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Citi Credit Card Benefits for Active-Duty U.S. Military Members [2024]

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How Citi Applies Military Benefits

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You’ll find value in today’s article on Citi military benefits if you’re an active-duty military member holding a Citi credit card or a service member not on active duty who is considering one.

Decades ago, laws were enacted to help alleviate some of the financial burdens our active-duty military members face. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in 2003 and the Military Lending Act (MLA) in 2006 set the foundation for how financial transactions involving military members should be handled.

We’ll discuss the acts briefly in a moment, but today’s article will focus specifically on how Citi applies the benefits of the laws to its range of credit cards. Plus, we’ll look at how these benefits can create bottom-line value for active-duty military.

The 6 Best Citi Credit Cards With Benefits for Active-Duty Military

• Citi Premier ® Card — Best for Travel
• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ® — Best Premium Card for American Airlines Flyers
• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite Mastercard ® — Best Mid-Tier Card for American Airlines Flyers
• Citi Custom Cash ® Card — Best for Cash-Back on Your Highest Spend Category
• Citi Double Cash ® Card — Best for Everyday Cash-Back
• Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi — Best for Costco Loyalists

How Do the SCRA and MLA Work?

The SCRA and MLA , when initially passed, applied to financial transactions such as mortgages, auto loans, other installment loans, rental agreements, and banking in general. In 2017, the laws were amended to include credit cards .

After this addition, credit card issuers instituted policies to ensure credit granted to military members met the laws’ requirements.

Here’s how the laws apply to credit cards:

• Credit cards acquired prior to active-duty military service would have a maximum interest rate of 6% (SCRA).
• Credit cards acquired during active-duty military service would have a maximum interest rate of 36%. This was called the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) and included all associated credit card fees as well as interest charges.

Citi applies military benefits to those who are on active duty, for credit cards acquired prior to active-duty service and after September 2017. Citi will waive associated credit card fees, including annual fees, along with interest charges, for active-duty service members.

Let’s look at some of the best credit cards issued by Citi and how each one might provide value for the active-duty military member.

If you are not on active duty but considering a Citi credit card, you’ll find significant value in the welcome offers that come with some of the best Citi credit cards. These offers allow you to earn a large number of rewards when meeting minimum spending requirements in a specified period after card approval.

We’ve included the current welcome offers in the following summary for comparison purposes.

Before we look at each key benefit individually, and its potential value for active-duty members, let’s look at a high-level overview of the best Citi credit cards, welcome offers, annual fees, and general benefits.

Now let’s look closer at our featured Citi credit cards and the key benefits you can expect on each card.

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

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

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Credit Card Reviews
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-Duty Military Members

• Waiver of annual fee for cards acquired prior to active duty
• Bonus category earnings on everyday purchases
• Earns flexible ThankYou Points that can be transferred to hotel and airline partners
• Annual hotel savings benefit
• No foreign transaction fees

Read our guide to find more information on the Citi Premier Card benefits for Military Members .

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

The Citi ® /AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ® is a go-to card thanks to its exclusive perks and benefits for people who love to fly American Airlines. With a complimentary Admirals Club membership, free checked bags, inflight discounts, and the ability to earn Loyalty Points for every $1 you spend, there is plenty to love about the card.

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage ® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
• Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars
• $595 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn many miles on all other eligible purchases
• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage ® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Admirals Club ® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage ® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:
• Airline Credit Cards

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

• Waiver of higher annual fee for active-duty military members who acquired the card prior to active duty
• Generous welcome bonus offer
• 4x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines
• Complimentary Admirals Club lounge access for cardholders, immediate family, or 2 guests; authorized users also have lounge access
• First free checked bag for cardholder and traveling companions (up to 8), priority boarding
• Global Entry / TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, up to a $100 statement credit

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Blue skies and fair winds make for a good day to fly! Choosing your airline can be difficult, since factors like location, time, and destination all go into whether or not you can fly somewhere.

An easy choice for many people is American Airlines, because they’re the largest airline in the world. If you’re an American, you’ve probably flown American Airlines at least once.

Frequent fliers tend to enjoy the treatment they can get, from boarding privileges to free bags to lounge access. There’s many reasons to fly with AA, and if so then getting a Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite Mastercard ® could be for you.

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage ® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• Earn 2 AAdvantage ® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 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
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• 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
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

• Waiver of the annual fee for active-duty military members who acquired the card prior to active duty
• 2x miles on American Airlines purchases
• Free checked bag for cardholders and up to 4 travel companions, preferred boarding
• Earn a $125 flight credit after spending $20,000 on the card in a card membership year
• 25% statement credit for inflight purchases

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

The Citi Custom Cash ® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• No annual fee
• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• No Annual Fee
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash ® Card account per person.
• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%
• Balance transfer fees waived for active-duty military
• Earn 5% cash-back each billing cycle in your highest spending category, up to $500 in purchases each period, then 1%; categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

The Citi Double Cash ® Card  has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points . This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Citi Double Cash ® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel SM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months . After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%
• 2% total cash-back earnings on every purchase (1% when made, 1% when paid)
• Cash-back can be redeemed via the ThankYou Points portal for travel

The Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi is a great Citi’s cash-back rewards card designed specifically for Costco Members.

• Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
• APR: 20.49% Variable
• One of the best credit cards for gas station purchases , earning 4% cash-back , including EV charging stations, up to $7,000 in purchases each year, then 1%
• 3% cash-back on dining and travel and 2% cash-back at Costco and Costco.com
• Available with a $0 annual fee to all military members who have a Costco membership

Active-duty military members, including veterans, retired military, spouses, and dependents, may receive a digital Costco gift card when signing up for a Costco membership.

One of the most valuable Citi military benefits for active-duty military members is the waiver of the card’s annual fee . Although not all Citi credit cards charge an annual fee, the best Citi cards, with the most earning potential and benefits, typically do.

Here are examples of the potential savings for Citi credit cards (that charge an annual fee) when the annual fee is waived for active-duty military members:

0% APR for Active-Duty Military Members

Another significant military benefit provided by Citi for active-duty service members is the waiver of interest charges on card balances.

There are 2 ways to take advantage of the lack of interest charges and fees.

If you have Citi credit cards with balances accrued prior to active duty, you’ll want to take advantage of Citi’s 0% APR during your active-duty status to pay down those balances during your service.

If you have credit cards from other financial institutions with high-interest balances, Citi will waive the balance transfer fees during active-duty service. Since balance transfer fees can be 3% to 5% of the total transfer amount, this option can provide significant savings. You can leverage this benefit even further by utilizing Citi credit cards with an introductory 0% APR period for balance transfers .

If your primary goal is to pay off card balances, these Citi credit cards offering an introductory 0% APR rate for balance transfers could be appropriate choices:

• Citi Custom Cash Card — 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%
• Citi Double Cash Card — 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months . After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%
• Citi ® Diamond Preferred ® Card — 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%
• Citi Simplicity ® Card — 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%
• Citi Rewards+ ® Card — 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.

Military members can take advantage of 0% APR periods while on active duty to pay off eligible Citi credit card balances accrued prior to active duty. In addition, Citi will waive balance transfer fees (during active duty) for balances transferred from other credit cards. Utilizing a Citi credit card with a 0% APR period can result in significant savings on transfer fees and interest charges.

Additional Citi Card Benefits and Protections

Citi credit cards will earn flexible rewards such as ThankYou Points, cash-back, or frequent flyer miles.

While both ThankYou Points and cash-back may be redeemed for gift cards, travel, merchandise, statement credits, or charitable donations, the best value is to transfer ThankYou Points to airline or hotel partners .

ThankYou Points earned on the Citi Premier card allow the most flexible redemption options , including transferring to airline and hotel partners to redeem for award flights or free hotel nights.

Take a look at our full guide covering some of the best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou Points .

Co-branded Citi credit cards will earn the affiliated rewards currency . For example, American Airlines’ cards earn AAdvantage miles that can be redeemed with the airline, and Costco-branded cards will earn cash-back that can be redeemed via Costco stores.

While benefits and protections differ by card, here are some you may find on Citi credit cards:

• Citi Merchant Offers — Log in to your online card account and select from retail and service provider offers that provide statement credits for making eligible purchases.
• Purchase Protection — Eligible items purchased can receive coverage for damage and theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
• Extended Warranty Protection — The manufacturer’s warranty is extended on eligible purchased items.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Citi cards with no foreign transaction fees travel well. These fees are normally 3% of the total transaction.

Earning and redeeming rewards earned on Citi credit cards adds tremendous value to card membership. Plus, if you can use any of the cards’ travel/shopping benefits, you will realize even more value.

Qualification and Applying for Citi Military Benefits

Citi military benefits for active-duty servicemembers can result in serious savings. Let’s look at the qualifications and how to apply for benefits.

You’ll want to check the Citi SCRA website for complete information, but here’s an outline of who qualifies for Citi military benefits:

• Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, and National Guard full-time active-duty members
• Federal active-duty reservists
• Active-duty National Guard members called to service by the President, Secretary of Defense, or by State orders for a period of 30 or more consecutive days
• Active-duty servicemembers who are absent due to covered illness
• U.S. citizens who are members of an allied nation’s military service
• Commissioned officers of NOAA of the Public Health Service
• Spouses or dependents of the eligible servicemembers listed above

You’ll want to verify that your status is current on the Department of Defense website as this is the source financial institutions will use to verify your status. Visit the MLA website to access your records.

If you acquired your Citi credit card(s) prior to active duty, you’ll want to skip the next step and jump right to applying for benefits.

If you are not on active duty and considering a Citi credit card, here are some tips for applying for a card.

