how much cash back two similar cards earn after annual fees, assuming you spend $2,000 per year on gas and remain below any spending cap for boosted rewards rates.

When only accounting for purchases at U.S. gas stations, the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday is a clear winner over the Blue Cash Preferred. But the Blue Cash Preferred earns much more on U.S. supermarket purchases than the Blue Cash Everyday. When you factor in U.S. supermarket purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred may be a much more attractive option, even with its annual fee.

Check out this breakdown, which assumes you spend $4,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets and $2,000 per year at gas stations.

What type of spender are you? Our Credit Card Spender Type Tool gives you personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

How to choose a gas credit card

Gas prices are up: Here’s how to save money on gas

7 tips for using gas credit cards wisely

Gas vs. electric vehicles: Which is cheaper to own?

When evaluating the best gas cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best gas cards.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2021 was $66,928 per consumer. From here, we determine a “chargeable” spend (which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards). After subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases, education and healthcare, we get a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,200
• Dining out: $3,000
• Entertainment: $2,500
• Gas: $2,100
• Apparel and services: $1,700

Using this data, we are able to assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 23 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. 

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various [issuer, airline and hotel] rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners. 

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

Frequently asked questions about gas credit cards

What are fleet gas cards, are gas rewards cards worth it, what credit score do i need for a gas card, do gas credit cards help build credit, article sources.

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Wang, P. “ With high fuel prices, is a gas credit card worth it? ” Consumer Reports. Access on December 20, 2023.

“ Consumer Expenditures - 2022 ” Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on December 20, 2023.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

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Best credit cards for gas purchases

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Americans typically spend a lot of time in their cars — so much time that gasoline purchases usually make up 3.3% of annual household expenses. That may not sound like much, but it means that the typical family spends about $2,094 each year on gas, according to consumer expenditure data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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As we get closer to the summer travel season, we expect to see even more travelers on the road after a year and change of being cooped up during the pandemic. Patrick De Haan, @GasBuddyGuy , notes that demand for gas is rising. To that end, you need to make sure you're carrying best credit card to give you the most points and miles on your purchases.

Using the metrics for our best cash-back credit cards and best travel credit cards to use at the pump, TPG found nine consumer credit cards that offer solid returns of 3% or more in rewards on gas spending. Here is a list of our top picks:

Best gas credit cards of 2021

• Citi Premier® Card: Best for earning Citi points
• Chase Freedom Flex: Best for rotating bonuses
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for families
• PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: Best for credit union members
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express: Best for earning Amex points
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for earning Chase points
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco members
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for road trips
• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for tiered rewards

The information for the PenFed Platinum and Amex Everyday Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you're a small-business owner — or operate your own business on the side — you may want to consider business credit cards such as The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express or the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, both of which offer returns of about 4% on your gas spending ( based on TPG valuations ). But this analysis focuses on personal cards, so let's look into the best consumer credit cards to have when you're at the gas station, compared and ranked by what you'll earn per dollar spent:

*Bonus value is an estimate based on TPG's monthly valuations and not the card issuer. **TPG does not assess the value of PenFed points, however PenFed has provided examples to us that indicate points are worth 0.85 cents toward gift cards, and perhaps a little more for merchandise. When booking travel, points are worth around 0.85 to 0.90 cents each for air travel, but as much as 1.27 cents toward hotel bookings, with many hotel reservations returning about 1.18 cents in value per point redeemed. ***Cash back may be converted to more valuable points only when paired with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points .

Let's look into each card individually, including an analysis of the value of gas rewards earned over the course of a year.

Best gas credit cards

Citi premier® card.

Gas rewards: Earn 3x per dollar on gas stations.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 3x per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, and on airfare and hotels.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: 6,282 points worth $106.79

Keep in mind: At 1.8 cents each, ThankYou points are worth a bit less than Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, but the Citi currency can still prove valuable , especially when you transfer points to one of the program's 15 travel partners. Providing 3x transferrable points per dollar on a consistent basis at gas stations is a very solid offering.

However, when purchasing gas, you may want to avoid gas sold at warehouse clubs as you'll only receive 1x point per dollar with the Citi Premier® Card.

Chase Freedom Flex

Gas rewards: The Chase Freedom Flex card awards 5x on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 quarterly max) 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on drugstores and dining, 1x elsewhere.

This quarter, from April 2021 - June 2021, U.S. gas stations are a 5x bonus category, up to first $1,500 spent at bonus categories in that quarter.

Welcome offer : Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: This will vary based on the rotating 5x bonus categories in the year.

Keep in mind: The Freedom Flex is technically a cash-back credit card, but you can transfer your earnings into the account of an Ultimate Rewards credit card — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve. If you do that, these rewards convert into Ultimate Rewards points, which are worth 2 cents each according to TPG's latest valuations. If you use the points via the Chase travel portal, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.25 cents when used in combination with the Sapphire Preferred and 1.5 cents with the Sapphire Reserve.

Blue Cash Preferred from American Express

Gas rewards: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1%) and 6% back on select U.S. streaming services. Earn 3% back on transit (parking, tolls, ride-share, subway, etc.) and 1% back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Welcome offer: Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the card within the first six months of card membership, up to $200 back. Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first six months of card membership. Cash back received in the form of statement credits.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95 (see rates and fees)

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: $62.82

Keep in mind: This is a cash-back card , so there's no opportunity to earn valuable Amex Membership Rewards points, but 3% in cash back on gas purchases isn't bad. However, when it comes to earning gas rewards, not all stores are treated equally. American Express says "superstores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline are not considered gas stations" -- places that tend to have lower gas prices -- and won't earn bonus cash back.

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card

Gas rewards: Earn 5x points at the pump.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 3x points on groceries and 1 point per dollar on all other spending.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days.

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: 10,470 points worth $89 to $132.97

Keep in mind: You must be a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union to qualify for this card, and everyone is now eligible to apply for membership since PFCU has an open charter with no military affiliation required. All members must open and maintain a savings account with at least $5.

Points may be redeemed for rewards only, including airfare and hotel stays. Based on previous reporting , points are worth as little as 0.85 cents each when redeemed for gift cards and as much as 1.27 cents apiece when put toward hotel bookings. A minimum balance of 1,000 points is required for redemptions.

Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card from American Express

Gas rewards: Earn 2x points at U.S. gas stations.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 3x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1x points; 1x points on other purchases. Use your card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 50% more points on those purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you make $1,000 in purchases in your first three months.

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: 4,188 points valued at $125.64 (if you make 30 or more transactions each month)

Keep in mind: Because this card is part of the Amex Membership Rewards program, points are worth more than the standard 1 cent each you find on most cash-back cards. According to TPG's latest valuations , Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents apiece, thanks to the array of valuable transfer partners . That means for every dollar spent at a gas station, you'll earn 2x points, worth a total of 4 cents. If you hit 30 monthly transactions, those 2 points per dollar spent turn into 3x points per dollar spent, worth 6 cents. This makes the EveryDay Preferred card among the most valuable options for gas purchases.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Gas rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus expenses, including gas stations.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: Earn $31.41 cash back/3,141 Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth $62.82.

Keep in mind: Although the Freedom Unlimited is a cash-back credit card , you can transfer your earnings into the account of an Ultimate Rewards credit card you hold — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve — to convert your rewards into Ultimate Rewards points, which are worth 2 cents each according to TPG's latest valuations . This is due to the program's terrific transfer partners such as United and Hyatt . But when you use your points to book travel within the Chase travel portal , Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.25 cents when used in combination with the Sapphire Preferred and 1.5 cents with the Sapphire Reserve.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Gas rewards: Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year (1% thereafter).

Other rewards and perks: Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: None.

Annual fee: $0 with your paid Costco membership.

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: $83.76

Keep in mind: You have to be a Costco member to be eligible for this card, and although this is a cash-back card, you can't earn statement credits or redeem your rewards at any time. Instead, you'll receive a reward coupon annually, redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Gas rewards: Earn 6x Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations.

Other rewards and perks: Earn 6x Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; earn 12x Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a participating hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio; earn 3x bonus points for all other eligible spending. Earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year; automatic Hilton Honors Gold status , with an upgrade to Diamond when you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Estimated annual cash back/points from gas spending: 12,564 points worth $75.38

Keep in mind: This card may not be a good choice for general points and miles collectors, as TPG values Hilton points at only 0.6 cents each , less than many other programs. That makes the 6x gas station bonus look far less attractive, but using this card could make sense to Hilton loyalists who want to maximize Hilton Honors points, earn a free-night certificate or upgrade to Diamond elite status .

Bank of America Cash Customized Rewards credit card

Gas rewards: Earn 3% cash back in one of six categories of your choice, including gas purchases, for the first $2,500 spent each quarter. Note that the $2,500 quarterly cap applies to both your 3% choice category and the 2% back on grocery store/wholesale club purchases (then an unlimited 1% cash back applies to all other purchases).

Other rewards and perks: Earn 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 spent per quarter on combined choice category, grocery store and wholesale club purchases, then 1%) and 1% on everything else. Get a 10% customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account. If you're a Preferred Rewards client , you can increase that bonus to 25%-75%.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 online cash-rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Keep in mind: You can earn tiered relationship bonuses in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program based on the amount of money you have on deposit in your qualifying Bank of America and/or Merrill investment accounts. You're eligible for a percentage-based bonus of base rewards points you earn once you have at least $20,000 in assets at the bank. Here's how the tiers work:

• Gold status earns a 25% rewards bonus and requires combined balances ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
• Platinum status earns a 50% rewards bonus and requires combined balances ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
• Platinum Honors status earns a 75% rewards bonus and requires a combined balance of more than $100,000.

The rewards tier you qualify for will be based on your three-month average combined balances in your qualifying accounts, so your status could change as you deposit and withdraw money from your accounts.

How do gas credit cards work?

It'll be no surprise to hear that gas credit cards reward those who use them when they fill up their vehicles at gas stations.

The best gas credit cards offer at least a 3% return in rewards on gas purchases and aren't usually affiliated with any specific gas retailer meaning there are no brand or location restrictions your cash back or points earning. These cards also often have perks for spending in other categories like groceries, travel and leisure.

Related: How to save money on gas

Tips for picking the best gas rewards card

Picking the best gas reward card isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. As is always the case when deciding which card to take out, it comes down to picking a card (or cards) which will provide you with the most value given your own personal circumstances.

For example, if you stay in hotels often, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card might be a good option for you as it earns 6x Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at gas stations as well as eligible restaurants and supermarkets. The reward is doubled to 12x on stays and eligible spend at Hilton properties.

On the other hand, if you could do with some extra cash, focus your attention on cards with no annual fee. Or, check to see which cards cash back as a sign up bonus like the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Bottom line

For the typical U.S. household, gasoline purchases are the ninth-largest categorized expense for credit card spending in a typical year.

You probably shouldn't make gas rewards your only priority when choosing your next credit card, but it's an important factor if you're driving the family around regularly. As always, your best bet is to find a card that offers great bonus category rewards on the spending you do most frequently, so if gas is a major part of your budget, make sure you consider at least one of the credit cards on this list.

Related guides

• Best travel credit cards
• Best airline credit cards
• Best dining credit cards
• Best credit cards for everyday spending
• Best credit cards for entertainment spending

Additional reporting by Stella Shon.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, please click here.

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Gas Credit Cards of April 2024

Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact where and in what order offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them. Terms apply.

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best feature: 12-month 0% introductory APR on purchases.
• Citi Rewards+® Card : Best feature: Two points per dollar spent at gas stations.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best feature: Flexible cash back rewards.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best feature: Cash back on everyday purchases.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best feature: Hilton hotel rewards.

Gas cards can offer rewards and discounts for the routine task of filling up your tank. Drivers can't control gas prices, but a gas card allows you to earn points and redeem rewards no matter how much it costs to fill up. Terms apply.

U.S. News’ Best Gas Credit Cards of April 2024

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• Best Gas Credit Cards
• How Gas Credit Cards Work

How Do Gas Credit Cards Work?

Some gas credit cards provide perks for one brand, while others offer more flexibility. Co-branded cards are linked to a fuel retailer. Some co-branded cards are backed by a network such as Visa, which means you can use them for more than just gassing up, but others are closed-loop cards that can only be used with the relevant retailer. And you can purchase virtually anything with a regular rewards credit card, which may come with bonus earnings for gasoline.

Types of Gas Credit Cards

Closed-loop gas cards

• Offer savings on purchases with a single brand.
• Typically apply a discount between 3 cents and 10 cents per gallon at the pump or as a statement credit, according to American Express. The Shell Fuel Rewards Card from Citi, for example, reduces your price at participating Shell stations by 10 cents per gallon on up to 35 gallons each time you fill your gas tank.
• Earn bonus discounts, in some cases, for new cardholders.

Co-branded gas cards backed by a network such as Visa

• Give brand discounts but also let you spend anywhere the network is accepted.
• Allow more chances to earn rewards because you can use the card with many retailers.
• Provide easier approval than regular rewards credit cards if you have less-than-perfect credit.

Regular rewards credit cards with bonus earnings for gas

• Usually charge lower interest rates than co-branded cards.
• Present potential for better benefits than co-branded gas cards.
• May deliver an additional rebate if the card has an introductory offer available to consumers who meet a spending requirement.

In addition to these credit cards, brands may also offer free rewards programs that provide discounts on gas, even when you pay with cash. These are simply loyalty programs and are not linked to your credit score .

What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a Gas Credit Card?

The credit score varies depending on if you're choosing a co-branded gas card or a credit card with gas rewards. Credit cards with gas rewards will generally require a score around 670 or higher. On the other hand, co-branded gas cards are normally easier to get, with many having more flexible credit requirements. Besides credit scores, these cards will also take into consideration your income level.

Which Gas Card Is the Easiest to Get?

While most cards have a similar application process, a co-branded card would be the easiest gas card to get, as it has more flexible credit score requirements. Credit cards with gas rewards generally require higher credit scores and incomes.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Gas Credit Cards?

If you're trying to decide whether to open a gas card, think about your spending habits and preferences. People who drive a lot or who always buy the same brand of gas will usually get the most bang for their buck from a gas credit card.

• Various reward options . General rewards cards that require good to excellent credit tend to offer 3% or 2% cash back on gas purchases. Cards that earn points may deliver as many as five points per dollar spent on gas. You may be able to redeem rewards for statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards, hotel stays, online shopping and more.
• Discounts on gas purchases. Many of the cards help you save money right at the pump. With a co-branded card, you'll be able to get discounts while fueling up at specific stations.
• Cap on earnings. Some gas reward credit cards come with earning caps that limit the amount of bonus rewards you can earn in a year. Once you reach your limit, you'll typically start getting only 1% back for gas purchases.
• High APR. Gas credit cards can have APRs that top 24%. You'll need to pay your balance in full every month to avoid the high interest charge.

How Should You Choose a Gas Credit Card?

Here's how you can evaluate gas cards to make the right choice:

• Does the card charge an annual fee? Any fees will eat into the value of your rewards.
• How much can you earn in rewards? Does the card offer an introductory rewards rate, such as 10 cents back per gallon for the first 90 days and then 3 cents back after that?
• Will you have reward caps? Caps could be quarterly or yearly. Track your gas spending to see how any cap will affect your earnings. You can check the card's terms and conditions or contact customer service for clarification on spending caps.
• Where can you earn rewards? Can you earn rewards only at one gas station or chain? Can you get rewards for purchases at restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers?
• Does the card offer an introductory APR? Can you get a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for at least a year and then a low interest rate when the offer expires?
• What are rewards worth? Is one point worth 1 cent, or less? Do you need to have a certain amount of rewards before you can redeem them? How can you redeem your rewards?
• Does the card have membership requirements? Will you have to join a credit union or warehouse club, for instance, to get the card? This can take time and money.

Alternatives to Gas Credit Cards

• Use an app. Using an app like GasBuddy can help you find cheap gas. Gas stations change their prices all the time, so this app will help you locate the station with the lowest price at the moment.
• Grocery store rewards. By signing up for a fuel points program at your nearby grocery store, you can save up to $1 a gallon.
• Pay cash. Some gas stations offer a lower price to those who pay with cash.
• Join a loyalty program. Take part in a fuel rewards program at your local gas station and save money when you make qualified purchases.

Best Gas Credit Cards Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. For our Best Gas Credit Cards list, we considered overall issuer satisfaction ratings, gas rewards earning rates, annual fees, APRs and sign-up bonus values. Satisfaction data is based on an annual nationwide survey.

The cards on our Best Gas Credit Cards list earn bonus rewards and discounts for filling up your tank – points that can be redeemed for cash back, travel, merchandise and more. Most cards include additional categories, so consider how much you can earn on gas purchases combined with other spending – then choose the best card to help you maximize rewards.

Are Gas Credit Cards Worthwhile?

Annual fees. Many cards for good or excellent credit do not charge an annual fee. Some cards may waive the fee the first year and then charge one.

