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The Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (Updated 2022)

No matter where you go or how long you travel, using a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the easiest ways to save money while travelling, period.

Currency exchange booths at airports and banks can be convenient, but a lot of your money goes towards exchange fees (e.g. $10 per exchange) and hidden commissions padded into poor exchange rates (especially the booths advertising “no commissions”). With a bit of research and planning, you can save  hundreds , if not thousands of dollars in fees over the long-term!

Credit and debit cards with no foreign transaction fees are the cheapest, easiest ways to get money and make payments overseas.  Credit cards are accepted worldwide, and ATMs are internationally networked through the Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. You enter your PIN and withdraw your cash just like you would at home, while the exchange rates are automatically handled by the banks.

However, some credit and debit cards are better than others!  For the majority of cards, banks still try to add commissions and fees to each payment or ATM withdrawal made abroad. Even if you don't travel a lot, these fees add up quickly.

We've rounded up the best credit and debit cards around the world that minimize or eliminate these fees, putting more money back into your adventure funds!

NOTE: These are cards to be used overseas to avoid foreign transaction fees. For the best all around travel points cards, check out the travel rewards cards section of CardRatings , as well as our free guide “ How to Get Free Flights with Travel Credit Cards and Points “!

The best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Credit cards have various features that can make or break your travel savings. Ideally, these are the features to look for in a credit card:

• Foreign transaction fee of 0%
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)
• Extra perks, like free car or travel insurance

Our top U.S. credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Not only do the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards have no foreign transaction fees, but they offer major sign-up bonuses that can already cover a free domestic flight. You also earn 2x-3x the points when spending on travel and dining worldwide, making them essential cards for travelling.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• 60,000 reward points (worth $750 ) after meeting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x points for purchases on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• Points are worth 25% more on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g. 60,000 points worth $750 toward travel)
• Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance and more.
• Can transfer your reward points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual fee: $95

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 ) once you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Up to $100 credit for  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 2 complimentary lounge visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges
• Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles don't expire. Book flights, hotels, or transfer points to 10+ travel loyalty programs.

Americans have the cream of the crop when it comes to credit card options, and they're constantly improving. We highly recommend checking out the No Foreign Transaction Fees section on CardRatings.com for up-to-date card comparisons and sign-up bonuses.

Not from the U.S.? Check your country below to see what's best for you!

The best travel debit cards with no foreign transaction fees

These are the ideal features to look for in a debit card:

• Foreign transaction rate of 0%
• International ATM withdrawal fee of $0
• Refund of third-party ATM withdrawal fees (This is rare, but it exists!)
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)

Many banks around the world have come together to establish the Global ATM Alliance . If your card belongs to a bank in the alliance, you can make withdrawals from banks at other alliance member ATMs around the world without paying additional fees . Here's our roundup of the best debit cards for travel.

Essential tips for using debit and credit cards while travelling

1. pay using a credit card whenever possible..

Foreign ATMs can still inflate their exchange rates and charge withdrawal fees, but a direct credit card payment only involves the credit card you signed up with in your home country. And with a good points or cashback program, this beats any other method of foreign payment.

Bottom line? Always pay with a credit card, but  NEVER withdraw cash from an ATM with one. Credit cards charge interest on cash advances from the moment you withdraw it at the ATM.

2. Never take the option of paying in your own currency

Card terminals at shops and hotels will often detect that your card is from another country and offer to bill you in your home currency. Never choose this option – always pay in the foreign currency!  The exchange rate offered will be inflated by the card terminal, so if you’re using one of the credit cards recommended above, you will receive a much better exchange rate.

3. Inform your debit and credit card providers of your travels

Credit and debit cards are frequently being monitored by security departments for suspicious activity. If you're from the U.S. and you make an ATM withdrawal in Thailand when they don’t know you’re overseas, this could appear suspicious to your bank, and your card might be locked the next time you withdraw. Give your bank or credit card provider a call and let them know when and where you’ll be travelling. Take it from us – you  do not want to be stuck without cash and a useless card!

4. Obtain at least one debit and credit card on each of the Visa/Plus and MasterCard/Cirrus networks.

Even if you follow the advice in tip #3, it’s possible your card could get locked anyway. On top of that, it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where an ATM accepts only one network and not the other. For example, when we travelled in Japan, the only ATMs we could find that would even accept international cards were at 7-Eleven, and they only worked with cards on the Visa/Plus network. I speak from experience – there’s nothing more stressful than needing more cash and not being able to withdraw it, so be prepared and bring multiple cards on multiple networks .

5. Consider a credit card with included insurance

The jury is still out on whether it's safe to rely on car and travel insurance that is sometimes provided by credit cards, and unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to file a claim after the accident has happened. If you're concerned about insurance, its best to be safe and purchase it from the car rental company, but if not, you might as well pay with a credit card that offers car insurance and hope for the best if you do end up in an accident. We generally try to use American Express cards when thinking about insurance, as they are managing the insurance on the cards worldwide, whereas Visa/Mastercard insurance is often handled by the card's issuing bank, and may not be as straightforward to redeem.

6. Keep backup cards in your hotel room

If you lose all your credit and debit cards while overseas, you're going to be in quite the pickle. Always keep at least one extra card back at your accommodation in case your main card or entire wallet is lost or stolen while you're out.

7. Bring $100 USD as backup cash

When all else fails, U.S. dollars are the closest thing to a global currency that we have today. It's the most commonly accepted currency, not only at exchange booths, but even at shops and restaurants in other countries. If there are no ATMs in sight or your cards have been stolen, an emergency backup of U.S. dollars will get you out an emergency situation.

Do you have another card recommendation? Know something we don't? Write it in the comments below!

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Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are author's alone. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Nice! This is really helpful thanks!

Great tips for travelers!

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What are the best U.S. debit and credit cards to use overseas?

Just got off a long phone call with HSBC Canada. They are unable to tell me what their card issuer exchange rate surcharge. I had just come back from Mexico and used my HSBC ATM card on a HSBC ATM machine and I calculated the fee to be about 2.1% based on that days interbank rate. Shouldn’t this fee be in the disclosure statements? There was a class action lawsuit I believe many years ago because the credit card companies failed to state their foreign exchange surcharge. From what I’m reading on the Global ATM website is that Visa is involved with the foreign exchange when using an ATM and it states they add a 2.5% foreign exchange fee. You didn’t show this in your nice graphics above. Is it berried in the base exchange rate?

We use Visa Avion, which is good in all categories but I believe they do charge a slight foreign transaction fee. But we have claimed through their default insurance, both car, health, and travel. All minor things, but ya, no issues. The card is not free however, and unless you spend a lot each month or travel frequently it’s not worth it. For us, the points for the business transactions transfer to personal, so it really adds up! (Currently we have more than enough to fly the entire family pretty much anywhere. ) When abroad we usually only use the card for car rental or nicer hotels and of course flights or trains and such (to access insurance benefits one must book the flight etc on that card…) But read the fine print, confirm with the agent. For example, usually to get car insurance you have to wave the rental companies insurance. (This saved us a ton in Africa!) The rental agencies will even phone and confirm if they don’t know the card. These cards were set up for frequent business travelers originally. But read the fine print too, I know our card covers 30 days from home, but you can add insurance to the card for longer trips too. It’s all through RBC, and like any blood sucking corporation there are advantages for the savvy but their ultimate goal is to get you to pay twice for the same thing. Read the fine print, phone your card agent, etc… But we honestly have found the Avion worth it for us because of the company points.

This info is super helpful! For Canadians, what about the Marriott Rewards® Premier Visa® Card? I’ve been looking into credit and debit cards for an upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, and came across this card today. From what I can tell, it seems pretty good (no foreign currency transaction charges and has perks). Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this card? Thanks!

so where do you find that tangerine thrive chequing account info? I have an account with tangerine and I can find no info on this animal on their website

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Best Travel Cards with No Annual Fees [2024 Guide]: Debit & Credit Options

Travel cards are optimized for international use, with extras like ways to hold a foreign currency balance, extra rewards when you spend overseas, or easy ways to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Travel cards can be either debit or credit cards, and may be issued by major banks, card networks, or specialist non-bank alternatives like Wise or Revolut . Whichever you choose, picking a card with no annual fee can mean you get all the perks when you travel, but don’t have to pay ongoing costs.

This guide walks through 5 of the best travel cards with no annual fee for US customers, so you can see if any might fit your specific spending needs.

Key points: Best cards with no annual fees

Here are the cards we’ll investigate in more detail as we dive into the best travel cards with no annual fees:

• Wise Travel Debit Card : Hold 40+ currencies, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43% in 150+ countries
• Revolut Travel Debit Card : Hold 25+ currencies, and pick your account plan to suit your needs and spending pattern – no-fee currency exchange available to fixed plan limits
• Capital One 360 Debit Card: Spend internationally with no foreign transaction fee – and very few fees to worry about overall; network exchange rates apply
• Bank of America Travel Rewards Travel Credit Card: Spend and earn rewards, with no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee
• Discover Travel Credit Card: Travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee and extra perks like reward points that never expire

Go to Wise Go to Revolut  

We’ll take a look at each provider more in detail, later.

Are there travel cards with no annual fee?

Yes, you can get travel cards without annual fees, including debit and credit cards. Generally travel cards have some features specific to international use, whether that’s ways to hold a foreign currency balance, no foreign transaction fees, or extra cash back when you spend overseas.

Picking a card with no annual fee – or no monthly fees – means you can use your card as and when you like, with no ongoing costs to cover. This guide looks at both debit and credit cards, including major bank options – and some alternatives you may like to consider, like Wise and Revolut.

Best international travel cards with no annual fees 2023

This guide walks through a selection of no annual fee travel cards from different provider types. We’ve got a couple of smart international debit cards from non-bank providers, plus a debit card from a major bank, and 2 travel credit cards. This gives a great overview into the options available for US customers – let’s start with a head to head comparison, and dive into the detail right after:

*Details correct at time of writing – 7th December 2023

Wise Travel Debit Card

Who is it for? Customers looking for low cost ways to hold, send, spend, and exchange 40+ currencies with a handy, low cost travel debit card

Wise is a specialist provider which has digital account options you can use to hold 40+ currencies and spend internationally with a linked debit card which is accepted globally.

Add money in USD and simply allow the card to make the conversion at the point of transaction, or convert your funds to the currency you need ahead of time. In either case you get the mid-market rate and low, transparent fees – plus some free ATM withdrawals globally every month.

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies
• Manage your money with just your phone
• Mid-market currency exchange with conversion fees as low as 0.43%
• Spend in 150+ countries
• No ongoing fees or minimum balance

Wise fees: 9 USD card order fee: 1.5 USD + 2% ATM fee once free withdrawals are exhausted; currency exchange from 0.43%

Here’s how to order your Wise card :

• Register a Wise account online or in the Wise app
• Add a currency balance in USD or another supported top up currency
• Tap the Cards tab in the app, and follow the prompts to order your card
• Complete any required verification step
• Pay the one time fee, and your card will be mailed to you

Go to Wise Learn more: Wise card review

Revolut Travel Debit Card

Who is it for? Customers looking for a travel debit card for 25+ currencies, which also comes with extras like accounts for under 18s, and options to upgrade to an account with annual/monthly fees for more perks

Revolut offers various different account options for US customers, including the Standard plan which has no monthly or annual fee. If you’d prefer you can upgrade to an account with monthly costs, which also unlocks extra benefits and higher no fee transaction limits. This gives flexibility to pick the account that suits your spending habits.

All Revolut accounts can hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and come with a linked debit card for global spending. You’ll get mid-market exchange rates to your plan’s limits, then pay a 0.5% fair usage fee. There are also some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly with all accounts.

• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies – all accounts have some no-fee currency conversion every month
• Choose from an account with no monthly or annual fee, or upgrade to an account with ongoing fees if you’d rather
• Get extras like accounts for younger family members and ways to save
• In network ATM withdrawals have no fees; accounts have some no fee out of network withdrawals monthly

Go to Revolut

Revolut fees Standard plans have no monthly fee, Premium plans – 9.99 USD/month, Metal plans – 16.99 USD/month; Some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly, 2% fees after that; Mid-market rate currency exchange to plan limit; fair usage fee of 0.5% after that; 1% out of hours currency conversion fee

Here’s how to order your Revolut card :

• Register a Revolut account in the Revolut app
• Tap Cards, and then Add new
• Complete your mailing details, and your card will be mailed to you

Capital One 360 Debit Card

Who is it for? Customers looking for a low fee checking account with no ongoing charges, and a debit card which has no foreign transaction fees

If you’d prefer a travel card which is linked to a checking account from a major US bank, the Capital One 360 account may appeal. It’s a low fee account, with very few transaction costs and no annual or monthly charge for either the card or the underlying account. You’ll not pay any foreign transaction fee, making this a good option for international use as well as home spending. Some features on this account – such as options to make international payments – may be limited, so it’s important to read through the terms and conditions carefully if you intend to use this as a primary checking account.

• No fuss, low fee checking account from an established bank
• No foreign transaction fee when you’re abroad
• No monthly or annual fee to pay for the account or card
• Get all the options you’d expect from a bank – additional services and products are easily available for existing customers

Capital One 360 Debit Card fees: 30 USD domestic wire fee, where available, international wires cost 30 USD – 40 USD; some fees for checking services apply

Here’s how to order your Capital One card:

• Go to the Capital One website and hit Open Account
• Enter your name, address and SSN
• Add a balance
• Once your balance is cleared and your identity is verified, your account will be opened and you’ll get your account and routing number

Go to Capital One

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card

Who is it for? Customers looking for a no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee credit card with reward options and great global acceptance

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card offers rewards on spending, which you can trade in for flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, baggage fees, and at restaurants. There are attractive opening offers – at the time of writing these include extra bonus points for new customers and an initial 0% APR. After any opening offers expire, you’ll pay a variable interest on your spending if you don’t repay your bill in full every period, and as with other credit cards, penalty fees may apply if you miss a payment or don’t pay at least the minimum required amount.

• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fee – making this good for overseas use
• Great offers for new customers, including reduced costs and extra bonus points
• Trade in your rewards flexible, for a good range of treats and practical items
• Relatively low cash advance fees – but still more costly than using a debit card

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card fees: 18.24% – 28.24% variable APR after introductory offer; 3% cash advance fee

Here’s how to order your Bank of America card:

• Go to the Bank of America website and hit Apply now
• Enter your personal and contact information
• Follow the prompts to enter the details needed for eligibility checks
• Once your account is approved, you’ll be sent your card in the mail

Discover Travel Credit Card

Who is it for? Customers looking for a travel credit card with great rewards which have flexible redemption options

Discover doesn’t have foreign transaction fees on any of its cards – but we’ve picked out this one in particular as the reward options can be cashed in for travel credit, or cash to make your foreign travel that bit more luxurious. There’s no annual fee, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the cash advance fees are pretty high so you may decide not to use this card to get cash from an ATM to cut your costs overall. Discover isn’t the most popular global network – so it’s also worth checking if it’s commonly available in your destination.