While applying for a Citi card during active duty will not qualify you for military benefits, you can still do so. Plus, if you’re not on active duty, but will be in the future, here are some tips for making the process go smoothly:

• Review Citi’s Card Rules — Each financial institution has specific rules for how often and how many cards for which you can be approved as well as how much credit they’ll extend to you. You’ll want to review Citi’s rules before you apply.
• Review Card Requirements and Know Your Credit Score — The majority of Citi’s credit cards will require a good to excellent credit score to be approved. A good score is generally considered 670 and above but we recommend at least a 700 credit score to apply for the best cards . If your score is below 670, you will still find several Citi cards that you may qualify for.

If you acquired a Citi credit card prior to active-duty service, you’ll want to apply for Citi military benefits. The waiver of credit card fees and interest charges could save you money and help you pay off any debt.

The easiest way to ask questions and apply for benefits is to contact Citi’s Military Response Unit at 877-804-1082.

Additionally, you can fax your request with a cover page that includes your name, Social Security number, branch of service, your active-duty date, plus supporting documentation to 866-533-0503.

Finally, you could mail your request , including the above information, to this address: City Military Response Correspondence Unit, Attention: SCRA Request, P.O. Box 790398, St. Louis, MO, 63179.

Once your request is approved, it can take up to 3 statement periods for the benefits to be applied.

According to Military Money Matters , a popular military finance blog, data points suggest that in the statement period when your annual fee hits, you should have a balance on your card to trigger the fee reimbursement. Evidently, this is due to the balance causing the maximum 36% interest rate (MLA requirement) to kick in.

For active-duty military members who acquired Citi credit cards prior to active duty , you should definitely apply for Citi military benefits. In addition to having your annual fee waived, you could also benefit from a 0% interest rate on previously incurred card debt. The waiver of transfer fees, should you use the balance transfer option on a card with an introductory 0% APR balance transfer offer, could also be a money-saver.

For those military members not on active duty but anticipating it, you may find value in card welcome offers, everyday earning potential, flexible redemption options, and a few shopping benefits.

If travel protections and benefits are a priority to you, as an active-duty military member, you may do better with Chase or American Express-issued travel rewards cards. Our companion articles on the best Chase credit cards for military members , military credit cards and the best American Express credit cards for military members would be worth reading.

The information regarding the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite™ Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Simplicity ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does citi waive credit card fees for active-duty military.

Yes, Citi will waive fees, including annual fees, for credit cards acquired prior to active duty and after September 2017.

Does Citi waive interest charges on credit cards?

For credit cards acquired prior to active duty, Citi will waive interest charges during the period of active duty. Citi will also waive balance transfer fees during active duty.

Are Citi military credit card benefits worth it?

Yes, Citi military benefits are worth it if you hold Citi credit cards that were acquired prior to active duty. Citi waives fees and interest rates which can result in significant savings.

How can I apply for Citi military benefits?

The best way to learn about Citi’s military benefits and apply is to call Citi’s Military Response Unit at 877-804-1082.

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About Christine Krzyszton

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

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Military service members protect the nation, and, in turn, some aspects of their finances are protected by law. In 2003, Congress passed the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act , legislation that grants a low cap on credit card interest rates during active duty. But more than 20 years later, this benefit is underused, causing many service members to pay much more interest on loans than they have to.

A 2022 study from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that members of the National Guard and Reserves “infrequently benefit from the rate reduction benefit for credit cards.” The study’s authors hypothesize that underutilization is due to lack of awareness about the SCRA and the responsibility placed on the service member to apply for the benefits.

In early 2024, a bill was proposed to increase awareness and streamline the application process. In doing so, the Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act aims to increase the number of service members who receive SCRA benefits.

If you’re an active military service member, you could be leaving hundreds of dollars on the table in the form of savings on interest and other credit card-related fees. Understanding the inner workings of the SCRA, its sister law the Military Lending Act and the policies of credit card issuers can help you access those savings you’re legally entitled to.

Lower credit card interest rates

Under the SCRA, interest rates on loans taken out before the date of service cannot exceed 6% for the duration of active duty service. Given that credit card interest rates today are often 20% or higher, this benefit can have a meaningful impact on service members carrying large credit card balances. The SCRA also prohibits lenders from retroactively adding interest charges above 6% onto the loan when active duty ends.

The following service members are eligible for the interest rate reduction benefit:

Active-duty members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

Reserve members on active duty.

National Guard members mobilized under federal orders for more than 30 consecutive days.

Active-duty commissioned officers of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“For debt acquired while on active duty, that’s where the Military Lending Act comes into play,” says Vanessa Alanis, a certified financial planner in Manassas, Virginia. The MLA says that issuers cannot charge a military annual percentage rate (MAPR) of interest above 36%. The MLA requires issuers to factor in credit card fees such as annual fees when calculating the MAPR.

The MLA protects the following service members and their dependents:

Regular or reserve member of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less.

A member on Active Guard and Reserve duty.

Other credit card benefits

Some issuers offer credit card perks to active service members that go above and beyond protections afforded by the SCRA and MLA, Alanis says.

Waived annual fees

Some credit card issuers, including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase and American Express , waive any annual fees associated with credit cards. Depending on the credit card, this benefit may result in substantial savings. Some of the most premium cards on the market today charge annual fees of almost $700, but they also offer coveted perks such as travel credits, airport lounge access, free companion tickets for flights and statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Waivers on other fees

Many of the same issuers that waive annual fees also show leniency toward other credit card fees. Capital One, Chase and U.S. Bank, for example, explicitly say that they waive all credit card fees, which can include late fees, balance transfer fees, returned payment fees and cash advance fees.

Interest rates below 6%

The SCRA mandates that interest rates on credit cards opened before service began cannot exceed 6%, but some issuers charge even less. Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, Capital One and Chase cap interest rates on credit cards for active-duty service members at 4%. And Barclays reduces the annual percentage rate all the way to 0% for credit cards that were opened before active duty began.

How to access credit card benefits

Service members eligible for protections under the MLA automatically receive those benefits with no action required on their part. However, the onus is on the service member to receive SCRA protections . They must apply for benefits directly with the lender and submit documentation that verifies the active-duty period. A separate interest reduction request must be submitted for each account, even if they’re held by the same lender.

Lenders are required to accept applications for reduced interest rates throughout active duty and up to 180 days after duty ends. However, service members who submit applications after the beginning of active duty will receive a refund of all interest that was charged over the 6% cap since the beginning of the active duty period. “It is never too late while serving in the military to contact your credit card company about this benefit,” Alanis says.

Alanis reminds service members that the personal finance management office on base can provide further education and assistance to those trying to apply for SCRA benefits.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier: Which mid-tier travel card is better?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

As much as we love premium credit cards , you may find that you can't maximize their benefits or want to keep your annual fee costs low. If so, a mid-tier travel card is perfect for you.

Today, we're looking at two popular mid-tier travel rewards cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees). Both come with valuable welcome bonuses, solid earning structures and extensive redemption options for a reasonable $95 annual fee.

Which is better for your wallet? This guide will help you make that decision.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier comparison

Let's start with a side-by-side comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Premier:

As you can see, both cards offer a similar rewards structure and comparable benefits — meaning they're geared toward the same type of traveler. But there are a few differences to consider before applying for one over the other. Let's dig into the details of both of these great mid-tier travel cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier welcome bonus

While the sign-up bonus certainly isn't the only factor you should consider when choosing a credit card, it is important. And both cards offer sign-up bonuses with extraordinary value, especially given their low annual fees.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently offering 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, making the Sapphire Preferred's sign-up bonus worth $1,538. After subtracting the $95 annual fee, you'll walk away with a net value of $1,443 in the first year.

The Citi Premier, meanwhile, is currently offering a similar welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. However, TPG values Citi ThankYou points at a slightly lower 1.8 cents each, making this bonus worth just $1,080. After accounting for the $95 annual fee, this card's net first-year value is $985.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred. The higher valuation of Chase Ultimate Rewards gives it the edge.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier benefits

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred , you'll get these benefits:

• 25% redemption bonus when you book travel through the Chase Travel portal
• $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit
• 10% anniversary points boost
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ and up to $15 in quarterly Instacart statement credits through July
• Complimentary DashPass membership for at least one year when you activate by Dec. 31
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage delay protection
• Trip delay insurance
• Purchase protection

The Chase Sapphire Preferred's statement credits and anniversary points boost are great perks with serious value, but the card's travel protections really make it shine. Knowing you're covered if something goes wrong on your trip will give you peace of mind in addition to potential monetary value, and it's unusual to see this type of coverage on a mid-tier card.

If you opt for the Citi Premier, you'll get these benefits:

• $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through thankyou.com, available annually
• Extended warranty protection
• Damage and theft protection
• World Elite Mastercard benefits
• Access to Citi Entertainment

While the list isn't as extensive as the Chase Sapphire Preferred's, the Citi Premier has some solid benefits. You'll get a hotel credit worth double that on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, as well as World Elite Mastercard perks like cellphone protection and discounts on DoorDash and HelloFresh. And in today's world of concert pre-sale tickets, having access to Citi Entertainment can help ensure you'll get to your dream concert .

Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred. Its statement credits and travel protections give it a more robust benefits list than the Citi Premier.

Earning points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred , you'll earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal and 3 points per dollar on dining , select streaming services , online grocery purchases and Lyft (through March 2025). You'll also earn 2 points per dollar on travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

With the Citi Premier, you'll earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal (through June), 3 points per dollar on travel, dining, supermarket and gas station purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

While both cards earn bonus points on dining and travel purchases, the Citi Premier also earns bonus points on supermarket and gas station purchases, meaning you'll likely be able to rack up points more quickly with it than with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Winner: Citi Premier. Its wider range of bonus-earning categories gives you more earning opportunities.

Redeeming points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier

The Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you the option to redeem your points for travel by transferring them to any of Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners or by booking through the Chase travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

You also have the option to redeem your points for gift cards or use Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature to redeem them for cash back However, your most valuable redemption option is to transfer your points to Chase's partners, which we'll review in the next section.