Does a Gas Card Save You Money?

A gas card can save you money when you use it to fill your tank and in any other applicable categories. Co-branded cards will earn rewards with the affiliated gas company, but they can also earn in other categories. Rewards cards can earn in a range of spending categories. Make sure any fees or other charges aren't canceling out the rewards you're earning.

How Easy Is It to Get a Gas Card?

You may be eligible for rewards credit cards for bad credit , but the rewards can fall short of cards geared toward consumers with good credit. If you have fair or poor credit and are shopping for gas cards, you may want to consider a secured card with gas rewards. For example, with the Discover it® Secured Credit Card , cardholders can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined quarterly purchases and then 1% back thereafter; all other purchases get 1% unlimited cash back. This card matches all of the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, and your account will be reviewed starting at seven months to see if you are eligible for an unsecured card.

Can a Gas Card Improve Your Credit Score?

[SEE: What Affects Your Credit Score ]

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

Compare Credit Cards

You can compare cards side-by-side, plus get info about rewards, points, interest rates, and how to apply — all in one place.

The best credit cards for gas in 2024

Dec 11, 2023 • 21 min read

You could be saving big when you pull up to the pump; read on for how © Mindful Media / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about cards from Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Connect, Citi Premier® Card, Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, Costco Anywhere Visa Business and Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.

Embarking on a road trip is a great way to see the most beautiful and scenic parts of the world. Yet, amidst the thrill of the open road, there's a constant and hefty expense – gas. Whether you’re taking a road trip around the Midwest or exploring the scenic coast of Big Sur, gas expenses can add up substantially. Even if you’re merely going about your daily life, chances are you’re refueling your vehicle a few times per week. The key to saving money and maximizing rewards: travel rewards credit cards . 

Not only can you earn substantial rewards on everyday spending, you can use points and miles to save money on travel . You can see a 5% return or higher on your gas spending with the best credit card. Navigating this complex world and finding the best card can be challenging. To help you figure this out, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for gas spending and tips on what to look for when narrowing down your options:

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The best credit cards for gas

• Best overall: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card (5% cash back)
• Best for gas and EV: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect (4X points)
• Best for transferrable points: Citi Premier® Card (3X points)
• Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express * (3% cash back)
• Best for credit union customers: Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card (5X points)
• Best for Hilton points: Hilton Honors Card from American Express (5X points)
• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (3X points)
• Best for business: Costco Anywhere Visa Business (4% cash back)
• Best for simplified rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (2X miles)

Best credit cards for road trips

Best overall: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card stands out as an exceptional choice for gas spending due to its attractive rewards structure and versatile benefits. The card earns 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Beyond this, Chase routinely includes gas purchases on the rotating 5% calendar, earning elevated rewards on up to $1,500 in combined purchases during one quarter.

This feature allows cardholders to capitalize on substantial cash-back rewards while fueling up their vehicles, making it a lucrative option for those who frequently spend on gas. The card's flexibility in earning rewards across various categories enhances its appeal, especially for individuals seeking a well-rounded cash-back card for everyday purchases.

If you have a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can convert your Freedom Flex cash-back rewards to points. From there, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards to 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs for high-value awards. This combination of its robust cash-back program, versatile bonus categories and introductory benefits solidifies the Chase Freedom Flex as a top choice for maximizing rewards on gas spending without incurring additional costs.

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining, including takeout and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Benefits: Trip cancellation and interruption protection (up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip), secondary rental car insurance and cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year).

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. ( see rates and fees )

• An additional 5% cash back on gas purchases may be available through the rotating cash back calendar.
• Earns high ongoing rewards in other popular spending categories.
• Offers practical purchase and travel protections.
• 5% cash back earnings are limited.
• Purchases originating abroad carry a 3% foreign transaction fee.
• No annual fee. 

American Express Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect: Best for gas and EV

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is best for both gas and Electric Vehicle (EV) spending. Cardholders earn a generous 4 points per dollar spent on gas stations and EV charging stations. Rewards are worth one cent each towards travel and cash back, making the 4X point earn rate equivalent to 4% cash back – one of the highest on gas purchases.

The card rewards spending beyond gas and EV charging, with 5X on prepaid hotels and rental car bookings through the Altitude Rewards Travel Center and 2X points on grocery stores, dining and streaming services. This versatility allows cardholders to accumulate points not only on gas and EV charging but also on everyday expenses, increasing its overall value. 

Additionally, the Altitude Connect card comes with a lucrative welcome bonus and generous travel benefits, including TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit, making it even more appealing for travelers seeking perks beyond gas and EV-related rewards.

Its competitive rewards structure across multiple categories makes the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is an excellent choice for maximizing gas and EV charging spending.

Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations; 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services; 1X point on all other eligible purchases.

Benefits: Four annual Priority Pass Select lounge visits , $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases, up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees every four years, up to $600 in annual cell phone protection, trip cancelation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, SmartDelay, no foreign transaction fee s and complimentary GigSky global mobile data plans redeemable through 8/31/2024.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95. ( see rates and fees )

• Generous welcome bonus with reasonable spending requirement.
• High earning potential on gas, EV charging and other big spending categories.
• Includes valuable travel benefits and protections. 
• Points are not transferable to airline or hotel rewards programs.
• Carries a $95 annual fee after the first year.
• Lacks rental car insurance.

Best credit cards for adventure travel

Citi Premier® Card: Best for transferrable points

The Citi Premier® Card is a standout choice for earning transferable points on gas spending. The card earns an impressive 3X points per dollar on gas station purchases, making it a lucrative option for individuals who frequently fuel up their vehicles. This elevated earning rate on gas, supermarket, restaurant and travel expenses allows cardholders to accumulate points rapidly, enhancing the overall value of the rewards.

What adds to the appeal of the Citi Premier Card for gas spending is the versatility of its rewards. Citi ThankYou points are transferable to 18 airline and hotel loyalty programs. Partner programs like Turkish Miles&Smiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Flying Blue offer some of the cheapest award flights. You can fly within the US for just 7,500 Turkish miles each way and hop on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London from just 10,000 points each way. 

This flexibility, combined with its robust rewards for gas and other categories, positions the Citi Premier as an excellent choice for maximizing points.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. 

Rewards: Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal through 6/30/2024; 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 1X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Annual $100 discount off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, no foreign transaction fees

Annual fee: $95. (see rates and fees )

• Earns some of the highest rewards on multiple spending categories, including gas stations.
• Substantial welcome bonus.
• Citi ThankYou points are incredibly valuable when transferred to programs like Avianca Lifemiles, Flying Blue and Turkish Miles&Smiles.
• Lacks basic travel and purchase protections.
• The $100 hotel credit applies after taxes, reducing your potential savings.
• Carries a $95 annual fee. 

Best credit cards for traveling with kids

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for cash back

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express  is one of the best cards for cash back on gas rewards. While other cash-back cards offer higher rewards on gas spending, the Blue Cash Preferred doesn’t impose a cap on earnings. Cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back on gas and transit spending.

Additionally, the card earns 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions and US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year). Cardholders also earn 3% cash back on gas and transit and 1% cash back on all other purchases. This diverse rewards structure allows cardholders to earn significant cash back not only on gas but a variety of common household expenses.

While the Blue Cash Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, it offers valuable ongoing perks that offset it. These include a $7 monthly Disney Bundle credit, $120 in annual Equinox+ credit and secondary rental car insurance. Finally, the card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening* (see rates and fees ). This can come in handy if you need to finance purchases over time without incurring interest.

Welcome bonus: Earn $250 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. You will receive the $250 back in the form of a statement credit.

Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions and up to $6,000 per year in purchases at US supermarkets; 3% cash back on gas and transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more); 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Benefits: Monthly $7 Disney Bundle credit, $120 Equinox+ credit, secondary rental car insurance.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95. (see rates and fees )

• Earns $250 cash back after you spend $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Offers generous cash-back rewards on gas and other popular spending categories.
• Includes over $200 in annual statement credits to offset the annual fee.
• Car rental loss and damage insurance coverage is only secondary to your primary policy.
• Imposes a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases originating abroad.
• Carries a $95 annual fee.

Discover Rewards program guide

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Best for credit union customers

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card stands out as an excellent choice for credit union customers seeking to earn substantial gas rewards. This card offers an impressive 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and EV charging stations. 

The card extends its rewards structure beyond gas purchases, offering 3X points at supermarkets and 1X points on all other purchases. This versatility allows cardholders to earn points not only on gas but also on groceries and other daily expenditures, enhancing the overall value of the card.

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't charge an annual fee, making it an attractive option for earning rewards on gas. The card waives foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad and provides members with access to exclusive discounts. 

Welcome bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days.

Rewards: Earn 5 per dollar spent on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations; 3X points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants and TV, radio, cable and streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases.

Benefits: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months (plus a 3% fee), no foreign transaction fees and access to member discounts at select retailers. 

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees )

• Low 17.99% variable APR. (see rates and fees )
• No annual fee.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Low welcome bonus compared to other credit cards for gas.
• Requires PenFed Credit Union membership.
• Lacks travel protections.

Chase Sapphire Preferred review

Hilton Honors Card from American Express: Best for Hilton points

The  Hilton Honors Card from American Express is a standout hotel credit card for earning Hilton Honors points on gas spending due to its impressive rewards structure and benefits. The card earns 5 points per dollar at gas stations, U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. The card also earns 7 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties and 3X points on all other spending.

Currently, the Hilton Honors Card offers a generous 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $2,000 within the first six months of card membership. Cardmembers receive an automatic upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes benefits like spa discounts, bonus points and complimentary bottled water, enhancing the overall value of their Hilton stays.

While it may not be specifically marketed as a gas rewards card, the combination of its 3X points at U.S. gas stations and the broader Hilton Honors program benefits make it an attractive option for earning points while fueling up.

Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Rewards: Earn 7 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts; 5X points on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; 3X points on all other eligible purchases.

Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, Hilton Honors Silver elite status, secondary rental car insurance and complimentary ShopRunner membership with free two-day shipping at popular retailers.

Annual fee: $0. (see rates and fees )

• Earns 3X points at gas stations and US supermarkets.
• Provides automatic upgrade to Hilton Honors elite status.
• Hilton points aren’t as valuable as other rewards.
• Offers few meaningful travel benefits.
• Rental car insurance is secondary and not available on rentals in Australia, Italy or New Zealand.

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a great pick for gas spending among no-annual-fee cards due to its rewarding rewards structure. With this card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on travel, gas, restaurant, transit and popular streaming purchases. Whether you’re on a road trip or just going about your daily life, these spending categories likely make up a substantial portion of your budget.

The straightforward rewards rate makes it ideal for those seeking high rewards on gas without the complexity of rotating categories or tiered rewards. Since points are worth a flat one cent each, the card essentially earns 3% cash back on gas purchases, making it an excellent contender for the best cards. The absence of an annual fee means that cardholders can maximize their cash back on gas purchases without any extra cost, allowing for straightforward savings on fuel expenses.

Furthermore, the card includes a welcome bonus for new cardholders, along with useful travel protections and cell phone travel insurance.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel, gas, restaurant, transit and popular streaming purchases; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: No foreign transaction fees; travel and emergency services assistance; primary auto rental collision damage waiver abroad and secondary coverage in the US; up to $600 per year in cell phone protection.

• Highly competitive rewards on popular spending categories.
• Includes cell phone protection when you charge your plan to the card.
• Relatively low welcome bonus.
• Points are worth a flat one cent each, with no transfer options.
• The card’s rental car insurance provides secondary coverage.

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi: Best for business

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business stands out as a top choice for earning rewards on gas due to its generous 4% on eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging. While the 4% bonus is capped at $7,000 in spending every year, most consumers won’t spend more than this on travel anyway. The card also earns 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on Costco purchases and 1% on all other purchases. 

This elevated cash-back rate on gas expenditures is highly advantageous for businesses that spend heavily on fuel, allowing substantial savings on a significant operational expense. The card’s robust travel protections and no annual fee make this an excellent choice for businesses that want to elevate their rewards earnings without paying for the privilege. 

Welcome bonus: None.

Rewards:  Earn 4% on eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; 3% on restaurants and eligible travel (including Costco travel), 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; 1% on all other purchases.

Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, lost baggage protection, travel and emergency assistance, worldwide car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside assistance dispatch service, damage and theft purchase protection.

Credit score required: Excellent.

Annual fee: $0 annual fee. (see rates and fees )

• Elevated rewards on gas, EV charging.
• Provides valuable travel protections and high rewards on dining and travel.
• 4% rewards on gas and EV charging is limited to the first $7,000 spent annually. 
• No welcome bonus.
• Requires a Costco membership.

Traveling to Japan using points and miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for simplified rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  is the best card for simplified rewards on any purchase, including gas. The card earns a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it great for earning elevated rewards on gas expenses. Additionally, the card offers valuable travel benefits that will come in handy during road trips, like Hertz Five Star Status, roadside dispatch and primary rental car insurance.

Cardholders can redeem Capital One miles at a rate of one cent each towards travel purchases or transfer them to 18 airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatively, miles are worth one cent each towards direct travel purchases, including rental cars, flights, hotels and more. For a $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is an excellent way to maximize rewards on gas spending and beyond.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Global Entry benefits: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.

Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, Hertz Five Star status and up to two complimentary visits a year to Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges.

Annual fee: $95 (see  rates and fees )

• A $100 application fee credit every four years towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Generous welcome bonus with easy redemption options. 
• Reasonable annual fee for a card offering Global Entry application fee reimbursement.
• Lacks category bonuses outside of Capital One Travel.
• Capital One pulls applicants’ credit from all three bureaus.

Capital One Venture X Credit Card review

Who should get a credit card for gas spending?

A credit card for gas spending can be beneficial, especially for those who commute frequently or rely heavily on their vehicles for personal reasons. Commuters who travel long distances, individuals who frequently drive for work or virtually any person looking to save at the pump can benefit from gas rewards credit cards. These cards typically offer cashback or points on gas purchases, helping to reward a significant expense most Americans incur. 

Most credit cards with gas station bonuses don’t even carry an annual fee, making it easy to justify keeping long-term. Moreover, these cards often earn bonus points in other common spending categories, so you’re not stuck using them for gas. For example, the Citi Premier Card earns 3X points on gas, restaurants, supermarkets, air travel and hotels. These are some of the biggest expenses for most Americans, so it can make sense to pay the $95 annual fee on the card to maximize rewards on your spending. 

Moreover, individuals who are responsible with their finances and can manage credit card payments effectively can benefit from a gas credit card. Timely payments and responsible usage can help build or improve your credit score over time. For someone looking to establish or improve their credit history, a gas credit card used for regular expenses and paid off consistently can be a valuable tool.

On the other hand, if you live in a major city and primarily use public transportation, then it doesn’t make sense to get a credit card that primarily rewards gas purchases. Generally, it’s best to tailor your credit card choices around your spending habits. 

How to get major perks at global events and concerts with your credit card

How to choose the best credit card for gas stations

When choosing the best credit card for gas expenses, it’s important to pick a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. Start by examining the reward structure. Look for cards that offer substantial rewards or cashback for gas purchases as well as other common expenses. Many credit cards that earn bonus rewards on gas also offer elevated rewards at supermarkets, restaurants and on travel expenses. The more categories you can earn bonus points on, the more you can maximize every dollar spent. 

Additionally, consider any annual fees associated with the card. While some gas rewards cards have no annual fee, others may have a high fee that outweighs the benefits if your gas spending isn't high enough. Assess whether the rewards and perks offered justify the fee.

Once you’ve identified the main criteria, it’s important to explore the flexibility of award redemptions. Some cards may offer rewards in the form of cashback, while others earn points that can be transferred to airline miles and hotel points for added value. Finding a card that aligns with your preferences for redeeming rewards can enhance its overall value. Lastly, review the card's additional perks, such as annual statement credits, purchase and travel protections and more.

How to make a travel budget using points and miles

Which credit card is best for gas?

The best credit card for gas spending depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for the highest cashback rewards, the highest-earning cards include the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card, Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card and Hilton Honors Card from American Express .

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

Which credit card gives 4% back on gas?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card earns the equivalent of 4% cash back on gas. The card offers 4 points per dollar spent on gas and EV charging, which is equivalent to 4% cashback. With the Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations, which offers 5% on combined gas and grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

The best credit cards for rental cars

Is it worth getting a credit card just for gas?

Getting a credit card specifically for gas purchases can be worthwhile if you frequently spend a significant amount on fuel.

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. 

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Credit Cards

Best gas credit cards of April 2024

Holly Johnson

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 4:53 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

If the open road is where you feel most at home, you’ll be happy to know the best credit cards for gas can help you fill up on savings when spending at the fuel pump. Plus, many cards in this niche also offer generous points or cash back in other everyday spending categories, as well as consumer protections or travel benefits.