• No foreign transaction fee and no annual fee to pay
• Good reward options including bonus perks for new customers
• Cash in your rewards for different things, depending on your personal preference
• Get access to your FICO credit score as part of the package

Discover Travel Credit Card fees: 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR after introductory offer; 10 USD or 5% cash advance fee

Here’s how to order your Discover card:

• Go to the Discover website and hit Apply now

Go to Discover

How can you avoid paying an annual fee?

Avoiding annual fees can keep down the costs of your spending overall, and allow you to get a card which you use primarily when you travel, with no extra charges to worry about.

Here are a few tips to help you pick out the right travel card:

• Look out for debit or prepaid cards in particular – as they often don’t have any annual fee
• Read your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you’re not caught out by surprise ongoing costs
• See if you can find a card which waives the annual fee for new customers – this can be a low risk way to see if a travel card suits your needs
• Pick a card from a non-bank alternative like Wise or Revolut which both have account options with no annual or ongoing fees

How do no-annual-fee travel cards work?

A no annual fee travel card allows you to get your card without paying fixed annual, monthly or ongoing charges. You’ll still find some fees apply in most cases – for example, a one time order fee or a card delivery fee, or fees based on how you transact. However, the advantage here is that you can choose a card which only charges you for the specific services you need, so you can use it as and when you need to without having fees to pay when the card is simply sitting at home.

Pros and cons of no annual fee travel cards

• No ongoing charges so just pay the for transactions and services you use
• Cut the costs of international spending
• Cards are convenient and safe to use, at home and abroad
• Travel cards have international benefits, which can include multi-currency balances and no foreign transaction fees
• Cards are available from banks, direct from card networks, and from non-bank alternatives – giving you a great range to choose from
• You may not get all the features and benefits you would with a card which has annual fees
• Transaction fees still apply, which can include cash advance or currency conversion charges
• You’ll need to complete your application for a new card, and wait for it to arrive in most cases – it’s not an instant option

How to get a travel card with no annual fees

Each travel card has its own application process, but in most cases you can order your card online or in an app, and complete all the verification and eligibility checks needed with nothing more than your laptop or phone.

Here’s what you’re likely to need to do to get a travel card with no annual fees:

• Research which card provider might suit your specific needs
• Go to the provider’s app or website and hit Open Account, or Register
• Enter your personal and contact information – usually name, address and SSN
• Complete any verification or eligibility checks needed
• Add a balance if you’re ordering a debit card
• Once everything is checked and approved, your account will be opened and you’ll get all you need to use and manage your card by mail

How to choose the best card for your travel

The right travel card for your needs will depend on how you plan to use it – including how frequently you’ll transact, how often you’ll be transacting overseas, and whether you prefer a debit or credit card. Here are a few things to consider:

If you’ll travel often: Picking a card that lets you hold multi-currency balances – like the Wise or Revolut cards – can reduce the costs of spending in multiple different currencies, without ongoing fees

If you’ll only use your card occasionally: No annual fee cards can be the best bet, particularly debit cards which tend to be cheaper and more flexible overall

If you want to spread the costs of travel: You’ll want to prioritize credit cards, but look carefully at the interest, including any introductory offers which may help you to reduce costs in the short term

If you want to reduce your costs as much as possible: Debit cards are usually cheaper overall than credit cards, and you can’t accidentally spend more than planned or run up an unexpected bill.

Related: Best travel cards without foreign transaction fees

No annual fee travel cards can offer lots of benefits for anyone who travels frequently – but because there are no ongoing costs, they’re also super helpful for people who only occasionally transact internationally. You’ll only pay for the services you need, and many card providers also have ways to upgrade if you find you use your card regularly and would prefer to pay ongoing charges to unlock more benefits.

If you’re thinking of a debit card which has low costs and lets you hold foreign currency balances, check out the Wise Travel Debit Card which is flexible enough to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and offers mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees. Or if you want to spread the costs of travel over a few months, you might prefer a travel credit card like the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card . You’ll earn rewards as you spend, and although there will be interest to pay, this does allow you to pay back your costs gradually if you choose to.

Use this guide to get you started in picking the right no annual fee travel card for your needs.

FAQs: No annual fee travel cards

Why do some cards have annual fees.

Different travel cards are designed for different customer needs. You’ll be able to find some with no annual fees, such as the flexible debit cards from Wise and Revolut – but if you’re a frequent card user you might prefer a card with an annual fee which can also often have extra perks and benefits as part of the package.

Is a travel card with an annual fee worth it?

Whether or not a travel card will be worthwhile for you depends on how often you travel and how you prefer to manage your money. The benefit of a no annual fee card is that you can test it out with little risk – check out the no annual fee options from Wise and Revolut if you want a flexible debit card which has no ongoing costs and low service charges.

A Little Advice… Handling Money for Travel: Credit, Debit, & Cash

Last updated on October 22, 2023 by Shannon

Handling money on the road is an important practicality for any international traveler. Let’s specifically discuss the best credit and debit cards for travel, with a note at the end about when and how to handle your cash (important since many developing countries are cash-based economies).

Although every traveler can benefit from the right card, long-term travelers and expats especially benefit from using cards that eliminate any and all foreign transaction fees. 

Together, my debit and credit cards and I have been through the good (no withdrawal fees), the bad (two percent transaction fees), and the ugly (whaddaya mean withdrawals and transactions are blocked in Slovenia? … I’m in Slovenia right now).

After more than ten years traveling, finding seamless banking solutions for international travel has made a huge positive impact on my travels. 

Let’s talk about all things money on the road. We’ll cover what should know about debit and bank cards, the best credit cards in general, and the best travel  rewards credit cards (those cards offering miles or points you can exchange for flights, hotels, etc.).

Table of Contents

Five Considerations for Travel Credit & Debit Cards

1. transaction fees.

Many credit card companies tack on a 1% to 3% foreign transaction fee to the total price of what you buy. For long-term travelers, this is a clear no-go. Luckily, you have options to circumvent these fees if you research ahead of time.

You must find out the percentage for foreign transactions made on your current cards. That means read the fine print—cards designed for use in the U.S. may charge you several percentage points to use the card internationally.

Check your credit cards, but check your debit card that you’ll use for travel, too. Since you can use debit cards as credit cards (swiped rather than used to withdrawal cash at an ATM), you need to check that fine print as well.

Jot these notes down in a spreadsheet or notebook so you can compare options.

2. Withdrawal Fees

Many banks charge a flat fee every time you use an international ATM. Ask before you leave. Many international banks  also charge a withdrawal fee, so you might get hit twice if your bank card charges a withdrawal fee on your travel debit card!

Only by researching your current bank cards fees can you determine if you should shop around for a travel-friendly bank account. Also look into if your bank has international branches in your destination city where you could use the local branch to avoid fees.

3. Are any countries blocked?

Believe it or not, you might not be able to withdraw any cash in some countries. Back in 2008, my local credit union blocked all transactions from Thailand and Slovenia—my small bank had designated them as locations “highly likely for fraudulent activity.”

And in 2023, my mother visited me in Spain and her credit union’s Mastercard credit card just couldn’t figure out its business—she had put a travel notice on her card but we never got it working throughout her two weeks, despite at least six phone calls.

Now that I use a different bank for primary debit card accounts, including when I travel, this is no longer an issue. If you’re also using a local credit union, talk with them in person about your planned trip. And consider carrying two separate bank debit cards to circumvent any issues accessing your money.

4. Online Banking

Can you access your account balance abroad, and even more, can you handle issues from overseas? You might assume yes, but again, it really can depend on the bank—local credit unions might have an IP address block outside the U.S. (mine does!).

Some banks also demand your personal presence to replace a lost card; other times banks only ship to the address on file. These are all huge potential headaches that you don’t want to know about when you’re traveling and have a credit card problem.

Basically, you want a bank that can handle remote support in case you need assistance from abroad—this particularly important for long term travelers.

Nowadays, most banks also offer a handy app you can use from your smartphone, which is ideal since logging in from random browsers and computers all over the globe is not safe.  

5. Carry Different Brands of Debit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit and debit cards and you should to carry one of each type of card. As strange as it sounds, some countries primarily accept just one of the two brands.

Is There Really a Best Debit Card for Travel?

A resounding, yes! Most banks either charge foreign withdrawal fees every time you use your debit card at an ATM outside of your home country, or fees for withdrawals outside of your banking network.

Either way, those fees add up—if you’re on the road for a month and modestly withdraw money twice a week, you’ve blown $30 just on bank fees. Then, stack on top of your bank’s fee the fact that all overseas banks also charge a withdrawal as high as six dollars in many cases, and you are looking at $70 in banking fees—all money that is much better spent on your trip.

The Best Debit Card for International Travel

Charles Schwab is an online-based bank with unparalleled advantages for travelers—even after nine years since I signed up for my Schwab checking account, I have yet to hear of any other U.S. bank that even comes close to offering the range of free services Schwab offers travelers..

The Pros of Schwab for Travelers:

• no foreign transaction fees
• no ATM withdrawal fees
• reimburses withdrawal fees charged by any other bank
• never requires appearance at a bank branch to access services
• telephone customer service is a cinch, and email responses questions are prompt

The Cons of Schwab for Travelers

• there’s no bank branch where you can sit across from a human and demand answers (since nothing has ever gone wrong, I’ve never missed this)
• transferring funds around between accounts outside Schwab is not seamless (though customer service goes out of their to help ease the process)  

How to Avoid Paying Bank Fees When Traveling

When I left on my world travels , the U.S. had just entered the 2008 recession and I was moderately content with the $1 foreign withdrawal fee tacked onto ATM withdrawals from my local credit union checking account. Fast forward nine months.

As the recession hit hard, my credit union upped the fee to $2.50 per withdrawal. That hit my travel budget harder.

Once I returned Stateside, I switched to Schwab. Across nine years and 50+ countries, Schwab has lived up to its fee-less withdrawal promise. At the end of every month, Schwab reimburses my account for any withdrawal fees charged by another bank.

Considering Spanish and Thai banks charge $5+ per withdrawal, I love seeing a credit of $25+ bank into my account each month. This single feature is a huge asset for any travelers, but long-term travelers specifically.

You can’t afford to not bank with Schwab—to my knowledge, no other U.S. bank offers this feature.

Other great debit cards for international travelers:

• ING Direct : Read through the comments below—other people have raved about the ease of money transfers and service with ING.
• Capital One Direct Banking : This option also comes highly recommended in the comments for its easy online interface and lack of transaction fees.
• Caxton FX Global Traveller : This prepaid MasterCard has a diehard contingent of fans among some long-term world travelers.

In addition to ensuring my bank and credit cards cover these main areas, my father is also listed on my bank accounts in case surprising issues crop up (and they have over the years).

If you have a trusted family member or friend, consider allowing them to work on your behalf, if necessary. It takes good faith, because my dad has fully authority on my account, but if you have someone you absolutely trust, it’s handy to have them on your local accounts.

Travel Rewards Credit Cards—Necessary or Folly?

Sinking into deep debt for travel is not likely a great choice for most of us. Although I had debt when I left to travel, I actually spent less on world travel than I had living in Los Angeles and paid off my debt a few years into my long-term travels.

Afterwards, I was leery of credit cards—they fall into dangerous territory if you’ve ever abused them in the past (I had).

That said, things happen and it’s wise to travel with a credit card. They come in handy and should anything happen to your bank account (like no bank withdrawals in Slovenia!), and it’s the preferred way to secure a rental car.

I use my travel credit cards for things where cash won’t work (flights), and when I don’t want to swipe/risk my bank card (I rented a car in South Africa and was so glad that I used it instead of my bank card since they overcharged me and it took months to resolve!).

Then there is the subject of travel hacking—if you’re prepared to invest some time in seeking out good deals, you can amass a decent stash of airline miles or points before you even leave on your trip. You can then exchange those points can for flights, accommodation, rental cars, and more. Let’s assume you’re game for a travel rewards credit card—here are the best ones depending on your personal situation.

Travel Hacking: A Quick Overview

If you’re new to the idea of travel hacking, it boils down to this: You earn reward miles or points that you can then exchange for free travel. The majority of this activity centers on the U.S. market, where U.S. credit card companies offer deals and incentives for those willing to use credit cards and generally chase down special offers.

I am not an expert travel hacker by any stretch of the imagination—that Chase Reserve is my sole gambit into that world. As such, I won’t get into specific tips and advice of how to travel hack. I will just note that even if you approach it lightly, it can be an effective way to offset a few travel expenses.

If you have a long timeline before you leave on your world travels, look into the travel rewards cards so you can accumulate points throughout your daily life as you plan and save for your trip.

Even with just a light amount of travel hacking, it’s easy to offset at least a few plane flights or hotel nights. From just eight months of use on my first travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, I bought a $1,200 flight to Africa.

That’s not an insignificant sum! And that was light travel hacking (Matt gets into what more serious travel hacking looks like). The Chase Sapphire Rewards cards are a truly great deal and have many devotees in the travel hacking crowd, not just me.

How to get started in travel hacking through credit cards:

• Sign up for credit cards with generous rewards programs : Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend. These points or miles can often be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.
• Look for sign-up bonuses : Many credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses to new customers who meet certain spending requirements. For example, you might get 50,000 points if you spend $3,000 on the card within the first three months.
• Use your credit card for all of your expenses : To maximize your rewards, you should use your credit card for as many of your expenses as possible, as long as you pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
• Join loyalty programs : In addition to credit card rewards, you can also earn points or miles through loyalty programs with hotels, airlines, and rental car companies. By staying at the same hotel chain or flying with the same airline repeatedly, you can earn rewards that can be redeemed for free or discounted travel.
• Look for promotions and deals : Keep an eye out for promotions and deals that can help you save money on travel. For example, you might find discounted flights if you book during a certain time period, or you might be able to save money on a hotel stay by booking during the off-season.

To dive deeper into this subject, head to the authorities on this topic:

• The Points Guy
• BoardingArea
• Canadian Travel Hacking
• Rewards Canada
• Head for Points UK
• Chris Guillebeau Travel Hacking

Chase Sapphire Reserve: My Concession to Travel Hacking

My first entry into the world of travel hacking happened in the summer of 2013, when I opened a Chase Sapphire Preferred  account as a way to earn enough miles to pay for my flights to Africa.

The card had a 40,000 point signup bonus, attractive ways to earn extra miles, and great international policies on rental car coverage and things of that nature. In 2018, I switched to the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which is even better—it offers priority lounge access, triple points on travel, and more.

Both cards carry annual fees, however. This turned the right option for me, but read on to decide if you’re better off going with a non-rewards travel card, which has no fees and could be better for a round the world trip, or if you’re still paying off your debt .