With the Citi Premier, you can redeem your points for travel by transferring them to any of Citi's 17 hotel and airline partners or book through the ThankYou travel portal at a rate of 1 cent per point. Additionally, you can redeem them for gift cards or a statement credit for a value of 1 cent per point.

You can also use Citi's Shop with Points option and use your points to pay directly at checkout at merchants like Amazon , Walmart and gas stations. However, you'll get less than one cent per point going this route, so you're better off using your points as a statement credit to cover your purchases after you've made them. Still, if you want to get the full 1.8 cents from each point that we do, transferring your points to travel partners is your best option.

Winner: Tie. Both cards allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners, book through their travel portal or redeem your points for cash back and gift cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Citi ThankYou points for maximum value

Transferring points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred , you'll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio to 14 airline and hotel partners, including Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer , United MileagePlus , Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and World of Hyatt .

You can get incredible value from options like transferring your points to Iberia Plus and booking Miami to Madrid for as low as 21,250 points each way or transferring your points to United MileagePlus and taking advantage of its Excursionist Perk .

With the Citi Premier, you'll earn Citi ThankYou points to transfer to 18 airline and hotel partners, including JetBlue TrueBlue , Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and Choice Privileges .

You can get great value from your points by transferring them to airlines that allow you to book flights on its partner airlines, like transferring your points to Avianca LifeMiles and using them to book a domestic short-haul flight on United or a first-class flight to Europe on Lufthansa.

Winner: Tie. Both cards allow you to transfer your points to valuable transfer partners.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Premier?

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi Premier offer valuable welcome bonuses and solid earning rates on travel and dining purchases for the same $95 annual fee. Ultimately, which card is best for you will come down to which card's transfer partners you use the most.

For instance, I frequently fly Southwest Airlines and stay at Hyatt properties, so I prefer earning Chase Ultimate Rewards and transferring my points to these programs.

TPG senior points and miles reporter Katie Genter , on the other hand, loves earning ThankYou points for the options they give her to transfer her points to partners she uses the most, which include Avianca LIfeMiles and Choice Privileges.

And, of course, for maximum versatility, you may decide you want to get both cards . If you go this route, make sure you'll be able to earn the valuable welcome bonuses on both.

Bottom line

The Citi Premier and Chase Sapphire Preferred are two leaders when it comes to affordable, mid-level cards that earn valuable transferable points . Each card wins in different categories in our analysis, so the best card for you will depend on which benefits and redemption options you value most. No matter which way you go, you can feel great knowing you're adding a fantastic mid-tier card to your wallet.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and our full review of the Citi Premier.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Citi Premier

For rates and fees of the Citi Premier Card, click here.

Comparing the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey: How does it stack up against other premium travel cards?

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The release of the new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card in March may seem like a good option with competitive rewards rates, but how does it stack up to some of the best travel credit cards on the market today? And does it deserve a place in your wallet?

In this article, we’ll examine the cards’ welcome offers, rewards, benefits and travel partners to assess their overall value. Let’s see how the Autograph Journey measures up to these four competitors:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Citi Premier® Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome offers

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey SM Card has a competitive welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. According to Bankrate’s valuations , Wells Fargo Rewards are worth about 1.0 cents per point, giving the welcome offer a value of $600. After completing the spending requirement, you could have anywhere from 64,000 to 80,000 points, depending on which categories you utilize to meet the spending requirement. That’s a return of 16 percent on the low end to 20 percent on the high end, though you’ll likely fall somewhere in the middle.

How the Autograph Journey stacks up

The welcome offer on the Autograph Journey matches up with the regular offers from the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi Premier exactly. All three give the same bonus, for an identical spending requirement and timeframe, with the same annual fee. However, both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Points are worth more, at about 2.0 cents and 1.6 cents per point, respectively, when transferred to a high-value travel partner. This gives the edge to both, with Chase being the most valuable at $1,200 and Citi at $960.

Looking around, the Capital One Venture X offers more miles for the same amount of spending requirement and timeframe. With this card, you’ll get 75,000 miles, but also pay a higher $395 annual fee. Capital One miles are also more valuable at about 1.7 cents per point, making its welcome offer worth $1,275.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most points of any of these offers — at 80,000 Membership Rewards points — but it also requires the highest spending at $8,000, although you’ll get twice as long to meet that amount (six months). It also has the highest annual fee of these cards at $695. Since Membership Rewards points are valued at about 2.0 cents cents per point, this offer has a value of $1,600.

Our decision: Not as good as the competition

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey offers the lowest overall value of any of these welcome offers, due to the lower value of the Wells Fargo Rewards it earns.

When deciding between these cards, consider:

• Whether you can meet the spending requirement
• What you want the points for
• The return on your spending

Based on these criteria, the best overall value comes from the Venture X since your return on spending will likely be a higher percentage — even though the Amex Platinum offers the most points and the highest value.

Rewards and benefits

Outside of its welcome bonus, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey comes with excellent earning rates in numerous categories focusing on travel. Specifically, you’ll earn 5X points at hotels, 4X points on airlines and 3X points on other travel and restaurants. All other purchases earn 1X points.

You’ll also get a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase — utilizing this credit offsets more than half of the $95 annual fee. Additional benefits include:

• Trip protection coverage
• Auto rental collision coverage
• Emergency/roadside assistance
• Cell phone protection
• My Wells Fargo deals
• Visa Signature benefits

As it is, the card earns solidly enough to function as a standalone card, offering excellent protection and benefits. However, let’s compare this more closely with its competitors to assess its actual value.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Both of these cards come with a $95 fee. For travel purchases, the Autograph Journey gets 5X on hotels, 4X on airfare, and 3X on other travel, while the Sapphire Preferred only earns 2X on travel (but can earn 5X if you go through the Chase Travel portal or use Lyft). Chase points also get a 25 percent boost when booking travel through Chase Travel. While both cards earn 3X on dining, the Sapphire Preferred also earns 3X for streaming and online grocery purchases.

Whereas the Autograph Journey has a $50 air credit, the Sapphire Preferred has a $50 hotel credit instead. You’ll also get a points boost on your account anniversary equal to 10 percent of your spending from the prior year. Chase has more extensive transfer partners, including four of Wells Fargo’s airline partners. There are also more Chase cards available that can combine points with the Sapphire Preferred via the Chase trifecta , giving it an even further advantage.

You might choose the Autograph Journey if your travel spending aligns better with Wells Fargo’s bonus categories. However, for most people, the Sapphire Preferred will be the more flexible option.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. Citi Premier®

These cards also have the same annual fee — and once again, the Autograph Journey earns slightly better on hotel and air purchases. While the Citi Premier has limited-time earnings of 10X on hotel and car rentals through the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024, it earns 3X in the following categories:

• Restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Gas stations

By covering a more comprehensive range of everyday expenses, Citi Premier gets the edge for earning rewards.

The Citi Premier also offers an annual $100 hotel credit on a stay of $500 or more when booked through the Citi Travel portal — more than double the Autograph Journey’s air credit. While Citi overlaps on a few of Wells Fargo’s transfer partners, it also offers a more extensive list than Wells Fargo. Citi also has the Citi trifecta that allows you to combine points from multiple cards.

As a result, the Citi Premier generally offers more value overall, unless your spending is primarily travel-focused.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X comes with a higher annual fee than the Autograph Journey, coming in at $395 instead of $95. Still, this higher fee can be easily offset with the card’s $300 annual travel credit on the Capital One travel portal and the 10,000 bonus miles you’ll earn on your account anniversary (worth $100).

The main difference between the two is that the Venture X earns a flat rate of 2X miles on all purchases. If you book through the portal, you’ll get 5X on airfare and 10X on hotels and car rentals. If you book travel directly, the Autograph Journey is likely a better choice, but the Venture X still has the potential for higher returns. Non-bonus spending will do better on the Venture X, for example, but you’ll earn more with dining purchases on the Autograph Journey.

Overall, Capital One miles have a higher value and more transfer partners while overlapping most of Wells Fargo’s partners. You’ll also get more benefits and perks like extensive airport lounge access . Even with the higher annual fee, the Venture X is a clear favorite almost across the board.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express

These two cards approach travel from opposite positions. While the Autograph Journey has a manageable annual fee and earns solid reward rates, the Amex Platinum has one of the highest annual fees out there and mediocre earning rates outside of its 5X rate on airfare and hotels purchased through Amex Travel. Beyond travel purchases, the Autograph Journey is superior for spending.

Where the Amex Platinum shines above the rest is its laundry list of perks and benefits . For as high as the $695 annual fee is, you can still come out ahead if you take advantage of all the credits offered, including:

• $200 annual airline incidental credit with your selected airline
• $200 Uber credit ($15 each month, $35 in December)
• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 semi-annually)
• $200 annual credit with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
• $240 entertainment credit ($20 monthly)
• $189 annual CLEAR membership credit
• $300 Equinox/SoulCycle annual credit
• Walmart+ reimbursement ($12.95 monthly cost)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit once every four years
• *Enrollment required for select benefits

Maximizing these credits more than compensates for the card’s annual fee, covering everything from travel and shopping to lifestyle purchases. In addition, you’ll get extensive airport lounge access, excellent travel protections, a superior list of transfer partners and complimentary elite status with Hilton, Marriott and several car rental companies. Here, the overall value offered by the Amex Platinum’s perks and credits far exceed any other card — if you can fully utilize them.

Our decision: Perks fall short but rewards measure up

These comparisons point to a glaring weakness of the Autograph Journey — its perks and benefits. Each main competitor card offers more value in credits, benefits and point value. Even the higher annual fee cards make up for that difference with superior returns in the benefits category. If you’re looking at this card specifically to handle your travel needs, you may want to consider one of the other cards, all of which give better returns.