We studied an extensive list cards that offer gassed-up rewards at the pump to curate a list of the very best. Here are the best gas credit cards of 2024.

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story .

Best gas credit cards

• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for bonus rewards categories.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for gas and supermarkets in the U.S.
• BJ’s One+™ Mastercard®  *: Best gas credit card.
• Chase Freedom Flex℠  *: Best for rotating categories.
• U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card  *: Best for gas and retail shopping.
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card  *: Best for welcome bonus.
• U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card  *: Best for flexibility.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 275+ cards analyzed.
• 6+ data points analyzed.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• No annual fee.
• Rich rewards rate in areas where businesses are likely to spend the most.
• Employee cards at no additional cost.
• There’s a foreign transaction fee.
• Bonus categories are capped at $25,000 in spending each account anniversary year.
• Lackluster rewards outside of bonus categories.

Card details

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Best for bonus rewards categories

Wells fargo autograph℠ card.

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.

• Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
• Introductory APR period on purchases.
• Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
• Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
• Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best for gas and supermarkets in the U.S.

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

• Earns generous cash back in numerous categories.
• Intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
• Generous welcome bonus.
• Ongoing annual fee.
• Annual spending cap on elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets.
• Redemptions are only in the form of statement credits.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.

Best gas credit card

Bj’s one+™ mastercard®.

The information for the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

• Discount of 15 cents off each gallon of BJ’s gas.
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
• Strong base rewards rate on most spending.
• Requires a BJ’s Club+ Card membership.
• Non-BJ’s gas just earns the base rate back, no discount.
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR.
• Annual fee: $0.
• Rewards: 5% cash back on most in-club and BJs.com purchases and 2% cash back everywhere else.
• Welcome bonus: None.
• APR: 20.24%, 26.24% or 30.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers .
• Foreign transaction fees: N/A.
• Perks and benefits: World Mastercard® status. Redeem your rewards in-club, on BJs.com or in the BJ’s app.

Best for rotating categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening,

• Generous cash-back potential if you maximize rotating categories.
• Can pool rewards with a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card.
• Low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
• Rotating categories must be activated quarterly.
• Not all rotating categories will be a good fit for every cardholder.
• Takes work to track the various rewards categories.
• Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer .
• Perks and benefits: Cellphone protection of up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency services, purchase protection and extended warranty.

Best for gas and retail shopping

U.s. bank shopper cash rewards® visa signature® card.

The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Get a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

• 6% cash back often beats what several retailer’s own co-branded credit cards earn.
• Wide selection of merchants to choose from for the 6% categories.
• The annual fee is waived your first year with the card.
• After the first year, $95 annual fee.
• Quarterly caps on 6% and 3% cash-back earnings.
• No intro APR period.
• Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Rewards: 6% cash back each quarter on combined purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit), 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center, 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit) and 1.5% cash back on everything else.
• Welcome bonus: $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 120 days of account opening.
• APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either 3% of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, applies.
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each foreign transaction.
• Perks and benefits: Visa Signature Concierge, purchase security, return protection and extended warranty.

Best for welcome bonus

U.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card.

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

• Strong rewards in a variety of useful bonus categories.
• Limited airport lounge access and credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• An annual fee applies after your first year.
• Points don’t transfer to airline or hotel partners.
• No 0% introductory APR.
• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95.
• Rewards: 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 4 points per $1 on travel, 4 points per $1 at gas stations and EV charging stations through September 8, 2024, after that 4 points per $1 on the first $1,000 spent each quarter (wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores excluded), 2 points per $1 on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024) and 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 120 days of account opening.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• Foreign transaction fees: None.
• Perks and benefits: Four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges (enrollment required), up to $100 credit to reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, $30 annual streaming credit after you make 11 consecutive months of eligible streaming purchases, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Best for flexibility

U.s. bank cash+® visa signature® card.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn a $200 rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

• Introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
• High reward potential on selected bonus categories.
• $25 minimum for cash back redemption.
• Cash-back rewards expire.
• Charges a balance transfer fee.
• Rewards: 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Welcome bonus: $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 120 days of account opening.
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74%. A balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) applies and balances transferred must be completed within 60 days.
• Perks and benefits: Earn more cash back through the Rewards Center Earn Mall, $25 minimum on cash back redemption, Cash back rewards expire at the end of the calendar month 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned.

Compare the best credit cards for gas

Why this card made the list

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a simple and generous rewards structure across several different categories.These elevated reward categories include restaurants, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

Plus, the card provides cellphone protection (up to $600, up to two claims in a 12-month period and subject to a $25 deductible), secondary car rental coverage and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies thereafter for purchases and balance transfers. The card has a balance transfer fee of up to 5% with a $5 minimum. However, its drawbacks are no 0% intro APR on balance transfers and the base earning rate on purchases outside of the bonus categories is low — so it might be best paired with another card.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ) offers one of the best rewards rates for U.S. supermarket spending available today, as well as strong earning rates on U.S. gas stations and transit purchases. Plus, cardholders enjoy up to $120 in annual statement credits ($10 monthly statement credits) when paying for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with the card, and up to $84 in annual statement credits ($7 monthly statement credits) toward eligible Disney Bundle subscriptions (after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription; subject to auto-renewal). Enrollment is required for select benefits. Last but not least, there’s a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers requested in the first 60 days, then a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.

Downsides include the $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95, a spending cap on the cash-back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases and a low earning rate on non-bonus-category spending.

• Rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
• Welcome bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars..

If you have a BJ’s Club+ level membership at BJ’s Wholesale Club, the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® * The information for the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. provides a generous discount of 15 cents off per gallon of gas at BJ’s gas stations, as well as strong cash-back earnings when shopping at the discount warehouse store. There’s no annual fee for the card, but the membership will set you back $110 per year.

• Annual fee: $0 with BJ’s Wholesale Club membership.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. comes with a generous cash-back program, intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers and a robust lineup of benefits to boot. While it’s not guaranteed every year, gas has been included as a past rotating quarterly category.

Cardholders enjoy a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer. As for protections, the Flex offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, secondary rental car coverage, cellphone protection, purchase protection and extended warranty protection for up to an extra year on eligible warranties.

• Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is unique because it lets you tailor your rewards to where you spend the most. You can earn 6% cash back each quarter on combined purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit), 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center, 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit) and 1.5% cash back on everything else. Its main downsides are the annual fee after year one and the quarterly cap on the elevated cash-back rate.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns strong rewards for gas since it offers 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 4 points per $1 on travel, 4 points per $1 at gas stations and EV charging stations through September 8, 2024, after that 4 points per $1 on the first $1,000 spent each quarter (wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores excluded), 2 points per $1 on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024) and 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases. This gas credit card also has the most lucrative welcome bonus of all the cards on our list.

Plus, cardholders enjoy a $30 annual streaming credit (terms apply), a limited airport lounge membership, cellphone protection and more. Its biggest downsides are the low earning rate of 1 point per dollar on regular purchases and that points can’t be transferred to travel partners.

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. lets you choose which categories you earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Plus, the card comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74%. A balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) applies and balances transferred must be completed within 60 days.

The card’s drawbacks are the quarterly spending caps and that you have to remember to activate your bonus category each quarter. Also, the categories are more niche than some other cash-back cards, so it might be difficult for some consumers to optimize the rewards.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.

• Factors weighed in compiling this list include:
• Rewards rates on gas.
• Discounts on gas.
• Rewards rates on other spending.
• Welcome bonuses.
• Annual fees.
• Introductory APR periods.
• Perks like travel protections and annual credits.
• Expert opinions from our cards team.

Should you get a gas credit card?

Because gas credit cards offer better-than-average rewards on fuel purchases, they tend to work best for people who commute to work or spend quite a bit of money fueling up for leisure trips. That said, there are other considerations to keep in mind before you decide if one of the gas credit cards on this list is right for you. 

Does a card offer more cash back or points in additional categories you tend to spend in, such as groceries or dining out? Finding this out before you apply is the best way to maximize your rewards. You’ll also want to check whether cards you’re considering offer any perks you can reasonably expect to use, including things like purchase protection, extended warranties, travel insurance benefits or 0% introductory APR offers.

Ultimately, you’ll want to look at each of the gas credit cards on this list and assess them based on how much in rewards you might earn over the course of 12 months, as well as the value of any perks they offer. When you take on this task, you may find that a gas credit card is perfect for your spending — or that you’re probably better off with a different type of rewards credit card .

Guide to gas credit cards

What is a gas credit card.

At its core, a gas credit card is a rectangular piece of plastic (and sometimes metal) you can use to make charges you can pay back later on. Like other types of credit cards, gas credit cards charge interest when you don’t pay your balance off completely at the end of each billing period. Some gas credit cards also charge annual fees, and many charge foreign transaction fees if you use them for purchases overseas.

Factors that make gas credit cards stand out from other types of credit cards include things like bonus rewards on gas — or sometimes fuel discounts when spending at a particular brand. Many gas credit cards also offer above-average rewards in other everyday spending categories like dining out, groceries or streaming services. 

Who should get a gas credit card?

The best candidate for a gas credit card is someone who spends a lot of money fueling up their car (or several cars) each month. That said, it’s important to remember that gas credit cards, like all credit cards, tend to charge sky high interest rates when you carry a balance. This means gas credit cards won’t leave you “ahead” in a financial sense if you’re someone who carries debt on their card. 

But if you can pay off your balance in full every month, and thus avoid interest charges, a gas credit card could be a great way for you to offset part of the cost of fueling up.

If you think you’ll need to carry a balance for a few months, and are seeking to avoid interest charges, consider one of the cards on this list with a low introductory APR offer.

How much can gas credit cards save you at the pump?

Very few general-purpose gas credit cards actually offer discounts on fuel — typically you’ll find fuel discounts on brand-specific store cards. The BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® * The information for the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a notable card on our list that comes with a generous discount of 15 cents off per gallon when you’re spending at BJ’s Gas.

Most gas credit cards give you cash back or points when you buy gas and make other purchases, which means you’re not really saving money in a traditional sense. Instead, your purchases can net you rewards you can ultimately turn into cash back, statement credits, gift cards and other options that vary depending on the card.

Comparing gas credit card rewards

As you look over the best gas credit cards in our ranking, it’s important to look at how you can redeem the rewards you earn. As you do more digging, you’ll find that some rewards credit cards only let you redeem your cash back or points for a very specific set of options, whereas others offer more flexibility.

As an example, cash back earned with the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® * The information for the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can only be used for merchandise in BJ’s stores, on BJs.com or in the BJ’s app. Some American Express cash-back credit cards, including the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , are restrictive in the sense of mainly letting cardholders redeem rewards for statement credits.

Meanwhile, a more flexible credit card like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. will let you redeem rewards for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel booked through Chase and more.

How gas credit cards work

Gas credit cards let you earn rewards on your spending based on the terms outlined in their offers. You can use them to pay for gas inside gas stations or at the pump, as well as for your other purchases, and you’ll get an itemized bill that includes all charges you made around once per month based on your billing cycle (around every 30 days).

If you pay the full balance on your credit card statement each billing cycle, you won’t be charged interest on your purchases thanks to your card’s grace period. If you pay at least the minimum payment but not the full balance, on the other hand, balances rolled over to the next month will accrue interest based on your credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) . 

Many credit cards charge an annual fee as well, but some waive the fee the first year. That said, there are gas credit cards that never charge an annual fee. 

Gas credit cards, like most credit cards, can help consumers build credit history through responsible use. To get the most out of a gas credit card, you’ll want to use it only for purchases you can afford to repay in full each billing cycle.

Choosing the best gas credit card

To find the best gas credit card for your needs, you should:

• Assess annual fees. Only pay an annual fee for a gas credit card if you know the extra rewards you earn and cardholder perks will be worth it.
• Consider rewards categories. Make sure a card’s rewards categories align with your everyday spending habits.
• Look at welcome bonuses. Consider cards that offer generous welcome bonuses of $200 or more when you can meet a minimum spending requirement.
• Decide the type of rewards you want to earn. Look at redemption options and make sure you have a plan for the points you earn, whether you prefer to redeem for statement credits, gift cards or other options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Most gas credit cards help you build credit by reporting your credit history to the three major consumer credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Gas credit cards with a major card network logo (i.e. American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa) can be used anywhere these card types are accepted. This means you can use your card for other types of purchases, including groceries, dining, household supplies and more.

Gas credit cards that are typically easiest to get are usually secured credit cards that require a cash deposit as collateral. An example is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card , which lets you build credit and earn rewards with no annual fee. 

This card requires a refundable security deposit of at least $200 to get started, but you get to earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Gas credit cards don’t necessarily help you save money on gas, but many let you earn rewards you can redeem for statement credits that can reduce your credit card bill. Just remember to pay your bill in full each billing cycle if you want to avoid paying interest on your purchases.

Gas credit cards can be worth it if you want to earn rewards on your spending while accessing other important credit card benefits. However, your results with a gas credit card will vary depending on how you use it.

For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please visit this page .

*The information for the BJ’s One+™ Mastercard®, Chase Freedom Flex℠, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card and U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Holly D. Johnson is a personal finance expert and award-winning writer who covers a variety of insurance topics as well as general personal finance. In addition to her articles in Forbes, Holly is a featured author for CNN Underscored, Bankrate, Consumer Affairs and other notable publications. Johnson is also the founder of finance website Club Thrifty and the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

A travel rewards credit card brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Each purchase earns points or miles that you can redeem for travel expenses. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider getting one of that company's branded credit cards. Otherwise, check out the general-purpose travel cards on this page, which give you flexible rewards that you can use without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

Some of our selections for the best travel credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate travel rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer

Citi Premier® Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hotel credit card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Airline card

Best Travel Credit Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

Flat-rate travel rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, luxury travel perks, business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers, bonus travel rewards + high-end perks, hotel credit card, travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee, airline card, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Premier® Card

Our pick for: Triple points in multiple categories

The Citi Premier® Card earns bonus points on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining and gas stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well.  Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Hotel credit card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Small business — bonus categories + big sign-up offer

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on April 26 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

About the author

Sara Rathner

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The 17 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips [Gas, Hotels, Dining, and Attractions]

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The 17 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips — Overview

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Road trips allow you to see the country up close and in relatively slow motion. Unlike flying, road trips are less about efficiently traveling from point A to point B than they are about creating experiences during the journey.

Planning your road trip can include earning and redeeming rewards to help you fund your adventure . You can also earn rewards along the way . Regardless of which is your primary objective, we can help you accomplish either or both.

We’re exploring credit cards that offer elevated earnings on typical road trip expenses and cards that can add value to your journey, such as those that allow you to offset the cost of activities. We’ll even talk about credit cards that can help you earn free hotel nights to use on the road.

A road trip is a perfect opportunity to earn and redeem reward points or cash-back.

Before we detail each card in depth, let’s quickly summarize the value offered by each card when planning or executing your road trip.

The 7 Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases

You’ll fill up on gas often on your road trip, so be sure you’re earning rewards on every fuel purchase.

Here are some of the best credit cards for gas station purchases.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

The Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases , this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases , this could be the card for you!

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred ® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred ® Card. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

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Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

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Why We Like This Card for Gas Station Purchases

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card earns 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and on transit such as buses, trains, parking, and tolls. It also earns 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets — which often sell gas station gift cards — on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.

Additional Card Benefits

• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming services
• Up to $120 Equinox credits annually , divided into $10 each month (enrollment required)
• Secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase premium protection for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period
• Shopping benefits such as extended warranty, purchase protection, and return protection
• Terms Apply

Gas stations often sell gift cards for restaurants,  streaming services , and other road-trip-related purchases. When you use a credit card that has bonus earnings at gas stations, you may be able to  pick up a gift card  and earn additional cash-back or points. 

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x points on 6 different bonus categories. Choose from multiple options when you’re ready to redeem your rewards, and take advantage of great perks including cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and no foreign transaction fees.

• 3x points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
• 1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Flexible redemption options
• Cell phone protection
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized value
• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature ®  Concierge.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns an uncapped 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, making it a great option each time you stop to fuel up or charge up.

It also earns 3 points per dollar on transit purchases such as parking and tolls, travel expenses such as hotels and rental cars, and restaurants. This card earns 3x rewards on the vast majority of road trip expenses.

• 3 points per dollar on popular streaming services and phone plans
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Roadside dispatch
• Cell phone insurance protection

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Excellent cell phone insurance
• Ability to pool points
• Mastercard World Elite benefits
• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® , our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.

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Cardmembers earn 5% cash-back at gas stations when the merchant is a quarterly bonus category merchant . Gas station gift cards purchased at quarterly bonus category merchants, such as supermarkets, drugstores, or warehouse clubs, also earn 5% cash-back .

