Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
As one workday blends into the next, it can become hard not to feel sometimes as though your life has become a mediocre remake of the movie Groundhog Day — and you’re Bill Murray.
It’s at this point that you know it’s time to take a vacation. But whether you make a solo getaway or take the whole crew, vacations are budget busters at the best of times.
That’s where a little smart credit card use can come in remarkably handy. By using the right credit cards for your vacation expenses, you can earn your way to free flights and hotel stays, as well as save on everything from gas to theme park tickets. Read on for our picks for some of the best vacation credit cards available today, including cards for flexible travel, 0% APR, gas, hotels, airlines, amusement parks, and cruises.
When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, the more flexible your rewards are, the more value they often carry. And not just monetary value. If you want to take a last-minute trip, having a good stash of flexible travel points can be infinitely more valuable than branded miles with no availability.
To select a credit card with flexible travel rewards, consider how you’re most likely to use them. Some cards operate on simple credit redemptions, while others will allow you to transfer points to partner loyalty programs for greater value.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
While nearly priceless in a pinch, flexible travel rewards are also great for year-round earning, too. If you use your favorite travel rewards credit card for your everyday expenses, you could wind up with a free vacation with some strategic redemption.
Best Vacation Credit Cards with 0% APR
Between signup bonuses and accelerated category spending, it can be fairly easy to earn enough credit card rewards to take a big chunk out of your vacation expenses — but what’s left can still be a hefty amount.
If you think you’ll need a little time to pay off your vacation, then a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer may be the solution. With one of the better offers, you can have 12 months or more interest-free to pay down your purchases, making one less thing on your mind during your vacation.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
No annual fee.
No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house credit card experts rate 0% introductory APR offers based on:
The promotional rate duration
The ongoing regular APR
Annual and other fees
Rewards offered
General approval rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Make sure you read the terms of your introductory offer carefully and understand the limitations. Some offers only apply to new purchases, while others may also include balance transfers. Credit card cash advances are always exempt from 0% APR offers, so think twice before making a withdrawal.
Best Vacation Credit Cards for Gas Rewards
If ever there were a quintessential family vacation, the summer road trip is likely it — or was, until sky-high gas prices made it a lot more expensive to pack up the car and hit the road.
Thankfully, a number of quality rewards credit cards offer bonus rewards for gas station purchases, making it more affordable to grab the family and take off on the Great American Road Trip.
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
0.0/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Gas Rebate credit cards based on:
Rewards earned on fuel
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn $250 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year on purchases (then 1%). Also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Earn 3% cash back on transit, including U.S. gas stations, taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
$120 Equinox Credit - Use your Blue Cash Preferred Card to pay for Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com and receive $10 in monthly statement credits. Enrollment required.
0% intro APR for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR applies
Although the card comes with an annual fee, spending more than $31 a week on groceries will earn enough rewards to more than make up for the fee.
Best Vacation Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards
As our home away from home, the hotel we stay at can have a big impact on how much we enjoy our vacation — which is likely why many travelers have at least one hotel brand they prefer over the alternatives.
For those who frequently stay with one hotel chain, co-branded hotel rewards credit cards can offer free nights, as well as perks like elite status and room upgrades.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card is the new mid-tier card that resulted from the rebranding of the Marriott and Starwood programs after their merger. The card offers six points per dollar on Marriott purchase and two points on everything else.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at eligible Marriott Bonvoy properties
Earn 2X on all other purchases
Pay $95 annual fee
Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy and can earn Gold Status by spending $35,000 on purchases each account year. Users can also enjoy free premium in-room wifi and an annual free night award after the account anniversary.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card offers all the usual perks of a midtier co-branded hotel card, including a high rewards rate for branded purchases and complimentary Platinum Elite status.
Earn 10X points per $1 on IHG® hotel purchases made directly with IHG®
Earn 2X points per $1 on gas, groceries, and dining
Pay a $89 annual fee
This card also offers a number of other money-saving perks, like a free anniversary night each cardmember year and your fourth reward night free on rewards point stays of four nights or more.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
The Hilton Honors Ascend Card has three bonus tiers, offering 12X Hilton Honors™ Bonus Points per dollar on Hilton Portfolio purchases, as well as 6X points per dollar at US restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. Plus, get 3X points per dollar on all other purchases.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors™ Bonus Points per $1 for Hilton purchases
Earn 6X Hilton Honors™ Bonus Points for purchases at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
Pay $95 annual fee
The benefits of the Hilton Honors Ascend Card also extend past its purchase rewards, with perks that include Hilton Gold status, 10 Priority Pass Select passes, and a weekend night award for spending at least $15,000 on your card in a calendar year.
Best Vacation Credit Cards for Airline Rewards
Although credit cards that earn flexible rewards points can be more versatile, co-branded airline credit cards can be a good way to earn piles of miles thanks to typically generous signup bonuses and decent purchase rewards.