However, the card holds up well with its reward-earning rates, particularly in the travel and dining categories. The rates for hotels and airfare purchases are strong and don’t require you to shop through a travel portal. This distinction can be helpful, as many hotel chains and airlines will deny your elite benefits when you book through a third party like this. With plenty of bonus categories, the Autograph Journey should be able to cover much of your everyday spending.

Airline and hotel transfer partners

Each card has its own set of airline and hotel transfer partners — multiple cards can cover some programs, while others may be unique to a single card. We’ve compiled a list of all the partners to help you decide which card is best for you. All transfer ratios are 1:1 unless otherwise noted.

Our decision: The Autograph Journey doesn’t measure up

As you can see, the Autograph Journey has the smallest number of transfer partners — each of which is covered by at least two competitors. Further, considering that the Autograph Journey comes with the lowest overall point value, the card’s competitors are likely to be a better choice if you’re looking for a specific transfer partner, given their wider selection and better value.

You could certainly use the Autograph Journey’s welcome offer to supplement the point balance in one of its partners, but in most cases, you shouldn’t use it as the primary method to accrue those points unless you’re spending in its top categories.

The bottom line

While introducing a travel card with transfer partners is a big milestone for Wells Fargo, the Autograph Journey unfortunately doesn’t quite rise to the level of its competition. While the reward rates are decent, the lower value of Wells Fargo points keeps it a step behind the competition. Given that, this card is best suited for people who may already have a solid portfolio of credit cards and are looking for a new program to supplement their points balances. But if you’re looking for your first premium travel card, you’ll likely get more value from one of the other cards in this space.

Related Articles

Bank of America Travel Rewards card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Wells Fargo Autograph benefits guide

New Wells Fargo Autograph Card launches, offering rewards on everyday spending for no fee

Why I love the Wells Fargo Platinum card

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The Citi Travel site will give eligible Citi ThankYou ® cardmembers an expansive, all-in-one view of seemingly endless booking options. With exciting offers and the flexibility to book when and how you want, the way to go is now way easier. For more ways to redeem, your points visit thankyou.com.

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Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

14 best travel credit cards of 2024, best overall: chase sapphire preferred® card.

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an affordable option fit for beginners and experienced travelers. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, you get generous perks, including high bonus rewards, intro bonus, annual hotel credit and bonus anniversary points. Plus points can be redeemed for 25% more value toward travel through Chase Travel. Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review .

• Earns flexible rewards that transfer to airline and hotel partners
• Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel booked through Chase Travel
• Generous welcome offer and bonus categories
• No intro APR
• No luxury travel perks like airport lounge access

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best premium travel cards thanks in large part to the generous rewards and outsized redemption value. On top of travel credits, lounge access and other airport perks, the card rakes in flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a range of bonus categories. Plus cardholders get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase. Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review .

• Comes with luxury travel benefits
• Generous welcome bonus and earning rates
• Get 50% more value for travel when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• No intro APR offer
• $550 annual fee and $75 annual fee per authorized user
• Earns just 1X points on regular purchases

Best Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers enhanced travel perks for a lower annual fee than other premium cards. For $395 per year, users get a $300 annual travel credit, a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Read our Capital One Venture X review .

• Comes with robust travel benefits
• Generous minimum earning rate of 2X miles on all other purchases
• Earns flexible miles that transfer to partners
• Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
• $300 annual travel credit must be used through Capital One Travel
• Fewer rewards bonus categories than some other premium cards

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why we chose it: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for luxury perks since, in our view, it comes with the most extensive list of credits and features. This includes the broadest airport lounge membership possible, airline fee credit for incidental fees and automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Cardholders also earn a very generous welcome bonus and heightened rewards on eligible travel purchases. Read our Amex Platinum Card review .

• Comes with the best airport lounge membership available
• More than $1,500 in annual statement and merchant credits available
• Earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points
• $695 annual fee and $195 annual fee for each additional Platinum Card ( see rates and fees )
• Earns just 1X points on other eligible non-category purchases
• Statement credits may be difficult to use

Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

After spending $4,000 in first 3 months from account opening

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card comes with a promising flat rewards rate of unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card also earns flexible miles that can be used for multiple purposes like travel statement credits, gift cards , travel bookings through Capital One or miles transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. Read our Capital One Venture Rewards card review .

• Earns impressive flat-rate rewards
• Miles come with flexible redemption options

Best With No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells fargo autograph℠ card.

After spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card comes with a solid sign-up bonus and earns an unlimited 3X points on travel, gas, transit, restaurants, popular streaming services and phone plans, and 1X points on other eligible purchases. Read our Wells Fargo Autograph review .

• No annual fee required
• Earns 3X points in six popular categories
• Intro APR on purchases
• No transfer partners
• Few travel-specific benefits

Best Overall Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of hyatt credit card.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Why we chose it: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is packed full of features. It offers an annual free night certificate each year after your cardmember anniversary, five elite qualifying nights per year just for having the card and a way to spend toward additional elite nights and an additional free night certificate each year.

• Category 1-4 free night certificate annually after your cardmember anniversary
• Earns two nights toward elite status for every $5,000 spent on the card
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
• Full welcome bonus requires costly spending
• Lackluster earnings outside of Hyatt stays
• Lower overall point value on hotel stays than some competing cards

Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Why we chose it: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers excellent value for its $150 ongoing annual fee. The card’s first free checked bag benefit applies to you and up to eight other people in your same reservation. When redeeming miles for Delta flights, you’ll receive a 15% off discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. You’ll also get a $200 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. Finally, you can receive an annual statement credit of up to $100 when you use your card book hotel nights through Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Read our Delta SkyMiles Gold review .

• Free first checked bag for you and up to eight other people on your reservation
• 15% off Award Travel when using miles on Delta flights (through delta.com and the Fly Delta app)
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150)
• Earns only 2X miles on Delta purchases
• No ability to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) using the card
• $200 Delta flight credit requires $10,000 in spending on the card in a calendar year

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Why we chose it: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns generous rewards on travel and in a range of popular business categories. Plus cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Read our Ink Business Preferred review .

• Earns flexible Chase Ultimate rewards points
• Get 25% more value when booking travel with points through Chase Travel
• Earns 3X points in popular eligible business categories (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1X points)
• Bonus category spending caps limit rewards potential
• Earns just 1X points on all other regular purchases

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers 2X points on up to $50,000 spent in purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases. Plus rewards earned fall within the flexible American Express Membership Rewards program. Read our Blue Business Plus card review .

• Earns Amex Membership Rewards points
• Get 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1X points)
• Earns just 1X points after $50,000 in spending each year
• Small welcome bonus
• Limited travel-specific benefits

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier® Card

Citi premier® card.

After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

Why we chose it: The Citi Premier Card offers a robust selection of bonus rewards categories. Not only do cardholders earn a generous sign-up bonus, but they also earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. All other purchases earn 1X points. Cardholders can also earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal (through June 30, 2024). Read our Citi Premier review .

• Earns flexible rewards for travel
• Generous 3X earning rate in five popular categories
• Elevated rate on eligible travel purchases via Citi Travel through June 2024

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express® Gold Card

Why We Chose It: The American Express Gold Card might be the ultimate dining card for travelers. It offers 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide—that’s the most points you’re likely to earn without jumping through hoops like making dining purchases through a portal. Read our Amex Gold card review .

• 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (plus on takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases (then 1X points)
• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually
• Steep $250 annual fee
• Poor redemption value beyond airfare
• U.S. supermarket bonus rewards are capped at $25,000 in spending each year

Best for Travel and Transit: American Express® Green Card

American express® green card.

After spending $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

Why We Chose It: The American Express Green Card offers 3X Membership Rewards points on almost every type of eligible travel and transit expense. If you prefer to earn travel rewards and want a single card to consolidate your expenses on, the Amex Green Card is likely your best choice.

• Earns 3X points on a wide variety of eligible travel and transit, plus at restaurants worldwide
• Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
• Offers trip delay insurance*, baggage insurance plan* and car rental loss and damage insurance*
• $150 annual fee
• Limited cash redemption options
• No introductory APR

Related Articles

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How To Choose a Credit Card
• How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

A Closer Look at the Best Travel Cards

Best overall: chase sapphire preferred card.

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt, yet cardholders can also get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase.

Other reasons to love this card include its exceptional welcome offer (earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $750 redeemed through Chase Travel) and earning rates: 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining, online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services; 2X points on general travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for consumers who want to earn flexible travel rewards they can redeem in more than one way without having to pay hundreds of dollars toward an annual fee each year. That said, the fact you can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise means the Sapphire Preferred can also work as a cash back credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a travel credit card with perks like airport lounge access or annual travel credits, you’ll have to be willing to pay a higher annual fee. In that case, you can consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve starts new customers off with a welcome offer to earn 60,000 bonus points when they spend $4,000 within three months of account opening, and they also earn 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase; 10X points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining and general travel purchases (not purchased through Chase); and 1X points on everything else. Rewards on travel are after the $300 travel credit is spent each year.

Premium perks that come with the card include a $300 annual travel credit, an application fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and a suite of premium travel insurance benefits.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Sapphire Reserve is for frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards they can use for direct travel bookings through Chase or point transfers to airlines and hotels. The ideal cardholder also wants luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits.

Other cards to consider: For a more affordable premium travel card, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. But for more extensive lounge access and the chance to earn more credits, look into the Amex Platinum Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: Despite the fact this card charges just $395 per year, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Users also earn flexible Capital One miles that can be redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel, used for gift cards, merchandise and travel statement credits or transferred to Capital One airline or hotel partners. Rewards include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is for people who can utilize its airline and hotel partners or want to use their miles to book travel directly through Capital One. Individuals who want a card with airport lounge access at the lowest possible cost can also consider this premium travel credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you research Capital One airline and hotel partners and like what you see but want to pay a lower annual fee each year, you should also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee). If you want airport lounge access and other premium benefits, however, you should check out the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card from American Express

Why we love this card: The Platinum Card from American Express has so many perks and statement credits it’s hard to keep track. For example, cardholders get more than $1,500 in statement and merchant credit offers with the card, plus the broadest airport lounge membership possible (Global Lounge Collection), Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy with enrollment, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and plenty of other luxury travel perks.