• Welcome bonus
• Earns cash-back as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer to premium Chase credit cards for up to 50% greater value when redeeming points via the Chase Travel portal or Chase transfer partners
• 5% cash-back on Lyft rides through March 2025
• Free 3-month DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription and the option to purchase an additional 9 months for 50% off
• Shopping benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card   — Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, at U.S. restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, 12 points per dollar at Hilton, 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Blue Cash Everyday ® Card from American Express — Earn 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash-back on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations (each capped at $6,000 per year).
• Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi  — Get 4% cash-back at all U.S. gas stations, including Costco, and on EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter), 3% cash-back at restaurants and eligible travel, and 2% on Costco purchases other than gas.
• The Platinum Card ® from American Express — Save 10 cents per gallon on fuel at Walmart, Murphy, Exxon, and Mobil stations with a complimentary Walmart+ subscription .

You can earn rewards with gas station fuel rewards programs on top of earning credit card rewards.

The 8 Best Credit Cards for Road Trip Accommodations

You’ll need a place to stay on your road trip, and you’ll find plenty of hotel card options. You can use hotel cards to earn rewards points, receive free hotel nights , and get complimentary elite status.

We like that the Amex Gold card can help you earn rewards to help fund your trip and continue to earn rewards during your travels.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
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Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

The American Express Membership Rewards program makes hotel rewards easy since Marriott Bonvoy , Hilton Honors , and Choice Privileges are all Amex transfer partners . When redeeming with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, cardmembers can receive the fifth hotel reward night free.

The Amex Gold card also has big earnings at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.

• Up to $10 monthly dining credit for specific restaurants
• Travel protections , including trip delay insurance and baggage insurance
• Secondary car rental coverage with the option to purchase premium protection for a low fee that covers the entire rental period
• Shopping protections such as purchase protection and extended warranty

It’s difficult to imagine a road trip that doesn’t include a stay at a Holiday Inn Express along the way.

With IHG Hotels & Resorts’ huge footprint of properties throughout the country, there’s always a Holiday Inn nearby with a warm breakfast to start each day.

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

• Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
• 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond Elite status
• Free anniversary night certificate
• Fourth-night free on award stays
• 20% off when buying IHG Rewards points
• Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year
• Global Entry , TSA PreCheck , or NEXUS fee credit (up to $100 every four years)
• Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Purchase protection
• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points
• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG ® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck ® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental ® , Crowne Plaza ® , Kimpton ® , EVEN ® Hotels, Indigo ® Hotels & Holiday Inn ®
• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
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On top of a generous welcome bonus offer that can be redeemed for several free hotel nights, the IHG Premier card comes with complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status that can offer room upgrades and other hotel benefits. You’ll also receive a free hotel night certificate at each card anniversary renewal.

• Trip interruption and cancellation coverage
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card can bring value during your road trip by offsetting accommodation expenses.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• 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.
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, and 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to IHG One Rewards , and cardmembers receive the fourth hotel reward night free .

You can also transfer points to World of Hyatt for good value stays starting at 5,000 points per night. Redeem your points for 25% more via Chase Travel, including accommodations.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers great travel insurance benefits  and is a smart choice for frequent travelers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers great value and is a source of travel funds to use during your road trip.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• 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 ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
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Similar to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can transfer Chase Sapphire Reserve card points to IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Travel, including accommodations, earns 3 points per dollar on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and you can offset travel expenses with a $300 travel statement credit each card anniversary year.

You can also redeem points for  50% more via Chase Travel, including accommodations.

The Hilton Surpass card offers great value for those who frequent Hilton properties. With elevated earnings and complimentary Hilton Honors elite status , the card could be the perfect companion for road trip earning and redeeming.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Annual fee of $150 ( rates & fees )
• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental ® Emerald Club Executive ® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club ® program is required. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $150 annual fee.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

Hilton Honors

• Benefits of the Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Card
• How to Find the Hilton Surpass 150k (Or Even 130k + 1 Free Night) Welcome Bonus Offer
• Comparing American Express Hilton Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access

Why We Like This Card for Road Accommodations

A great choice for Hilton Honors devotees , the Hilton Surpass card has a generous welcome offer that can be redeemed for free hotel nights and earns 12 points per dollar at Hilton properties , including Hampton by Hilton.

It also earns 6 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants, plus 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases. You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar on all other purchases, including every road trip purchase you make.

Hilton Honors Gold status is complimentary, and cardmembers receive a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 each card anniversary year.

• Spend $40,000 on the card to receive top-level Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card   — Redeem your earned welcome offer for several free nights of lodging, earn 6x points at Marriott properties, 2x points on all other purchases, and receive a free hotel night certificate at card renewal.
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card — Use the welcome bonus offer for free nights, get a free night certificate at each card renewal, and earn 4 points per dollar at Hyatt.
• Wyndham Rewards ® Earner℠ Plus Card — Earn 6x points at  Wyndham hotels and gas stations , 4x points on dining and grocery store purchases, and complimentary Platinum status.

A hotel-branded credit card can earn you free nights to use during your road trip, but cards that earn transferable points can also accomplish this objective.

For a breakdown of the best credit cards for hotels , including earning free hotel nights, we offer our take on the topic in this detailed article.

Many hotel-branded credit cards also offer free night certificates at card renewal. If you’re a frequent Marriott Bonvoy , Hilton Honors , or World of Hyatt guest, you’ll want to check out our card comparisons for each program.

The 9 Best Credit Cards for Road Trip Dining

Road trips generally call for a less formal meal experience that can include picnics, carryout, mom-and-pop restaurants, and even food delivery . There are plenty of options for statement credits, earning rewards, and getting free food delivery.

Here are a few of our recommended cards and why the cards work well for road trip dining.

You’ll earn plenty of rewards with the Amex Gold card in your wallet during your road trip. This card offers:

• 4x earnings at restaurants
• 4x earnings at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x), some of which sell restaurant, gas station, and other road trip-related gift cards
• An up to $10 monthly dining statement credit for participating restaurants (including Grubhub delivery)

This card works well for dining with 6x Hilton Honors points at U.S. restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.

With the Costco Anywhere card , you’ll get:

• 3% cash-back at restaurants
• 4% cash-back at U.S. gas stations or on EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year; 1x thereafter
• 2% cash-back at Costco (which may sell restaurant gift cards)

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

• Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Authorized User Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Citi Premier Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Best Citi Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Virtual Credit Cards

The Citi Premier car d earns well for dining and more with these rewards:

• 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, airfare, and hotels
• 3x ThankYou Points at grocery stores (which might sell restaurant gift cards)

You’ll find several ways to earn rewards on road trip dining with the Freedom Flex card:

• Quarterly bonus-category merchants offer 5% cash-back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter and often include restaurants
• 5% cash-back at bonus-category merchants that may sell restaurant, gas station, and other road trip-friendly gift cards

Road trip dining is also very rewarding when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which offers:

• 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points at restaurants and on travel purchases
• Free DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription for at least 1 year (activation must occur before December 31, 2024)
• $5 monthly DoorDash credit

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of our favorite travel rewards cards. You’ll also find it a worthy companion for earning during your road trip, offering:

• 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on dining
• 2x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchases

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

The American Express ® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards ® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

• 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
• Up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR ® Plus membership with the Card.
• Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.
• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express ® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
• $189 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express ® Green Card.
• $100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express ® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
• Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
• Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express ® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
• Benefits of the Amex Green Card
• Travel Insurance Benefits of the Amex Green
• Amex Green CLEAR Plus Credit
• The Amex Green $100 LoungeBuddy Credit
• Is the Amex Green a Good Card for Frequent Travelers?
• Amex Gold vs Amex Green
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Green
• Amex Transfer Partners
• Best Credit Cards for CLEAR

The Amex Green card earns 3x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and on travel.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year
• Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Marriott Bonvoy

• Best Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
• Best Marriott Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards with Priority Access

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers:

• 3x Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide
• Up to $25 in monthly statement credits (up to $300 per year) for eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide

Earn up to 20 Chase Ultimate Rewards points at Restaurant.com for dining gift certificates via the Shop Through Chase portal . 

Best Credit Cards for Sightseeing and Entertainment

You’re sure to enjoy some sightseeing during your road trip, perhaps a rainy-day museum visit or even a tour.

We don’t often consider using our credit card rewards points for purchasing experiences , but there are several ways to find good value when doing so.

Here are a few ways to offset the cost of sightseeing and entertainment during your road trip.

Ultimate Rewards-earning Chase credit cards offer an excellent option to redeem points for experiences.

In your Chase Ultimate Rewards online account, click on Things to Do at the top of the page and type in your destination. You’ll find a long list of activities that can be purchased using your Chase card or with Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferred to premium Chase cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card can receive up to 50% more value when redeemed for travel, including lodging and experiences, via Chase Travel.

While you can’t use Membership Rewards earned on your Amex cards to purchase activities directly, you can transfer your Amex points to airline partners and book vacation packages or experiences that can include theme park tickets, boat rides, museum entrance passes, and much more.

While the best redemption option for ThankYou Points is transferring to partner airlines and flight redemptions, it’s also possible to redeem points as gift cards for golf, dining, grocery stores, and other road trip-friendly merchants.

However, never redeem your ThankYou Points for less than 1 cent in value per point , and watch for special deals in your Citi card account for gift cards that can be purchased with ThankYou Points.

Whether your objective is to earn rewards in advance to offset the cost of your journey or rack up rewards during your road trip, selecting the right card can make a difference in your bottom-line road trip expenses.

Selecting a card that will provide free hotel nights, for example, can offer tremendous value. Purchasing road trip-related gift cards with a rewards-earning card at participating grocery stores or other eligible bonus category merchants will allow you to earn rewards while prepaying for expenses you’d normally incur during your trip.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express ®  Gold Card eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express ®  Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express ®  Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the purchase protection benefit of the American Express ®  Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the American Express ®  Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards ® Earner℠ Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday ® from American Express, click  here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best credit card for road trips.

The best credit card for road trips depends on your objectives. If you’re looking to earn rewards in advance and redeem those rewards to offset the cost of your trip, you may select a card that is different from the one you would use to earn rewards during your trip.

For example, if you wanted to cover some of the lodging costs you would incur during your trip, you might select a hotel-branded credit card with a generous welcome bonus offer that can be redeemed for free hotel nights.

During your trip, a card that earns at gas stations, on dining out, and at supermarkets might fit your situation.

How do travel rewards cards work?

Travel rewards cards focus on earning rewards on the types of purchases made by frequent travelers, travel-related redemptions, and travel perks. The cards may earn rewards in the form of cash-back, points, or miles.

Rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and statement credits, or transfers to airline or hotel programs and other travel-related options.

Which is better, cash-back or points?

Whether cash-back or points is better for you will depend on your redemption preferences.

For example, if a card allows you to accumulate cash-back in your account, it can serve as a savings account for an annual family vacation or another large purchase.

If a card earns points that can be redeemed for free hotel nights, and that is a redemption option you value, points may deliver better value for your situation.

Which is the best credit card for free hotel nights?

A card from a hotel brand you frequent will generally provide the best value for staying with that brand. It’s also common for these cards to offer welcome bonuses that can be redeemed for several free hotel nights.

Many hotel credit cards offer free hotel night certificates at the card anniversary renewal.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Find the best credit card for you

The 13 best travel credit cards of may 2024, the best travel credit cards can earn you hundreds of dollars in rewards each year and make your travels more enjoyable..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The best travel credit cards offer more than just great  cash-back , points or miles incentives — they also come with a range of perks that can take your next trip from basic to bougie without spending extra money.

Some travel card features are nearly standard across the board:  no foreign transaction fees ,  travel insurance  and various travel credits. More  premium cards  take things up by offering  lounge access  and credits for expedited airport security.

To help you choose the best travel rewards card for your needs, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of popular travel cards and dug into each card's perks and drawbacks to find the best of the best based on consumer habits. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel credit cards.)

Best travel credit cards

• Best for no annual fee: Discover it® Miles
• Best for dining when traveling: American Express® Gold Card
• Best for authorized user perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best for welcome bonus:   Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for bonus categories: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Journey Visa® Card
• Best for earning points on rent: Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for luxury travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for fair credit: Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• Best secured travel card: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Best for low annual fee: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Best for low interest: First Tech Credit Union Choice Rewards World Mastercard®
• Best for students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

Best for no annual fee

Discover it® miles.

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

Welcome bonus

Discover will match all the Miles earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.

0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases

Regular APR

17.24% to 28.24% Variable

Balance transfer fee

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Good / Excellent

*See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Miles review.

• Miles program
• Generous welcome bonus
• No blackout dates
• No limit to the amount of miles you can earn and miles never expire
• No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit offerings
• Travel spending does not receive additional rewards
• No airport lounge access

Who's this for?  The  Discover it Miles  card comes with a generous rewards program and welcome bonus — all for zero annual fee.

Standout benefits:  Discover has a welcome bonus that's hard to beat: It will do a mile-for-mile match of all miles earned the first year (for new card members in their first year only). If you rack up 35,000 miles within the first 12 months, Discover will match you with 35,000 miles. That's a total of 70,000 miles or $700 toward travel. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees.

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for dining when traveling

American express® gold card.

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

• Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
• Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
• Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
• Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• No introductory APR period
• $250 annual fee
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is a smart choice for consumers who love traveling and dining out due to its generous rewards rates. While the card comes with a $250 annual fee ( see rates and fees ), it offers premium rewards that help offset the cost.

Standout benefits:  Travelers will appreciate the Amex Gold card's various statement credits. Cardholders get up to $120 in annual dining credit (up to $10 per month at Grubhub , Goldbelly, The Cheesecake Factory and other participating restaurants; enrollment is required) and up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) to put toward rides in the U.S. and dining via Uber Eats (you must add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method in the Uber app to enroll).

Best for authorized user perks

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Foreign transaction fees

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.

• Large welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees
• Up to $100 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• High annual fee
• No introductory 0% APR period

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want a premium credit card at a lower price point than other high-end cards with similar benefits. Plus, up to four authorized users can be added for free (see rates and fees ).

Standout benefits:  This card is loaded with benefits, including a $300 Capital One Travel credit to use toward purchases made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel). Cardholders also receive an up to $100 statement credit for either  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® , complimentary  cell phone insurance , access to Capital One and partner airport lounges and more. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

Best for welcome bonus

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

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, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

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℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

• Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®
• Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement
• $95 annual fee
• No introductory 0% APR

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a loyal following among travelers looking for a travel-centric rewards program and a robust suite of perks. What makes this card shine the most is its generous welcome bonus offer.

Standout benefits:  This card comes with many helpful benefits, such as an up to $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance , trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage and trip delay insurance. Cardholders can also benefit from a 10% points boost on each card anniversary and complimentary DashPass membership for a minimum of one year through Dec. 31, 2024.

Best for bonus categories

Wells fargo autograph journey℠ visa® card.

Earn 5X points on hotels; 4X points on airlines; 3X points on other travel; 3X points on dining. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first three months.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% variable based on your creditworthiness

Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.

Terms apply

• Excellent rewards rate for hotel, airfare and travel
• Strong welcome bonus
• Access to transfer partners
• Fewer transfer partners than comparable programs
• Doesn't have several key travel protections (trip delay, primary rental car coverage in the U.S.)

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Journey Visa® Card has just about everything you could want in a travel card: A great welcome offer, a reasonable annual fee, useful bonus spending categories and meaningful perks.

Standout benefits:  The Wells Fargo Autograph card will help you rack up rewards quickly for travel spending. It earns 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines and 3X on dining and other travel. The best part is that you can transfer Wells Fargo points to airline and hotel travel partners including Choice Privileges, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club and Air France/KLM Flying Blue.

Best for earning points on rent

Bilt mastercard®.

Earn Bilt Points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period - up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on other purchases.

Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer ($5 minimum).

See rates/fees and rewards/benefits ; terms apply.

• No annual fee
• Solid rewards on broad spending categories
• Ability to pay your rent with no transaction fees
• Transfer points to leading frequent traveler programs at a 1:1 rate, including American Airlines, United and World of Hyatt®
• No welcome offer

Who's this for? If you rent your home and don't have the Bilt Mastercard® , you're leaving points on the table. The Bilt Mastercard is the only card that lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments with no fees .

Standout benefits:  Bilt makes it easy for even beginners to get maximum value from their points through a unique partnership with the award search engine point.me . The BiltProtect feature also protects cardholders from using up their entire credit limit or risk going into debt by charging their rent every month. Other benefits include cell phone protection; Purchase Assurance Plus, which covers your purchases for 90 days; discounts with partner brands; and access to the Mastercard Luxury Hotels & Resorts portfolio, which offers amenities like upgrades, free breakfast and property credits.

Best for lounge access

The platinum card® from american express.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

Credit Needed

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review .

• Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive a statement credit that covers the full cost each month. $12.95 plus applicable taxes. Plus Up Benefits not eligible.
• $695 annual fee
• No special financing offers on new purchases

Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is for road warriors who want to make their travels more comfortable. It grants access to more airport lounges than any other card on the market and is loaded with lots of other travel and lifestyle benefits that help justify its high annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Standout benefits:  Cardholders have an extensive list of opportunities to earn over $1,500 in statement credits each year and enjoy ongoing benefits like automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy and various travel and shopping protections. Even if you only take advantage of half of this card's perks, it's worth paying the annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Best for luxury travel

Chase sapphire reserve®.

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 plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

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℠.

22.49% - 29.49% variable

5%, minimum $5

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

• $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four years
• Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
• Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership
• High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perks
• No introductory APR
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve is enormously popular among frequent travelers for its luxe perks, including comprehensive travel protections, and a strong rewards program. While this card comes with a substantial annual fee of $550 , the many statement credits help to offset the costs.

Standout benefits:  This card provides an annual $300 travel credit, which can cover everything from airfare and hotels to parking and tolls. Cardholders   can also get a statement credit of up to $100 (every four years) to help cover Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fees as well as enroll in Priority Pass™ Select for airport lounge access . Other benefits include elite-like benefits when booking hotels through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection; trip interruption/cancellation coverage; primary rental car coverage; lost luggage reimbursement; and trip delay reimbursement. 

Best for fair credit

Credit one bank wander® card.

10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars book through the Credit One Bank travel partner; 5X points on eligible flights, dining and gas purchases; 1X points on all other purchases

No current offer

29.74% Variable

Average to excellent credit

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

• Great return on travel purchases
• Available to those with average credit
• No welcome bonus

Who's this for? The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is ideal for those with fair or average credit who want to earn generous rewards on their travel, dining and gas purchases.

Standout benefits: You'll earn a whopping 10X points when you book eligible hotels and rental cars through the Credit One Bank travel site (5X when you book and 5X when you complete the booking). This card also earns 5X points on flights, dining and gas purchases, so it's rewarding for a wide variety of travel spending. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees.

Best secured travel card

Discover it® secured credit card.

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year

N/A on purchases

28.24% Variable

New / Rebuilding

Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

• Cash-back program
• Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit
• Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
• Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses

Who's this for? For anyone who is working to build their credit , the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers an opportunity to earn rewards along the way.

Standout benefits: The Discover It Secured card earns cash back on every purchase and offers a generous cash-back matching welcome bonus. Plus, the card charges no foreign transaction fees.

Best for low annual fee

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

• 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years
• There’s a $95 annual fee

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an abundance of travel benefits. It's especially valuable for those who want a straightforward way of earning rewards without having to juggle bonus categories.

Standout benefits:  Travelers going overseas can take advantage of  no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ). Cardholders also get a credit of up to $100 to cover  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership .

Best for low interest

Choice rewards world mastercard®.

Earn 2X points on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days from account opening

13.50% - 18.00% variable

• Good rewards program for everyday purchases
• No balance transfer fee
• Balance must be transferred within 90 days of account opening date
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year:  $344
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,720

Who's this for? You should consider the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech Federal Credit Union if you're looking for a card that offers an introductory APR. It made our list of the top travel cards for its unique rewards program and relatively low variable APR of 13.50% - 18.00%.

Standout benefits:  The 13.50% - 18.00% variable APR rate is significantly lower than many other competitor cards (though we recommend that you pay off your card in full and on time each month). There are also no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge plus when traveling abroad.

Best for students

Bank of america® travel rewards for students credit card.

Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases

25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward qualifying travel and dining purchases

0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

18.24% - 28.24% variable

3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days from account opening, then 4%

Good/Excellent

• Strong welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
• Intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
• No student-centric benefits or incentives to practice responsible credit behavior
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $466
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years:   $1,528

Who's this for? The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students is a great choice for students who plan on studying abroad or traveling during breaks. The rewards program is geared toward travel, and cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.

Standout benefits: There are no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal card for college students studying abroad. This card also comes with a longer-than-average special financing offer of no interest for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR). A full year of no interest is a great way for you to pay off new purchases over time, without incurring interest charges, though we recommend you pay off your balance on time and in full each month.

More on our top travel credit cards

The Discover it Miles card is an exceptionally rewarding credit card for everyday purchases , especially when you consider that it has no annual fee.

• 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase

Discover will match the miles you earn during the first year with no minimum spending requirement or limits on how much you can earn through the match.

Notable perks

The appeal of the Discover it Miles card is its simplicity of not having to worry about paying an annual fee or paying foreign transaction fees. The card also has an introductory 0% APR offer for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers , then a 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR (3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% balance transfer fee on future transfers, see terms ).

There are also no blackout dates when you pay for travel purchases using your card. And, you can easily redeem miles as a statement credit for travel,  restaurant or gas station  purchases, as well as a deposit to your bank account. The best part is, the miles you earn never expire even if your account is closed (Discover credits your account with your rewards balance if your account is closed).

[ Return to card summary ]

The American Express Gold Card earns elevated rewards for several popular spending categories, including dining, groceries and airfare. To top it off, the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn are some of the most valuable travel points out there.

• 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
• 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
• 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.

$250 (see rates and fees )

In addition to the up to $240 in annual credits for dining and Uber Cash, the American Express Gold Card has a variety of other useful benefits. For example, cardmembers get a $100 experience credit and potential room upgrade when booking stays of at least two nights through The Hotel Collection. Experience credit varies by property.

Eligible purchases also qualify for the following insurance coverages*:

• Baggage insurance (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Extended warranty (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Purchase protection (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Trip delay insurance (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.)
• Car rental loss and damage insurance (secondary) (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)

You can use the American Express Membership Rewards points you earn with this card in a variety of ways, from redeeming for gift cards and statement credits to booking travel through the  Amex Travel Portal . To get a potentially bigger bang for your buck, transfer your Membership Rewards points to a variety of airline or hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Hilton Honors,  Marriott Bonvoy , Choice Privileges and more. * Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a luxury travel credit card with a straightforward rewards structure and a myriad of benefits that easily make its annual fee worth it.

• 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel portal
• 5X miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel portal
• 2X miles on all other eligible purchases

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

$395 (see rates and fees )

On top of the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, the Capital One Venture X card is loaded with other benefits. Cardmembers receive up to $100 statement credit for either  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® , complimentary  cell phone insurance , special perks on hotel stays booked through the Premier Collection** and Lifestyle Collection  and unlimited access to  Capital One Lounges  as well as the extensive network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges worldwide. 

You can add up to four authorized users for free and each additional cardholder also gets airport lounge access (see rates and fees ). If you value rental car perks, cardholders receive complimentary Hertz President's Circle status (enrollment required)***, which grants benefits such as guaranteed upgrades.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has the same redemption options as the Venture Rewards Card. You can use miles to offset eligible travel purchases or transfer them to various airline and hotel partners.

*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

***Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

In addition to an excellent  welcome bonus , the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers lucrative bonus categories and other useful perks like travel and purchase protections, all for a modest annual fee.

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
• 3X points per dollar on select streaming services.
• 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
• 10% anniversary points boost
• $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers travelers many important protections, including  primary rental car insurance , trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage and trip delay insurance. Travelers can also rack up rewards faster thanks to a 10% points boost on each card anniversary. That means if you spend $50,000 on purchases, you'll get a 5,000-point bonus (worth $75 in travel booked through Chase).

Cardholders can take advantage of various statement credits for specific purchases. For starters, the card offers up to $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Through July 31, 2024, you can register your Sapphire Preferred to receive six months of free Instacart+ membership and up to $15 back each quarter for Instacart purchases. You'll also receive a complimentary DashPass membership and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

One of the best benefits of the Sapphire Preferred is that it unlocks access to Chase's 14 airline and hotel transfer partners. You can transfer points to United Airlines MileagePlus,  Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards , Air Canada Aeroplan, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards,  Marriott Bonvoy and more. Otherwise,  your points are worth  1.25 cents each through Chase Travel℠ or one cent per point when redeemed for gift cards or cash back.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Journey Visa® Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Journey Visa® Card stands out for having a modest annual fee and high rewards rate on airline and hotel purchases which are uncapped and don't require you to book through a specific site to get the increased return.

• 5X points on hotels
• 4X points on airlines
• 3X points at restaurants
• 3X points on other travel
• 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Every year, cardholders receive a $50 airline statement credit with a minimum purchase of $50. This credit covers more than half of this card's annual fee and applies to purchases such as airfare, baggage fees and more.

You can also save money and increase your peace of mind by taking advantage of this card's many insurance benefits. Cardholders receive these coverages:

• Cell phone protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance
• Lost baggage reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Auto rental collision coverage
• Travel and emergency assistance

You can redeem Wells Fargo rewards for gift cards, cash back, travel and more. However, you'll typically get the best value when you transfer Wells Fargo rewards to travel partners. You can transfer points to these airlines at a 1:1 ratio:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue (partners with Delta)
• Avianca LifeMiles  (partners with United)
• British Airways Executive Club (partners with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines)
• Iberia Plus (partners with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines)

Wells Fargo points also transfer to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio.

Normally it's not worth paying rent with a credit card because of the fees, but the Bilt Mastercard offers a path to earning points for paying rent without any fees.

When you make at least five transactions in a statement period, you'll earn points at the following rates:

• Up to 1X points per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• 2X points per dollar on travel
• 1X point per dollar on all other purchases

Thanks to the BiltProtect feature, Bilt Mastercard cardholders are protected from using up their entire credit limit or risk going into debt by charging their rent to their card every month. Other benefits include a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three Lyft rides in a month (through March 31, 2024), as well as a free ShopRunner membership (through March 31, 2024).

For a no-annual-fee card, the Bilt Mastercard has a surprising amount of built-in insurance perks, including:

• Trip delay reimbursement
• Rental car collision damage waiver
• Purchase protection

Bilt Rewards points can be redeemed for travel either by transferring them to airline and hotel partners or by booking through the Bilt Travel Portal at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point. Other redemption options include using them to shop online, book fitness classes, pay rent and even make a down payment on a home.

The Platinum Card from American Express has a high annual fee but also packs a punch in benefits. If you're able to take advantage of its numerous annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access and elite status perks, you'll be sure to come out ahead.

• 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel

Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

$695 (see rates and fees )

Cardholders can enjoy a long list of benefits, including:

• Up to $200 annual hotel credit (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit
• Up to $300 per calendar year Equinox credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $189 credit to enroll in CLEAR® Plus (subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $155 annual Walmart+ credit. (Plus Ups are not eligible. Subject to auto renewal)
• Worldwide airport lounge access, including Delta SkyClubs and Amex Centurion Lounges
• Up to $200 annual Uber credit. Benefit renews annually. (Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.)
• $100 fee credit for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSAPreCheck
• Automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Complimentary Amex concierge service

Membership Rewards points can also be exceptionally valuable. The best way to use Amex points is to transfer them to one of Amex's airline and hotel partners. They can also be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards and when  checking out at retailers like Amazon , though you'll usually get a lower value for your points.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee. Its travel insurance perks can add peace of mind to any adventure and the card's airport lounge access and credits for expedited airport security can help reduce airport stress.

• 10X total points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 10X points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 2025
• 5X total points per dollar on flights purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 3X points per dollar on other travel*

*After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® card members get up to $300 in annual travel credits, which covers more than half of the card's annual fee. Additional benefits include an up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit (every four years), elite-like perks when booking hotels through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, access to Sapphire airport lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469), which unlocks access to more than 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide.

Cardholders also have access to a wide range of limited-time benefits and credits, including:

• Two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (worth $199 a year) when activated by Dec. 31, 2024
• At least 12 months of complimentary DashPass membership when activated by Dec. 31, 2024
• $5 in DoorDash credit each month through Dec. 31, 2024
• One year of free Instacart+ membership (activate by July 31, 2024)
• Up to $15 in Instacart credits each month (through July 31, 2024)

Some of the easiest benefits to overlook are this card's top-notch travel and purchase protections, such as purchase protection, extended warranty protection, return protection, primary rental car collision coverage, trip delay protection, trip interruption/cancellation insurance, baggage delay protection, travel accident insurance, emergency medical and dental insurance and more. Cardmembers traveling internationally also don't need to worry about foreign transaction fees.

The value of the points you earn depends on how you use them. If you redeem points for cash and gift cards, each point is worth one cent. However, the value of points increases to 1.5 cents apiece when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 travel. This is a great way to maximize the value of your rewards and makes this card stand out from the pack. Of course, transferring your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners is also an option.

Credit One Bank® Wander Card

The Credit One Bank® Wander Card is special because it allows you to earn rewards while working on your credit score and doesn't require a security deposit.

• 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars you book through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X points on eligible travel
• 5X points on dining
• 5X points on gas purchases

It's easy to redeem the rewards you earn with your Credit One Bank Wander card. You can use points for cash back, gift cards and consumer goods and services. There is a 1,000-point minimum redemption amount when you're using points for a statement credit .

When you make a purchase in a foreign currency with this card, there are no foreign transaction fees. Eligible purchases are also covered by this card's built-in travel accident insurance .

The Discover it Secured Credit Card is ideal for anyone with no credit or poor credit because you don't need a credit score to apply. It has no annual fee and has a generous rewards structure for a secured credit card .

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Discover will match the cash back you earn during the first year with no minimum spending requirement or cap on the match.

The Discover it Secured card is designed for those who have no credit history or need to repair their credit score. You don't need a credit score to apply. Instead, you're required to make a refundable deposit of at least $200 to open the card. Whatever amount of money you deposit becomes your credit limit.

At seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if they can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit. The card also has no foreign transaction fees, so you won't be dinged for using it abroad.

Cashback earned with this card doesn't expire and you can redeem your rewards at any time for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out for earning versatile rewards that can be used for just about any travel expense while having a reasonable annual fee and convenient benefits for travelers.

• 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

$95 (see rates and fees )

Capital One Venture Rewards cardholders receive a credit of up to $100 to cover  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership . Other perks include access to extended warranty protection*, Travel Assistance Services*, Purchase Assurance*, MasterRental Insurance*, Master RoadAssist®*, and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage*.

Travelers going overseas can take advantage of no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ). As an added plus, you can use your Venture Rewards card to get access to exclusive sporting and music events, plus premiere culinary experiences through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

You can use Capital One miles to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more through  Capital One Travel , or you can use them to offset recent travel purchases at a fixed value of one cent per point. Alternatively, you can transfer them to any of Capital One's hotel and airline partners including Accor Live Limitless, Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest and others to get even more value from your miles.

*Benefit available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard product, subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions in the World Elite Mastercard Guide to Benefits. See Account Terms or Application Terms for more details. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

First Tech Credit Union Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

Although we always recommend aiming to pay off credit card debt , if you have the debt, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard has one of the lowest interest rates you can find on a credit card.

• 2X points per dollar on everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, electronics, household goods and telecommunications

Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days from account opening.

Not only does the Choice Rewards World Mastercard have a low APR, but it also has no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge plus when traveling abroad. It is a World Mastercard and as such, comes with purchase protection, Mastercard ID Theft Protection and 24-hour worldwide assistance for lost or stolen cards. It has an array of travel protections as well, including insurance for trip cancellations, travel accidents, baggage delays, lost luggage and rental cars (secondary).

Membership to First Tech Federal Credit Union is required to apply, but anyone can join through affiliation with select organizations or employers, a relationship with a current member, working or living in Lane County, Oregon, attending Cogswell Poly Technical College or by joining the Community History Museum (CHM) or Financial Fitness Association (FFA). First Tech pays the membership fee for the CHM and FFA on your behalf.

The rewards can be redeemed at a fixed rate toward cash-back, travel, merchandise, gift cards and experiences.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card provides a strong return for everyday purchases that competes with many of the top non-student credit cards.

• 1.5X points per dollar on all purchases

Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

In addition to having no annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card charges no foreign transaction fees, which is useful when studying or traveling abroad.

You must be 18 or older and enrolled in school (college, vocational or trade school) to qualify for this card. Eligible students have access to a 0%-APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable 18.24%-28.24% APR applies. Only balance transfers made in the first 60 days of account opening qualify for the 0%-APR offer and there is a 3% balance transfer fee.

Rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit to cover the cost of travel and dining purchases — a simple way to reduce the cost of taking a spring break vacation or buying a plane ticket home. You can redeem rewards at any time and any amount.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

How to choose a travel credit card

There is a variety of travel credit cards available, from general to airline - and hotel -specific, and all the choices can make it hard to settle on one. To choose the best card for your needs, you should consider several factors. Here are some tips on how to choose a credit card.

Consider whether you're willing to pay an annual fee. Some travel cards have steep annual fees of over $500, which can be worthwhile, but not for everyone. Make sure you do the math to see if an annual fee travel card is for you.

Another key factor to consider is the type of travel you do most. If you travel within the U.S., then it doesn't matter if a card charges foreign transaction fees. But if you're off to Mexico or Spain, then it's important to have a no foreign transaction fee card.

