Best vacation credit cards of December 2024

The Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn 2X miles per dollar on every purchase. Plus, earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• Miles earned with this card can be redeemed to cover almost any travel purchase, so whether you want your miles to cover a car rental, hotel or Airbnb stay, or plane tickets, the world is your oyster.
• Venture Miles come with several flexible redemption options including the opportunity to transfer miles to the hotel and airline loyalty programs.
• The card comes with additional perks such as 24-hour travel assistance services and MasterRental Insurance.

CONS:

• If you spend a lot in specific categories, you might be able to earn more with a tiered or rotating-category rewards card.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee that is easily offset by its valuable benefits.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn 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.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• The $750 in Chase Travel can go a long way towards your next vacation.
• There are flexible redemption options including the opportunity to boost point values by 25% by redeeming through Chase Travel.
• The rewards earning on dining and travel are solid making it a great card to use on airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises.

CONS:

• Although the welcome offer is lucrative, cardholders need to spend $4,000 within three months to earn it which may be out of reach for some people. Before applying, consider whether or not reaching this threshold is a realistic goal.
• This card charges a AnnualFees annual fee, but it's numerous perks easily help to offset this.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: You'll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months; in this case, however, those points are worth $900 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. CardName cardholders receive 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel.

Annual fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: When you book through Chase Travel, you earn five points per $1 on air travel and 10 points per $1 on car rentals and hotels (all after earning your annual travel reimbursement). Earn three times the points on dining at restaurants and on other travel (again, that isn't eligible for the annual travel reimbursement; more on that below) and one point on everything else. Remember that bonus points are transferable to multiple frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, plus they're worth 50% more when redeemed through Chase Travel.

Additional Features: Cardholders are eligible for up to $300 each account anniversary year in statement credit reimbursements to cover travel costs. Plus, you'll enjoy complimentary airport lounge access and a credit for your Global Entry application fee. Other perks include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, auto rental coverage, and more.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• This card has some of the best travel benefits on the market including up to $300 in statement credits to cover travel purchases made each account anniversary year.
• The rewards earning rates with this card are quite good with three points earned per $1 spent on dining and on travel that isn't eligible for the annual $300 travel statement credit reimbursement and one point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, there is additional rewards earning possible for certain travel when you book through Chase Travel.
• With no foreign transaction fees, this card will be a welcome companion on your next international trip.

CONS:

• The annual fee is quite high.
• Not everyone will be able to use travel benefits and statement credits, so if you are not a frequent traveler this may not be the right card for you.
• The fee for authorized users is also a bit high at $75 per additional user.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 towards travel) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Additionally, enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first account anniversary.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Additional Features: Receive $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel; enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network; receive up to a $120 credit to cover your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee; and, when you pay your monthly wireless bill with your covered Capital One card, your cell phone is protected for the next calendar month.

PROS:

• Take some stress out of your next vacation by breezing through security. This card offers up to $120 reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
• Continue a stress-free airport experience with free visits to Capital One Lounges (plus bring two free guests per visit) and complimentary visits for you and your guests at Partner Lounge Network lounges.

CONS:

• The rewards offering is great, but to really get the most value out of earning rewards, you'll need to book your trips through Capital One Travel. If you prefer to book travel on third-party sites, like Expedia, you may not find this card as rewarding.
• The annual fee for this card isn't too daunting for a premium credit card, but still, you should consider if you'll utilize the card's perks enough to offset the annual fee before you make any final decisions.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: 10x on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• The welcome bonus alone can go a long ways towards your next vacation.
• There is no foreign transaction fees, making this a great card for international travel.
• This card earns bonus rewards on popular everyday categories, making it a good go-to card option.

CONS:

• There is an annual fee to consider when applying for this card.
• As this isn't strictly an airline card, the benefits are somewhat limited when it comes to flying.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn 7X Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands. Earn 5X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X points for other eligible purchases on your card.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• As the entry level Hilton Honors credit card, this card does not charge an annual fee.
• Cardholders receive complimentary Silver Status and get Gold Status if they spend $20,000 in a year.
• Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Enrollment required for select perks.

CONS:

• The earning potential with the Hilton Honors American Express Card is lower than what you could get with other Hilton cards.
• There are less options in the Hilton portfolio than you might find with another brand such as Marriott Bonvoy.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 on your card in the first three months of account opening.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn two AAdvantage® bonus miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants and on eligible American Airlines purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• Earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.
• There are no foreign transaction fees and your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and receive 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.