Cardholders also earn a generous welcome bonus (earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership), plus 5X points on up to $500,000 spent each calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5X points on eligible prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for frequent travelers who can use most of its statement credit offers and benefits each year. Individuals who fly a lot and want access to the most airport lounges worldwide will also love the fact they can enter Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges and even Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta Air Lines. This card also works best for people who want to earn flexible points for travel that can be redeemed for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel in more than one way. After all, points earned with the card fall within the popular American Express Membership Rewards program.

Other cards to consider: If you want airport lounge access, consider premium travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Capital One Venture X, which charge annual fees of $550 and $395, respectively. You can pay an even lower annual fee if you give up some luxury travel benefits and pick a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Premier.

Read our review of the Amex Platinum

Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a nice flat rewards rate of 2X unlimited miles on all purchases and 5X unlimited miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, miles can be redeemed for options like statement credits to offset travel, gift cards, travel through Capital One or transfers to airlines and hotels. While the annual fee is just $95, cardholders get perks like a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want some upgraded perks without paying more than $100 per year for their travel credit card. The card’s flat rewards rate also makes it a good choice for consumers who don’t want to keep track of confusing earning rates or bonus categories. Finally, this card works well for people who want to use their miles for travel but also want some flexibility in how they redeem them.

Other cards to consider: Several other flexible travel credit cards let users transfer rewards to airlines and hotels without paying more than $100 in annual fees each year. For example, you could consider the Citi Premier or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earn points in the Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, respectively.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns 3X points in so many bonus categories with no annual fee required. The welcome offer is also higher than other travel and cash back credit cards with no annual fee (30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first three months), and rewards are fairly flexible. For example, you can redeem rewards with this card for travel, gift cards, statement credits or PayPal purchases. The card also has more benefits than one would think, including cellphone protection, auto rental coverage, travel and emergency assistance services and roadside dispatch.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is best for people who want to earn rewards with no annual fee required, as well as those who want some flexibility when it comes to cashing in their rewards. The intro APR offer on purchases also makes this card a good option for people who want to earn rewards on a large purchase and then pay it down interest-free for the first year.

Other cards to consider: If you want to earn travel rewards with no annual fee required, several top cards can fit the bill. For example, you could also look at the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review

Why we love this card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers 4X points on Hyatt hotels, an annual free night certificate and a second free night certificate once you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. The card also helps you earn elite status with Hyatt. You start out with World of Hyatt Discoverist status and five elite-qualifying night credits just for having the card, plus you earn two bonus elite night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card. That’s plenty of value for a $95/year card.

Who should have this in their wallet: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great choice for anyone who stays at Hyatt hotels at least a few times a year. If you stay at Hyatt hotels occasionally and can make use of the annual category 1-4 free night, you’re likely to get value in excess of the card’s $95 annual fee. Those who stay at Hyatt hotels often enough to pursue Hyatt status will find that the card both helps boost their status and offers the best rewards value on Hyatt stays of any card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a credit card that offers a free night certificate, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offer a free night annually each account anniversary just for having the cards.

Why we love this card: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with plenty of features and benefits. The card’s first checked bag free benefit applies to everyone in your reservation—up to eight companions—making it a great value for family travelers. The $100 Delta Stays credit offers easy value when you book a hotel stay through Delta Stays on delta.com and the $200 Delta Flight credit you’ll receive after spending $10,000 in a calendar year should be easy to use for loyal Delta flyers.

Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who regularly checks bags on Delta and doesn’t already have Delta elite status should get the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card will pay for itself in saved checked bag fees after just three round trips each year by our estimation.

Other cards to consider: If you’re pursuing Delta elite status, consider holding one of the airline’s more premium cards. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card both earn the Medallion Qualifying Dollars you’ll need to earn frequent flyer status with Delta.

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3X points on up to $150,000 in spending each anniversary year in the following categories (then 1X points): shipping purchases; advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable and phone services; and travel. You earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Rewards fall within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Chase Travel (for 25% more value) or 1:1 point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners. Benefits for business owners include free employee cards, primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purchases, cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and more.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Ink Business Preferred is for business owners who spend a lot in its bonus categories and want to earn travel rewards points they can use in more than one way. Many business owners also pair this card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve as their personal card since Chase lets users pool rewards in one account for convenience (and premium redemptions).

Other cards to consider: If the bonus categories don’t fit your spending, the no-annual-fee Amex Blue Business Plus offers a flat rate of 2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases each year, followed by 1X points.

Read our review of the Ink Business Preferred

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: Blue Business Plus Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points with no annual fee required. While the welcome bonus is on the small side (earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in purchases with the card in the first three months), cardholders can earn 2X points on up to $50,000 spent on purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: This business credit card is ideal for business owners who want to earn Amex points without paying an annual fee each year. Many consumers pair this card with a Membership Rewards card for consumers such as the Amex EveryDay, the American Express® Gold Card, and the American Express® Green Card.

Other cards to consider: There are few other business credit cards to consider if you want a card for travel with no annual fee that’s specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. However, you can consider consumer credit cards for travel with no annual fee required, including the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne.

Read our review of the Amex Blue Business Plus

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier Card

Why we love this card: The Citi Premier Card is a solid choice as a top-of-wallet card due to its bonus category potential. The card earns 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi travel portal (through June 30, 2024); and 1X points on other purchases. While a $95 annual fee applies, benefits like a $100 annual hotel savings on a $500+ hotel stay booked with Citi Travel help make up for it. Also note that this card earns Citi ThankYou points that can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Citi or transfers to Citi ThankYou airline and hotel partners.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Citi Premier Card is best for people who want to earn 3X points in as many categories as possible, as well as those who want some flexibility in how they redeem their rewards. This card also works well for people who have a cash back credit card from Citi that they use for points pooling.

Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Autograph is another flexible credit card for travel that earns 3X points in a bunch of different categories, yet with no annual fee. If you want points that transfer to partners with an annual fee below $100 each year, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred or even the Amex EveryDay.

Read our review of the Citi Premier Card

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express Gold Card

Why we love this card: Almost every rewards card that earns extra points for dining at any restaurant worldwide will give you at most three points per dollar. The Amex Gold Card gives you 4X points. If restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) is one of your biggest spending categories, this bonus to the amount of rewards you earn can really add up. Plus, the card offers respectable rewards of 4X points on up to $25,000 a calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Who should have this card in their wallet: If you are invested in the Membership Rewards ecosystem and know how to use the points for high-value redemptions, the Amex Gold Card is a rewards powerhouse. The Gold card can earn you a great return on your worldwide restaurant spending and up to $25,000 of charges you make at U.S. supermarkets a calender year (4X points before cap, then 1X).

Other cards to consider: If you prefer earning travel rewards that are easier to use, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better bet. Both cards earn 3X points on dining at restaurants—rewards that can be easily redeemed for cash back, travel or transferred to travel partners.

Best for Business Travel Expenses: American Express Green Card

Why we love this card: With the Amex Green Card, you’ll earn 3X Membership Rewards on core travel expenses like eligible airfare and hotels, but you’ll also earn increased rewards on most other eligible travel expenses like tours, cruises, travel purchases on third party websites, rideshare, tolls and dining at restaurants worldwide. If you’re after travel rewards, you can do pretty well carrying only the Amex Green Card when you travel.

Who should have this card in their wallet: The frequent traveler who wants a single card that offers a good rate of rewards on all of their travel purchases should carry the Amex Green Card. The card not only offers 3X Membership Rewards on almost every eligible purchase you’ll make on the road, but it also provides essential travel insurance protections.

Other cards to consider: If cash-like rewards on your travel is your preference, you can earn rewards on most of your travel and transit expenses with the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. You won’t get the travel protections that you will with the Green Card, but you will pay no annual fee for the card.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card that offers points that can be redeemed for travel and other options. Many travel credit cards also offer travel-specific benefits that can apply in certain situations, such as free checked bags when flying with an airline or late checkout when staying with specific hotel brands.

While some travel credit cards earn airline miles for a specific airline or hotel points that work within a specific hotel loyalty program, other cards earn flexible travel rewards points that can be redeemed for several flexible options. Additional travel credit card benefits can also be included, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, roadside dispatch, automatic elite status, annual travel credits, airport lounge access and more.

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

How travel credit cards work depends on the type of card and the program its rewards fall in. However, all travel credit cards have certain things in common. For example:

• Travel credit cards tend to offer welcome bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of account opening.
• You can earn travel rewards points (or miles) based on spending and the card’s earning structure.
• Some cards offer bonus points or miles in certain categories, while others do not.
• Travel credit card benefits (e.g. travel insurance, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, free checked bags, etc.) can apply, although these perks vary widely by card.
• Travel credit card annual fees range from $0 all the way up $695, and there are cards for consumers as well as businesses.

Other than the card amenities that apply specifically to travel, cards in this niche work like other types of credit cards. All travel credit cards give consumers a line of credit they can borrow against, and they can avoid credit card interest if they pay their statement balance in full by their payment due date. When consumers don’t pay their balance in full, they get charged interest based on the average daily balance and the card’s annual percentage rate (APR).

Types of Travel Credit Cards

As you decide on a travel credit card for your wallet, you should know about the types of cards that are out there. This can help you figure out which travel credit card is best for you based on the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you desire.