Rewards should also play a part in your decision. Do some research to determine which card offers a rewards program more geared toward your spending habits. If you dine out a lot when you travel, consider the American Express Gold Card with 4X points on dining at restaurants. But if you want a competitive rewards rate on all sorts of purchases, the Discover it Miles has no annual fee and unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar of every purchase.

You can compare card benefits side by side to see if one card rates better than another. The  Chase Sapphire Reserve , for example, offers complimentary lounge access, while the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers cardholders a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck .

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Pros and cons of a travel credit card

Many of the top rewards credit cards are also travel credit cards, but that doesn't mean that a travel card is the best option for every situation. Travel cards are rewarding for travel-related purchases and can provide outsized value when you use the rewards to book your next vacation. However, travel can be a small part of the typical consumer's budget and other credit cards can be more rewarding for everyday spending or have simpler rewards programs.

• High-value rewards
• Luxury perks
• Valuable welcome bonuses
• Rewarding for common travel-related purchases
• Travel rewards programs are sometimes more complicated
• May be less rewarding for non-travel purchases (groceries, online shopping , etc.)
• Can have higher annual fees
• Typically require higher credit scores

How travel credit cards work

The premise of travel credit cards is to give you a path to turning your credit card purchases into travel rewards. What you can use travel rewards for and the amount of rewards you earn varies by card.

The type of rewards you earn, the cost of keeping the card and the card benefits depend on the type of travel card. There are co-branded hotel and airline cards that earn miles and points tied to a specific hotel chain or airline. These cards also provide brand-specific benefits such as elite status or elite status credit and statement credits tied to a specific company. A general travel card is typically better for anyone who isn't extremely loyal to a specific company. General travel rewards or flexible rewards can usually be redeemed to offset travel expenses and, with the best cards, you can transfer miles or points to partner travel programs. This gives cardholders the option to pick the best program for a specific trip.

Outside of the rewards a card earns, most of the best travel credit cards also provide ongoing benefits. These benefits run the gamut from travel and purchase protections to statement credits and airport lounge access. Luxury benefits like airport lounge access are typically tied to premium credit cards , which usually have annual fees of $400 or more.

Making the most of your travel card

To make the most of your travel card, you should familiarize yourself with the various credit card benefits and fees. Take note of any annual fees, foreign transaction fees and the APR associated with your account. Also, consider the rewards rates and added perks, such as annual statement credits.

Once you're familiar with the terms of your card, you can start optimizing them. That may include setting reminders to use the annual $300 travel credit provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve or submitting a Global Entry application with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to take advantage of the up to $100 credit.

If you have multiple credit cards , you might want to have a plan for the best time to use each card. Let's say you have the Discover it Miles and American Express Gold Card . Use the Amex Gold Card for dining expenses at restaurants to earn 4X points, then use the Discover card for all your other purchases to earn unlimited 1.5X miles.

Other types of credit cards to consider

Travel credit cards aren't for everyone. If you travel infrequently, you should consider alternative credit card options, such as cards with dining, grocery or gas rewards. Some cards provide up to 6% back in those categories, allowing foodies, meal-preppers and commuters to benefit.

Beyond rewards, you might benefit from a card that offers a 0% APR period . Some cards offer no interest for a year or more on new purchases and balance transfers, such as the Citi Simplicity® Card . The card has 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of first transfer, plus 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.) There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your balance transfer fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5; see rates and fees ). When used responsibly, these cards can help you get out of debt without high interest charges.

Should you get a travel credit card?

If you travel often and pay for purchases with cash or a debit card , you're missing out on rewards and perks that can make travel more affordable. It can be in your best interest to get a travel credit card that awards high rewards rates on airfare, hotels, rideshares and other common travel expenses.

Who should apply for a travel card?

If you're interested in submitting a travel credit card application, keep in mind that card issuers usually require you to have good credit or excellent credit (scores above 670). Therefore, it's key to check your credit score before applying for a travel card.

Once you know your credit score and can check if you prequalify for a travel card, choose the best card for your needs and apply.

What's the difference between points and miles?

Unlike cash-back cards , travel credit cards generally earn points or miles. Traditionally, the term points referred to flexible rewards that could be redeemed directly through a bank's portal or transferred to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program. Meanwhile, the term miles has been associated with rewards earned through an airline's frequent flyer program. However, nowadays, points and miles are used interchangeably as there are flexible credit card rewards called miles and more restrictive airline rewards referred to as points.

How do I compare credit cards for travel?

If you're having trouble narrowing down the best travel card for you, it can be helpful to compare credit cards. First list the benefits you're looking for and any deal breakers, such as an annual fee. Then consider cards that have those benefits.

For instance, if you want both travel and dining rewards, the Amex Gold Card is a better choice than the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card since the rewards rate is 4X versus 2X.

But if you don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Venture Card is only $95 (see rates and fees ) compared to the $250 you'll pay for a Gold Card (see rates and fees ).

Bottom line

The best travel credit cards earn rewards you can use to book flights, hotels , rental cars and much more. But the benefits of having a travel credit card go beyond the rewards you earn. Many travel cards offer additional perks, such as travel insurance that reimburses if a trip is delayed or your baggage is lost.

Before you sign up for a travel credit card, consider how you'll use it and how you can best optimize its  rewards program , especially if you're paying a steep  annual fee . It's also important to make sure you can pay off your balance on time and in full each month because many of these cards have  high interest rates .

The good news: If you choose a card from this list, you could earn over $2,000 in rewards over the next five years based on our calculations.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which travel credit cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.  

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cashback).    We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.  

When choosing the best travel cards, we focused on relevant features, like cards that charge no foreign transaction fees, are widely accepted internationally and provide consumers with bonus rewards on travel spending. We prioritized cards that offered the strongest returns on travel purchases but also considered additional perks that may be useful when traveling, such as travel protections, baggage allowances, airport lounge access and elite status benefits. 

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here .

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Miles, click  here .

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click  here .

Information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students, has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

14 best travel credit cards of 2024, best overall: chase sapphire preferred® card.

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an affordable option fit for beginners and experienced travelers. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, you get generous perks, including high bonus rewards, intro bonus, annual hotel credit and bonus anniversary points. Plus points can be redeemed for 25% more value toward travel through Chase Travel. Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review .

• Earns flexible rewards that transfer to airline and hotel partners
• Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel booked through Chase Travel
• Generous welcome offer and bonus categories
• No intro APR
• No luxury travel perks like airport lounge access

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best premium travel cards thanks in large part to the generous rewards and outsized redemption value. On top of travel credits, lounge access and other airport perks, the card rakes in flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a range of bonus categories. Plus cardholders get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase. Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review .

• Comes with luxury travel benefits
• Generous welcome bonus and earning rates
• Get 50% more value for travel when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• No intro APR offer
• $550 annual fee and $75 annual fee per authorized user
• Earns just 1X points on regular purchases

Best Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers enhanced travel perks for a lower annual fee than other premium cards. For $395 per year, users get a $300 annual travel credit, a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Read our Capital One Venture X review .

• Comes with robust travel benefits
• Generous minimum earning rate of 2X miles on all other purchases
• Earns flexible miles that transfer to partners
• Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
• $300 annual travel credit must be used through Capital One Travel
• Fewer rewards bonus categories than some other premium cards

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why we chose it: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for luxury perks since, in our view, it comes with the most extensive list of credits and features. This includes the broadest airport lounge membership possible, airline fee credit for incidental fees and automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Cardholders also earn a very generous welcome bonus and heightened rewards on eligible travel purchases. Read our Amex Platinum Card review .

• Comes with the best airport lounge membership available
• More than $1,500 in annual statement and merchant credits available
• Earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points
• $695 annual fee and $195 annual fee for each additional Platinum Card ( see rates and fees )
• Earns just 1X points on other eligible non-category purchases
• Statement credits may be difficult to use

Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

After spending $4,000 in first 3 months from account opening

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card comes with a promising flat rewards rate of unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card also earns flexible miles that can be used for multiple purposes like travel statement credits, gift cards , travel bookings through Capital One or miles transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. Read our Capital One Venture Rewards card review .

• Earns impressive flat-rate rewards
• Miles come with flexible redemption options

Best With No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells fargo autograph℠ card.

After spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card comes with a solid sign-up bonus and earns an unlimited 3X points on travel, gas, transit, restaurants, popular streaming services and phone plans, and 1X points on other eligible purchases. Read our Wells Fargo Autograph review .

• No annual fee required
• Earns 3X points in six popular categories
• Intro APR on purchases
• No transfer partners
• Few travel-specific benefits

Best Overall Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of hyatt credit card.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Why we chose it: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is packed full of features. It offers an annual free night certificate each year after your cardmember anniversary, five elite qualifying nights per year just for having the card and a way to spend toward additional elite nights and an additional free night certificate each year.

• Category 1-4 free night certificate annually after your cardmember anniversary
• Earns two nights toward elite status for every $5,000 spent on the card
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
• Full welcome bonus requires costly spending
• Lackluster earnings outside of Hyatt stays
• Lower overall point value on hotel stays than some competing cards

Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Why we chose it: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers excellent value for its $150 ongoing annual fee. The card’s first free checked bag benefit applies to you and up to eight other people in your same reservation. When redeeming miles for Delta flights, you’ll receive a 15% off discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. You’ll also get a $200 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. Finally, you can receive an annual statement credit of up to $100 when you use your card book hotel nights through Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Read our Delta SkyMiles Gold review .

• Free first checked bag for you and up to eight other people on your reservation
• 15% off Award Travel when using miles on Delta flights (through delta.com and the Fly Delta app)
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150)
• Earns only 2X miles on Delta purchases
• No ability to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) using the card
• $200 Delta flight credit requires $10,000 in spending on the card in a calendar year

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Why we chose it: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns generous rewards on travel and in a range of popular business categories. Plus cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Read our Ink Business Preferred review .

• Earns flexible Chase Ultimate rewards points
• Get 25% more value when booking travel with points through Chase Travel
• Earns 3X points in popular eligible business categories (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1X points)
• Bonus category spending caps limit rewards potential
• Earns just 1X points on all other regular purchases

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers 2X points on up to $50,000 spent in purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases. Plus rewards earned fall within the flexible American Express Membership Rewards program. Read our Blue Business Plus card review .

• Earns Amex Membership Rewards points
• Get 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1X points)
• Earns just 1X points after $50,000 in spending each year
• Small welcome bonus
• Limited travel-specific benefits

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier® Card

Citi premier® card.

After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

Why we chose it: The Citi Premier Card offers a robust selection of bonus rewards categories. Not only do cardholders earn a generous sign-up bonus, but they also earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. All other purchases earn 1X points. Cardholders can also earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal (through June 30, 2024). Read our Citi Premier review .

• Earns flexible rewards for travel
• Generous 3X earning rate in five popular categories
• Elevated rate on eligible travel purchases via Citi Travel through June 2024

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express® Gold Card

Why We Chose It: The American Express Gold Card might be the ultimate dining card for travelers. It offers 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide—that’s the most points you’re likely to earn without jumping through hoops like making dining purchases through a portal. Read our Amex Gold card review .

• 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (plus on takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases (then 1X points)
• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually
• Steep $250 annual fee
• Poor redemption value beyond airfare
• U.S. supermarket bonus rewards are capped at $25,000 in spending each year

Best for Travel and Transit: American Express® Green Card

American express® green card.

After spending $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

Why We Chose It: The American Express Green Card offers 3X Membership Rewards points on almost every type of eligible travel and transit expense. If you prefer to earn travel rewards and want a single card to consolidate your expenses on, the Amex Green Card is likely your best choice.

• Earns 3X points on a wide variety of eligible travel and transit, plus at restaurants worldwide
• Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
• Offers trip delay insurance*, baggage insurance plan* and car rental loss and damage insurance*
• $150 annual fee
• Limited cash redemption options
• No introductory APR

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A Closer Look at the Best Travel Cards

Best overall: chase sapphire preferred card.

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt, yet cardholders can also get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase.

Other reasons to love this card include its exceptional welcome offer (earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $750 redeemed through Chase Travel) and earning rates: 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining, online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services; 2X points on general travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for consumers who want to earn flexible travel rewards they can redeem in more than one way without having to pay hundreds of dollars toward an annual fee each year. That said, the fact you can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise means the Sapphire Preferred can also work as a cash back credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a travel credit card with perks like airport lounge access or annual travel credits, you’ll have to be willing to pay a higher annual fee. In that case, you can consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve starts new customers off with a welcome offer to earn 60,000 bonus points when they spend $4,000 within three months of account opening, and they also earn 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase; 10X points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining and general travel purchases (not purchased through Chase); and 1X points on everything else. Rewards on travel are after the $300 travel credit is spent each year.

Premium perks that come with the card include a $300 annual travel credit, an application fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and a suite of premium travel insurance benefits.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Sapphire Reserve is for frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards they can use for direct travel bookings through Chase or point transfers to airlines and hotels. The ideal cardholder also wants luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits.

Other cards to consider: For a more affordable premium travel card, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. But for more extensive lounge access and the chance to earn more credits, look into the Amex Platinum Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: Despite the fact this card charges just $395 per year, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Users also earn flexible Capital One miles that can be redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel, used for gift cards, merchandise and travel statement credits or transferred to Capital One airline or hotel partners. Rewards include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is for people who can utilize its airline and hotel partners or want to use their miles to book travel directly through Capital One. Individuals who want a card with airport lounge access at the lowest possible cost can also consider this premium travel credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you research Capital One airline and hotel partners and like what you see but want to pay a lower annual fee each year, you should also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee). If you want airport lounge access and other premium benefits, however, you should check out the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card from American Express

Why we love this card: The Platinum Card from American Express has so many perks and statement credits it’s hard to keep track. For example, cardholders get more than $1,500 in statement and merchant credit offers with the card, plus the broadest airport lounge membership possible (Global Lounge Collection), Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy with enrollment, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and plenty of other luxury travel perks.

Cardholders also earn a generous welcome bonus (earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership), plus 5X points on up to $500,000 spent each calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5X points on eligible prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for frequent travelers who can use most of its statement credit offers and benefits each year. Individuals who fly a lot and want access to the most airport lounges worldwide will also love the fact they can enter Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges and even Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta Air Lines. This card also works best for people who want to earn flexible points for travel that can be redeemed for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel in more than one way. After all, points earned with the card fall within the popular American Express Membership Rewards program.

Other cards to consider: If you want airport lounge access, consider premium travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Capital One Venture X, which charge annual fees of $550 and $395, respectively. You can pay an even lower annual fee if you give up some luxury travel benefits and pick a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Premier.

Read our review of the Amex Platinum

Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a nice flat rewards rate of 2X unlimited miles on all purchases and 5X unlimited miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, miles can be redeemed for options like statement credits to offset travel, gift cards, travel through Capital One or transfers to airlines and hotels. While the annual fee is just $95, cardholders get perks like a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want some upgraded perks without paying more than $100 per year for their travel credit card. The card’s flat rewards rate also makes it a good choice for consumers who don’t want to keep track of confusing earning rates or bonus categories. Finally, this card works well for people who want to use their miles for travel but also want some flexibility in how they redeem them.

Other cards to consider: Several other flexible travel credit cards let users transfer rewards to airlines and hotels without paying more than $100 in annual fees each year. For example, you could consider the Citi Premier or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earn points in the Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, respectively.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns 3X points in so many bonus categories with no annual fee required. The welcome offer is also higher than other travel and cash back credit cards with no annual fee (30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first three months), and rewards are fairly flexible. For example, you can redeem rewards with this card for travel, gift cards, statement credits or PayPal purchases. The card also has more benefits than one would think, including cellphone protection, auto rental coverage, travel and emergency assistance services and roadside dispatch.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is best for people who want to earn rewards with no annual fee required, as well as those who want some flexibility when it comes to cashing in their rewards. The intro APR offer on purchases also makes this card a good option for people who want to earn rewards on a large purchase and then pay it down interest-free for the first year.

Other cards to consider: If you want to earn travel rewards with no annual fee required, several top cards can fit the bill. For example, you could also look at the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review

Why we love this card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers 4X points on Hyatt hotels, an annual free night certificate and a second free night certificate once you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. The card also helps you earn elite status with Hyatt. You start out with World of Hyatt Discoverist status and five elite-qualifying night credits just for having the card, plus you earn two bonus elite night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card. That’s plenty of value for a $95/year card.

Who should have this in their wallet: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great choice for anyone who stays at Hyatt hotels at least a few times a year. If you stay at Hyatt hotels occasionally and can make use of the annual category 1-4 free night, you’re likely to get value in excess of the card’s $95 annual fee. Those who stay at Hyatt hotels often enough to pursue Hyatt status will find that the card both helps boost their status and offers the best rewards value on Hyatt stays of any card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a credit card that offers a free night certificate, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offer a free night annually each account anniversary just for having the cards.