Co-branded airline credit cards also tend to come with additional perks, including preferred boarding and free checked bags, making them a tempting choice for anyone with a favorite airline brand.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.5/5.0
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your cardmembership 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
Additional Disclosure: (The information related to Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)
In addition to AAdvantage® miles, cardholders can also receive perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express gives users a way to earn SkyMiles® without leaving the ground, offering 2X miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, including flights, Sky Club® membership passes, and in-flight purchases.
Earn 2X miles per dollar spent with Delta, 1X miles per dollar on all other purchases
Get your first checked bag free on Delta flights
Pay $0 annual fee the first year, $95 each year after
The card also offers perks beyond purchase rewards, offering a free checked bag on round-trip Delta flights, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts.
The United MileagePlus® Explorer Card earns bonus miles for United purchases, as well as offering perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding.
Earn 2X miles per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United, 1X on all other purchases
Get your first checked bag free on United-operated flights
Pay no annual fee the first year, then $95
The United MileagePlus® Explorer Card also comes with two United Club passes each year, allowing access to the exclusive United Club airport lounges.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to United MileagePlus® Explorer Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
Best Vacation Credit Cards for Amusement Park Rewards
While there may be some travelers who are content to simply lounge poolside for the length of their trip, most of us like a little more activity during our vacations. And what better place to find a little vacation amusement than, say, an amusement park?
If you love a specific park, you can often find a credit card dedicated just to them, but your better pick may be a card that offers rewards on a wider range of entertainment options.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
This card offers 3% cash back on both dining and entertainment, with the latter category including amusement parks and theme parks as well as other popular vacation activities.
The Marvel Mastercard® may be designed for Marvel lovers, but nearly anyone can benefit from its 3% cash back category, which includes entertainment purchases like amusement park purchases, museum visits, and movie theater tickets.
Earn 3% cash back on dining, select entertainment, and eligible Marvel merchandise purchases
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pay no annual fee
Beyond the card’s inclusive purchase rewards, the Marvel Mastercard® also offers a host of perks for the Marvel devotee, including discounts and free shipping on MarvelShop.com purchases, as well as special discounts on Marvel Unlimited and Marvel digital comics.
While Chase offers two Disney co-branded cards, the Disney® Premier Visa® Card definitely provides the better rewards rate, providing 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations, as well as unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
Earn 2% back in Disney Rewards Dollars for card purchases in select categories
Save 10% on select Disney and Star Wars purchases
Pay no annual fee
In addition to its purchase rewards, the Disney® Premier Visa® Card offers exclusive cardholder discounts, photo opportunities, and character experiences to help you make the most of your Disney vacation.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to Disney® Premier Visa® Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
Best Vacation Credit Cards for Cruise Rewards
For some travelers, cruises are the best way to travel, not only offering a bevy of onboard entertainment options — and an unlimited buffet — but also providing a chance to explore multiple destinations during a single trip.
Given the thousands of vacationers who go crazy for cruises, it makes sense that most major cruise lines offer their own rewards credit card. These cards are best for those who are loyal to one cruise line, as each card’s rewards can only be used with its associated brand.
The Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® allows cardholders to earn WorldPoints® on every purchase. WorldPoints® can be redeemed for Norwegian Cruise Line® stateroom upgrades, travel discounts, onboard credits, and more.
Earn 3X WorldPoints® rewards points for every $1 spent on Norwegian purchases
Earn 1X WorldPoints® points per $1 on all other purchases
Pay no annual fee
The card also comes with a juicy 10,000 bonus rewards points for those new cardholders who make a qualifying transaction within the first 90 days of opening their account.
The Carnival® World Mastercard® earns FunPoints on every purchase, making it a simple way to save on your next trip with any World’s Leading Cruise Line family brand.
Earn 2X FunPoints per $1 on Carnival and World’s Leading Cruise Lines purchases
Earn 1X FunPoints per $1 on all other purchases
Pay no annual fee
Cardholders will also earn 10,000 bonus FunPoints when they use their card for the first time, enough points to redeem for a $100 credit on your next qualifying cruise purchase.
The Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® credit card earns MyCruise points on every purchase, which can be redeemed toward purchases with Celebrity Cruises, as well as its sister lines, Royal Caribbean® and Azamara Club Cruises®.
Earn 2X MyCruise points for every $1 spent with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean®, and Azamara Club Cruises®
Earn 1X MyCruise points on all other purchases
Pay $69 annual fee
Make your first qualifying transaction within 90 days of account opening to score a bonus 10,000 MyCruise points, which can be redeemed for a $100 onboard credit.
Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality
Sometimes life can feel a little repetitive. Sometimes life can feel a little repetitive.
That’s when it’s time to shake things up with a good vacation. You know, that one you daydream about when you put your day on autopilot.
If you’ve been using the right travel credit card to earn rewards all year, you likely already have the points and miles to make that dream come true. For everyone else, it’s not too late to start earning your way to a little adventure.
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