• General travel credit cards: Some cards are considered general travel credit cards because they earn bonus points or miles in multiple categories and let you redeem rewards for travel without offering a lot of travel-specific perks or benefits. Cards in this category do not let you transfer points to airline and hotel programs like flexible travel credit cards do.
• Flexible travel credit cards: Flexible travel credit cards fall within programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, and they let you redeem rewards for travel through a portal or rewards transfers to airlines and hotels affiliated with the program. Premium cards in this category may also come with benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and robust travel insurance protections.
• Co-branded airline cards: Co-branded airline credit cards are offered by card issuers alongside frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles. Cards in this category earn miles that are redeemable for flights with the airline itself or its partners, and they can come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access and more.
• Co-branded hotel cards: Hotel brands like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt also offer co-branded credit cards alongside major card issuers . Cards in this category earn hotel points that can be used for free award stays, suite upgrades and other on-site benefits, and they tend to come with perks like automatic elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Some premium hotel credit cards also come with annual travel credits and airport lounge membership.

How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

The best travel credit card for one person can be totally different for another, mostly because there are so many variables to keep in mind. Not only are there different types of travel rewards you can earn, but earning rates and cardholder perks and fees vary widely by product.

As you look for the right travel credit card for what you’re hoping to get in return, keep the following factors in mind.

Type of Rewards

First off, you’ll want to think over the type of travel rewards you want to earn, whether that’s flexible points, airline miles or hotel points. If you fly with a specific airline or stay with a specific brand of hotels often, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of earning rewards that are specific to that program versus earning flexible rewards that may or may not transfer to your favorite travel brands.

Redemption Options

Speaking of that, make sure you have a general idea of the redemption options available for the rewards you earn, and keep in mind that airline miles and hotel points tend to be more limited overall. If you want rewards that are as flexible as they can be, consider picking up a flexible travel credit card that lets you redeem rewards through a portal or transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners.

Cardholder Benefits

Also consider the perks you want to get with your credit card for travel, keeping in mind that some cards offer general benefits and others offer more specific perks. For example, airline credit cards tend to offer benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, whereas hotel credit cards offer hotel-specific perks like entry-level elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Meanwhile, flexible travel credit cards tend to offer more general benefits like fee credits as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership or Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.

Learn more about the benefits found with some of the best travel rewards cards:

• New Amex Delta SkyMiles benefits (and fees)
• Amex Platinum benefits
• Amex Gold Card benefits
• American Express® Business Gold Card benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits
• Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits

Earning Rates

Also look at the earning rates travel credit cards offer and compare them to see which cards would net you the most in rewards over time. If you spend a lot of money in specific categories each month like gas, groceries or travel, it can help to look for cards that offer bonus points in these categories.

Welcome Offers

Consider travel credit card welcome bonuses and see which ones entice you the most. If a card has a high minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus, make sure you can easily meet it with regular, organic spending and bills within the timeline required.

If you have to spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, for example, that breaks down to spending at least $1,334 on purchases each month for the first three consecutive months in a row after becoming a cardholder.

Travel Protections

Although you might be tempted to book your travel with your card that earns the greatest amount of rewards, you should also consider what travel protections your card provides. Many travel credit cards offer a suite of travel protections that can be far more valuable than a few marginal points if things go wrong. Here are a few of the essential travel protections that many travel cards offer.

• Trip delay insurance can cover incidental expenses and even an overnight stay if travel you book with your card is delayed significantly or overnight. Booking a trip with a card that offers this benefit can mean that you’re not out hundreds of dollars if you suddenly need to check into a hotel for an overnight flight delay.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance can cover damage to or theft of a rental car you book using your card. Ideally, you’d rent a car using a card that offers primary insurance, which can provide protection without requiring you to make a claim to your personal auto insurance. Keep in mind that this benefit doesn’t cover liability and often doesn’t cover car-sharing services like Turo.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may cover reimbursement of non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in the event that your trip gets interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. Which expenses this benefit covers vary widely by card—some cards only cover prepaid travel by common carrier, while others will cover expenses like tours and lodging booked through travel providers.

Finally, compare travel credit cards based on their annual fees, and make sure you feel comfortable with the annual fee you’re planning to pay. If a credit card for travel you’re considering charges an annual fee, look closely at its benefits and rewards to make sure you’re getting more value out of the card than its annual fee the first year. Also check for other fees like foreign transaction fees, but note that credit cards geared to travel usually don’t charge them.

You can also look at cards based on their variable interest rates and intro APR offers. That said, you’ll typically only want to get a travel credit card if you plan to pay off your purchases in full each month. If you carry a balance on your card or end up in long-term debt, the variable rates you pay will more than wipe out the rewards you earn.

What Are Your Points and Miles Worth?

How much points and miles are worth may not seem like a big consideration, but this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind as you compare card earning rates and redemption options. After all, some rewards points are worth considerably more than others, and some cards have different redemption rates depending on how you use your points.

Knowing how much your points are worth can help you decide if a travel credit card is the right fit for you. For example, Amex Membership Rewards points are worth an average of 1.19 cents per point according to Newsweek valuations. For maximum value, you’ll need to transfer your points to an airline partner.

Other Amex redemption options aren’t as valuable. You can redeem Amex points for airfare through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point. But points are only worth 0.6 cents per point if you redeem for statement credits and 0.7 cents per point for many travel redemptions through Amex Travel.

If cash back is your preferred redemption option, a cash back credit card is likely a better fit over an Amex travel card. And if you’re not booking flights through Amex travel or transferring to a high-value transfer partner, a different travel rewards card could give you better value when redeeming your rewards.

Also note that similar points from different programs can be worth varying amounts, and this can skew how generous the earning rates and welcome bonuses appear with different cards. For example, Hilton Honors points are worth an average of 0.41 cents each, whereas World of Hyatt points are worth 2.11 cents each based on our internal valuations.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for the best travel credit cards.

Minimum credit score recommendations vary by card product and card issuer. But the best travel credit cards are geared toward individuals with good to excellent credit (or a FICO Score of 670 and up).

What Is the Best Credit Card for Travel Points?

The best credit card for travel rewards can vary based on the type of rewards, fees charged and perks included. However, some of the best travel credit cards on the market today include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.

Do I Have To Pay Interest on a Credit Card?

Avoid interest completely on credit cards by paying your card’s statement balance in full by your card’s payment due date each month. Some cards also come with introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers or both, yet this isn’t a common feature among credit cards for travel rewards.

The post Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024 first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

Personal Finance

Best discover credit cards 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Discover is one of the best providers of introductory credit cards. None charge an annual fee, interest rates are on par with other credit card issuers, they earn cash back, and there are introductory offers for waiving interest on new purchases or balance transfers.

There are also options for people who don’t have a credit history, such as students or people with a low credit score. With a Discover credit card, you can build your credit score over time.

The following are the best Discover credit cards for various goals and credit scenarios.

Best Discover credit cards: Summary

Best for earning travel rewards: discover it® miles, best for cash back: discover it® cash back, best for cash back for students: discover it student® cash back, best for student purchases on gas and restaurants: discover it student® chrome card, best for balance transfers: discover it® balance transfer, best for road trips: discover it® chrome gas & restaurant card, best for hockey fans: nhl® discover it®, best for low credit score: discover it® secured credit card, our recommendations.

There isn't a bad egg in the Discover credit card portfolio. They’re all solid cards with cash back earnings and no annual fee. There are Discover cards designed for different borrowers, however, so you’ll want to see whether any of the following cards makes sense for your spending habits.

The Discover it Miles is Discover’s travel card, though its redemptions are more like cash-back redemptions that can only be used as statement credits on travel purchases. The regular earning rate is good—1.5 miles per dollar spent. At the end of the first year, any miles you’ve earned will be doubled.

• No annual fee.
• Earning miles is simple and unlimited.
• Miles are doubled the first year.
• Earn 1.5 miles on every $1.
• Redemptions are limited to flat rate.
• No travel rewards partners or program.

Cardmembers looking to earn cash back in a variety of everyday categories may want to consider the Discover it Cash Back. The card earns 5% cash back on rotating categories throughout the year, up to $1,500, plus 1% on everything else. There is a long 0% APR introductory period of 15 months (then 17.24% to 28.24%). All the cash back earned on the card in the first year is doubled at the end of the year.

• Generous cash-back options.
• 15-month introductory 0% APR.
• Categories may be unpredictable.

The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card earns a lot in cash-back rewards—especially for a student card with no annual fee. Like the Discover It Cash Back card above, holders earn 5% cash back on a different category group each quarter, up to $1,500 in purchases, plus 1% on other purchases. There is no minimum credit score required, making the card perfect for students new to credit. For new cardholders, cash back is matched at the end of the year.

• Generous cash-back rewards.
• Pre-approval tool to see if you qualify.
• High balance transfer fee.
• High cash advance fee.

The Discover it Student Chrome Card earns a steady 2% cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases up to $1,000 each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. For students who commute, it’s a good amount of rewards, especially for a card with no annual fee. There is a cash-back match offer for the first year and no credit score required to apply.

• Students are able to qualify for the card.
• Prequalification tool.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Cash-back matched the first year.
• Fewer bonus categories.
• High balance transfer and cash advance fee.

The Discover it® Balance Transfer credit card offers 0% APR for 15 months for balance transfers. The balance transfer fee is 3% during the introductory period and 5% after. The card also earns rewards at the rate of 5% in rotating quarterly categories and has a cash back matching offer for the first year.

• Long introductory balance period.
• Earns rewards.
• High cash advance and balance transfer fees.

If you drive and eat out frequently, you might want to consider the Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant credit card. It earns 2% on gas and restaurant purchases up to $1,000 each quarter, plus 1% on all other purchases. The card offers a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months.

• Bonus rewards for gas and restaurants.
• Cash back matched the first year.
• 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
• 2% cash back bonus limited to $1,000 in purchases each quarter.