The Pros of Chase Reserve for International Travelers

• Chase travel cards offer no foreign transaction fees tacked onto international purchases.
• You earn either 40,000 and 50,000 bonus miles if you meet the spending requirement in the first three months—after that, the cards offer either two or three times the points on travel, depending on the card.
• The international customer support is top notch.
• You have full online account access and slick, intuitive interface.

The Cons of Chase Reserve for International Travelers

• The Sapphire cards carry an annual fee, so it’s best if you truly are playing the game of using the card to earn miles, otherwise you can receive many similar travel transaction fee the benefits on cards without annual fees.
• Rewards cards—most truly great travel and airline miles credit card—carry higher fees all around. If you’re prone to carrying a balance on your card, go with a credit card with lower fees.

Another option I have used in the past is Capital One. CapOne is a frequent traveler choice because it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. I carried this card until 2013. I hated the company’s customer service, but I couldn’t fault its offerings.

For travelers looking for many of the great benefits of a travel rewards card, but without the annual fee, then look at Capital One VentureOne . Capital One has consistently been the one North American credit card that never charges international transaction fees.

I carried my CapOne card throughout all 15 countries on my world trip itinerary and it worked in every single place. It doesn’t have any annual fees, so it could be a good option.

Now that I pay a hefty annual fee for my Chase Reserve card ($550 with a $300 refundable annual travel credit), I use that card exclusively to amass points there that buy my flights home to Florida see my family now that I am based in Barcelona .

Selecting the Right Credit & Debit Card for Your Travel Needs

I carry my Chase Reserve credit card in my arsenal because it lacks international transaction fees, it offers me lounge access at airports all over the world, and I earn three times the points on all travel dollars charged. The Preferred and Reserve are two of the bested rated travel points credit cards on the market.

If you’re shopping for an airline miles card, look at the Gold Delta SkyMiles by American Express. And for hotels cards, the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card is a Chase Visa card and is a good bet. Note, however, American Express is not widely accepted internationally, but it’s a great way to earn miles if you’re traveling in the U.S., or if you’re several years out from your long-term travels.

Best Credit & Debit Cards for Europe

Contactless payment is huge across all of Europe and the UK and you will feel like a Luddite without credit and debit cards with chips that allow for “tap and pay” features. There’s a good hack though, which turns all of your U.S. cards into European-friendly debit and credit cards.

Add your primary rewards card to your Apple Wallet—then it’s easy to tap and and pay and earn points. Since U.S. cards are not equipped with WiFi like European cards, by using Apple Pay you can seamlessly navigate the tap-and-go world on your European travels. There are days here in my home of Barcelona that I only leave with my iPhone since 95% of the locations accept Apple Pay.

In terms of fees—all of my above recommendations stand as the best options for Europe—and the rest of the world too! Because these cards don’t charge withdrawal fees, you don’t need to worry about finding a partner bank while traveling.

Cash: When and How to Carry it Safely

Many developing countries operate on cash economies. Although credit cards are essential in a pinch and work for booking flights, you will spend most of your money in cash when traveling throughout Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America, Central Asia, and many other locations.

It’s this cash-based factor that makes it so important for travelers to use banks that do not charge withdrawal fees.

This cash factor also means there are times you are carrying a lot of money in your pocket, purse, or money belt! It used to wig me out to have several hundred dollars on my person, but now I accept it as a part of the travel experience.

That doesn’t mean I’m going to make myself an easy target though! Here are some ideas about when, why, and how to safely use and carry your cash while traveling.

Carry a safety $100 dollars in USD.

Although you could use Euros or pounds, the USD is a strong secondary currency in many locations. When I traveled with my niece, I carried $175 dollars as our “just in case” fund, and I always stored it in a different spot than my credit and debit cards.

This cash works in a variety of circumstances: If the local ATM is broken, if you need to bribe your way out of a situation, if you’re injured and need to pay for immediate assistance, if your primary wallet is stolen, etc. I mention these because every one of those situations has happened to me over the past decade of travel.

Withdraw a four-to-seven days worth of local currency at a time.

You want enough cash to get you through the next few days, but not enough that you’re out of money if you’re robbed. By withdrawing a few days at a time, you ensure that a broken ATM or an unexpected emergency is easily handled.

Do not exchange money—withdraw from an ATM.

When you arrive at the airport, steer far clear of the exchange booths and instead hit up the ATM. I use the XE.com currency app so that I always know the local exchange rate, or you can usually be certain that the bottom right withdrawal option is for an amount between $80 and $200.

Keep cash in multiple spots.

Consider keeping cash in at least two spots. And if you are traveling as a couple, split credit cards and cash between you both. I always shove two twenties somewhere in a hidden luggage compartment, or I will put it in a bag with dirty socks and underwear if I am in a very sketchy hotel situation.

Another tactic is to carry a muggers wallet with a day’s worth of cash. My primary wallet is often in my purse, but I also carry a daily wallet (usually a small zip pouch) with charge and a wad of small local currency I can use at markets.

If you’re mugged, you would hand over this wallet and leave your main wallet or money belt hidden unless things were to escalate. Several travel friends have successfully used this tactic when mugged in South America.

That about wraps up every money recommendation from my ten years on the road. Between these three areas—debit cards, credit cards, and cash—there is no financial situation you can’t handle on the road.

If you have a favorite tip—be it for a favored card or a safety tip, let me know in the comments below! And use our other resources if you’re planning your world travels and want insider tips on finding great flights , accommodation , travel insurance , and more.

Disclosure: I have no degree in finance and there are no guarantees if you take my advice on using these companies. This is a personal, friendly recommendation from a fellow traveler; no more and no less. No one paid me to recommend these cards—every recommendation comes from personal experience and reader feedback and I personally have all of these recommended cards in my wallet. :)

30 thoughts on “A Little Advice… Handling Money for Travel: Credit, Debit, & Cash”

Great (juicy) information, but I prefer using my TransferWise debit card (Mastercard): the better option to travel around the world!

Thanks Igor for weighing in. I do like Transferwise in the idea of it, but when I signed up and started using it, I found that since I get paid solely in the U.S., that these cards recommended above all had better withdrawal or conversion rates (free and ATM fees reimbursed—never seen this elsewhere), and I didn’t end up using my Transferwise account at all. In what situations do you prefer it over a regular debit card like Schwab, where you get credits back every month for any bank anywhere that charges you a withdrawal fee?

Thanks so much for this! I’ve found many of your extra cash carrying / hiding habits to be very helpful. Additionally, in hotel rooms, I put a cheap loud motion detector in my closeted bags to scare off people rifling through my stuff. It HAS been set off.

Have you looked into the newish Transferwise “Borderless” accounts that come with a debt card (Mastercard waitlist)? They’re supposedly a boon to digital nomads… in particular for being able to send and receive funds in over 40 currencies. I’m not an expert, but the thing that stood out to me is that the “Borderless” account enables being paid in a slightly more traditional way, since it automatically sets one up with a bank account in 4 different currency zones.

From the website: British Pound – Get your own Account Number and Sort Code. Euro – Get your own SWIFT/BIC and IBAN details. US Dollar – Get your own Routing (ABA) and Account Number. Australian Dollar – Get your own BSB Code and Account Number.

I’d be curious to hear from working digital nomads who’ve used this!

So glad that the information has proven useful! I have looked into the Transferwise “Borderless” accounts, and several of my travel friends just love them. I ultimately decided that I didn’t need one because I have a local bank in Europe now that I am an expat, and my Schwab account has allowed me to transfer in currency from everywhere else in the world (including the UK, the EU, and Australia). But it would absolutely make good sense for many travelers who need to be paid in multiple currencies and either don’t have a Schwab account, or those doing serious business in alternate currencies. Again, several travel friends just rave about it so it’s definitely popular in the digital nomad community!

All excellent info. I will also praise ING. I’ve been using them since 2001 and never had any issues. I also use Schwab, love them but only negative is having to transfer funds from brokerage account into checking, and a Capital One MC, no issues with them. Chase recently eliminated international transaction fees. I’m using a British Airways Chase Visa as my main card and have had zero issues.

Thanks for weighing in Mike! I mail in deposits to my Schwab checking, so I hadn’t realized that they make it difficult to transfer funds like that, but you’re not the only one to point that out – a real drawback! As for Chase, if they really have taken away international fees then I just might get an account there, they have so many rewards points programs and the such! :)

As always Shannon, this is a fantastic bit of advice! I have been pondering the money handling question for a while now (starting my RTW in a week) and this answered a lot of my questions. I only wish Canada has comparable options. I’m hoping my American SSN helps me land a Charles Schwab account. I have read that in SE Asia, American dollars are the way to go. Do you happen to know if they are easy to get there, or if it is necessary to carry cash over (yikes!)?

Glad that you found some helpful stuff in this post Kerri! And it is too bad that you don’t have these options in Canada – though I hear that ING Direct is pretty good through the grapevine (ie other comments here in this thread). …As for the question of dollars – you are definitely going to want to bring over American $ rather than Canadian – and I say that you should always have at least US $100 stashed on you at the beginning of you trip – seriously good to have money on you if you get in a pinch, get stuck, lost – it’s just good to have. As far as restocking cash, Cambodia’s ATMs give out US$ when you use them, so you can restock there if need be! :)

I have to admit that I’m glad I brought my Capital One card with em to Italy. I caleld HSBC card to let them know I’m traveling and they say no problem they’ll make a note. When I got to there the card was decline and won’t let me charge anything. However Capital one worked. (And I never called them too). Good thing I had it with me.

That’s precisely why I love having multiple cards, different companies and logos on them – it’s just craptastic when they decide to not work on you! Glad that your CapOne card worked for you, it’s always in my wallet too :)

I have them both. We’re planning to use these 2 cards for our RTW trip and are test driving them right now. So far we really like them, but I guess the real test drive is still upcoming.

These should really do you well, I haven’t hadn’t had a single problem yet :) Just make sure to give them both the travel warning before you leave! :)

What I meant was, there is NOT a single pic in which your prettiness does not shine.

Great list of tips Shannon! This sounds a lot like the one nomadicmatt just did. Like you, I do cash, credit, and debit cards. Some people may not like using credit cards or could get into trouble with it but I love the idea. I’ve always been responsible with money and love my budget spreadsheet about as much as I do my blog. I am very frugal and financially responsible so I have no issues with a credit card. I know others who do online banking only and it seems to work well for them and it does save money on fees.

However, I do have a question for you. Since American credit and debit cards use magnetic stripe and some other countries use the chip and pin, have you ever run into any issues using your cards while traveling?

That’s a really great question – and I actually only encountered that problem in Europe when I was trying to book bus and train tickets online…they wanted a pin number of some sort… not sure what. But, the whole issue with the chips and what-not is why I always, always have a Visa and a MasterCard (and I carry an AmEx in Europe) and that got me through without any real hitches.

(PS – yeah, I saw Matt’s post but already had this queued up so went with it :)

Wow, Shannon, thanks so much for these tips! I have been thinking about this issue on and off for quite awhile, this helps a bunch.

Glad to help! It can make a difference on the road which one you choose, happy travels! :)

I’m a sucker for airline mile cards but for good ol’ fashioned banking I like ING – the online interface is great and makes it an attractive option even if you just use it to transfer money between other banks. It also has a higher than average interest rate on checking and savings :)

I’ll add ING to the list Anil, I haven’t really had much interaction with them but I like the fact that they’re good with online money transfers, that’s apparently an area where Schwab is not so hot. Will look into them! :)

Shannon, I have the Schwab checking account and maybe I have one that’s slightly different than yours because mine has no ATM fees but doing anything online is impossible. In particular, I can’t move funds around online which drives me insane.

We use Capital One Direct Banking for our checking which I really love because they give me a great rate on foreign currency fees, as well as their whole system is online and easy to use.

I love my Capital One No Hassle Miles card! We’ve actually had really good luck with their customer service. They refunded us $400 when Europcar overcharged us in Australia without any hesitation. I could do ads for Capital One . . . that’s how much I love them.

Hmm…I don’t do a lot of moving funds from my Schwab account because I run out of two accounts, and just really use my Schwab for travel (and fund it before I leave)…it seems a little crazy that they would make it that difficult to do your banking online since they’re an online bank!

Great tip on the CapOne banking – I have never looked into that, but I really prefer easy online systems so you’re not having to Skype on horrible connections to get things done!

This is REALLY helpful info!

I use a Capital One card and absolutely love it–although I feel you on the customer service! My only gripe is that it takes 20 minutes just to do one simple thing because they ask you a million repetitive questions–but in the end, they get it done, and that’s what matters. My home bank is Tri Counties, a community bank in Sacramento. They also never charge for ATM withdrawals and reimburse me for other bank’s fees, similar to Charles Schwab. Plus they give me an amazing interest rate and I love dealing with them when I’m at home–so friendly and helpful! Helps that my whole family banks with them, so I can ask any questions through them when I’m abroad. Might look into Charles Schwab though–been hearing lots of good things, although the online only part would take a bit of getting used to.

Christine, I might check out TriCounties to save money. Right now I use Chase and while it’s big, it has cost me money when I travel. And my current interest rates are AWFUL!

Chase has a lot of great programs and cash back incentives when you are in the States, by best friend uses them, but if you are heading out of the country you should definitely look into a bank that isn’t going to charge you ridiculous fees! :)

Thanks for including your local recommendation – I would love to find a bank that good in Florida, becuase I really like the local feel and being able to walk into a branch sometimes. But, Schwab is worth looking into if you need to change banks, or if you are looking to invest since they are really well known for that side of their business to!

I really enjoyed this, Shannon. I found it very interesting and informative. It was something I was curious about without ever really knowing I was curious about it. I am fortunate enough (for the moment) that I am not living paycheck to paycheck, but finances are always one of my concerns and priorities, and something that holds me back from doing all the things I want to do. I really, really enjoyed this article.

P.S. There is a single pic in which your prettiness does not shine!

Glad you liked it Bill and thanks for commenting! :) If you really really want something then it’s worth saving for…where there is a will there’s a way! What are your finances holding you back from?

Training how to SCUBA, then scuba and cage diving with Great White sharks.

Excellent and well worth waiting then! I know that’s one of your Big Dreams :)

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How To Earn Travel Rewards With A Debit Card

Credit cards dominate the travel rewards universe. From the large sign up bonus, to the category multipliers on everyday spend, credit cards offer tremendous point and mile earning opportunities. However, credit cards are not the only avenue to earn valuable points and miles. One, relatively unknown, method to earn points and miles, is a travel rewards debit card. 

The Travel Rewards Debit Card

Prior to the United States financial crisis in 2008, while still not common, multiple banks offered a travel rewards debit card. After the financial crisis, and ensuing legislation, competition in the travel rewards universe was no longer profitable for banks. However, a few debit cards, which offer points and miles on everyday spend remain. 

Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card

The Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card , issued by SunTrust (now Truist), is the most well known travel rewards debit card on the market today. Despite being a debit card, the Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card offers the opportunity to earn Delta SkyMiles on any purchase.

Sign Up Bonus:

5,000 Delta SkyMiles

Annual Fee:

Earning Categories:

1/2x All Other Purchases

** 4,000 Delta SkyMiles Monthly Cap

This card is perfect for individuals who do not qualify for credit cards, but still want the ability to earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases. 

** There is also a Business version of the same card, but the annual fee is higher ($120) and the monthly earning limit is lower (2,000 Delta SkyMiles).

The Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card Alternative

If your goal is earning Delta SkyMiles, consider the AMEX Delta SkyMiles Gold credit card. The annual fee on the Delta SkyMiles Gold credit card ($99, waived first year) is similar to the Delta SkyMiles World debit card ($95). However, the Delta SkyMiles Gold credit card earns you 2x Delta SkyMiles on Dining, Groceries, and Delta purchases. In addition, at 70,000 Delta SkyMiles, the credit card has one of the best sign up bonuses of any credit card. The Delta SkyMiles Gold credit card also provides you with a free first checked bag, $100 Delta credit, and 20% off inflight purchases. 

Bankoh Hawaiian Airlines Visa Debit Card

The Bankoh Hawaiian Airlines Visa Debit Card , issued by Bank of Hawaii, offers one of the few ways to earn Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles directly. The debit card offers the opportunity to earn HawaiianMiles on every purchase and bonus HawaiianMiles for purchases through the HawaiianMiles Marketplace . 

1/2x HawaiianMiles Every Purchase

** 1,000 HawaiianMiles Monthly Cap

Bonus HawaiianMiles on HawaiianMiles Marketplace

** No HawaiianMiles Cap

This card is perfect for individuals who do not qualify for credit cards or who are looking for a quick and easy way to top up their HawaiianMiles balance. 

The Bankoh Hawaiian Airlines Visa Debit Card Alternative 

Outside of flying Hawaiian Airlines itself, earning HawaiianMiles directly is notoriously difficult. One alternative option is the Barclays Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard . While the annual fee is significantly higher ($99 vs $36), so are the benefits. The sign up bonus sits at 80,000 HawaiianMiles and you earn HawaiianMiles at a rate of 3x on Hawaiian Airlines purchases and 2x on gas, dining, and groceries. In addition, the credit card benefits include the first checked bag free, a one-time 50% off companion discount, and a $100 companion discount. 

Disney Visa Debit Card

The Disney Visa Debit Card , issued by Chase, offers a fantastic way to earn cash back on a wide range of Disney purchases at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

10% on select purchases at shopDisney.com

Pose for special photos at a private cardmember location

10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more

10% off selection dining locations

15% off select guided tours

10% off select recreation experiences

The Disney Visa Debit Card Alternative

The Chase Disney Premier Visa credit card offers all the same benefits as the Chase Disney Visa Debit card, and more. The credit card comes with a $300 statement credit and the opportunity to earn Disney Reward Dollars on everyday purchases; 2% on groceries, restaurants, gas, and Disney purchases and 1% on all other purchases. In addition, the credit card offers you a special 0% financing opportunity on Disney vacations. 

Bask Mileage Savings Account

The Bask Mileage Savings Account , issued by Bask Bank, is one of the most unique opportunities to earn points and miles. The Bask Mileage Savings Account functions exactly like a normal savings account, with one exception. Instead of earning interest on your savings in cash, you earn interest in American Airlines AAdvantage miles. The AAdvantage miles accrue daily and a deposit occurs monthly. Here is the calculation:

Average Monthly Balance ÷ 365 x Days Per Month = AAdvantage Miles

The relative annual interest rate on the account is 1.4%; the interest is taxable. Bask Bank also offers various mileage bonus opportunities, including an account opening bonus. The current bonus earns you 1,000 AAdvantage miles on an initial deposit of $5,000. 

There is no comparable product anywhere else in the travel rewards universe. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Debit Card

Why should you consider a debit card over a credit card? To start, it is relatively easy to open a bank account and get a debit card. There is no “hard pull” on your credit score, which opens up debit cards to individuals with poor credit. Once you have a debit card, your account balance limits your spending ability. This helps avoid excessive debt and compounding interest. A travel rewards debit card is perfect for individuals who want points and miles, but either do not qualify for a credit card or have trouble controlling their spend. 

What Are the Drawbacks Of A Debit Card

The main drawback to a debit card is the inability to positively effect your credit score. A debit card does not affect your FICO credit score . You are not rewarded for sound financial behavior and prompt payments. Debit cards also carry the risk of overdraft fees and the potential for AMT fees. Furthermore, in regards to travel rewards, debit cards pale in comparison to credit cards. Both the sign up bonus and earning potential of a travel rewards credit card far exceed that of its debit card counterpart. In addition, credit cards often provide valuable insurance and various purchase protections lacking in a debit card. 

Final Thoughts

Imagine a Venn Diagram with two circles. The first circle represents the world of Dave Ramsey . The second circle represents the world on travel rewards. A travel rewards debit card occupies the microscopic space where the two circles overlap. However, if your goal is earning large volumes of points and miles, a travel rewards debit card is not the answer. First, very few travel rewards debit cards even exist. Second, the opportunity to earn valuable points and miles via a credit card dwarfs that of a debit card. With that said, a travel rewards debit card provides a unique points and miles opportunity to individuals with poor credit. 

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Home / Saving / 9 Best Debit Card Rewards Programs for 2024

Feb 27, 2024

9 Best Debit Card Rewards Programs for 2024

Whether you’re an avid online shopper or hate carrying cash, a debit card is a helpful tool for spending your money, and a great alternative for those who don’t want a credit card.

Many credit cards are known for their fancy rewards programs, and your plain jane debit card may make you feel left out.

Don’t worry, as there are also debit cards with reward programs that you can use to earn cash back, points, or investments for your future, all on your regular spending.

So get ready, as we’ve gathered the 9 best debit card rewards programs in 2024 in no particular order, including:

Discover Cash Back Debit Card

Axos bank cash back checking debit card, extra rewards + credit building debit card, bank of america advantage plus banking debit card, serve american express cash back prepaid debit card, upgrade rewards checking debit card, truist delta skymiles debit card, aspiration spend and save debit card, stash stock-back® card.

Read along to learn more about the best reward debit cards, from cash back to airline miles.

Shop like an investor.

Earn stock every time you swipe with our Stock-Back® Card.

Best for: Cash back with zero fees

With the Discover Cash Back Debit Card , you can earn credit card-like rewards, all without needing to meet a minimum balance or pay any fees. With 1% cash back on up to $3,000 worth of purchases, you can earn up to $30 a month on regular spending.

When you choose this debit card with cash back, you’ll get access to their mobile-first banking experience, providing you with mobile check deposit, fraud protection, overdraft fee protection, and early payday, which allows you to get your paycheck up to two days early when you enroll in direct deposit.

To get the card, you’ll need to open a checking account with Discover. In addition to your cash back rewards, this card will give you access to over 60,000 no-fee ATMs in the U.S.

Best for: Cash back and frequent ATM use

The Axos Bank Cash Back Checking Debit Card is another no-fee debit card with rewards. With this Axos card, you’ll get 1% cash back on up to $2,000 worth of spending each month. 

But, unlike the Discover card, only purchases that require your signature are eligible for rewards. Because of this, purchases made at grocery stores, super stores, and markets aren’t eligible for 1% cash back.

Additionally, you must maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 to receive the 1% cash back rewards. If you maintain a lower balance, you’ll only be eligible for 0.5% cash back.

Best for: Building credit

The Extra Rewards + Credit Building Debit Card is the first debit card that allows you to build your credit with everyday purchases. Unlike other debit cards, the Extra card connects to your existing bank account.

Whenever you swipe your Extra debit card, Extra will spot the money and then automatically cover it the next day using your connected bank account. At the end of every month, Extra will report your transactions to credit bureaus, similar to how a credit card provider would.

This allows you to build credit without having to sign up for a credit card or pass a credit check , making it perfect for those with poor credit or no credit history.

In addition to its credit-building features, the Extra Rewards + Credit Building Debit Card earns you up to 1% in points for everyday purchases. With these rewards points, you can redeem them for products and benefits on their rewards store, such as Apple AirPods.

Best for: Store-specific cash back

While a typical Bank of America debit card may not seem flashy at first, it is actually one of the best debit cards with rewards. By signing up for a Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking Debit Card , you’ll have access to BankAmeriDeals, which allows you to browse and activate cash back deals for spending at your favorite restaurants, stores, and more.

After selecting the deals you want, you’ll receive cash back to your account 30 days after your eligible purchase.

In addition, you may also be able to waive your monthly fee by meeting one of the following requirements during each statement period:

• Have at least one qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more
• Be enrolled in Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program
• Maintain a daily balance of at least $1,500

Best for: Prepaid card users

The Serve American Express Cash Back Prepaid Debit Card is a great option for those looking for the perks of a rewards debit card without having to sign up for a checking account. Unlike the other options on this list, this Serve card is entirely prepaid.

This means you can reload the card with cash in stores or transfer money from an existing checking or savings account . 

Also, this prepaid debit rewards card gives you access to American Express Card Membership Benefits and Services, including Roadside Assistance and exclusive Amex Offers at your favorite businesses, including stores, restaurants, and more.

Best for: Everyday cash back

The Upgrade Rewards Checking Debit Card is one of the best cash back debit cards available. With this card, you’ll earn 2% cash back (up to $500 per calendar year) on everyday expenses at merchants such as gas stations , restaurants, drug stores, utility companies, and more. 

In addition, any transaction that doesn’t fall into one of these categories will still earn 1% cash back, making this one of the best no-fee cash back debit cards available. On top of that, you’ll continue earning 1% cash back even after you’ve hit your $500 limit on 2% cash back.

Best for: Travel

If you love to travel, then the Truist Delta SkyMiles Debit Card is a good debit card for you. With this Truist card, you’ll earn 1 mile for every $2 you spend and additional miles on direct purchases from Delta, including tickets and in-flight purchases.

You can redeem these miles for Award Travel, Delta Sky Club memberships, Delta Vacation Packages, and more, making this the best debit card for travelers. Plus, Delta SkyMiles never expire, enabling you to save your miles for the summer vacation of your dreams.

Best for: Eco-friendly shoppers

The Aspiration Spend and Save Debit Card is another eco-friendly option for those who want to get cash back while also supporting a company that is working to turn the tide on climate change . Not only is your debit card made from recycled plastic, but Aspiration pledges to donate 10% of its profits to charity and sustainable initiatives.

When you use the Aspiration Spend and Save Debit Card, you’ll also be rewarded for shopping with companies that care about the environment, earning up to 10% (up to 3-5% for free members) cash back on purchases made at Conscience Coalition businesses. Examples of Conscience Coalition businesses include Tony’s Chocolonely, Dropps, and Cloud Paper.

If you’d like to spend even greener, you can round up every purchase to help plant a tree every time you swipe your card, making this a unique choice compared to most other debit cards with cash back.

Best for: Investors

The Stash Stock-Back® Card 1 is the only debit card that invests in you every time you spend. Unlike a debit card that gives cash back, the Stock-Back® Card gives you rewards in the form of fractional shares of stock .

For example, if you buy something from Starbucks, you’ll be rewarded with SBUX Stock-Back® as a reward. If the company you’re shopping with isn’t available as an investment on our platform, you’ll instead earn Stock-Back® in your reward of choice.

With the Stock-Back® card, you can earn up to 3% in Stock-Back® rewards 3 that can grow over time, making this the perfect debit card for building wealth rather than accumulating debt.

On top of that, you can increase your investing power with Stock Round-Ups , which automatically rounds up each of your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change in your Stash account.

To start saving and building wealth with the Stock-Back® card, you can sign up for one of our monthly plans costing between $3 and $9 per month. Our subscription-based platform offers a variety of tools for investing, banking , and saving, including personalized advice and the option for an automated investing portfolio.

Things to consider when choosing debit card rewards

With the top debit cards with rewards in mind, it’s time to pick the one that fits your spending and rewards needs. While looking for the best debit card to get, keep the following factors in mind:

• Rewards type: When choosing a debit card with rewards, you’ll want to choose a card with perks that will benefit you the most. For example, if you love to travel, you may want to select a debit card that rewards you with travel miles. 
• Fees : While some debit cards may be fee-free, others may include monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or other additional costs. Before deciding on a debit card, always do your research to ensure you avoid surprise fees.
• ATM access: If being able to withdraw cash at ATMs is a priority for you, you may want to prioritize a debit card that has ATM fee reimbursement or free ATM use in your area.
• Balance requirements: Before getting your heart set on a specific debit card rewards program, check and see if you meet the minimum balance or deposit required to open the account. Depending on the card, this can range from zero to hundreds of dollars.

Now that you know the best debit card rewards for 2024, you can level up what’s in your physical or digital wallet and get rewarded while you shop.

FAQs about debit card rewards

Still scratching your head with questions about debit card rewards? We got you covered.

Which banks give reward points on debit cards?

Some banks and financial service companies that offer rewards debit cards include Discover, Axos, Bank of America, American Express, Upgrade, Truist, Aspiration, and Stash.

How do you earn points on your debit card?

While the specifics can vary from card to card, most debit cards allow you to earn points based on your spending. In some cases, you may earn a certain number of points for every dollar spent.

Other times, you may have to spend money at a specific type of store (grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) to earn debit card points, and not every transaction may be eligible.

What are cash back debit cards?

Cash back debit cards are debit cards that allow you to earn a certain percentage of cash back on every eligible purchase.

Are cash back debit cards worth it?

In short, it depends. If you frequently use a debit card and feel that the cash back will outweigh any monthly or annual fees, then a cash back debit card may be worth it. If you rarely use a debit card, it may not be worth the fees that some cash back debit cards have. Fortunately, some of the debit cards on our list have zero fees.

Which debit card gives the most cash back?

Of the cards featured on our best debit card rewards list, the Upgrade Rewards Checking Debit Card offers the most cash back, with up to $500 in cash back on eligible 2% cash back purchases and unlimited cash back on eligible 1% cash back purchases.

What are the different types of debit card rewards?

Similar to credit card rewards, debit card rewards can vary depending on the card. Some common types of debit card rewards include:

• Travel miles

What store gives the most cash back on debit cards?

When you use a cash back debit card, the rewards are given to you by the card issuer rather than the store itself. If you shop at a specific store more than others, look for a debit card that offers a higher amount of cash back for specific purchases, such as transactions at grocery stores.

Which debit card is best for rewards?

Most debit cards offer specific rewards that can vary from card to card. Because of this, no debit card offers the best rewards for everyone. When choosing a rewards debit card, keep your spending habits and needs in mind.