CONS:

• Although the annual fee is waived the first 12 months, you’ll still want to be sure you get enough from the rewards and card benefits to cover it afterward.
• Double miles earned on purchases at gas stations, restaurants and American Airlines is nice, but if most of your spending is in other categories or you frequently travel with other airlines, you’ll likely want to consider a more general travel rewards card.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

Welcome Offer: Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn three points per $1 on Southwest purchases as well as two points per $1 on local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming and one point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• Enjoy a $75 Southwest travel credit each year as well as up to four upgrade boardings, when available.
• Receive 7,500 bonus points each year after your account anniversary.

CONS:

• The AnnualFees annual fee is slightly higher than other airline rewards credit cards that offer similar benefits.
• Of airline travel cards, this one offers pretty standard rewards and benefits, especially for the annual fee. If your spending varies or you often fly with other airlines, you might find a general travel rewards credit card to be more valuable.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus:Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn two miles per $1 spent at restaurants, on hotel accommodations and on purchases from United, and one mile per $1 spent on everything else.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• Not many cards at this annual fee price point offer a trusted traveler program application fee reimbursement, which really makes this card stand out.
• This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so it's great for international travel.
• Other travel benefits include 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and WiFi onboard United-operated flights, and many others, which are all worth way more than the annual fee.

CONS:

• There are a lot of perks to help offset it, but an annual fee is always something to consider.
• You'll benefit most if United Airlines is actually a preference of yours. If you don't use United Airlines often, you'll likely miss out on the numerous perks this card has to offer.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: Earn 4X points per $1 spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year), then 1X points; 4X points per $1 spent at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year) then 1X points; 3X points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com; 2X points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com; and 1X point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• This is a great card for vacation since it earns bonus rewards on both food and travel. So whether you're dining out on vacation or you're shopping at a U.S. supermarket to stock up your Airbnb, you'll earn rewards on it all.
• Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. That is an annual savings of up to $120 (enrollment required).
• 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. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• With The Hotel Collection, you get a $100 hotel credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• This is a good card for international travel as it does not charge fees on foreign transactions.

CONS:

• This card has an annual fee of AnnualFees which can be expensive if you aren’t earning enough rewards to offset it.
• Unlike typical credit cards, this card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

PROS:

• Because this card matches all of the miles earned the first year for new cardholders, you essentially earn three miles per $1 spent on all your purchases your first year.
• Depending on how often you use the card in the first year, you have the potential to earn a ton of bonus miles. For example, if you earn 35,000 miles, you get 70,000 miles. That's $700 towards travel!
• There’s no annual fee, which is somewhat unusual when it comes to solid travel rewards cards. The benefit of this is you won’t have to make sure you meet certain requirements to cover the annual fee often charged by other cards.

CONS:

• The flat rewards rate of 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases is convenient, but it’s also a fairly low rate. If you spend a lot in specific categories you may be better off with a tiered or rotating category rewards card.
• Because of the non-traditional offer to match your spending the first year, you won’t earn your bonus until the end of the year. This might not matter much for some, but if you want the rewards immediately for upcoming travel, this card may not be the best option.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

PROS:

• Matching cash back for new cardholders is what sets Discover cards apart. The card will match, dollar for dollar, all the cash back you've earned during the first year you have the card. This is a great way to earn some serious rewards.
• This card doesn't charge an annual fee, or a foreign transaction fee, making it a great option for international travel.

CONS:

• The $1,000 combined quarterly spending cap on the 2% cash back category of dining and gas could be limiting.
• While their reach is growing, Discover cards are still not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard cards. This is especially true outside of the United States.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

The Bonus: It isn't a traditional bonus, but you can enjoy a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening and 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and made within the first four months (then, RegAPR).

Annual Fee: AnnualFees

Balance Transfer Fee: BalanceTransferFees

Foreign Transaction Fee: foreign_fee

The Rewards: This isn't a traditional rewards card, but the intro 0% APR periods are a huge reward in and of themselves.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

• While a credit card can be helpful in planning a vacation, it can also be dangerous if you aren't careful. It won't be much fun to take a nice vacation, only to spend months after trying to recover from it financially. This is where a 0% intro APR period could come in handy. This card gives you some extra time to pay off balances interest free. Just be sure to pay them off before the intro period ends as regular RegAPR APR will then apply.
• This card doesn't charge an annual fee which is always a nice perk.
• Citi Entertainment® can help you feel like you're on vacation even if you can't go anywhere. Staycation anyone?

CONS:

• This card doesn't come with a traditional ongoing rewards program.
• If you choose to take advantage of the balance transfer offer, be aware that there is a balance transfer fee to consider: BalanceTransferFees
• You'll also want to be aware of the foreign transaction fees if planning to travel overseas.

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.