The NHL Discover it credit card earns the same rewards as the Discover it cards at 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories. In the first year of card membership, cash back is matched. There is also a low introductory APR of 0% for 15 months. The only thing different about NHL Discover is the card’s design, which can be selected from one of 32 NHL teams.

• Custom NHL team card design.
• Low intro APR at 0% for 15 months.
• Generous cash rewards.
• High balance transfer and cash advance fees.

The Discover it Secured credit card offers a way for people with low credit scores to build credit. There is no minimum credit score requirement for approval, and a security deposit can be for as low as $200. The card doesn’t charge an annual fee and earns cash back at a rate of 2% at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 of combined purchases each quarter. There is also a cash-back match offer that doubles cash back at the end of the year.

• Deposit as low as $200.
• No minimum credit score requirement.
• Automatic reviews every seven months.
• Cash-back match at the end of the year
• Approval isn’t guaranteed, even as a secured card.

Methodology

Discover has a variety of credit card offerings. We evaluated annual fees, cash-back offers, APRs, and introductory offers. The best were chosen for their unique features geared toward specific cardholders. These include cards for cash back, travel , gas , restaurants , balance transfers , and rebuilding credit .

How to pick the best Discover credit card for you

Picking the best Discover credit card depends on your credit profile and what you want to earn. Do you have good credit and want to earn the most cash back? Are you rebuilding your credit and just need a card that doesn’t charge a ton of fees? There are Discover cards to match a variety of priorities.

Decide what you want to earn

The two main things you’ll earn on a Discover credit card are cash back and miles. Discover is known for its cash back, and the miles rewards are similar. If you’d rather earn miles than cash back, you can apply for the Discover it Miles credit card. Every other Discover card earns cash back, even the student and secured cards.

Pick a card that matches your credit profile

• Student . Discover has credit cards perfect for students, with qualification requirements suitable for those with little or no credit history. They’ll even earn you rewards, to boot. As we explained in detail above, the Discover it Student® Cash Back and Discover it Student® Chrome Card both earn rewards.
• Rebuilding credit . If you’re on the path to rebuild your credit, the Discover it Secured credit card may be the way to go. There is no credit check and the security deposit can be as little as $200.
• Traveler . The Discover it Miles Card is Discover’s card for award travel. Redemptions are made at a fixed value of 100 miles = $1, which is much like Discover’s cash back redemption. You’ll need good to excellent credit to be approved.
• Household shopper . If most of your expenses are for household goods, you might be happy earning cash back from one of the Discover cash-back cards. Take a look at what you currently spend money on the most and choose a card that earns bonus points in those categories. For example, if you spend a lot of money on gas, you may want to go for the Discover it Gas and Restaurant Card. A good-to-excellent credit score is required.

More on Discover credit cards

If you’re seriously looking at Discover cards, you might be considering the following:

What credit score do you need to get a Discover card?

The credit score needed for a Discover card depends on the type of card you’re getting. Student cards and the secured card don’t have a credit score requirement. However, the other cards require at least a good credit score , which FICO defines as 670 or above.

If you’re worried about being approved for a card, you can try Discover’s pre-approval tool which can check your approval likelihood without a hard credit check .

How can I apply for a Discover credit card?

You can apply for a Discover credit card online.

You’ll need to provide:

• Last four numbers of your Social Security number
• Home address
• Employment status
• Bank accounts owned
• Housing payment
• Total gross income
• Email address

You’ll choose your card design (if applicable) and accept the terms to proceed with your application.

Discover credit card fees

• Annual fee: $0
• Cash advance: $10 or 5% for each cash advance
• Late payment: Up to $41
• Returned payment: Up to $41
• Balance transfer: 3% during the introductory period, 5% after

What is the APR on Discover credit cards?

Discover credit cards currently have APRs that range from 17.24% to 28.24%.

What credit limit can I get with a Discover card?

Discover credit limits start at $500 for all cards except the secured card, which can start at $200. Over time, with a regular payment history and reported income increases, you may see your credit limit increase.

What are the benefits of Discover credit cards?

Some of the benefits of Discover credit cards include strong cash-back offers, FICO Credit Score monitoring, 0% introductory APRs, and various redemption options.

Which Discover card is easiest to get?

The easiest Discover cards are the ones with the lowest credit score requirements. These include the Discover it Secured Card, Discover it Student® Cash Back, and Discover it Student® Chrome.

Will a Discover card help me build credit?

Yes, a Discover credit card can help you build credit. If you establish good habits, such as paying off your balance, paying on time, and keeping your purchases far below your credit limit, you may see a positive credit history start to build.

TIME Stamp: Discover credit cards are great for earning cash back and building credit

Discover credit cards aren’t the flashiest cards around, but they are solid—especially for those new to credit. None of the cards charge an annual fee and the APRs are on par with other cards. The cash back earnings and redemptions are average, and introductory offers include a matching cash back offer for a year and 0% APR for an introductory period.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which discover card is easier to get.

The Discover it Secured Credit Card is easiest to get because it does not require a credit check. Instead, you need to provide a security deposit—the amount serves as your credit limit.

Is a Discover card worth having?

A Discover credit card is a solid cash back earner and doesn’t charge an annual fee—even for higher risk, new borrowers like students. As far as the cash back rewards go, it depends on how you’re able to use it to make it worth having.

How many Discover cards can you have?

You can have two different Discover credit cards at the same time.

Is a Discover card a Visa?

No, a Discover card is not a Visa card. Discover has its own payment network.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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Best credit cards for groceries for May 2024

Between weekly hauls, restocks, and the occasional pitstop on the way home from work, grocery shopping is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses. In fact, the average cost Americans incur for food at home is $5,703 each year — nearly $500 monthly.

With regular grocery bills that high, it pays — a lot — to have a grocery rewards credit card in your wallet. But these cards can widely vary when it comes to rewards structures, restrictions, and spending caps. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the best credit cards for groceries today and how you can choose the right one for your supermarket sweeps.

In this article:

Best grocery credit cards for may 2024.

Best overall: Blue Cash Preferred

Best no annual fee and unlimited rewards: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

Best for travel rewards: American Express Gold

Best for max cash back: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards

Best for no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday

Best for regular monthly grocery spend: Citi Custom Cash

Grocery retail credit cards

Costco Anywhere Visa

Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard

Target Circle️ Card

Should you get a credit card for groceries?

Grocery reward limitations.

Methodology

Best overall: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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

Welcome offer: Earn $250 after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months

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

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

3% cash back on transit (includes taxis, rideshares, parking, and more)

3% cash back at U.S. gas stations

1% cash back on all other purchases

More details: Blue Cash Preferred has an introductory 0% APR for both new purchases and balance transfers. It also has a few potentially valuable annual credits with partners. Earn up to $84 per year ($7 per month, with enrollment) when you spend at least $9.99 on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription and earn up to $120 in Equinox+ credits ($10 per month; with enrollment) when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription via equinoxplus.com.

Why we like it: At 6% cash back, the Blue Cash Preferred is the ultimate rewards card for U.S. supermarket shoppers. There is a $6,000 annual cap (after which you’ll earn 1% cash back in the category), which averages out to around $500 per month. If you have a large family and eat mostly at home, you may exceed that annual limit — but it is still within Americans’ average spending of just over $5,700. If you are able to meet the 6% spending limit, you’ll get up to $360 in cash back, far exceeding the card’s ongoing $95 annual fee.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred can bring a lot of value to your other regular spending with additional cash-back categories for streaming, transit, and U.S. gas stations — as well as annual partner statement credits. Plus, you can enjoy plenty of outsized value over the first year between the waived annual fee, introductory 0% APR, and welcome bonus.

Best no annual fee and unlimited rewards: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $500 within the first 3 months

5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

3% cash back on dining

3% cash back on entertainment

3% cash back on popular streaming services

3% cash back at grocery stores

More details: In addition to the rewards above, you’ll get 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 10% cash back rewards on Uber and Uber Eats purchases — plus complimentary Uber One membership (though Nov. 14, 2024). There’s also an introductory 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers.

Why we like it: The Capital One SavorOne has a lot of potential value for shoppers who spend a lot on groceries. Unlike other cards on our list, there’s no cap to the amount of grocery purchases you can earn 3% cash back on each year. If you spend around the national average of $5,703, you can earn a total of $171.09 annually, even before accounting for your savings across other categories.

Those other categories make this no annual fee card a great option overall for anyone who budgets money for both staying in and going out, with the same 3% cash back on dining, streaming services, and entertainment (which includes concert tickets, amusement parks, movie theaters, and tourist attractions).

Best for travel rewards: American Express® Gold Card

Annual fee: $250 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months

4x points at restaurants worldwide

4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 spent per year)

3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com

1x points on all other purchases

More details: The Amex Gold offers up to $120 in annual Uber Cash ($10 per month) when you connect your card through the Uber app. You can also get up to $120 in annual dining statement credits ($10 per month, with enrollment) toward purchases with Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. On top of that, get access to The Hotel Collection and a $100 experience credit when you book a minimum two-night stay through Amex Travel.

Why we like it: With 4x Membership Rewards bonus points at U.S. supermarkets, the American Express Gold Card is one of the best options for turning your grocery purchases into travel rewards . It’s unlikely that most shoppers will reach the $25,000 annual spending cap — which averages out to a monthly supermarket bill over $2,000. But if you do, you could earn a whopping 100,000 Membership Rewards points from this bonus category. If your supermarket purchases are closer to the average $5,703 annually, you can still rack up 22,812 points each year.

Beyond that, the Amex Gold can also help you maximize restaurant spending and flight purchases — in line with many other travel card options today. While it does carry a $250 annual fee ( see rates and fees ), the annual dining credits and Uber Cash cover nearly the entire cost. Just remember to think about whether you already spend that money each month. If you’re spending money simply to earn a monthly statement credit, you could end up paying more than you save over the long run.