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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

Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

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  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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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 eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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 Credit 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 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 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 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's over $900 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 75,000 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, 75,000 points are worth $1,125 toward 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 Credit 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 it Miles 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 Overall
• Best for No-Annual-Fee

Best for Independent Hotel Purchases

• Best for Beginners
• Best for Everyday Spending
• Best for Students
• Best Premium Travel Card for Affordability
• Best for Dining and Groceries
• Best for Travel Insurance
• Best for Luxury Travel Benefits
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card, Citi Premier® Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Best Travel Credit Cards

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Premier® Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introduction to Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's a travel credit card for everyone. There's a card if you're looking for free flights, if you're hoping for free hotel stays, or if you're just doing whatever it takes to realize your dream of an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to keep.

Compare the Top Travel Credit Cards

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Earn unlimited 5x points per dollar on hotels. Earn 4x points on airlines. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x on other purchases.

See Wells Fargo Rates and Fees

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No bonus categories to keep track of
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 10x ThankYou® Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2024. Earn 3x ThankYou® points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, air travel, and hotel purchases. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous bonus categories
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer much in the way of statement credits or other perks
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi ThankYou Rewards may not be as convenient as other points for US-based travelers

If you're looking for an all-purpose travel credit card with strong rewards, many ways to use your points, and an annual fee under $100, the Citi Premier should be on your shortlist. Beyond the welcome bonus offer, the Citi Premier® Card offers great 3x earning categories that just about anyone can take advantage of — and the rewards it earns are incredibly flexible.

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. 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. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• 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.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x 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 & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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, 75,000 points are worth $1125 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®

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

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $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.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $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.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Recommendations

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Travel Credit Card Overall

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review

Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Earning Travel Miles

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

The newly announced Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on dining and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

Wells Fargo simultaneously announced brand-new airline and hotel partners: Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any of the travel partners above for additional value.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card will be available for in-person applications at select Wells Fargo bank locations on March 9, 2024. Nationwide applications open online and in person on March 20, 2024. 

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem rewards for travel: you're able to use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement, at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: The potential value of your miles is halved when you redeem them for cash back rather than travel. Other cards also offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spending

The Citi Premier® Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 60,000 bonus ThankYou® points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening (worth $960 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Premier® Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Premier® Card review

Best Travel Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Most Affordable Premium Travel Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, the Venture X's annual fee, while high, is significantly lower than other premium travel card competitors.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Earning Travel Credit from Dining and Groceries

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases (though note the $25,000 calendar year annual cap for U.S. supermarkets; after that, you'll earn just 1 point per dollar, but that's a pretty high cap). The card also earns 3x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

While the $250 annual fee is on the high side, you can offset it thanks to an annual statement credit. You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits**, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best Premium Card for Travel Insurance and Bonus Categories

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best for Luxury Travel Benefits and Airport Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

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

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

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Credit Cards

I’m an expat, and here’s why I love my Bank of America Travel Rewards card

Kelly Dilworth

Allie Johnson

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

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:24 a.m. UTC May 8, 2024

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VioletaStoimenova, Getty Images

I’m a U.S. citizen who lives most of the year in Canada. But when I pick up coffee or purchase subway fare in my adopted city of Toronto, I often find myself habitually turning to the same few American credit cards I’ve owned and used for years.

Using my American cards while living across the border helps me maintain my U.S. credit history. Plus, I’ve found that they offer more value than comparably-priced Canadian cards. 

I’m especially likely to pull out my Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card because it offers ample points without requiring me to think too hard about different rewards categories. 

Instead, I earn the same unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, which is a rewards rate I’ve so far been unable to match with a no-annual-fee Canadian card. 

Aren’t sure how to choose a credit card? Read our guide on how to pick the best credit card for you.

In Canada, rewards cards without annual fees are typically less generous –– especially when it comes to miscellaneous spending. For example, my CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card * The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers 2% cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, transportation, dining and recurring payments, 0.5% cash on everything else. 

There are no foreign transaction fees on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card either. So I don’t have to sweat over 1% to 3% in foreign transaction fees that can quickly add up over multiple transactions. 

However, the number one reason I turn so regularly to my Bank of America Travel Rewards card is its convenience. 

After nearly 20 years of credit card experience, I’ve learned that I get more value out of low-maintenance cards that require minimal time and attention. 

our partner

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

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

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

• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.

Card details

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 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 19.24% – 29.24% 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%.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• 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.

Even abroad, Bank of America Travel Rewards are simple to earn, fast to redeem 

In my experience, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa is especially easy to use in Canada compared with other American cards I own since it comes equipped with contactless technology (which was popular here long before it took off in the U.S.), and Visa is widely accepted. 

I rarely use my Discover it® Miles , by contrast, because I’ve struggled to find vendors in Canada who will accept it.

Since I earn the same rewards rate with every purchase on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card, I don’t have to track spending bonuses or worry about the types of foreign purchases that will qualify for a higher rate. 

Even better, the rewards I earn from my Bank of America Travel Rewards card are so easy to redeem I can do it within minutes online simply by checking some boxes next to eligible travel and dining purchases. Within days, a statement credit then posts to my account. 

I also can book rewards travel from whatever site I want to, and I don’t have to plan around blackout dates or other travel restrictions. 

For a working mom like me who can barely carve out time to book travel, let alone spend hours searching for a suitable rewards flight, that extra layer of simplicity is important. 

I also have ADHD, so navigating a complicated rewards scheme that requires lots of extra steps or tracking can sometimes feel overwhelming. Simpler rewards programs are easier for me to stick to long term and are overall a better fit for my neurodivergent brain. Plus, I’m more likely to use my rewards if they’re easy to redeem. 

On the downside, the redemption options for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card are limited: to earn a 1:1 return on your rewards spending, you need to redeem your points for travel or dining. 

You can trade in your points for a gift card, but your points will be worth less than a cent each. The redemption rate for cash is even stingier.

Luckily, there are plenty of purchases that count as travel and dining, including public transit and parking fees, bridge and highway tolls, tourist attractions such as aquariums and zoos, fast food, coffee shops, bars and taverns. 

Bank of America also gives you up to a year to redeem your points before a qualifying purchase is no longer eligible. So you have some time to build up your rewards. 

How I use American credit while living in another country

In my case, I’ve managed to seamlessly transition to living much of the year in Canada without giving up my American credit history because I still have a valid U.S. address and phone number and maintain a presence in both countries. 

I also happened to own most of my credit cards well before I moved to Canada in 2018. However, I have successfully applied for new cards in the years since and had them sent to my American address. 

Expats who don’t maintain a valid U.S. address may need to work with a bank or credit union that specializes in serving U.S. citizens who live or travel extensively abroad. But for me, it’s been relatively easy, and my Bank of America Travel Rewards card fits my needs perfectly.

*The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* 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.

Kelly Dilworth is a business and personal finance writer, specializing in the intersection between money and life. She has more than a decade of financial writing and reporting experience and has covered consumer banking and lending, credit cards, credit reporting and consumer scoring for a variety of personal finance outlets, including Bankrate and CreditCards.com, The Balance, LendingTree and Forbes Advisor. Her reporting has also been cited in Congressional testimony and in a number of reports, books and journal articles.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

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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6 Best Prepaid Debit Cards

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Bluebird by American Express.

Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account.

ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card.

FamZoo Prepaid Card.

Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard.

Walmart MoneyCard.

A prepaid debit card can serve as a budgeting tool or an all-out replacement for a bank account. No prepaid card is completely fee-free, but the best prepaid cards offer convenience while charging few fees.

Best Prepaid Debit Cards

Dozens of prepaid debit cards are available, but not all are worth using. We’ve rounded up the best ones, none of which charge a fee for customer support phone calls (which some other cards do).

Why trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to make sure our coverage is fair and accurate, so you can choose the financial accounts that work best for you.

Here are our top prepaid debit cards based on fees and features.

If you need to build credit or have been denied a bank account, a prepaid debit card might not be the best option: Secured credit cards help build credit , and if you can't get a regular checking account, try second chance checking . These accounts provide another shot at mainstream banking and its perks.

Bluebird by American Express

Bluebird , issued by American Express, offers more than the average prepaid debit card, and you can load and spend money without paying fees.

But Bluebird is slightly more limited when it comes to the number of places it’s accepted , and it doesn’t allow cash back at retailers.

Vast network for no-fee ATM withdrawals.

Free cash reloads at Family Dollar.

Many methods available for reloads.

Separate “set aside” accounts for savings.

Up to four subaccounts for family members.

No cash back at retailers.

Cash reloads at retailers other than Family Dollar may cost up to $3.95.

Card is issued by American Express, which isn’t accepted everywhere that Visa and Mastercard are.

No monthly fees.

No costs for online activation or inactivity.

No fees for purchases.

No-fee withdrawals at about 40,000 MoneyPass network ATMs; $2.50 fee at out-of-network ATMs, plus any ATM operator fee.

Up to $3.95 for cash reloads at retailers other than Family Dollar.

Direct deposit.

Debit card transfer.

Card-to-card transfer.

Mobile check deposit (with a third-party fee for instant processing).

Cash load at Family Dollar, Walmart or other stores (retailers other than Family Dollar may charge up to $3.95).

» Learn more about how prepaid debit cards work

Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account

The Serve Prepaid Debit card, issued by American Express, offers a vast ATM network with no-fee withdrawals and an extensive, no-fee cash reload network.

As an American Express card, Serve has limits when it comes to the number of places it’s accepted, and it doesn’t allow cash back at retailers.

No-fee cash loading at more than 45,000 retail locations.

Purchase protection, emergency assistance and subaccounts available.

$6.95 monthly fee in most states.

Cash reloads at some retailers may charge up to $3.95.

$6.95 monthly fee (though the fee is waived in several states).

No fees for online activation or inactivity.

No fee withdrawals at about 40,000 MoneyPass network ATMs; $2.50 fee at other ATMs, plus any ATM operator fee.

Up to $3.95 for cash loading at out-of-network retailers.

Checking or savings account.

From one Serve card to another.

Debit or credit card transfer.

Cash loading at more than 45,000 locations such as CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Walmart and some 7-Eleven stores (other retailers may charge up to $3.95).

ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card

The ONE VIP prepaid debit card rewards cardholders for spending with certain merchants and Black-owned businesses and on certain subscription services, and provides the opportunity to use rewards to either get cash back or make charitable donations.

The monthly fee is higher than average but can be lowered with direct deposit, and the rewards and unique features could make the card worth it for some.

Rewards for spending with certain merchants, online retailers and subscription services, including Black-owned businesses.

Reward redemption options include cash back and charitable donations.

Monthly fee of $4.95 with direct deposit ($7.95 without direct deposit).

No free ATM network.

No free option for cash loading.

$4.95 monthly fee with direct deposit or $7.95 without direct deposit.

$2.95 per ATM withdrawal, plus any ATM operator fee.

Bank transfer.

Cash loading at certain merchant locations (merchants may charge a fee).

» Related: Learn where to find Black-owned banks and credit unions

FamZoo Prepaid Card

FamZoo is a family-friendly prepaid Mastercard that provides a way for parents to give their kids a debit card that the parents can control. Even children younger than 13 can get a card to use. Four cards are free on the monthly plan, but more can be added for a one-time $3 fee per card. From the website or app, you can send allowances, split payments, see balances and activity across all cards, and set up text and email alerts.

Monthly fee discounted if you prepay.

Multiple accounts under one plan.

Free and instant FamZoo card-to-card transfers.

Option to reload by P2P app transfer.

Ability to lock (to prevent spending and card-to-card transfers) and unlock FamZoo cards.

Budgeting tools.

Maximum monthly fee is higher than average for cards that don’t charge a per-purchase fee.

No mobile check deposit feature.

Fee for cash reloads at retailers.

You can prepay $59.99 for two years of FamZoo — that works out to $2.50 per month. Other prepayment plans also offer a discount. 

If you don’t prepay, the fee is $5.99 for a monthly subscription. 

No costs for activation or inactivity.

No charge from FamZoo for ATM withdrawals, but third-party ATM operator fees can apply.

Direct deposit

Bank transfer. 

Peer-to-peer money transfer apps including PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo and Cash App. 

Cash reload at Reload @ the Register and Mastercard rePower network retailer participants such as 7-Eleven and Walgreens (about $5 retail fee).

» Want a traditional spending account? Check out NerdWallet’s best free checking accounts

Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard

Greenlight stands out for a feature that other prepaid cards lack: store-specific spending controls. Parents can preapprove where their kids spend money, so $300 earmarked for school supplies can only be spent at a campus bookstore, for example. The prepaid card also offers real-time activity alerts, free card-to-card transfers for allowances and the ability to remotely lock lost cards.

A Greenlight account can have up to five subaccounts, so it works for a family. Given low purchase and withdrawal limits, it’s best as a family budgeting tool instead of a bank account replacement.

No international ATM withdrawal fee.

Up to five subaccounts.

Real-time activity alerts.

Store-specific spending controls.

Ability to remotely lock lost cards.

No checks or cash can be deposited.

Daily ATM withdrawal limit is $100.

Low purchase limits.

$4.99 to $9.98 per month, depending on selected plan (more expensive plans include features such as investing education and identity theft protection). 

No costs for activation, inactivity or account closure.

No charge from Greenlight for ATM withdrawals, but third-party ATM operator fees may apply.

No international ATM withdrawal fee (though ATM operator may charge a fee).

Debit card transfer

Card-to-card transfers.

Transfers from Invest Account.

Walmart MoneyCard

The Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to $75 per year in cash-back rewards: 3% for purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app, 2% at Walmart fuel stations and 1% at Walmart stores. The app, which gets decent ratings, is required to get fee-free cash reloads at Walmart stores. Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks also offer fee-free cash withdrawals. Among the best prepaid debit cards on this list that charge a monthly fee, only the Walmart MoneyCard offers the option to have the fee completely waived.

This prepaid, reloadable card is family-friendly. You can order an account for free for up to four additional people who are at least 13 years old. The Walmart MoneyCard offers a free “Vault” savings feature. On the card enrollment anniversary, savings will earn 2% APY ( compounded annually ) on up to $1,000.

Because it’s not part of an ATM network, you’ll pay $2.50 for ATM withdrawals in addition to any operator fees.

Can add funds (cash or deposited checks) at Walmart stores.

Monthly fee waived by meeting a monthly direct deposit minimum.

Fee-free cash withdrawals at Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks.

Up to four free additional accounts.

Ability to lock and unlock card.

Text and email alerts.

Savings feature with 2% APY for first $1,000.

Cash-back rewards for purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app, at Walmart fuel stations and at Walmart stores.

No free ATM network; $2.50 fee for ATM withdrawals plus operator fees.

Limited methods for reloading funds.

Must have the app to get fee-free cash reloads at Walmart stores.

$5.94 monthly fee waived with a monthly direct deposit of at least $500.

$1 starter card purchase fee if purchased in store.

No inactivity fees.

$2.50 fee for ATM withdrawals, plus any operator fees.

Add cash at Walmart stores using the Walmart MoneyCard app.

Mobile check deposit.

Add funds from checks cashed at Walmart stores.

$3 to reload cash at a Walmart store; up to $5.95 to reload elsewhere.

» Want to build your savings faster? See our list of the best savings accounts

Member FDIC

SoFi Checking and Savings

4.60% SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

EverBank Performance℠ Savings

on Wealthfront's website

Wealthfront Cash Account

on Betterment's website

Betterment Cash Reserve – Paid non-client promotion

5.50% *Current promotional rate; annual percentage yield (variable) is 5.50% as of 4/2/24, plus a .50% boost available as a special offer with qualifying deposit. Terms apply; if the base APY increases or decreases, you’ll get the .75% boost on the updated rate. Cash Reserve is only available to clients of Betterment LLC, which is not a bank; cash transfers to program banks conducted through clients’ brokerage accounts at Betterment Securities.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD

5.10% 5.10% APY (annual percentage yield) as of 04/29/2024

5.00% 5.00% APY (annual percentage yield) as of 04/29/2024

Discover® CD

4.70% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 03/14/2024

Discover® Cashback Debit

Chase Total Checking®

Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chime Checking Account

Discover® Money Market Account

Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards

The difference between prepaid debit cards and checking accounts is starting to blur, as many have similar features and services.

This is especially true for mobile-optimized banking accounts: Like most prepaid debit cards, many require no credit check. There are also some that don't check your bank account history; unlike prepaid cards, mobile-optimized banking accounts come with some extra perks, such as advanced savings features, bigger ATM networks and check-writing privileges.

Chime®, for example, offers a free spending account in the Visa payment network, free access to a large ATM network and a number of ways to add cash to the account, including at retailers such as 7-Eleven and Walmart (the retailer may charge a fee) or at Walgreens for free.

If you’re considering a prepaid debit card because you have a less-than-great bank account history, consider a second chance checking account . These give you an opportunity to have a bank account, even if you’ve been rejected by banks because of past issues such as having an account closed due to unpaid overdraft fees or other problems.

» Blocked from getting a bank account? Here’s what you need to know about ChexSystems

Chime says: "Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC."

Chime says: "Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account."

"Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade."

"Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account."

"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM."

"Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member's direct deposit enrollment status."

The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

Prepaid-like options from fintechs: Apple Cash and Cash App

Here are a couple more prepaid debit card options, from financial technology companies.

Apple Cash: digital card

Apple offers Apple Cash, a digital card used to send and receive money from others in the Messages app, or to fund other Apple Pay transactions at stores and online. Apple Cash might be referred to as the “Apple debit card” because the Apple Cash balance is a prepaid balance that works like a debit card. Funds can be added to your Apple Cash balance using a debit or prepaid card, or with money sent to you via Messages.

Apple now provides Apple Cash virtual card numbers. A virtual card number allows consumers to use their Apple Cash like a prepaid debit card to pay for things online when Apple Pay isn’t an option.

» MORE: Learn more about Apple Cash and Apple Pay

Cash App debit card

Cash App offers its users a free debit card called a Cash App Card. The card allows a user to spend their Cash App balance, using the Cash Card the same way you’d use a prepaid debit card. While traditionally debit cards only link to a bank account balance, Cash App’s card balance is funded by an external funding source (usually a bank account or debit card, but you can also use a credit card or prepaid card).

» MORE: Check out top peer-to-peer payment apps: pros, cons and how to use them

Best prepaid debit cards: Summary of fees and ATMs

What are prepaid debit cards.

Prepaid cards are a tool you can use to help you stay within budget or even as an alternative to a bank account. Unlike with credit cards, you load funds onto prepaid cards before use.

Prepaid cards are easy to get. They’re sold at retail stores (usually for a fee) and some can be ordered online. There’s no credit check, and they’re often available even if you can’t get a bank account because of a bad banking history.

Some companies also offer mobile-optimized banking accounts that don’t require a squeaky-clean banking or credit history — and they often cost less than prepaid cards.

Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards

You don’t need a bank account to get a prepaid debit card, but it’s a requirement for a regular debit card, which is linked to a checking account. When you get a prepaid debit card, you load the card with money, then use it to make purchases. With regular debit cards, the funds for your payments are taken directly from your checking account as you make purchases.

» More from NerdWallet: What is a debit card?

Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards

Here are answers to common questions about prepaid debit cards.

What is a prepaid debit card?

A prepaid debit card can serve as a budgeting tool or be a replacement for a bank account. The best prepaid cards offer convenience and don’t charge many fees.

There’s no credit check required to get prepaid cards, and they’re often available even if you can’t get a bank account because of a bad banking history. You load funds onto prepaid cards before using them for purchases. Generally, you can also use a prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.

What is a prepaid credit card?

A prepaid card is a card that’s pre-loaded with funds that you can spend. A prepaid card (aka prepaid debit card) is different from a secured credit card (what some people might refer to as “prepaid credit card”). Learn about the differences between prepaid debit cards and secured credit cards .

Where can you get a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards are sold at retail stores (usually for a fee) and some can be ordered online.

How do you add money to a prepaid card?

The methods for adding money to a prepaid card vary from card to card. But generally, the options include adding cash at a retail register (often for a fee), adding funds using an app to make a mobile check deposit, and by direct deposit, card-to-card transfer or bank transfer.

Which prepaid card is best?

The best prepaid debit card for you depends on your needs. If you’re a frequent Walmart shopper, the Walmart MoneyCard might be most useful to you, for example. Or if you’re a parent managing your kids’ allowances, you might prefer the FamZoo Prepaid Card. Whatever prepaid debit card you choose, look for low fees and features such as the ability to withdraw or add funds using methods that are convenient to you.

METHODOLOGY: Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2024

We looked at 36 reloadable prepaid debit cards offered by some of the biggest banks, credit unions and prepaid debit card issuers. Where multiple card plans existed, only the basic monthly fee plan was considered.

We analyzed four categories for each card: general fees and features, purchases and withdrawals, reload fees and options, and other services such as bill pay and savings accounts. The cards that made this list had the best combination of these categories. Some cards in this roundup have nonbank program managers that partner with banks. Regardless, all the cards’ issuers are banks that insure consumers’ money through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. No cards above have overdraft fees.

Prepaid debit cards that we considered included: ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card , American Express Serve , Bluebird by American Express , Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card , Mango Visa Prepaid Card, Netspend Prepaid Card , PayPal Prepaid Mastercard .

ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card , Akimbo Prepaid Mastercard, American Express Serve , Bluebird by American Express , Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard, Card.com Prepaid Card, Commerce Bank mySpending Card, Control Prepaid Mastercard, CUMONEY Everyday Spend Prepaid Card, FamZoo Prepaid Card, Fancard, FasterMoney, Fred Meyer Prepaid Card, Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card , Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard, H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard, Kroger Rewards Prepaid Debit Card, Mango Visa Prepaid Card, MyVanilla Prepaid Card, Navy Federal Credit Union GO Prepaid Card, Netspend Visa Prepaid Card , NexsCard Visa Prepaid Card, ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card, PayPal Prepaid Mastercard , PNC SmartAccess Prepaid Visa Card, Purewrist, Ralphs Rewards Prepaid Visa Card, Regions Now Visa Prepaid Card, Revolut USA Prepaid Visa or Mastercard (Standard), TD Connect Reloadable Prepaid Visa Card, Truist Money Account Prepaid Debit, Turbo Visa Debit Card, Venmo Debit Card, Walmart MoneyCard , Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card, Wise debit card.

On a similar note...

Find a better checking account

View NerdWallet's picks for the best checking accounts.

Best Chase credit cards of May 2024

If you’re looking for great cash-back rates and valuable transferable reward points, consider our top picks for the best Chase credit cards. Chase offers a wide selection of credit cards for all customers, whether you’re looking for the easiest cash-back option or a premium travel card. Chase also makes it easy to combine rewards across multiple accounts, so holding more than one Chase card can allow you to maximize your earning strategy — especially if you’re interested in maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

With so many card options available, you’re sure to find a Chase card that fits your wallet — so check out the list below of offers from our partners compiled by our team of travel experts. 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for overall mid-tier cards
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for business travelers
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for dining and travel insurance
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best for office supplies and technology services
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : Best for frequent Southwest flyers
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for a lower annual fee
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for no annual fee business card

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing chase credit cards, how we rate, what is chase, how to choose the best chase credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of chase credit cards, frequently asked questions, chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

• Annual $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Chase Travel
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus, earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• Reasonable $95 annual fee; bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners
• Primary car insurance; and perks including cellphone and purchase protection
• Extended warranty
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement
• High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
• No travel perks
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
• Earn 100k 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℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
• 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel℠
• $300 Annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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, 75,000 points are worth $1125 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®

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. On top of that, the Ink Business Cash card also offers automatic credit limit increase assessments every six months — and sometimes even sooner — to suit the needs of growing businesses. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card .

• The current sign-up bonus on this card is an impressive up to $750.
• There is no annual fee which is perfect for small business owners.
• You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
• 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
• 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
• 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

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full  review of the Chase Freedom Flex .

• The generous sign-up bonus is impressive for a no annual fee card.
• The card features several categories that earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards and rotating quarterly bonus categories and 3% back on dining and drugstores.
• Your phone is protected against theft or damage for up to $800 per claim (up to $1,000 per year) when you pay that bill with the card.
• You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5x on select purchases.
• This card charges foreign transaction fees so it's best to use it within the U.S.
• 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!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• 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.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $149 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year: a $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. These benefits alone make up the annual fee for frequent Southwest flyers. For every $10,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the  Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card .

• Travel and purchase protections through Chase.
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
• 7,500 points on each cardmember anniversary.
• 20% inflight discount on food, drinks and WiFi.
• Ability to earn A-List status faster by spending on this card
• $149 annual fee.
• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Plus credit card is a great starter card for those who are loyal to the carrier. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card .

• Earn 3,000 points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• Extended warranty and purchase protection
• Secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver.
• Baggage delay insurance
• Up to $3,000 in reimbursement for lost luggage
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance via Visa Signature
• $69 annual fee
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Flight redemption limited to U.S., Caribbean and Central American destinations
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited’s sign-up gives you a generous $750 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card .

• No annual fee
• Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Primary insurance for car rentals
• 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases (then a variable APR of 18.49% - 24.49% applies)
• Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus
• No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred
• No travel protections
• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel rewards credit cards available. It offers comprehensive travel protection plus elevated rewards on travel and dining purchases while maintaining a reasonable $95 annual fee. 

New travel credit card users who are looking to earn transferable rewards without committing to a high annual fee would be a great fit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5-plus years and is the go-to midlevel rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earning rates on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary rental car insurance and a little more peace of mind.” —  Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

Transferable points are often considered the golden currency in the travel reward world, but if you find that you prefer American Express travel partners, the American Express® Green Card offers a comparatively low annual fee while still allowing you to earn on travel, restaurants and more.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

You get tons of perks for a $95 annual fee. Instead of having to spend $15,000 to qualify for the 100,000 bonus points offer, new cardholders can qualify for the bonus points by spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Although this is primarily a business card, it’s also a great travel card as well. Frequent flyers who book trips through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards can maximize the value of their earned points when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. The best part? The cash back you earn doesn’t expire as long as your account remains open.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a good option if you want to avoid paying an annual fee and want to earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at office supply stores, on internet, cable and your phone bill, 2% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at gas stations and restaurants plus an unlimited 1% cash back on every other purchase you make.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card with matching benefits. The card offers an elevated earning rate on many bonus categories, includes premium lounge access and features a  $300 annual travel credit . For just about any traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a solid pick.

Frequent flyers will find the Chase Sapphire Reserve to be a great addition to their wallet, thanks to its travel perks and benefits. 

“The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a no-brainer for me. My top two spending categories are travel and dining, and this card lets me earn 3 points per dollar in both of these categories. Then, I can transfer these points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners or redeem them for a generous 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal or Pay Yourself Back program. The card has a high annual fee, but I don't mind paying it thanks to perks like a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access and impressive travel protections.” —  Benji Stawski , former senior reporter

If you’re looking for a more luxury-focused travel card, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express instead. The Amex Platinum comes with more benefits, travel credits and lounge access — as well as a higher annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ). 

The Ink Business Cash offers a great introductory offer, no annual fee and multiple elevated reward rates. In addition, you can increase the value of your rewards by transferring rewards to an eligible Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.

New business owners who are looking to separate their business and personal expenses while earning rewards on a card with no annual fee should consider the Ink Business Cash card. 

The Ink Business Cash card offers elevated cash-back rates on regular business categories and a solid sign-up offer, all with no annual fee. When combined with a higher-end Ultimate Rewards card, the Ink Business Cash is a no-brainer for any small-business owner looking to maximize their rewards earning.

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee business card but have varied spending habits, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card . That card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending and features a similar introductory bonus.

The Chase Freedom Flex makes cash-back earning easier than ever. You can earn elevated cash back on dining and travel, but every quarter, the Freedom Flex also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at a rotating selection of merchants (after activation). 

The Chase Freedom Flex is a great addition to any beginner’s wallet since it has no annual fee and offers a large spectrum of elevated cash-back categories.  

“I love when a cash-back card is more than a cash-back card, and that's definitely the case with the Chase Freedom Flex. I can effectively convert the cash-back rewards on this card into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, since I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve — opening up fantastic redemptions like luxury World of Hyatt properties and top-notch premium airplane cabins.” —  Nick Ewen , director of content 

If you know your spending habits do not align with the quarterly bonus categories offered by the Chase Freedom Flex, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® instead. You will still earn the same elevated rate on travel and dining but you get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases instead of 1%. 

The Southwest Priority card is a great card for Southwest loyalists who can maximize the card’s perks and benefits. Some notable features include an annual bonus of 7,500 Rapid Rewards points (valued at $113, according to TPG’s valuations ), a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year. 

Southwest loyalists can easily justify the Priority’s annual fee with the anniversary point bonus, travel credit and other perks. 

Any Southwest loyalist should add the Priority card to their travel wallet, as the perks and benefits easily pay for the annual fee every year. 

If you still want a Southwest card but find that you don’t need all of the perks on the Priority, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card , which offers similar perks with a lower fee. 

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card is a great starter card for Southwest travelers thanks to its low annual fee. In addition to earning bonus points on Southwest purchases, the card comes with two EarlyBird check-ins annually and bonus points for each account anniversary.

If you’re a casual Southwest flyer (at least once a year), you’ll likely benefit from the perks on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card. 

For beginner travelers who occasionally fly Southwest, adding the Southwest Plus card can be a great way to expand your travel card collection. 

If you’re looking for more benefits from your Southwest credit card, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card which features a higher annual bonus upon card renewal and additional benefits when flying the carrier. 

There is no easier cash-back business card than the Ink Business Unlimited, as you’ll earn 1.5% back on all purchases. In addition, it features a generous introductory annual percentage rate period and primary insurance on business-related car rentals — all for no annual fee. 

Small-business owners who want a simple business card will benefit from the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat reward rate.

“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited cards. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, whilst the Ink Unlimited covers everything else, with a flat 1.5% earning rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

If your business has more specialized purchases that align with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card , it can be a better fit, as the bonus categories have higher earning rates than the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat 1.5%. 

Decide the type of rewards you want to earn

Chase offers a wide range of credit cards — including ones that earn the issuer’s own Ultimate Rewards points as well as cobranded products with partners like United and Marriott . You could even opt for a top cash-back card if you don’t want to mess with travel rewards. Before you apply for a Chase credit card, consider what type of rewards are most useful for you. Many travelers will benefit from the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards, though everyone’s situation is different.

Earn the welcome bonus

Once you’ve pulled the trigger on applying for a new card, it’s critical to ensure you hit the minimum spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus. Most Chase credit cards give you at least three months to do so, but it’s critical to plan your spending accordingly. In some cases, the bonus can get you over $1,000 worth of rewards, so missing out on it can be a major setback for your travel planning.

Add new cards to maximize your earning potential

Getting a top Chase credit card can unlock valuable rewards, but if you really want to take your card strategy to the next level, consider adding more than one to your wallet. While managing multiple credit cards takes added effort, it can also expand the number of points or miles you can take home. You can use one card to earn bonus points on travel and dining, for example, and then another card can give you extra rewards at drugstores. In fact, Chase cards feature prominently in our guide to the best credit card pairings .

Chase, also known as JPMorgan Chase Bank, is a large American national bank. It offers a large variety of banking and investment products for both consumers and small businesses — including a wide range of credit cards. 

Types of Chase credit cards

Chase offers a large selection of credit card products. Some notable types are defined below.

Travel credit cards are typically tailored to travelers, offering more rewards on travel purchases and providing additional protection and value-added perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an annual $300 travel credit, which can help lower the out-of-pocket cost of your trips. In addition, it offers extensive travel protection when things go wrong, along with lounge access — both perks that can make your next trip a simpler process. 

Cash-back credit cards earn a percentage of cash back on each purchase you make. Some — like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card — offer a simple, flat cash-back rate on all purchases. This could be a great fit for someone who is looking for a straightforward earning structure without needing to worry about maximizing bonus categories.

Other cards — like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ — feature bonus categories which help those who have more tailored spending habits get the most return on their spending.

But the best part about Chase is that you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into fully transferable (and more flexible) Ultimate Rewards points, simply by having a higher-end Chase card.

A “starter” credit card typically refers to a simple product that’s relatively easy to get. Generally these don’t impose an annual fee, and they offer basic cash back so as not to overwhelm a new entrant into the world of credit cards.

One such card would be the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, as it earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases plus an elevated rate on travel and dining, two big expense categories for many people. With no annual fee, even the newest credit card user can find many benefits with the Freedom Unlimited. 

Business credit cards typically offer business-focused perks and elevated earning rates on business spending. These cards are a great way to keep your business expenses separated from your personal expenses and earn on what you are already spending. Chase offers multiple business products under the Ink family of credit cards .

Business owners will have to look over their spending and see which card will help them earn the most on their current expenses.

Finally, cobranded credit cards are issued by a bank in partnership with another organization. The cards typically feature brand-specific rewards and benefits, most frequently with travel companies. For example, Chase issues cobranded cards with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

However, it can also partner with a lifestyle brand — as it’s done with the Instacart Mastercard®  and DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® .

How to apply for a Chase credit card

You can apply for a Chase credit card online, by mail or in person at a Chase bank. You'll need some basic information like your social security number and gross annual income. Here's what else you should know before you submit an application.

The Chase 5/24 rule is infamous in the credit card world. While Chase has never publicly published this policy, data has proven that it almost always applies.

In short, Chase will not approve new applicants who have opened five or more personal credit cards within the last 24 months. This applies to all bank cards, not just Chase cards. You generally have to be under this number to be approved for a new Chase credit card. You can learn more with our full guide to the Chase 5/24 rule .

Chase's 48-month rule states that you're ineligible to earn a bonus on a Chase card if you're a current cardholder of that specific card or if you have already earned a sign-up bonus on a specific card you've had within the last 48 months.

Chase credit card benefits

Chase credit cards come with many benefits and perks. Some notable benefits are highlighted below.

Many Chase cards fit into the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem . However, only three that are available to new applicants earn Ultimate Rewards points: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. These Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel partners but can also be used to book travel directly, making them incredibly valuable when it comes to redemption.

Luckily, if you have one of these products, you can combine your cash-back rewards with your Ultimate Rewards points in a single account — allowing you to maximize your earning. 

Chase is known for some of the best welcome bonuses in the card industry. You can see the current welcome bonus on the card tiles above — and you can refer to our guide with historical offers to see how the current ones measure up.

Travel and shopping protections can be some of the most underrated perks offered by credit card companies. You hope you won’t need to use them, but they can save the day when things go wrong.

One of Chase’s most notable benefits is primary rental car coverage, available on many popular products like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. When you charge a rental car to an eligible card, you’re covered for theft, loss or damage to the vehicle, without needing to invoke your personal insurance. 

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

One of the most notable features of Chase cards is their pairability, thus maximizing the reward potential for your wallet. It is worth considering adding multiple Chase cards to your wallet to get the best return on your spending.

There are multiple strategies for pairing Chase cards, but one of the most popular is commonly known as the Chase Trifecta — the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. However, the best combination of cards should be tailored to your spending and specific reward needs.

That being said, you’ll almost certainly want to feature the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred in your strategy to ensure you’re earning fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Then, select the cash-back Chase cards that best match your spending habits.

Related: How (and why) to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points into a single account

Redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable transferable rewards currencies out there. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, but you have the potential to redeem them at a higher rate for the right travel redemption. 

In many cases, the best way to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is by transferring them to Chase’s travel partners . Popular programs that can unlock luxury travel experiences include World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. However, if you don’t want to mess with another loyalty program, using your Ultimate Rewards points directly with Chase Travel can still offer a solid value .

For an in-depth look at how to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, check out our complete guide . 

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choose a card that aligns with your financial goals — if you’re saving for a big vacation, applying for a card with a generous sign-up bonus may help cover some of the travel costs for that trip.
• 2 Annual fee Whether your preference is a card with no annual fee or a premium card with a high annual fee, choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
• 3 Bonus categories Choose the card that earns rewards in your most frequently used bonus categories like groceries, gas and streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite Chase card — and why?

• Using Chase credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score.
• Chase credit cards can earn points, miles or cash back on every dollar you spend.
• Some Chase credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Select Chase credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, lounge access and more.
• Chase credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your Chase card irresponsibly can damage your credit score.
• The cost of borrowing on Chase credit cards is higher than traditional loans.
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score.
• Chase has some of the most stringent application restrictions of any issuer.

There’s no single Chase credit card that’s best for everyone. Instead, it will depend on your spending habits and what rewards you are looking for. Luckily, Chase cards are easy to pair and maximize, so you can consider adding multiple cards to your wallet.

To apply for any Chase card on this list, you can click on the card’s name, photo or “Apply Now” link to the right of the card. Then, simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete (and submit) your application.

Chase doesn’t have an official limit on the number of Chase cards one person can have. In fact, many TPG staffers have had several Chase credit cards at the same time. However, Chase does limit the amount of total credit it will extend to you. It also has the 5/24 rule (more on that below). Finally, as a general rule of thumb, you can only be approved for one personal card and one business card within 90 days — but even that’s not a hard-and-fast rule.

There are also different application rules for specific Chase cards. You can only hold one Sapphire card at a time. You can only have a single personal Southwest credit card; however, you can hold both a Southwest business card and personal card, which is a great way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.

For more details on Chase’s application rules, read our guide to credit card application restrictions .

That being said, having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

To cancel a Chase credit card, you’ll need to call the number on the back of your card. A phone agent can help you complete the cancellation process. However, be sure to use (or transfer) all of your rewards first, since you may forfeit them after canceling (or shortly thereafter). Pay off any outstanding balances, and be sure to update your account with any merchants that automatically bill the card you’re closing.

Just note that canceling a credit card should not be taken lightly, as it can affect your credit score. You can check out our guide to how to cancel a credit card to help you determine if you should go this route.

Chase does not publish an official score for approval, but our data suggests that a score of at least 670 will increase your chances of getting approved. In addition, rewards credit cards generally require a higher credit score for approval, typically 720-plus.

Having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

Related: How to check your credit score for absolutely free

6 Best Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score (or Less)

Best credit cards for a 500 credit score (or less) of 2024, best overall: discover it® secured credit card, discover it® secured credit card.

Discover matches all the cash back rewards you've earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and adds it to your rewards account within two billing periods.

Why We Chose It: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers good rewards, a welcome offer that matches your cash back for the first year, tools to track your credit and the chance to have your security deposit returned after seven months—all for no annual fee.

• No annual fee
• Earn rewards on purchases and get unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of cash back earned on purchases the first year
• Potential to have security deposit returned after seven months
• Relatively high minimum security deposit ($200)
• Relatively high APR
• Credit line can’t be higher than security deposit

Best Unsecured Card: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Petal® 2 "cash back, no fees" visa® credit card.

Why We Chose It: The Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card is an unsecured card—meaning it doesn’t require a security deposit—that has very few fees while offering cash back rewards. But while the card itself is excellent, consumers should be aware that the issuer behind it has engaged in a few consumer-unfriendly practices in the past (more on that later).

• No security deposit required
• Up to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases
• No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, returned payment fees or late fees
• Maximum APR is high
• Cardholders start at only 1% cash back initially
• Petal has unexpectedly downgraded users to a different card type in the past

Best for No Credit Check: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Chime credit builder secured visa® credit card.

Why We Chose It: The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card is different from the other cards on this list as it has no minimum security deposit**, working more like a type of debit card that reports your activity to the credit bureaus***. Because of how it works, the card charges no interest* and doesn’t require a credit check to apply—but you do need a Chime Online Checking Account .

• No interest* and no annual fee
• No credit check required to apply
• Reports activity to all three credit bureaus ***
• Must have a Chime Checking Account and receive at least one $200 qualifying direct deposit to qualify
• Can only spend up to the balance you move from your paired Checking Account to your Credit Builder’s secured account

Best for Potentially Low Security Deposit: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital one platinum secured credit card.

Why We Chose It: The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a no-frills secured card that has no rewards or special perks but charges no annual fee and allows you to have a minimum security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 (the exact amount determined by Capital One).

• Security deposit potentially as low as $49
• Everyone gets free credit monitoring with CreditWise from Capital One
• Opportunity to earn back security deposit as a statement credit and upgrade with responsible card use
• Few cardholder benefits

Best for Long-Term Value: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card.

Why We Chose It: With no annual fee, 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase, automatic credit line reviews for a higher credit line in as little six months and the chance to get your security deposit back after a period of responsible card use, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is worth keeping in your wallet even once your credit score improves.

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Potential to earn security deposit back and upgrade to unsecured card version with “responsible card use”
• Automatic credit line reviews after six months with no additional deposit
• $200 minimum deposit is relatively high
• Does not specify a timeline for security deposit refund
• APR is relatively high

Best for High Potential Credit Limit: BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card

Bankamericard® secured credit card.

Why We Chose It: The no-annual-fee BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card serves its basic purpose as a credit-building card well but doesn’t have many additional perks. However, it offers the potential for a high credit limit —useful in helping keep your credit utilization low—if you qualify for it and can put up the security deposit to match.

• Potentially high credit limit (up to $5,000)
• Periodic account reviews to see if you’re eligible to have security deposit returned
• Free access to your FICO Score in your account
• No rewards and few card benefits
• High credit limit requires high security deposit
• Not all customers will qualify for a security deposit refund

A Closer Look at the Best Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score

Best for overall: discover it® secured credit card.

Why we love this card: While rewards shouldn’t be your top priority when choosing a credit-building card, it’s a nice bonus if everything else about the card is up to par. That’s the case with the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. The card has no annual fee, offers tools to help you track your credit and will automatically evaluate your account after seven months to see if you’re eligible to have your security deposit refunded. On top of that, it earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each calendar quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You’ll also get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match for all the cash back earned in your first year.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for anyone who wants to earn rewards with their card, can afford the security deposit and doesn’t plan to carry a balance.

Other cards to consider: If you can’t qualify for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or can’t afford the minimum security deposit, forgo rewards and consider the Capital One Platinum Secured.

Best Unsecured Card: Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Petal 2 card offers cash back on purchases and charges no annual fees, late fees or returned payment fees. It doesn’t even require a security deposit.

However, in 2023, some cardholders had their Petal 2 cards unexpectedly downgraded to the Petal® 1 Rise Visa® Credit Card, a worse card option with an annual fee. The only way to opt out of this change was to cancel one’s account altogether. We don’t know the exact reasoning behind this change, and changes like this haven’t happened often enough to be considered a definite pattern. As such, we still believe the Petal 2 is an excellent card in its own right, but consumers should know that there’s a chance their Petal 2 card could be downgraded in the future.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Petal 2 card is great for consumers who want to build credit with an unsecured deposit while earning rewards—just be aware of the company’s history.

Other cards to consider: For a secured card with similar or better rewards, try the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or Capital One Quicksilver Secured. If you don’t qualify for the Petal 2, Petal might offer you the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card (no annual fee) or Petal 1 Rise ($59 annual fee for accounts opened after 5/16/23) instead. The Petal 1 is a decent no-frills unsecured card, but we don’t recommend the Petal 1 Rise due to the annual fee.

Best for No Credit Check: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Chime Credit Builder Card requires you to move money from your Chime Checking Account to your card account before you can spend with the card. It automatically pays off the balance at the end of the month with the money in your card account. Because of this, there’s no interest*, and Chime can offer this card to consumers without requiring a credit check to apply or an annual fee.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for consumers who have a Chime Checking Account (or are willing to open one) and want a nontraditional way that may help build credit.

Other cards to consider: For a true credit card instead of Chime’s debit/credit-type hybrid product, consider the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card as you may potentially be eligible to qualify for a security deposit lower than your initial credit line, or the Discover it® Secured Credit Card if you want rewards.

Why we love this card: The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a $49, $99 or $200 (exact amount determined by Capital One) refundable security deposit to open an account with an initial $200 credit line. If you qualify for the $49 deposit, that’s one of the lowest deposits among secured cards and also makes this card one of the few that offers a credit limit higher than the deposit amount. Other than that, the card is a basic no-frills card with no rewards and few perks beyond helping you build credit with responsible use.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for consumers who want a (potentially) lower minimum initial security deposit and don’t care about rewards or additional card benefits.

Other cards to consider: If you can qualify and afford the security deposit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers better rewards. Also consider the BankAmericard Secured Credit Card if you instead want a higher security deposit and credit line (if you qualify).

Why we love this card: Like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured card is one of the rare credit-builder cards that offers rewards while having no annual fee. It requires a $200 refundable minimum security deposit that can be earned back with an upgrade to the unsecured version with responsible card use (though Capital One doesn’t specify a timeline), and your account will be automatically reviewed in as little as six months to see if you’re eligible for a credit line increase without an additional deposit.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for consumers who want a rewards-earning secured card that can potentially be upgraded with responsible card use to an unsecured card and remain useful in the long run.

Other cards to consider: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a similar secured card with better rewards (at least for the first year) thanks to its Cashback Match welcome offer. The Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card is an unsecured card with similar rewards and no annual fee.

Best for High Potential Credit Limit: BankAmericard Secured Credit Card

Why we love this card: While a higher security deposit—in this case, up to $5,000—on a secured card may not be affordable for everyone, it can be useful as it also gets you a higher credit line (pending approval). Even if you don’t intend to spend much on your card, a higher credit limit can lower your credit utilization and possibly increase your credit score. Other than that, the BankAmericard Secured Credit Card is a fairly basic but functional secured card.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for consumers who want a higher credit limit and can afford the security deposit and meet other requirements.

Other cards to consider: For a card with one of the lowest possible security deposits we’ve seen around for those that qualify, check out the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. If you want rewards and better benefits, consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 500 Credit Score?

Getting a credit card with a 500 credit score is possible, but it’ll be more difficult than if you have a higher credit score . To understand why, you need to understand what your credit score represents.

Your credit score measures how likely you are to repay your debts based on your past behavior. It’s calculated using information in your credit report, which includes any information that the credit bureaus receive from companies you’ve borrowed money from.

A credit score of 500 or less likely means you’ve had some derogatory marks on your credit report. Maybe you’ve missed a few payments, taken on too much debt, defaulted on a loan or even declared bankruptcy in the recent past. These negative marks can stay on your credit score for many years, dragging down your credit score.

To an issuer, a low credit score indicates you’re a riskier prospect who might not pay back what they borrow. Thus, they’ll typically be less likely to extend you credit or might do so but charge you more.

But don’t let that discourage you from getting a credit card, as long as you can use it responsibly. With responsible usage—always paying off your balance on time and in full and not maxing out your card—a credit card is one of the most accessible ways to build or rebuild credit.

The selection of cards you qualify for with a score under 500 may be limited and will often come without many rewards or perks—and may include a security deposit requirement or charge higher-than-average APRs and fees. But if you use your card to build your credit score back up with time, you may be able to qualify for more (and better) cards in the future.

New to Credit vs. Damaged Credit

There’s a difference between being new to credit (having no credit score or credit history) and having damaged credit (having an existing but low credit score and negative marks in your credit history). While both can make it harder to qualify for credit, there are some credit-building cards geared specifically toward those who are new to credit that won’t accept those with damaged credit.

How To Choose a Credit Card for a 500 Credit Score (or Less)

Choosing the best credit card when you have a lower credit score is different from choosing a card when you have good credit. For starters, it may not be a matter of finding the best card but rather finding a card that you can qualify for . You’ll also have to adjust your expectations when it comes to things like rewards or perks, which credit-building cards often lack. Here’s what you should look for instead.

An annual fee is one of the most important considerations when choosing a credit-building card. Unlike premium cards , which charge an annual fee because they offer valuable benefits and rewards that can offset the fee, some subprime credit cards will charge a fee just for the privilege of holding the card.

While you might be willing to accept an annual fee just to get a card and start rebuilding your credit—especially if you’re having trouble qualifying for anything else—you should consider the long-term implications. After you’ve rebuilt your credit and no longer need the card, do you want to be stuck paying an annual fee? On the other hand, canceling the card could hurt your credit score.

It’s much better to get a no-annual-fee card off the bat so that once you’ve moved on to better cards, you can keep your old account open for free.

Penalty Fees and APR

Penalty fees, like late fees and returned payment fees, are charged in specific circumstances. The annual percentage rate, or APR, determines how much interest you pay if you carry a balance from month to month. Both are avoidable, but it’s still important to look at these fees, which you can find in a card’s rates and fees fine print. Even if you never pay them, excessively high fees and a high APR range might be a sign of a predatory lender.

Company Reputation

While rewards cards and other “good credit” cards generally come from a few major issuers , the “bad credit” card space has a lot more players—some less reputable than others. Before applying for a card, do some research on both the card itself and its issuer. Are there any user complaints, hidden fees or drawbacks?

That’s not to say you have to stick to legacy banks and avoid smaller companies. Just do your due diligence, educate yourself and remember: If something seems too good to be true, there’s likely a catch somewhere.

Secured vs. Unsecured

Secured cards are “secured” by a cash deposit paid at card opening. Often, the amount of the deposit determines your credit line. This reduces the risk for issuers, as they can take the security deposit if you default. Unsecured cards don’t require a security deposit. Your credit line is determined by various factors, including your credit score and income.

Secured cards can be easier to qualify for than an unsecured card when you have a lower credit score, but you need to provide cash upfront. Different secured cards have different security deposit requirements. Some can be as low as $49 for those who qualify, while others may be upwards of $200. When choosing an unsecured card, be sure to look at whether a security deposit is refundable, and under what circumstances. Some cards will only refund your security deposit when you close your card. Others may automatically refund your deposit after a period of responsible use, essentially upgrading your card to an unsecured one.

Prequalification

Every time you apply for a new credit card, the issuer usually will perform a hard credit check, which can lower your credit score by a few points. Some issuers offer prequalification, which lets you check your approval odds with only a soft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score. While prequalification does not guarantee approval, it’s a good way to reduce your risk of “wasting” a hard credit check on an application that ends up being rejected.

How To Improve Your Credit Score From Poor to Fair (or Better)

Getting a credit card is only the first step in rebuilding your credit. To actually improve your credit score, you’ll need to use your credit card responsibly. Here’s how to raise your credit score from poor to fair and, eventually, good or excellent:

• Pay your bills on time and in full: Pay your bills by (or before) the due date and strive always to pay the full statement balance—not just the minimum payment due. This is the best way to improve your credit and will also prevent interest charges and penalty fees. Only charge what you can afford to pay off each month and set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid accidentally missing a payment. If you can’t afford to pay off the full statement balance, make sure you at least pay the minimum balance by the due date.
• Keep your credit utilization low: Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of your available credit line that you’re using at a given time. A utilization ratio that’s too high can harm your credit score. Experts generally recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio under 30%. This means that if your card has a credit limit of $200, you should try to keep your balance under $60 at any given time.
• Monitor your credit score and credit report: Regularly checking your credit score and credit report will help you track your progress and alert you to any problems on your credit-building journey. You can get a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com , and you can check your credit score for free through your issuer or bank (if they provide that service).
• Be patient: Repairing credit takes time, but if you continue using your card responsibly, your credit score can slowly but surely increase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 500 credit score considered bad.

Under both the FICO and VantageScore scoring systems, a 500 credit score is considered a “poor” credit score. But you can look to rebuild your credit score with responsible credit use over time.

What Cards Can I Get With a 500 Credit Score?

If you have a 500 credit score or lower, you’ll likely have trouble qualifying for most credit cards. Try secured cards, which require a cash security deposit, or credit cards geared toward those rebuilding credit.

What Other Factors Affect Credit Card Qualification?

While your credit score is one of the primary factors an issuer will look at when deciding whether to grant you a card, your income, employment, existing debt, and detailed credit history can also be factors in the decision.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card details and disclosures:

• Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank.
• *No Interest: Out of network ATM withdrawal fees and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details .
• **No Minimum Security Deposit: Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
• The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
• To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
• ***Safer Credit Building – On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

The post 6 Best Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score (or Less) first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

Should You Use a Credit Card or Cash on Vacation?

Consider your spending, destination and flexibility when choosing cash or credit card for vacations.

Cash or Credit on Vacation?

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It may be best to bring both cash and credit cards on vacation for different types of transactions or if one form of payments gets lost.

Key Takeaways

• You'll be best prepared if you plan to use both cash and credit cards on vacation, as either payment type can function as a backup.
• Consider your spending habits, destination and trip duration when choosing whether to use cash or credit cards as your primary method of payment on vacation.
• Take steps to keep your cash and credit cards safe while traveling by dividing cash into multiple stashes and using tap to pay for credit cards.

Cash is king, but credit can offer greater security when you travel. Before you head out on vacation, make plans for whether you'll pay for expenses such as meals, souvenirs and local transportation with cash or credit. Consider how you plan to spend, where you're going and how flexible your money needs to be as you choose between cash or credit as your preferred payment method.

Pros and Cons of Using Cash on Vacation

Cash can offer flexibility and help you avoid fees, but it can be risky to carry on vacation.

According to Travis Cormier, chief operating officer of credit card rewards travel site 10xTravel, using cash largely depends on your destination, as you won't always find vendors who take cards in every destination. "Consider the remoteness of where you're going, as well," Cormier says. "Many card transactions require the internet to process, so if you're traveling somewhere like Egypt or Morocco where you'll be out of the city centers, expect to need cash."

Pros of Cash

Budgeting: When you pay in cash, it's easy to keep up with spending because you can see how much is left every time you open your wallet.

Avoiding fees: You may have to pay a foreign transaction fee when you use a credit card, and some establishments charge a fee on top of that for you to use a credit card instead of cash or debit.

Flexibility: Cash works almost everywhere, especially if you're leaving tips or buying food from a street vendor. You might have an easier time haggling with cash, too.

Cons of Cash

Theft or loss risk: Once cash is lost or stolen, there's no way to recover it. Also, it could be dangerous to travel with all of the cash you need for your trip.

Planning required: You'll need to plan ahead and get enough cash for your vacation just in case you can't find an ATM that works with your bank.

Less acceptance: Although cash is often widely accepted, businesses that have gone cashless and only accept debit or credit cards are increasing. Hotels and car rental companies may require you to have a card on file even if you're paying cash.

"The downside of paying with cash when traveling is that you have to carry around large sums of money with you, and you run the risk of misplacing it or theft," says budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. She suggests carrying a debit or credit card as a backup to cash.

Cormier says using cash in countries with a volatile currency may eventually make your cash less valuable. "If you don't use all the cash and you're saving it for a future trip, it may not be worth as much next time you travel."

Pros and Cons of Using Credit Cards on Vacation

Credit cards can offer greater protections than cash, but you may experience fees or issues with acceptance depending on where you're traveling.

Pros of Credit Cards

Expense tracking: You can keep track of what you've spent by logging into your online account.

Rewards and benefits: Many credit cards earn cash back you can use to offset travel expenses, or others may earn points to use toward your next trip. Some may offer travel protections such as trip cancellation coverage, and your benefits may include travel perks such as airport lounge access.

Easy replacement: If your card is lost or stolen, it's typically easy to lock your card with an app or phone call, remove fraudulent charges and get a new card sent to you. However, you should have a backup payment method to use while you wait to get a new card.

The security of credit cards can't be understated. "If you lose your cash, then that money is gone," says Cormier. "If you lose your card, it may be an inconvenience, but you can at least cancel it and get a new card reissued and you're not liable for any unauthorized purchases on the card."

Your card may also offer travel protections that can save you money and offer reassurance, says Spencer Howard, founder of points travel site Straight To The Points.

"Beyond earning points, miles or cash back, many credit cards come with a variety of travel benefits such as trip delay and cancellation protection and bag delay protection," says Howard. "Delays and cancellations are stressful enough, so knowing that you can cover some necessary expenses provides a little peace of mind."

Cons of Credit Cards

Foreign transaction fees: Some credit cards charge a fee for purchases made abroad or in foreign currency. However, there are numerous cards with no foreign transaction fees if you'd prefer not to pay this when you travel.

Unexpected declines: Credit card issuers use advanced algorithms to detect fraud, but may erroneously flag your account for fraud and not allow charges when you make purchases that don't follow your usual pattern.

Acceptance issues: Although the major credit card issuers are widely accepted, there are exceptions. Discover and American Express are accepted at fewer locations than Visa and Mastercard, so you should bring a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

How to Choose Between Cash or Credit Cards on Vacation

Choosing between cash or credit cards on vacation isn't an either-or situation, as you should be prepared to use both. Consider your spending habits, the destination and how long you're traveling.

You might prefer to primarily use credit cards but bring cash as a backup in case your cards are lost or compromised, a merchant doesn't accept cards or you want to tip in cash. Alternatively, you might prefer cash but still bring a credit card or two along as a backup if you lose your cash, need to put a card on file for a hotel or rental car or encounter a cashless business.

Also think about the types of transactions you'll make. Cash may be a good choice for small transactions such as meals or souvenirs, while a credit card is better for hotel accommodations or tours.

Consider the trustworthiness of where you're spending money before you hand over cash. "If a merchant fails to provide the service or product you've purchased, using a credit card gives you the option to file a (dispute) so your bank can investigate," says Howard, who notes if a merchant accepts credit cards, that's always his preferred payment method.

Look ahead to your destination and understand whether you'll need to convert your cash, how easy it is to access ATMs that connect to your bank and how widely your credit cards are accepted. Trip duration matters, too, as carrying enough cash to cover a long trip may not be practical.

"Travelers deciding on cash or cards for vacation spending need to consider the benefits of their card and the accessibility of card payments in the country they're traveling to," says Cormier. "Additionally, if you don't get cash in advance, your bank may charge you a foreign ATM fee to get cash in a foreign country, and ATMs can set their own conversion rates that don't match the market rates."

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Tips for Using Cash and Credit Cards on Vacation

A few things to keep in mind when spending on vacation:

• Divvy up the cash. Keep cash safe by dividing it into stashes in multiple locations, such as in your wallet, money belt, hidden pocket and in your hotel safe. Only carry what you need for the day's expenses and be discreet about handling cash in public.
• Do your research. When exchanging currency, only visit reputable banks or currency exchange offices, and compare exchange rates to find the best place to convert your cash.
• Avoid fees. Use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
• Alert your bank before you leave. Some credit card issuers ask you to set up a travel notice to avoid having them errantly flag your account for fraud. You may be able to set up the notice online or by phone.
• Shop like a local. If a merchant offers the option to pay with your home currency, decline it and pay with the local currency, as the exchange rate you'll get from your card should be better than what's available at the register.
• Tap to pay when available. Whenever possible, use tap to pay with your phone or watch. It's the most secure way to pay because you don't need to pull out your wallet and it reduces the risk of card skimming and fraud.

"Rather than choose one or the other, consider utilizing cash and cards to be sure you're fully covered," says Cormier, who recommends taking out about $100 to $200 and planning ahead for foreign currency. "Most major U.S. banks can order cash for you for any country, but you'll often need to reach out a few weeks before your trip for them to get it in time. If you need more cash, you can get more at your destination."

Tags: credit cards , Vacations

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