Why we love this card: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with plenty of features and benefits. The card’s first checked bag free benefit applies to everyone in your reservation—up to eight companions—making it a great value for family travelers. The $100 Delta Stays credit offers easy value when you book a hotel stay through Delta Stays on delta.com and the $200 Delta Flight credit you’ll receive after spending $10,000 in a calendar year should be easy to use for loyal Delta flyers.

Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who regularly checks bags on Delta and doesn’t already have Delta elite status should get the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card will pay for itself in saved checked bag fees after just three round trips each year by our estimation.

Other cards to consider: If you’re pursuing Delta elite status, consider holding one of the airline’s more premium cards. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card both earn the Medallion Qualifying Dollars you’ll need to earn frequent flyer status with Delta.

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3X points on up to $150,000 in spending each anniversary year in the following categories (then 1X points): shipping purchases; advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable and phone services; and travel. You earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Rewards fall within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Chase Travel (for 25% more value) or 1:1 point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners. Benefits for business owners include free employee cards, primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purchases, cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and more.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Ink Business Preferred is for business owners who spend a lot in its bonus categories and want to earn travel rewards points they can use in more than one way. Many business owners also pair this card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve as their personal card since Chase lets users pool rewards in one account for convenience (and premium redemptions).

Other cards to consider: If the bonus categories don’t fit your spending, the no-annual-fee Amex Blue Business Plus offers a flat rate of 2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases each year, followed by 1X points.

Read our review of the Ink Business Preferred

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: Blue Business Plus Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points with no annual fee required. While the welcome bonus is on the small side (earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in purchases with the card in the first three months), cardholders can earn 2X points on up to $50,000 spent on purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: This business credit card is ideal for business owners who want to earn Amex points without paying an annual fee each year. Many consumers pair this card with a Membership Rewards card for consumers such as the Amex EveryDay, the American Express® Gold Card, and the American Express® Green Card.

Other cards to consider: There are few other business credit cards to consider if you want a card for travel with no annual fee that’s specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. However, you can consider consumer credit cards for travel with no annual fee required, including the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne.

Read our review of the Amex Blue Business Plus

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier Card

Why we love this card: The Citi Premier Card is a solid choice as a top-of-wallet card due to its bonus category potential. The card earns 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi travel portal (through June 30, 2024); and 1X points on other purchases. While a $95 annual fee applies, benefits like a $100 annual hotel savings on a $500+ hotel stay booked with Citi Travel help make up for it. Also note that this card earns Citi ThankYou points that can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Citi or transfers to Citi ThankYou airline and hotel partners.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Citi Premier Card is best for people who want to earn 3X points in as many categories as possible, as well as those who want some flexibility in how they redeem their rewards. This card also works well for people who have a cash back credit card from Citi that they use for points pooling.

Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Autograph is another flexible credit card for travel that earns 3X points in a bunch of different categories, yet with no annual fee. If you want points that transfer to partners with an annual fee below $100 each year, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred or even the Amex EveryDay.

Read our review of the Citi Premier Card

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express Gold Card

Why we love this card: Almost every rewards card that earns extra points for dining at any restaurant worldwide will give you at most three points per dollar. The Amex Gold Card gives you 4X points. If restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) is one of your biggest spending categories, this bonus to the amount of rewards you earn can really add up. Plus, the card offers respectable rewards of 4X points on up to $25,000 a calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Who should have this card in their wallet: If you are invested in the Membership Rewards ecosystem and know how to use the points for high-value redemptions, the Amex Gold Card is a rewards powerhouse. The Gold card can earn you a great return on your worldwide restaurant spending and up to $25,000 of charges you make at U.S. supermarkets a calender year (4X points before cap, then 1X).

Other cards to consider: If you prefer earning travel rewards that are easier to use, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better bet. Both cards earn 3X points on dining at restaurants—rewards that can be easily redeemed for cash back, travel or transferred to travel partners.

Best for Business Travel Expenses: American Express Green Card

Why we love this card: With the Amex Green Card, you’ll earn 3X Membership Rewards on core travel expenses like eligible airfare and hotels, but you’ll also earn increased rewards on most other eligible travel expenses like tours, cruises, travel purchases on third party websites, rideshare, tolls and dining at restaurants worldwide. If you’re after travel rewards, you can do pretty well carrying only the Amex Green Card when you travel.

Who should have this card in their wallet: The frequent traveler who wants a single card that offers a good rate of rewards on all of their travel purchases should carry the Amex Green Card. The card not only offers 3X Membership Rewards on almost every eligible purchase you’ll make on the road, but it also provides essential travel insurance protections.

Other cards to consider: If cash-like rewards on your travel is your preference, you can earn rewards on most of your travel and transit expenses with the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. You won’t get the travel protections that you will with the Green Card, but you will pay no annual fee for the card.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card that offers points that can be redeemed for travel and other options. Many travel credit cards also offer travel-specific benefits that can apply in certain situations, such as free checked bags when flying with an airline or late checkout when staying with specific hotel brands.

While some travel credit cards earn airline miles for a specific airline or hotel points that work within a specific hotel loyalty program, other cards earn flexible travel rewards points that can be redeemed for several flexible options. Additional travel credit card benefits can also be included, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, roadside dispatch, automatic elite status, annual travel credits, airport lounge access and more.

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

How travel credit cards work depends on the type of card and the program its rewards fall in. However, all travel credit cards have certain things in common. For example:

• Travel credit cards tend to offer welcome bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of account opening.
• You can earn travel rewards points (or miles) based on spending and the card’s earning structure.
• Some cards offer bonus points or miles in certain categories, while others do not.
• Travel credit card benefits (e.g. travel insurance, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, free checked bags, etc.) can apply, although these perks vary widely by card.
• Travel credit card annual fees range from $0 all the way up $695, and there are cards for consumers as well as businesses.

Other than the card amenities that apply specifically to travel, cards in this niche work like other types of credit cards. All travel credit cards give consumers a line of credit they can borrow against, and they can avoid credit card interest if they pay their statement balance in full by their payment due date. When consumers don’t pay their balance in full, they get charged interest based on the average daily balance and the card’s annual percentage rate (APR).

Types of Travel Credit Cards

As you decide on a travel credit card for your wallet, you should know about the types of cards that are out there. This can help you figure out which travel credit card is best for you based on the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you desire.

• General travel credit cards: Some cards are considered general travel credit cards because they earn bonus points or miles in multiple categories and let you redeem rewards for travel without offering a lot of travel-specific perks or benefits. Cards in this category do not let you transfer points to airline and hotel programs like flexible travel credit cards do.
• Flexible travel credit cards: Flexible travel credit cards fall within programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, and they let you redeem rewards for travel through a portal or rewards transfers to airlines and hotels affiliated with the program. Premium cards in this category may also come with benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and robust travel insurance protections.
• Co-branded airline cards: Co-branded airline credit cards are offered by card issuers alongside frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles. Cards in this category earn miles that are redeemable for flights with the airline itself or its partners, and they can come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access and more.
• Co-branded hotel cards: Hotel brands like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt also offer co-branded credit cards alongside major card issuers . Cards in this category earn hotel points that can be used for free award stays, suite upgrades and other on-site benefits, and they tend to come with perks like automatic elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Some premium hotel credit cards also come with annual travel credits and airport lounge membership.

How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

The best travel credit card for one person can be totally different for another, mostly because there are so many variables to keep in mind. Not only are there different types of travel rewards you can earn, but earning rates and cardholder perks and fees vary widely by product.

As you look for the right travel credit card for what you’re hoping to get in return, keep the following factors in mind.

Type of Rewards

First off, you’ll want to think over the type of travel rewards you want to earn, whether that’s flexible points, airline miles or hotel points. If you fly with a specific airline or stay with a specific brand of hotels often, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of earning rewards that are specific to that program versus earning flexible rewards that may or may not transfer to your favorite travel brands.

Redemption Options

Speaking of that, make sure you have a general idea of the redemption options available for the rewards you earn, and keep in mind that airline miles and hotel points tend to be more limited overall. If you want rewards that are as flexible as they can be, consider picking up a flexible travel credit card that lets you redeem rewards through a portal or transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners.

Cardholder Benefits

Also consider the perks you want to get with your credit card for travel, keeping in mind that some cards offer general benefits and others offer more specific perks. For example, airline credit cards tend to offer benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, whereas hotel credit cards offer hotel-specific perks like entry-level elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Meanwhile, flexible travel credit cards tend to offer more general benefits like fee credits as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership or Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.

Learn more about the benefits found with some of the best travel rewards cards:

• New Amex Delta SkyMiles benefits (and fees)
• Amex Platinum benefits
• Amex Gold Card benefits
• American Express® Business Gold Card benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits
• Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits

Earning Rates

Also look at the earning rates travel credit cards offer and compare them to see which cards would net you the most in rewards over time. If you spend a lot of money in specific categories each month like gas, groceries or travel, it can help to look for cards that offer bonus points in these categories.

Welcome Offers

Consider travel credit card welcome bonuses and see which ones entice you the most. If a card has a high minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus, make sure you can easily meet it with regular, organic spending and bills within the timeline required.

If you have to spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, for example, that breaks down to spending at least $1,334 on purchases each month for the first three consecutive months in a row after becoming a cardholder.

Travel Protections

Although you might be tempted to book your travel with your card that earns the greatest amount of rewards, you should also consider what travel protections your card provides. Many travel credit cards offer a suite of travel protections that can be far more valuable than a few marginal points if things go wrong. Here are a few of the essential travel protections that many travel cards offer.

• Trip delay insurance can cover incidental expenses and even an overnight stay if travel you book with your card is delayed significantly or overnight. Booking a trip with a card that offers this benefit can mean that you’re not out hundreds of dollars if you suddenly need to check into a hotel for an overnight flight delay.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance can cover damage to or theft of a rental car you book using your card. Ideally, you’d rent a car using a card that offers primary insurance, which can provide protection without requiring you to make a claim to your personal auto insurance. Keep in mind that this benefit doesn’t cover liability and often doesn’t cover car-sharing services like Turo.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may cover reimbursement of non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in the event that your trip gets interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. Which expenses this benefit covers vary widely by card—some cards only cover prepaid travel by common carrier, while others will cover expenses like tours and lodging booked through travel providers.

Finally, compare travel credit cards based on their annual fees, and make sure you feel comfortable with the annual fee you’re planning to pay. If a credit card for travel you’re considering charges an annual fee, look closely at its benefits and rewards to make sure you’re getting more value out of the card than its annual fee the first year. Also check for other fees like foreign transaction fees, but note that credit cards geared to travel usually don’t charge them.

You can also look at cards based on their variable interest rates and intro APR offers. That said, you’ll typically only want to get a travel credit card if you plan to pay off your purchases in full each month. If you carry a balance on your card or end up in long-term debt, the variable rates you pay will more than wipe out the rewards you earn.

What Are Your Points and Miles Worth?

How much points and miles are worth may not seem like a big consideration, but this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind as you compare card earning rates and redemption options. After all, some rewards points are worth considerably more than others, and some cards have different redemption rates depending on how you use your points.

Knowing how much your points are worth can help you decide if a travel credit card is the right fit for you. For example, Amex Membership Rewards points are worth an average of 1.19 cents per point according to Newsweek valuations. For maximum value, you’ll need to transfer your points to an airline partner.

Other Amex redemption options aren’t as valuable. You can redeem Amex points for airfare through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point. But points are only worth 0.6 cents per point if you redeem for statement credits and 0.7 cents per point for many travel redemptions through Amex Travel.

If cash back is your preferred redemption option, a cash back credit card is likely a better fit over an Amex travel card. And if you’re not booking flights through Amex travel or transferring to a high-value transfer partner, a different travel rewards card could give you better value when redeeming your rewards.

Also note that similar points from different programs can be worth varying amounts, and this can skew how generous the earning rates and welcome bonuses appear with different cards. For example, Hilton Honors points are worth an average of 0.41 cents each, whereas World of Hyatt points are worth 2.11 cents each based on our internal valuations.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for the best travel credit cards.

Minimum credit score recommendations vary by card product and card issuer. But the best travel credit cards are geared toward individuals with good to excellent credit (or a FICO Score of 670 and up).

What Is the Best Credit Card for Travel Points?

The best credit card for travel rewards can vary based on the type of rewards, fees charged and perks included. However, some of the best travel credit cards on the market today include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.

Do I Have To Pay Interest on a Credit Card?

Avoid interest completely on credit cards by paying your card’s statement balance in full by your card’s payment due date each month. Some cards also come with introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers or both, yet this isn’t a common feature among credit cards for travel rewards.

The post Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024 first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review 2024: rewards, benefits, and more

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers generous travel rewards for a reasonable annual fee, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers who prioritize earning points on hotels, airlines, and dining expenses.

Marc Guberti

Marc Guberti is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and Bankrate contributor. He also writes articles on finance and investing for US News & World Report, InvestorPlace, Benzinga, and other publications.

Hanna Horvath

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated April 24, 2024, 2:34 PM EDT

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is solely responsible for this content and the services it provides.

Advertiser disclosure: Content provided by Bankrate.com. Fox and its content partners earn compensation from the affiliate companies below. This content doesn’t include all available offers, and compensation may impact how and where links appear in the content.

The new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a great travel card with a reasonable annual fee. This card is best for frequent travelers thanks to its unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel, and 1X points on all other purchases.

In this review, we'll dive into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your wallet.

Key takeaway

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers great rewards on hotels, airlines, and dining expenses alongside travel protection benefits, making it a valuable tool for those who spend heavily in these categories and want to maximize their travel rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

• 5X points back on hotels and other great travel rewards
• Generous welcome bonus
• Annual statement credit for airfare purchases
• No portal that restricts which travel purchases qualify for bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protection benefits
• Rewards primarily focused on travel and dining categories
• No introductory APR period
• $95 annual fee

Key features

• Unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x  points on other travel and dining, 1x on other purchases
• $50 annual airfare statement credit 

Travel protection benefits 

Benefits and rewards.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card comes with a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 reward points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. This bonus can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, giving you a head start on earning points. 

One of the most attractive aspects of this card is its unlimited reward structure. Cardholders earn 5X points on hotel bookings, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently stay at hotels. 

The card also offers 4X points on airline purchases, helping you accumulate points quickly when booking flights. For other travel expenses and dining, you'll earn 3X points, while all other purchases earn 1X points.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card costs $95 per year, on par or lower than many other comparable travel credit cards. 

You’ll also get a $50 annual statement credit for any airline booking (with a $50 minimum airline purchase), effectively reducing the annual fee to just $45. This credit can offset the cost of flights, making your travel even more affordable.

Redeeming rewards

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a flexible travel card, which means you can transfer points to hotel or airline partners.

Co-branded cards often offer 2X-5X points on travel and may restrict which airlines or hotel chains you can use points with. For example, an American Airlines credit card often requires you to board an American Airlines plane to get the maximum points back. 

Unlike other travel cards, you don’t have to use Wells Fargo’s travel portal to earn bonus points when booking travel. For example, you can earn 5X points on travel purchases with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , but you must make those purchases within the Chase Travel℠ portal to earn the bonus points.  

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card doesn’t have this type of restriction. Also, unlike many other cards, there’s no cap on the rewards you can earn, says David Shipper, Strategic Advisor at Datos Insights. 

This card offers trip cancellation, reimbursing you up to $15,000 for non-refundable expenses such as lodging, flights, and activities if your trip is canceled for a covered reason. This benefit provides peace of mind when booking travel, knowing you're protected against unforeseen circumstances. 

The Autograph Journey card also offers other travel protections, such as trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver. These benefits can save you money and hassle in travel disruptions or mishaps.

Considerations and downsides

While the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers impressive rewards, there are a few potential downsides.

The card comes with an annual fee of $95, which may be a deterrent for some (especially when there are plenty of solid no annual fee cards on the market). But, the $50 annual statement credit for airfare effectively reduces the annual fee to $45, making it more manageable. 

“The card comes with a $95 fee, which many consumers will not want to pay. However, that fee is in line with other travel-related credit cards (if not a bit lower) and will more than offset by the card's many bonus features,” Shipper says. 

Another drawback is that the card's rewards are focused primarily on travel and dining. If you don't spend heavily in these categories, you may be unable to maximize the card's rewards. 

Additionally, the redemption options for reward points may be limited compared to other travel cards . While Wells Fargo does have a list of travel partners you can transfer points to at a 1:1 rate, the network is not as diverse or large as other competitors.  

This card also doesn’t have a 0% introductory APR offer, making it not the best choice for those who may carry a balance.

Who is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card best for?

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who spend heavily on hotels, airlines, and dining. The lack of limits on your bonus points makes this card especially worthwhile.

But if you spend regularly outside of these categories, this may not be the best card for you. 

You’ll get 1X points back on non-travel and non-dining purchases, but that’s the minimum across the industry. You’re better off using another card for groceries, electronics, gas, and everyday purchases.

Alternatives

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card offers many perks for people who like to travel often. However, you should compare credit cards before choosing the right travel card for your finances. Here are some alternatives.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

The card offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase’s Travel portal, 2X on other travel purchases, 3X on dining and grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 3X points on select streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases.

The Sapphire Preferred card has a greater range of spending categories that exceed 1X points back. You’ll also get 25% more value when you redeem your points through the Chase Travel℠ portal. For example, 60,000 points can be valued at up to $750 for qualifying travel expenses. The card has a $95 annual fee.  

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers a straightforward unlimited 2X miles for every dollar you spend. You’ll also earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, all for a $95 annual fee.

The new cardholder offer is 75,000 bonus miles if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your card. The card comes with travel accident insurance.

The ability to earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase is a good perk for non-travel spending categories. However, you must use Capital One Travel to book your flights and hotels to receive the maximum bonus miles.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a good starter card for those who want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to pay an annual fee.

You can receive unlimited 3X points at restaurants, travel, gas and electric vehicle charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. All other purchases are eligible for 1X points. You can redeem points for travel, gift cards, and cash.

The card doesn’t have as many travel benefits but has some notable perks. You’ll get up to $600 of cell phone protection against theft or damage, 24/7 roadside dispatch, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

You can earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 within the first three months of opening your account, which is worth up to $200 in cash back. 

Citi Premier® Card 

The Citi Premier card has a 60,000 bonus point welcome offer if you spend $4,000 after the first three months of opening your account. This card has a $95 annual fee. You can earn a $100 annual hotel credit if you spend $500 or more, helping you offset the annual cost.

The card offers 3X points back on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. You will receive 1X points back on all other purchases. Points do not expire, and there is no limit to how many bonus points you can earn.

For a limited time, you can earn up to 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding flights) booked through Citi’s travel portal. This promotional offer lasts until June 30, 2024. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a straightforward card with no annual or foreign transaction fees. You’ll earn a flat 1.5X points on every purchase. You can also receive 25,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Unlike the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, this card has a 0% introductory APR offer. You’ll get 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchase. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% for the first 60 days, and this balance transfer fee goes up to 4% after the initial promotion.

Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% additional points on every purchase. Your membership level depends on your two-month combined average daily balance across your Bank of America bank accounts.

Outside of that, the card doesn’t have as many perks. It’s good for beginners who want to get started earning travel rewards. However, you may earn more rewards and access additional benefits if you use a card with an annual fee.   

The bottom line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a great, flexible choice for travelers with a moderate annual fee. The card also has a generous welcome bonus similar to what you will find with other travel cards.

But it’s important to consider your spending habits and travel preferences when deciding if this card is right for you. If travel and dining aren’t your primary spending categories, you may find more value in alternative cards with different rewards. Its rewards, benefits, and travel protections make this card a solid choice for travelers. 

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.  

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Best Credit Cards To Pair With the Capital One Venture X

Ariana Arghandewal

Travel Expert

Ariana Arghandewal is a travel rewards expert and founder of Pointchaser.com, an award-winning blog. She has over a decade of experience writing about personal finance and travel rewards. She is passionate about helping people leverage credit cards to achieve their travel goals. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including Bankrate, Business Insider, CNN Underscored, Forbes Advisor and Lonely Planet.

Claire Dickey

Senior Editor

Claire is a senior editor at Newsweek focused on credit cards, loans and banking. Her top priority is providing unbiased, in-depth personal finance content to ensure readers are well-equipped with knowledge when making financial decisions. 

Prior to Newsweek, Claire spent five years at Bankrate as a lead credit cards editor. You can find her jogging through Austin, TX, or playing tourist in her free time.

Updated April 26, 2024 at 4:14 pm

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards , thanks to a generous rewards structure, luxury travel perks and recurring mileage bonus. The card earns a minimum of 2X miles on all spending and includes an annual $300 credit through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary. While the card is a powerhouse on its own (and quite reasonable even for its $395 annual fee), it might not suffice on its own if you’re looking to earn as many rewards as possible on all of your purchases.

For example, many credit cards offer 3 or more points per dollar spent on common spending categories like dining, gas and groceries. Adding one of these cards to your wallet can help you earn more rewards and unlock better travel opportunities.

So, which card pairs best with the Capital One Venture X? Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs. However, we’ve rounded up some options for different types of consumers.

Here’s a look at the best credit card to pair with Capital One Venture X:

Understanding the value of cash back is simple, but valuing airline miles or points redeemable for travel requires digging a bit deeper. At Newsweek, we’ve developed a common language to talk about the value of points and miles: our valuations.

Our valuations translate points into dollars and cents in a way that reflects reality. They are based on actual data across a balance of accessible redemption options, not just the aspirational first and business class redemptions that require a PhD in miles and points to book. The upshot is that our valuations help you understand the actual value you can easily get from your miles and points.

Vault’s Viewpoint

• A good companion card to the Capital One Venture X card would have a lower annual fee and earn higher rewards on everyday spending categories.
• The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent companion to Capital One Venture X, thanks to its 3X bonus categories on daily spending.
• When pairing a card with the Venture X, remember to consider how the cards’ loyalty programs would mesh together.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture x and citi premier card.

The Citi Premier® Card complements the Capital One Venture X nicely thanks to its comprehensive category bonuses and loyalty program. While the Venture X card earns a flat 2X miles on all purchases, the Citi Premier offers higher rewards in categories like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations. Thanks to numerous overlapping transfer partners , combining these two cards can help you achieve your travel goals faster.

The Venture X earns 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It’s great for maximizing rewards on most purchases, including travel. However, the Citi Premier takes it up a notch by helping you maximize rewards on everyday purchases. Cardholders earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels.

Additionally, the card offers 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through ThankYou.com (through June 30, 2024). Combining these two cards is a great way to elevate your rewards on every dollar spent.

The Capital One Venture X and Citi Premier also complement each other well when it comes to benefits. The Venture X offers a $300 annual travel credit valid on Capital One Travel bookings, a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus automatically received each year you pay the annual fee and renew your card, comprehensive lounge benefits and up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership credit every four years. With the Citi Premier, you’ll get up to an annual

$100 hotel benefit that applies to single hotel bookings of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through ThankYou.com. These combined benefits create a power suite of perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience.

While Citi eliminated most of its travel and purchase protections a few years ago, Capital One makes up for it with comprehensive purchase and travel protections. These include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone protection, purchase security and more.

Similar Transfer Partners

Additionally, the two cards allow you to transfer Capital One miles 1:1 to over a dozen loyalty programs. The Citi ThankYou and Capital One miles transfer programs have 14 programs in common, making it easy to combine your rewards for redemptions with the following programs:

• Accor Live Limitless
• Aeromexico Club Premier
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca Lifemiles
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Choice Privileges
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• Eva Air Infinity MileageLands
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Singapore KrisFlyer
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Red/Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Wyndham Rewards

If you prefer to redeem your Thank You points or Capital One miles for travel redemptions, you can do so at 1 cent each. Both currencies are incredibly versatile, and you can combine them in numerous ways to save on travel.

Citi Premier® Card

After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

Why Would You Want To Pair One Card With Another?

Pairing the Capital One Venture X with another credit card can help you maximize rewards across various spending categories. While the Venture X excels in providing generous travel rewards, it doesn’t offer competitive rewards on dining, groceries or other daily spending categories. By pairing it with another credit card, you can earn rewards in a broader range of purchases.

For instance, coupling the Venture X with a card like the Citi Premier can help you earn points at an accelerated rate on everyday purchases like gas, dining and grocery spending. By strategically using each card for its respective bonus categories, you can optimize your points accumulation and ultimately increase the value of your rewards.

Other Cards To Consider

While the Citi Premier is a great card to pair with the Venture X, it has some drawbacks. Primarily, the card lacks purchase and travel protections. While the Venture X makes up for this disadvantage, some consumers prefer that all their credit cards offer these protections. If the Citi Premier doesn’t quite fit the bill, here are some alternatives to pair with the Capital One Venture X Card.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you want a card similar to the Citi Premier but with better category bonuses, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is worth a look. The card earns an unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart). While the rewards are in cash back form , the elevated earning rate compared to the Venture X makes it worthwhile.

The Savor Cash Rewards card has a $95 annual fee, which is reasonable considering the Venture X card comes in at $395. Further, new applicants can earn a welcome bonus of $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cards to pair with the Capital One Venture X. The card earns 3X points on gas, transit, travel, restaurants, popular streaming services and phone plans—all pretty significant purchase categories for most people. By charging these expenses to the Autograph Card and all others to the Venture X, you can earn a lot of rewards quickly.

The great thing about the Autograph Card is that it recently introduced transfer partners . In addition to redeeming points for cash back at 1 cent each, cardholders can transfer their points 1:1 or better to five loyalty programs: Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges and Iberia Plus Avios. Three of these programs overlap with Capital One, allowing you to stack rewards easily for an award redemption.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card is a great addition to your wallet if you want to earn 2X miles on all purchases while separating your business expenses. The card earns unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The Spark Miles for Business has a $95 ongoing annual fee with no annual fee in the first year, making it an excellent option for business owners who want rewards similar to those of the Venture X without a steep annual fee.

Cardholders also get access to up to a $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit every four years. Additionally, the card comes with a generous one-time welcome bonus of 50,000 miles earned once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of the capital one venture x.

The main downside of the Capital One Venture X card is the high annual fee. Some cardholders will have trouble justifying the $395 annual fee if they don’t utilize the card’s benefits fully or earn enough rewards. Additionally, Capital One pulls your credit from all three credit bureaus when you apply for the card. Most other banks pull from one or two.

Is the Capital One Venture X Hard To Get Approved For?

The Capital One Venture X card is somewhat hard to get approved for since it’s recommended for those with excellent credit, or a FICO Score of 800 and above.

Can I Get a Venture X Card if I Have a Capital One Venture Card?

Yes, you can get the Venture X card if you have the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . Many cardholders, myself included, have been approved for both. Keep in mind that Capital One considers numerous criteria when evaluating credit applications. Being an existing card member won’t guarantee you’ll be approved.

Related Articles

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Pros and cons of credit cards for EVs

What is a credit card for ev charging, how to choose the best credit card for you, how to maximize your ev charging card, alternatives to ev charging cards, how to apply for a credit card.

Why You Can Trust CNET Money

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Best Credit Cards for EV Charging for April 2024

You can earn rewards for charging your electric vehicle, but the best cards also come with a variety of other benefits.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The best cards for electric vehicles come with a range of benefits, including consumer protections and generous rewards for spending. Some of the best cards in this niche include both credit cards and debit cards that let you earn rewards and access other benefits.

If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for having an EV, you’ll want to compare options that offer cash back or points for EV charging and other “green” purchases. Other features to look for include built-in insurance protections and potentially introductory APR offers for purchases, balance transfers or both. The best cards for EV owners all come with no annual fee as well. 

Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back* stands out due to its unique earning structure that awards cardholders for different types of purchases throughout the year. Members earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent when activated in rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. The current bonus category  includes gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and public transit. Categories will change when the next quarter begins on July 1, 2024. 

There’s no annual fee, and Discover will essentially double all rewards earned at the end of your first year. As an added bonus, this card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.

FutureCard Visa® Debit Card

The FutureCard Visa® Debit Card * is a debit card that earns rewards for spending with no monthly fees or annual fees and no credit check required. Cardholders earn 6% back when you shop with one of its 40+ “ FuturePartners ” and 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent on public transportation, electric charging, bikes and scooters, secondhand clothes and furniture, and plant-based meat, dairy and eggs (then 1% back) and 1% back on other purchases, and all spending is funded with cash you deposit in your own FDIC-insured bank account.

Cardholders also earn 2.72% APY on cash they keep in their account.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* lets users earn accelerated rewards on select travel purchases and other spending. Cardholders earn 4x points on travel, gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, cardholders will earn 4x points on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and EV charging stations each quarter (then 1x points). 

Cardholders also earn 2x points on dining, streaming services at grocery stores and on grocery delivery and 1x points on other eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95 after that. Other notable benefits include a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges and built-in travel insurance protections. New cardholders can even earn 50,000 bonus points worth $500 after spending $2,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card stands out since it offers bonus points in so many categories with no annual fee. Members earn an unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations and EV charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other purchases earn 1x points.

This card also lets new members earn 20,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. An intro APR offer for purchases sweetens the deal and helps cardholders save money on interest for a limited time. Other benefits include cellphone insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and select Visa Signature perks.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer bonus rewards specifically for EV-related purchases, it does offer an exceptional flat rewards rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.

The flat rewards rate makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a winner for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories over time. Other benefits include cell phone insurance and a generous intro APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

While you need to be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi * , this card offers generous rewards for all kinds of purchases, including EV charging. Specifically, cardholders earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on EV charging and gas station purchases each year (then 1% back), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com and 1% back on other purchases.

There’s no annual fee with a paid Costco membership (which costs $60 per year). Also note that, with the top rewards category alone, cardholders have the potential to earn $280 back on the first $7,000 spent on gas and EV charging expenses every year.

If you plan to use a credit card for EV-related spending, including charging your vehicle at home or away , you should know about the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Earn rewards for spending and possibly bonus points or cash back for EV charging purchases

Offers a convenient payment option on the road

Many credit cards that let you earn rewards on EV charging also offer perks like travel insurance or cellphone insurance

Credit cards could lead to overspending and debt

Can be a hassle to keep track of cards that have rewards caps or changing categories

Credit cards that earn rewards often require good or excellent credit

Missing a credit card payment could damage your credit

A credit card for EV charging is just like any other credit card, but they offer benefits for EV-related purchases. For the most part, benefits come in the form of cash back or rewards points for EV charging bills, which can add up over the course of a year.

Credit cards for EV charging let users earn rewards when they charge their cars on the road or at home. Cardholders who want to take advantage can pay for EV charging stations and their home electric bill with their credit cards. It’s important to pay credit card balances in full to avoid interest charges.

Consider these tips to find the right credit card for your needs.

Assess your personal credit . The best credit cards for EVs require good or excellent credit. If your credit score isn’t quite in the good credit range, but you want to earn rewards for EV purchases, use these tips to help boost your score or consider credit cards for fair credit .

Compare cardholder benefits . Look at the benefits each card offers and decide which ones are most helpful for you. These could include 0% intro APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, travel insurance benefits, cellphone insurance and more.

Consider annual fees . The best credit cards for EV purchases don’t charge an annual fee, but some top rewards credit cards do. Apply for a credit card with an annual fee only if you know you’ll get enough in benefits and rewards to justify the fee each year .

Look closely at rewards rates . The best EV credit cards tend to offer better than average reward rates on EV charging purchases, but many have other bonus categories as well. There are also flat-rate rewards credit cards that offer the same cash back rewards rate on purchases, which could be attractive if you don’t want to bother tracking rewards categories.

Select the type of rewards you want to earn . Finally, make sure you’re earning rewards you can use. Investigate rewards programs to confirm you like the redemption options available with different cards.

To make the most of your EV charging credit card, you’ll want to use it to pay for expenses related to charging up whether at home or on the road. You can also use your card for other purchases you make to boost your rewards haul, depending on your credit card’s reward categories. 

Most importantly, you can maximize your card’s benefits by paying your credit card statement balance in full every billing period. If you carry a balance on your EV card and end up paying interest on purchases as a result, the rewards you earn won’t be worth the cost.

If you want to earn rewards for spending but you don’t necessarily want to prioritize rewards on EV purchases, you can expand your search to the following: :

• Best cash back credit cards
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best travel credit cards

Cards that fall into each of these categories offer different types of rewards you can earn for spending, each with their own benefits and features. Compare the best credit cards before you make your decision.

And if you want to skip using a credit card altogether, check out this list of no-fee charging options .

Follow these steps to apply for an EV credit card:

• Compare cards to find the right fit . Use this guide to find a credit card that matches your lifestyle and spending habits. 
• Apply securely online using the links above . The best credit cards let you apply for an account on a card issuer’s secure website. Some card issuers also let you apply for a new account over the phone.
• Submit your application . Be prepared to share information like your household income, your Social Security number, your monthly housing payment and your contact information. The card issuer will conduct a hard inquiry on your credit reports during the application process.
• Use your card responsibly . If you’re approved for the card, make sure to pay your credit card bill in full each month to avoid the high interest rates most credit cards charge for carrying a balance.

The best EV credit card varies from person to person. However, some of the top options available today include the Discover it® Cash Back, the US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

The best gas credit cards also offer bonus rewards on EV charging, including the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi.

*All information about the FutureCard Visa Debit Card, US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.