Best for max cash back: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card

Annual fee: $95, waived to $0 for the first year

Welcome offer: Earn $250 after spending $2,000 within the first 120 days

6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined spending each quarter with two choice retailers (choices include Apple, Amazon.com, Chewy.com, Ikea, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and many more)

3% cash back on your first $1,500 spent each quarter in one choice everyday category (wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, or bills and utilities)

1.5% cash back on all other purchases

More details: There aren’t many added perks to this card, but you will save on the annual fee cost for the first year — after which this card has a $95 annual fee. You can also earn 5.5% cash back if you book prepaid hotels or car rentals through the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center.

Why we like it: This card takes some strategy to maximize, but the potential value of the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards may be worth it. To start, you’ll earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending across two retailers you choose each quarter. Superstores like Target and Walmart are included among these choice retailers (unlike most grocery rewards cards), and this is a great option if you prefer to go grocery shopping there.

And that’s not all: The added option to choose wholesale clubs as your 3% category (up to $1,500 in spending each quarter) means you can further maximize your grocery spending up to $3,000 in purchases each quarter. Plus, you’ll earn a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all non-category spending, even after exceeding the quarterly spending limits.

But let’s say you just spend the average $5,703 each year on groceries, and fit all of your spending into the 6% category with merchants that sell groceries as your choice retailers. You’ll get a total $342.18 in cash back with this card each year — and even more if you take advantage of other categories.

Best for no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Annual fee: $0 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets*

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

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

*Up to $6,000 in each category per year, then 1%; cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout

More details: Like the Blue Cash Preferred from Amex , the Blue Cash Everyday has a 0% intro APR on new purchases and balance transfers and comes with up to $84 in annual credits ($7 per month) when you spend at least $9.99 per month on an eligible auto-renewing Disney+ subscription. You can also get up to $180 per year ($15 per month) in statement credits toward an auto-renewing Home Chef subscription.

Why we like it: For no annual fee ( see rates and fees ), the Amex Blue Cash Everyday ’s 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets can translate to a big rewards return each year. There is a $6,000 annual cap (after which you’ll earn 1%) — but if you spend around the average $5,703 on groceries each year you’ll be able to maximize the category and get around $171.09 back.

If you also spend much of your monthly budget filling up the gas tank or shopping online, you can get even more value from this card . Each of these categories has the same $6,000 annual spending limit. If you reach the max across all three, that’s a potential $540 in annual cash back. Plus, if you already have subscriptions to Disney+ and Home Chef, count on more savings in the form of monthly statement credits.

Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card

Best for regular monthly grocery spend: Citi Custom Cash® Card

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $1,500 within the first 6 months

5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 in monthly purchases, then 1%)

More details: Eligible spending categories for the 5% category include grocery stores as well as restaurants, gas stations, select streaming services, home improvement stores , and more. There’s also an intro 0% APR offer and you can earn 4% when you book hotels, car rentals, and attractions with Citi Travel through June 30, 2025.

Why we like it: This card is our choice for regular monthly grocery spending because it can be ideal for grocery shoppers who have a set amount of money to put toward groceries each month. There is a $500 monthly spending cap, but it’s hard to beat the 5% you can earn up to that limit with the Citi Custom Cash . Over a year of maxing out the 5% with grocery stores as your category, you can earn up to $300 cash back. With the average $5,703 spread over a year, you could potentially earn $285.15. Just be aware of your spending and spread your grocery purchases out to not meet the monthly caps.

Unlike some other customized cash-back credit cards , the Citi Custom Cash makes it easier to maximize these categories. Instead of opting into your choice category each billing cycle, you’ll automatically earn 5% on purchases in the eligible category where you spend most. So if you want to use this as your grocery rewards card, you may want to designate it solely for your regular trips to the supermarket to ensure you’re getting the max 5% rewards when you spend.

A co-branded grocery credit card may offer even more savings if you tend to shop at the same store each week. That’s especially true if you do most of your grocery shopping at superstores or wholesale clubs — which are often excluded from earning bonus rewards with regular grocery credit cards.

Here are a few store credit cards for groceries to consider:

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

For no annual fee beyond your Costco membership price, you can use the Costco Anywhere Visa to earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station and EV charging station purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back at restaurants, 3% cash back on eligible travel spending , and 2% cash back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com. Everything else earns 1% cash back. If you already have a Costco membership and do much of your monthly shopping there, this card can help you maximize that grocery spending as well as other regular expenses.

However, you will redeem your Costco card rewards differently than other cash-back credit cards . Each year, you’ll receive a rewards certificate which you can use in one transaction at a Costco warehouse location. As with any card, ensure you understand the details of how to best earn and use your rewards before you sign up.

Related: How to save on travel with your Costco credit card

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®

If you do most of your grocery shopping (and other essentials) at Walmart, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard could offer big savings. It has no annual fee and earns 5% cash back on Walmart.com purchases (which includes pickup and delivery orders) and 2% cash back on purchases at Walmart stores and both Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations. You’ll also get 2% cash back at restaurants, 2% cash back on travel, and 1% on all other purchases.

For the first 12 months after account opening, you can earn a boosted 5% cash back in-store at Walmart when you use Walmart Pay with your card to make your purchases.

Target Circle™️ Card

Target recently revamped its Target Circle rewards program — and part of the relaunch included the Target Circle Card , which offers a lot of potential savings for frequent shoppers. You’ll earn 5% cash back at Target stores and on Target.com with the no annual fee card and, if you’re approved for the Target Mastercard version, also earn 2% cash back on dining, 2% at gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other non-Target purchases.

Other Target benefits include free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, a longer window for returns or exchanges, and other deals for cardholders that vary throughout the year. As a bonus, you can get $50 toward a future purchase after you’re approved.

Ready more: Target Circle 360 vs. Walmart+ and Amazon Prime

Keeping multiple credit cards in your wallet can be useful for earning the best rewards and taking advantage of the best benefits on nearly every purchase you make. So if, like many Americans, supermarket spending is among your most common monthly expenses — a credit card for groceries can make a lot of sense.

There are a few reasons you may want to hold off, though. For one, if opening a new credit card encourages you to spend more than you can afford just to earn rewards, it might be more costly than budget-friendly. Many of the best grocery credit cards also require a great credit score — so if you’re still building a solid credit history , you may want to wait to apply.

Overall, comparing the potential value to your own spending at the grocery store is the best way to decide. Here are a few more factors to consider:

Where you shop most often: If you always do your grocery shopping at the same chain, or a rotation of a few different supermarkets, make sure you can earn rewards there with your grocery credit card. Read the card’s terms before you apply to see whether any exclusions apply that may keep you from maximizing your spending.

What type of rewards you want to earn: You can find grocery bonus categories among both cash-back credit cards and rewards credit cards that earn points and miles. Narrow down your options by deciding whether you prefer the simplicity of cash back or want to earn points that you can put toward a future travel purchase .

How much you spend on groceries: Several of the best credit cards for groceries cap the amount you can spend before maxing out top rewards for the month, quarter, or year. Look back at your total supermarket spending over the past year to compare your totals with each card’s spending cap to secure the most value for you over the long term.

Like any credit card bonus category, the details of your grocery rewards can differ between cards and card issuers.

Types of grocery stores

The language used by the issuer to refer to a card’s grocery rewards can make a big difference in your potential earnings.

For example, many grocery credit cards earn rewards solely at “grocery stores” or “supermarkets” and specify that the same bonus rewards rate does not apply to large superstores like Walmart and Target or warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. If you prefer to complete all your shopping at your local Super Target or you’re a loyal Costco member, you’ll probably be better off with a card that earns rewards at those stores specifically.

This is also important if you use online grocery delivery. Whether you prefer Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or another grocery delivery service, you’ll want to make sure you can earn your grocery rewards while using it.

Finally, look for any restrictions on where you spend. Some grocery credit cards only earn rewards at stores within the United States. If you plan to use the card to buy food on trips abroad, you might forfeit some rewards earnings.

Spending limits

Spending limits are likely one of the first things that stand out when you begin comparing credit cards for groceries. You’ll often see a card offer something like 5% cash back on grocery store purchases up to the first $500 per month or 6% back on grocery store spending up to the first $1,500 per quarter.

While a spending cap can hurt your potential earnings, it’s not a reason to rule out a card altogether. In fact, the cards we compared generally have spending limits well within the amount average Americans spend on food at home each year.

What’s more important is how each card’s restrictions fit your specific grocery spending.

If you have a large family, for example, and spend well beyond the limits each year, you might want to look for a card that doesn’t have any annual limit on what you can earn — even if it does have a lower reward or cash-back rate . Or maybe your grocery spending tends to be much higher at certain times throughout the year when you eat at home more. Then, you might prioritize a card with a more flexible annual limit rather than specific monthly or quarterly limits.

Our methodology

Our list of the best credit cards for groceries started by compiling all of the credit cards available from major issuers — from cash-back cards to rewards and travel credit cards — that earn grocery rewards. In total, we evaluated nearly three dozen cards for this list.

From there, we determined each credit card’s annual grocery rewards potential based on the average amount that Americans spend on food at home according to the Consumer Expenditures survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2022 — the most recent available data — that amount is $5,703.

We then assigned each of the potential cards a rating. The data points used for this include standard details like APR, annual fee, welcome bonus , security protections, and more. But we also included some features specific to grocery rewards, including the potential cash back earned using the BLS data and actual rewards rate.

The cards that make up our list include both the top-scoring cards overall and the cards with the top potential annual earnings. While we wanted to guarantee each of our options could help maximize grocery spending, we also included a range of annual fees, rewards types, and spending limits so that you can use your individual spending habits and goals to find the best fit for your grocery budget.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers.