Are you planning a road trip and looking for the best credit cards to help you maximize your travel experience? Look no further, as we’ve researched and analyzed the top credit cards available to help you earn rewards, get travel perks, and save money on your next adventure. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of the best credit cards for road trippers, along with their benefits, rewards, and additional features.
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Road trips are an excellent way to explore the country and create lifelong memories. However, traveling can be expensive, and the costs can quickly add up. Using a credit card that offers rewards, perks, and other benefits can help you save money and make the most of your trip.
When choosing a credit card for your road trip, it’s important to consider your specific travel needs and spending habits. Do you plan on driving long distances and making frequent stops at restaurants and gas stations? Or do you prefer to stay in hotels and fly to your destination? Whatever your travel style, there’s a credit card that can help you earn rewards and save money on your trip.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Your Road Trip
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing the best credit card for your road trip:
Sign-up bonus
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be a great way to earn extra rewards when you first get the card. Make sure to check the terms and conditions to ensure that you can meet the spending requirements to qualify for the bonus.
Rewards and earning potential
The best credit cards for road trippers offer rewards and earning potential that align with your travel style and spending habits. Look for credit cards that offer bonus rewards on gas, restaurants, and travel-related purchases.
Travel perks
Travel perks such as no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation insurance, and airport lounge access can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Annual fees
Many credit cards come with annual fees, so it’s important to weigh the cost of the fee against the benefits of the card. Look for cards that offer enough benefits to justify the annual fee.
Credit score requirements
To qualify for the best credit cards with the highest rewards and perks, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score. Make sure to check the credit score requirements before applying for a card.
The Best Credit Cards for Your Next Road Trip
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a credit card for your road trip, let’s take a look at some of the best options available.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a versatile credit card that can help you earn rewards on your next road trip. With this card, you can earn 2X points on travel and dining, which is perfect for road trips. Additionally, you can transfer your points to different travel partners, which can help you get more value out of your rewards. The card has an annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year, and no foreign transaction fees.
Benefits:
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service.
Discover it® Miles
If you want a simple and straightforward credit card for your road trip, the Discover it® Miles card is a great option. With this card, you’ll earn 1.5X miles on every purchase, and there’s no limit to the amount you can earn. Plus, at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
Benefits:
Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase, with no limit to the amount you can earn. Get your rewards matched at the end of your first year. Pay no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch on the Discover mobile app.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card is a premium credit card that can help you earn rewards and save money on your road trip. With this card, you’ll earn 2X points on travel and dining purchases, as well as 1.5X points on all other purchases. The card also comes with a $100 annual airline incidental statement credit, making it a great choice for frequent flyers. The card has an annual fee of $95.
Benefits:
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Earn 2X points on travel and dining purchases, and 1.5X points on all other purchases. Get up to $100 in statement credits towards TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Receive a $100 annual airline incidental statement credit to use towards qualifying purchases. Access to Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection, which offers perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast at over 900 hotels worldwide.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers a generous 3% cashback on gas purchases, as well as 6% cashback at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), and 1% cashback on all other purchases. The card has a $95 annual fee, but the cashback rewards can more than offset the fee. The card also provides a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Your Road Trip With so many credit cards available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your road trip. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Rewards: Look for a credit card that offers rewards in categories that align with your travel expenses. For example, if you plan on eating out frequently, a card that offers bonus rewards on dining purchases might be a good choice.
Perks: Many credit cards come with additional perks, such as travel credits, airport lounge access, and hotel upgrades. Consider which perks are most important to you and choose a card that offers them.
Fees: Some credit cards come with annual fees and foreign transaction fees. Make sure to consider these fees when choosing a card, and weigh them against the benefits the card offers.
Compatibility: If you have a specific loyalty program you want to earn rewards with, make sure to choose a credit card that’s compatible with that program. You don’t want to earn rewards that you can’t use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for your road trip can help you earn rewards, save money, and make your travel experience more enjoyable. Consider your travel needs and spending habits when choosing a card, and look for one that offers rewards and perks that align with your preferences. Whether you’re driving across the country or flying to your destination, there’s a credit card that can help you make the most of your trip.
