cruise credit card review

Best credit cards for cruises

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While the cruise industry came to a screeching halt at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the major cruise lines are back in full operation now. In fact, guests looking for a cruise in North America and elsewhere will find a full roster of ships and itineraries to choose from. This includes options from budget-friendly operators like Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as luxury or adults-only cruises with companies like Virgin Voyages and Silversea.

All of this means that it’s a great time to start earning rewards for your next cruise. But, which credit card for cruises should you choose? That depends on what you hope to get in return.

Best credit cards for cruises in 2023

Many travel credit cards can help you to cover the cost of your cruise with rewards, and some can also help with flights and hotels. Note that all of the cards that made our ranking can be used to book cruises with any cruise line, not just with a specific carrier.

Here are the best credit cards for cruises in 2023:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for its bonus offer

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points — worth $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards — after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. With the card’s relatively low spending requirement, anyone can earn $750 toward their next cruise within a short amount of time.

The Sapphire Preferred also makes it easy to quickly earn points, allowing cardholders to earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs); 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on all other spending. A $95 annual fee applies.

Discover it® Miles: Best for no annual fee

The Discover it® Miles is a solid rewards credit card for cruises if you don’t want to pay an annual fee. This card gives you 1.5X miles for each dollar you spend, and Discover will match all of the miles you earn during your first year of card membership (after the first year is up). You can redeem your miles in the form of statement credits to cover eligible travel purchases (including cruises) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

With this 1.5X earning rate, spending $10,000 on your card within a year will net you 15,000 miles. With Discover’s offer to match your rewards , Discover will turn your 15,000 miles into 30,000 miles at the end of your first year, which you could redeem to cover $300 in cruise fare. Better yet, the Discover it® Miles card offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 17.24% – 28.24%. This means you could charge your cruise to your card and pay it down interest-free for more than a year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexibility

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card keeps everything simple by offering 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. You can also earn 75,000 bonus miles — worth $750 in travel — when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening.

When you go to redeem, you can use your Capital One miles to cover cruise fare at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also cash in your rewards for purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal, or transfer your rewards to Capital One airline and hotel partners . A $95 annual fee applies, but you can recoup this fee by utilizing the card’s up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck .

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for a premium travel card

If you’re a frequent cruise traveler seeking a premium travel credit card, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . This card includes an annual fee of $550, but you’ll get perks like a $300 annual travel credit (good toward cruises and other travel); airport lounge access; up to a $100 credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS; and 50 percent more points value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve provides 60,000 points — worth $900 through Chase Ultimate Rewards — after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards, 10X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 5X points on air travel booked through Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on general travel and restaurants and 1X points on other purchases.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for VIP perks

If you’re in search of a credit card for cruises that comes with VIP benefits, you should consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It has a $395 annual fee, but cardholders can enjoy up to $300 in annual travel credits for Capital One Travel purchases, up to a $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and access Capital One airport lounges , among other benefits.

New cardholders are also eligible to earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. That’s on top of earning 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.

When it comes to redeeming rewards for a cruise, Capital One Venture X cardholders can cover all or part of a cruise that’s charged to their card with a redemption rate of 1 cent per mile. Other redemption options include transfers to Capital One travel partners, purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal and more.

What about travel insurance for cruises?

Considering all of the costs that go into taking a cruise (cruise fare, airfare, hotels and so on), you’re also probably wondering about travel insurance . Many of the best travel cards offer travel insurance — such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance , baggage insurance and emergency travel services.

But if you want to purchase travel insurance, your best bet is to purchase a plan that comes with “cancel for any reason” coverage. Many cruise lines offer specific travel insurance plans you can add to your cruise booking, too. For example, with Carnival Vacation Protection , you’ll get trip cancellation and interruption coverage that lets you cancel for any reason. You’ll also get baggage insurance (up to $1,500), medical coverage (up to $10,000) and emergency evacuation coverage (up to $30,000) — all starting at $49 per person.

Is a card that offers rewards for cruises right for you?

The best credit cards for cruises can help you save money or access special perks if you know how to use them. A credit card for cruises may be right for you if:

• You’re debt-free and plan to stay that way
• You’re disciplined enough to use a 0 percent intro APR offer for purchases without racking up long-term debt
• You find travel card benefits like airport lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits appealing
• You’re not in a hurry to earn a free cruise with rewards
• Your credit score is very good or excellent

If you’re struggling with debt, you may want to steer clear of credit and save up for the cruise you want. While everyone needs a vacation — and taking a cruise is one of the best options out there — coming home to a mountain of bills (including interest payments) can ruin the fun in a hurry.

How to choose a credit card for cruises

The right credit card for your next cruise depends on the type of spender you are, your credit score and what you hope to accomplish. These tips can help you pick the best credit card for your goals:

• Decide if you want a 0 percent intro APR . Many rewards credit cards offer a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for a limited time, which can help you make payments on a cruise without any interest. These offers should be used sparingly and only if you have a plan for repayment, but they can still be a good deal.
• Compare bonus offers. If you’re able to meet the spending and timeframe requirements to earn a welcome bonus for a new credit card, you could earn a bonus worth hundreds of dollars or more toward your next cruise.
• Understand which travel benefits you want the most . Note that many of the best travel credit cards have benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits. You’ll pay more for a card with a broader selection of perks, but the investment can be worth it if you travel often.
• Check for earning rates that make sense with your spending . Be sure any credit card you pick offers rewards that align with your spending habits.
• Consider annual fees . There’s nothing wrong with paying an annual fee for a credit card, but you should be sure any perks or benefits you receive make the annual fee worth paying .
• Look for no foreign transaction fees . If you plan to visit cruise ports outside of the U.S., you’ll want to be sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees .

The bottom line

If you’re thinking of picking up a credit card for your next cruise, you should select one that gives you the most bang for your buck. This means picking a card with a generous welcome offer and plenty of rewards for your spending. If you get some extra travel perks along the way, that’s even better. With the right credit card, you’ll be cruising before you know it — and with fewer out-of-pocket expenses, too.

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Find the best credit card for you

The best credit cards for booking cruises: how to save big on your next sailing, the best credit cards for cruising aren't what you may think..

If the idea of dipping your toes into warm waters and eating your heart out at a buffet while en route to the next port of call has you itching to book a sailing, you may be wondering what credit card you should pay with.

With the right credit card for cruising, you can earn bonus rewards for your spending and then use those rewards to cover future sailings and even the travel to and from your cruise. A single card's welcome bonus could potentially cover the cost of a cruise and grant additional perks, such as travel insurance or onboard credits.

Although several major cruise lines offer cobranded credit cards, using a more general travel rewards card will usually offer greater value. Below, CNBC Select breaks down the best credit cards for cruises and why it may not be what you initially thought.

Best credit cards for cruising

• Best for low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for booking cruises with points : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for ease of booking : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee card for cruises : Citi Double Cash® Card
• Best for premium cruise benefits : The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for booking cruises with Costco : Costco Anywhere Visa® Card

Best for low annual fee

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most well-rounded cards for booking cruises. It offers a generous welcome bonus, an easy-to-use rewards program, valuable travel protections and reasonable annual fee .

Cruise benefits: Cardholders earn 5X points on all travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , including cruises, making this one of the most rewarding cards for cruise purchases. Meanwhile, all other travel, such as trips booked directly through cruise lines or other online travel agencies, earn 2X points.

When you book cruises through Chase's travel portal you can pay with points, cash or some combination of the two. Your points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed this way. Just note that you'll need to call Chase's Cruises and Tours department at 855-234-2542 to book. Of course, you also have the option of transferring your points to Chase's various airline and hotel partners, allowing you to book not only your cruise with points but also award flights to and from your cruise, as well as pre-cruise accommodations.

Other perks: The card offers many built-in travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption insurance , travel and emergency assistance services, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement and rental car insurance . Other benefits include an up to $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, a 10% anniversary points boost, no foreign transaction fees and more.

Learn more:  How to use the Chase travel portal to directly book travel

Best for booking cruises with points

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

22.49% - 29.49% variable

5%, minimum $5

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the higher-end version of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, geared toward more frequent and premium travelers.

Cruise benefits: Cardholders earn 3X points on general travel purchases, including cruise bookings (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually). Unlike the Sapphire Preferred, cardholders don't get a bonus for booking cruises through Chase Travel℠. However, with the Sapphire Reserve, the value of your Chase points is bumped to 1.5 cents apiece toward travel booked through Chase Travel℠.

Other perks: Every year, you'll get an up to $300 annual travel credit that can be used toward cruises and other travel purchases. If you pay for your cruises with the Sapphire Reserve, you'll also be covered by a wide range of travel protections, including for trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, trip cancellation/interruption, travel accidents and emergency evacuation or medical care. Additional perks include airport lounge access ; elite-like benefits when booking hotels through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection; and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee credit .

Best for ease of booking

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is an appealing choice for cruisers that like simplicity. The card has a low annual fee, doesn't have many spending categories to keep track of and the rewards are easy to redeem.

Cruise benefits: Everyday purchases, including cruise bookings earn 2X miles. Venture miles are great for booking cruises because you aren't limited to booking through Capital One Travel — you can book directly through the cruise line or your preferred travel agency and then get reimbursed for the purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile after the fact. For additional flexibility, you can transfer Venture miles to 18 airline and hotel travel partners.

Other perks: Cardholders receive a statement credit of up to $100 to cover  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership , Hertz Five Star status and two complimentary visits each year to  Capital One Lounges  or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network.

Best no-annual-fee card for booking cruises

Citi double cash® card.

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. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

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% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases

19.24% - 29.24% variable

For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies

Fair/Good/Excellent

See rates and fees . Terms apply.

Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.

Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash card has no annual fee, no restrictive bonus spending categories and no headaches when it comes to redeeming your rewards.

Cruise benefits: Cardholders earn a flat 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% back when you pay. Once you've earned at least $25 in rewards, you can redeem them for a statement credit. These statement credits can be applied to any purchase, which could be a cruise or it could be any of the other costs associated with cruising.

Other perks: Cardholders have access to  Citi Entertainment , which provides early access and special perks at music, theater, dining and sports events. You can also pair this card with other Citi credit cards , like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees ), to unlock the ability to transfer your rewards to Citi's travel partners.

Best for premium cruise benefits

The platinum card® from american express.

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

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Needed

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review .

Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is a luxury card designed for frequent travelers looking for excellent benefits.

Cruise benefits: Cardholders have access to Amex's Cruise Privileges Program . When you book an eligible cruise and cabin (minimum of five nights with double occupancy) through the program you'll earn one additional Amex point per dollar spent (2X points total). You may also receive $100 to $300 in shipboard credit per stateroom and exclusive amenities depending on the cruise line.

You may also be able to save on cruises by taking advantage of Amex Offers — targeted promotions at participating merchants. In the past, we've seen offers to save hundreds of dollars with various cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.

Other perks: The Amex Platinum comes with a long list of travel and lifestyle benefits, ranging from annual hotel and airline fee statement credits to Saks Fifth Avenue, digital entertainment, Equinox, Walmart+ and Uber Cash credits. Cardholders also enjoy  extensive airport lounge access , automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, cell phone protection* , comprehensive travel insurance and much more. Terms apply.

Learn more:  How to use the Amex Travel Portal to book flights, hotels and more

Best for booking cruises with Costco

Costco anywhere visa® card by citi.

4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year (then 1%); 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 current offer

$0, Costco membership required

20.49% variable

5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum

Who's this for? If Costco is your go-to for booking cruises and other vacation packages, look no further than the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card .

Cruise benefits: Costco Travel offers members significant savings on cruises and incentives like bonus Costco shop cards, shipboard credit, free beverage packages and other extras. Members with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Other perks: When things go wrong, cardholders can take advantage of travel and emergency assistance, worldwide travel accident insurance, worldwide car rental insurance and damage and theft purchase protection. International travelers can also spend freely with no foreign transaction fees.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

• How to choose the right credit card for cruising for your situation?

Should I get a cobranded cruise line credit card?

• What credit score do you need for the best cruise credit cards?

How to choose the right cruising credit card for you?

The best cruising credit card for you depends on your goals and spending habits.

If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean cruise, travel to Europe will add to the cost of the trip. You may want to earn flexible rewards that can be used for airfare and hotels as well as cruises. However, if you want the ability to book any cruise with no restrictions, then earning cashback may be the way to go.

The best card for you should earn the most rewards in the categories where you spend the most. You may want to use your points and miles for a cruise, but the actual cruise fare is likely to be just a small portion of what you spend in a year. If your card earns bonus points on dining or groceries , you may be able to earn rewards more quickly and book your next sailing sooner.

A number of major cruise lines offer cobranded credit cards. However, the rewards aren't anywhere nearly as lucrative as what you'll get with a travel credit card that earns flexible rewards. 

The welcome bonuses for cruise line cards offer a fraction of the value you can get from the credit cards with the best bonuses . Not only that but the rewards you earn are typically tied to a single cruise line and can be cumbersome to use. Unless you're a diehard loyalist of a specific cruise line and you're looking for a card to complement your primary travel card, you'll find more value with a more general rewards card.

What credit score do you need for the best credit cards for cruising?

As a rule of thumb, the more valuable the credit card, the higher the credit score you'll need to qualify.

For the top cruise cards on this list, expect to need a good or excellent credit score (scores of 670 and above) to qualify. On top of that, other factors are taken into consideration, such as income and whether you've recently applied for any other cards.

Bottom line

Paying for your next cruise with the right credit card can help keep you from breaking the bank.

The best credit cards for cruises aren't tied to specific cruise lines. If you want to use credit card rewards to cut the cost of your next cruise, a travel credit card that earns flexible rewards or cashback is your best bet. That way you won't be tied to using your points with a single cruise line and you'll even have the option of using rewards to cover other expenses associated with cruising, such as airfare and hotels.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for cruising,  CNBC Select  analyzed over 230 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date

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

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

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The 7+ Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises [2024]

Katie Seemann

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Table of Contents

The 4+ best personal credit cards for booking cruises, the 3+ best business credit cards for booking cruises, cruise line credit cards, final thoughts.

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Cruises can be a wonderful way to travel. They are a convenient way to see many places on a single trip and can provide good value since most of your food and entertainment are included.

We’ve previously discussed the best ways to book your cruise with points and miles , but what’s the most rewarding option when paying for your cruise with a credit card?

When you book a cruise, there are a few things you should think about: do you want to earn transferable points or cash-back, or would you prefer to earn cruise line perks like onboard credit or discounts?

In this article, you can discover the best credit cards for booking cruises, whether you want to earn points, cash-back, or get the best onboard perks. And once you’re ready to set sail, book your cruise through a website that offers great prices, bonuses, and perks.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ® — Best for Earning Points & Travel Insurance
• American Express ® Green Card — Best Mid-Tier Card for Travel
• Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express — Best for Cash-Back
• American Express ® Gold Card — Best for Earning Points on Gift Card Purchases at U.S. Supermarkets
• Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card — Best Business Card for Earning Points – Sub-$100 Annual Fee Card 
• The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express — Best Business Card for No Annual Fee & Cash-Back
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business — Best Business Card for  Earning Miles

Some credit cards earn bonus points on the general “travel” category, which includes cruises, while other cards earn bonus points at stores that sell cruise line gift cards. Meanwhile, some cards offer a flat rate for earning points or cash-back. All of these types of cards can be good for booking cruises.

Here’s a quick look at the best options for earning rewards on your next cruise purchase.

Card Summary

Chase sapphire reserve card — best for earning points & travel insurance.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a powerhouse among travel rewards credit cards. The list of benefits it offers is long and includes perks that come in handy when traveling on a cruise, including a $300 yearly travel credit, a Priority Pass membership, primary car rental insurance , excellent travel insurance coverage , and a fee credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS .

Plus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points . When you pay for your cruise with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll earn  3x points. According to our points and miles valuations , Ultimate Rewards points are worth ~2 cents each, which means you’d be getting a ~6% return.

Another benefit to using a Chase credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is access to Chase Offers. You’ll often find discounts or rebates for cruises that can help you save money on your vacation.

Amex Green Card — Best Mid-tier Card for Travel

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

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The American Express ® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards ® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

• 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
• Up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR ® Plus membership with the Card.
• Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.
• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express ® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
• $189 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express ® Green Card.
• $100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express ® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
• Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
• Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express ® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
• $150 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

While the Amex Green card might not be the most exciting travel rewards credit card, it’s got some great bonus categories — including travel. With this card, you’ll earn 3x points  on all types of travel, including cruises.

In addition, this card earns 3x points on transit purchases, including trains and subways, and at restaurants, so it’s a great one to keep in your wallet if you want to earn lots of American Express Membership Rewards points .

Keep an eye out for Amex Offers on cruises — you can stack these rewards with other points and perks offered by your American Express card.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card — Best for Cash-Back

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

The Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases , this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases , this could be the card for you!

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit on Amazon.com at checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers an impressive earning rate at U.S. supermarkets, where you can purchase cruise line gift cards . With this card, you’ll earn 6% cash-back on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets annually. Your cash-back can be redeemed as a statement credit, which could be an excellent option to help offset the price of your cruise.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card also earns 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash-back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash-back on all other purchases. And the card offers unique benefits like a monthly Disney Bundle credit and return protection.

Amex Gold Card — Best for Earning Points on Gift Card Purchases at U.S. Supermarkets

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

The Amex Gold card offers excellent earning potential — 4x points — at U.S. supermarkets, which means you can use it to purchase cruise line gift cards.

This is excellent news, mainly because the cap on how much you can spend at that earning level is $25,000 per calendar year, much higher than other cards.

Aside from U.S. supermarket earnings, the Amex Gold card earns 4x points at restaurants, making this an excellent option for collecting many Membership Rewards points. There’s also a $10 monthly dining credit and a $10 monthly Uber cash credit to help offset the annual fee cost.

Be careful when using an American Express card to purchase gift cards. Each card’s terms can vary, and many state that gift card purchases don’t count toward welcome bonus minimum spending or bonus points. That said, we’ve used this card to purchase gift cards at U.S. supermarkets and still earned points, so your experience may vary. Just be aware your points might not post or could be clawed back.

Additional Personal Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card — This card earns 2x points  spent on travel, including cruises. That gives you about 4% return on your spending, which is a solid value. However, if you book your cruise through the Chase Travel portal , you can earn 5x points spent, which nets out to a 10% return.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — This card earns 2x miles on every purchase, including cruises . Plus, it comes with a nice list of additional benefits , including airport lounge access , a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and $300 in annual credits for travel booked through Capital One Travel .
• The Platinum Card ® from American Express — With this card, you’ll earn 2x points on cruises booked through AmexTravel.com . Additionally, you’ll be eligible for the Cruise Privileges Program . This program includes a shipboard credit of $100 to $300 per stateroom (based on cabin type and cruise line) on eligible cruises of 5 nights or more, plus an exclusive amenity based on your cruise line. The Amex Platinum card comes with many premium benefits that make it one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards available.
• Citi Double Cash ® Card — With this card, you’ll earn 2% cash-back — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay your bill on time. There are no categories to consider or maximum to the amount of cash-back you can earn. If you also have a premium Citi card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card , you’ll unlock access to all of Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners , making your points even more valuable.

You can easily earn 2x to 3x points or miles when you pay for your cruise with the right card. Don’t forget to stack these rewards with those offered by the cruise line or an online travel agency. You can use many great websites to book your cruise that offer perks and bonuses like onboard credit or free specialty dining.

Ink Business Preferred Card — Best for Earning Points – Sub-$100 Annual Fee Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

The Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases , especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance , rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of the best business credit cards to book a cruise .

In addition to great benefits like travel insurance and cell phone protection , the Ink Business Preferred card earns 3x points on travel, including cruises (up to $150,000 per year). Don’t forget you’ll also earn 3x points on flights to get you to your departure port, a hotel room for the night before your cruise, and even your taxi ride to the cruise port. Based on our valuations, that gives you a return of about 6% on your spending.

Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, these points can be used for travel in the Chase travel portal, or you can transfer them to one of the Chase airline and hotel partners .

Amex Blue Business Plus Card — Best for No Annual Fee & Cash-Back

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply
• APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is an excellent option for business owners who want to earn lots of Membership Rewards points and value simplicity because it earns 2x points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year).

While this card doesn’t offer many premium benefits, it does come with some perks that will appeal to business owners , such as employee cards, the ability to connect to Quickbooks, and Vendor Pay by Bill.com. Plus, you won’t be on the hook for paying an annual fee.

Capital One Spark Miles Card — Best for Earning Miles

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

• Unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• 5x miles per $1 spent on hotel and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year
• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
• Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck ® or Global Entry
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
• APR: 26.24% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a no-nonsense business card with an earn rate of 2x miles spent. What’s great is that the 2x earnings aren’t capped, so the points can add up quickly.

This card also has benefits including a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, $0 fraud liability on unauthorized charges, and a virtual credit card number.

Additional Business Cards for Booking Cruises

• American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card — This card is a great option for business owners looking for cash-back instead of points. It earns 2% cash-back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually. Other benefits of the Amex Blue Business Cash card are car rental insurance, the ability to connect to Quickbooks, purchase protection, Vendor Pay by Bill.com, and extended warranty protection.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card — This card earns a flat 2% cash-back on all purchases with no limit. Additionally, this card earns 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

There are both personal and business cards that offer 2% cash-back on purchases, so aim for at least that much cash-back on your next cruise purchase.

We couldn’t write a post about the best credit cards to book a cruise without mentioning cruise line-specific credit cards. Unfortunately, these cards don’t offer as much value as other travel rewards credit cards unless you’re a cruise-only traveler with zero interest in earning flexible points or cash-back. Usually, a cruise line-branded credit card won’t be your best option.

So while we generally don’t recommend these cards , we wanted to mention them for those rare times when they may make sense.

• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card — This card earns 2x MyCruise points on qualifying purchases with Royal Caribbean and its sister brands Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. MyCruise points can be redeemed at 1 cent each for onboard credit, stateroom upgrades, and cruise discounts.
• Princess Cruises ® Rewards Visa ® Card — This card earns 2x points  on all Princess Cruises purchases. Each point is worth 1 cent and can be redeemed for onboard credits, amenities, cruise rewards, and discounted airfare.
• Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® — This card earns 3x WorldPoints on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, 2x WorldPoints on air and hotel purchases, and 1x WorldPoints on all other purchases. WorldPoints are worth 1 cent each and can be redeemed in several ways, including onboard credits, upgrades, and cruise discounts.
• Carnival ® World Mastercard ® — This card earns 2x FunPoints on purchases with Carnival Cruise Lines plus any other “World’s Leading Cruise Lines” brands, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, and more. FunPoints can be redeemed as a statement credit towards any Carnival purchase, including onboard charges.
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card — This card earns 2x MyCruise points  on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean and 1x MyCruise points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for stateroom upgrades, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Cruise line credit cards don’t offer the most bang for your buck when it comes to travel rewards. For maximum travel rewards and benefits, stick to cards that earn transferrable points or cash-back.

There are so many great credit cards out there that it can sometimes be confusing to know which one is right for you. When choosing a credit card to book a cruise, consider what benefits you would like to earn — bonus points, cash-back, or cruise line perks.

Once you know what you’re after, you can narrow down your options to choose the right credit card for your vacation. Now all that’s left to do is pack your bags and set sail.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa ® or Mastercard ® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your eligible enrolled American Express card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.

The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Double Cash ®  Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Carnival ® World Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.   For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best credit card for a cruise.

The best credit card for a cruise depends on what type of rewards you are looking for. Some cards earn cash-back or cruise points, but we recommend cards that earn travel rewards. The Ink Business Preferred card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card earn 3x points on cruises, so they’re great options for any cruise line.

What is the best cruise line credit card?

Cruise line credit cards tend to offer very similar earning structures and bonuses, so there’s not much difference between them. However, there are a few that stand out. The Carnival World card earns 2x points on cruises on multiple cruise lines, giving you more flexibility. The Norwegian Cruise Line card earns 3x points on Norwegian cruises, 2x points on airline and hotel purchases, and offers more flexibility when it comes to redeeming your points.

Can the Carnival World card be used anywhere?

Yes the Carnival World card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, the points you earn on the card can only be redeemed toward Carnival cruises.

Do Carnival credit card points expire?

No the FunPoints you earn through the Carnival World card don’t expire.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Best credit cards for cruises for July 2024

Ready to say “bon voyage” to land and set sail for the high seas? There are a lot of other travelers today who feel the same — both cruise ship capacity and the number of people aboard cruises are on the rise, according to data from the Cruise Lines International Association .

Many cruise travelers keep coming back: 12% take a cruise twice each year, and another 10% cruise three to five times per year.

The more frequently you spend time on the water, the more it pays to have a travel credit card to maximize your cruise spending. Here’s what to look for and how to get the most out of your next cruise vacation:

While your first instinct might be toward a co-branded cruise rewards credit card with the cruise line you like best, many travelers will get the best value from a general travel credit card .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat travel rewards

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles on all other purchases

Recommended credit score: Good to excellent

Why we like this card: If you enjoy taking cruises but only get to do so once every couple of years, a flat rewards card like Capital One Venture Rewards could be ideal. Whether you’re traveling or at home, you can use the card to accrue rewards on all of your regular spending for a full 2x miles per dollar.

As for redemptions, this card is best if you prefer to book directly with the cruise line, from a discount site, or with a travel agent. You can use your Capital One Venture Rewards Card miles to cover the charge (within 90 days of it posting to your account). You could then choose to book airfare, hotels, and car rentals through the Capital One Travel portal and maximize the costs of getting to your cruise’s port city with up to 5x on those purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for flexible rewards

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

5x points on travel through Chase Travel℠ (not including hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel credit)

3x points on dining

3x points on online grocery purchases

3x points on select streaming services

2x points on all other travel purchases

1x points on all other purchases

Why we like this card: Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of our favorite travel cards for nearly any traveler — and can potentially bring big savings to your next cruise trip.

To start, the 60,000-point welcome offer (after spending $4,000 within the first three months) is worth up to $750 when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel. Those bonus points, and all points you earn with the card, get boosted by 25% with Chase Travel redemptions for a value of 1.25 cents per point. And you can earn those points quickly on your cruise spending with 5x rewards on Chase Travel purchases and 2x points on all other travel.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s 2x rewards on travel can be useful if you prefer booking through a travel agent or the cruise line directly, Chase Travel (for 5x rewards) is also a solid cruise booking option. You’ll find sailings to plenty of destinations across the world and even get access to onboard credits, package upgrades, complimentary airport transfers, and more when you book eligible trips with partners through Voyages by Chase Travel.

Unlike other travel options on the site, you won’t be able to book your cruise online. Instead, you’ll need to call and speak with a cruise specialist using the number on Chase Travel.

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best premium benefits

Annual fee: $695 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months

5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in spending per calendar year)

5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel

Why we like this card: We like the Platinum Card from Amex for any type of traveler who is frequently on the go (especially frequent fliers), but it has some specific perks for those who prefer vacationing by cruise ship.

The Platinum Card comes with Cruise Privilege Program benefits when you book sailings lasting five nights or more with eligible cruise lines through Amex Travel. You’ll get up to $300 in onboard credits per stateroom; the exact amount depends on the type of room you book and the cruise line you choose. Also get one unique amenity provided per room you book and a boosted 2x rewards rate on your booking.

This can be a great way to maximize the points you earn with your Platinum Card , as well. Cruise bookings typically only earn 1x point per dollar, but if you’re able to book through Amex Travel and choose a Cruise Privilege Program-qualifying trip, you’ll get even more for your spending. Plus, the 5x rewards on flight spending can be useful for reaching the port city where you embark on your cruise.

As a downside, cruises aren’t the best redemption option for the Membership Rewards points you earn. You’ll get about .7 cents per point when you redeem for cruises through Amex Travel, compared to 1 cent per point on airfare.

Even still, this card’s solid cruise benefits combined with the long list of Platinum Card credits and benefits can be a good option for frequent travelers who also enjoy cruises. Before you apply, look at your regular spending and budget, compared to the Amex Platinum Card’s specific travel rewards and benefits — you’ll always want to ensure you get enough value from a premium travel card to justify the price.

Discover it® Miles : Best for no annual fee and first-year bonus

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Get an unlimited match on all the miles you earn over your first year of card membership

1.5x miles on every purchase

Why we like this card: For no annual fee, Discover it Miles offers a simple rewards structure, great welcome bonus, and even intro APR — all of which can offer value for your next cruise vacation.

Just like a flat cash-back card , the Discover it Miles’ flat 1.5x rewards on every purchase lets you maximize every dollar you spend without having to think about it too much. It may not have the greatest rewards rate compared to some travel cards, but everything from regular bills and utilities to the cost of your next cruise booking will go toward your miles balance.

With the card’s welcome bonus, you’ll also get a match on every dollar you spend over your first year. Say you make $12,000 in purchases the first year, for example, earning 18,000 miles. At the end of the year, you’ll get another 18,000 for a total of 36,000 miles in that year — which you can put toward next year’s cruise spending.

Another benefit for new cardholders is the Discover it Miles’ 0% intro APR on new purchases and balance transfers. You’ll pay no interest for the first 15 months, with a variable 18.24% – 28.24% APR after that. If you have an upcoming cruise planned, you could charge the cost of the trip to your card and then enjoy making smaller payments without interest (rather than the full upfront cost now) to pay down the balance over the next 15 months before interest kicks in. Just make sure you can pay it off over that period to avoid taking on high-interest debt later on.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi : Best for booking cruises through Costco

Annual fee: $0 (though you do need a Costco membership)

Welcome offer: None

4% cash back on eligible gas stations and EV charging stations (up to $7,000 spent per year, then 1%)

3% cash back at restaurants

3% cash back on eligible travel (includes Costco Travel)

2% cash back on all other Costco and Costco.com purchases

1% cash back on all other purchases

Why we like this card: If you’re both a Costco member and love to take cruise vacations, the Costco Anywhere Visa may hit a sweet spot for your wallet. It has plenty of rewards categories to help you make the most of your spending all year, but also rewards cruise purchases you make through Costco Travel at 3% cash back.

When you book your cruise through Costco Travel , you can choose by destination, cruise line, type of cruise, and other categories. You can also score extras while onboard like resort credits, added amenities, and more. Finally, you’ll save even more when you book cruises that are eligible for a Digital Costco Shop Card, which works like an electronic gift card you can use on future Costco Travel, Costco.com, or in Costco warehouses.

If the Costco Anywhere Visa card has any downside, it’s the limited options for redeeming the cash back you earn. Each year after your February billing statement, you’ll receive an annual cash-back gift certificate with your total cash-back balance. Then, you can redeem the cash back in a single transaction at Costco warehouse locations before Dec. 31, 2024.

Co-branded cruise cards to consider

Despite their limited flexibility compared to general travel cards, some cruise regulars may get outsized value from the co-branded cards offered by cruise line companies. Here are some features you’ll find from these cards today:

Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®

This card, issued by Bank of America, has a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus points (worth $200 toward your next Norwegian cruise) when you spend at least $1,000 within the first 90 days. There’s no annual fee.

Rewards include 3x points on Norwegian purchases, 2x points on eligible air travel and hotel purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases. You’ll earn WorldPoints, which you can use toward upgrades, discounts, onboard credits, and more when you cruise with Norwegian.

Royal Caribbean Visa Signature®

Royal Caribbean Visa Signature is another no-annual-fee card from Bank of America. Your card purchases earn MyCruise points, which you can redeem for trips with Royal Caribbean and its partners, for room upgrades, or onboard credits.

With this card’s welcome offer, get 25,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. If you can spend at least $3,500 within the first 90 days, you’ll also get the added benefit of a $50 discount on airfare to your cruise destination through Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program. Then, earn 2x points with Royal Caribbean and its sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, as well as 1 point per dollar on every other purchase.

Read our full review of the Royal Caribbean Visa

Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature®

The Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature is much like the above card from its sister brand Royal Caribbean. This no-annual-fee Bank of America card offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days.

You’ll also earn MyCruise points with this card to use toward future trips with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, or Silversea at a rate of 2x points on purchases with any of those three brands or 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Check out our Celebrity Cruises Visa review

Carnival® World Mastercard®

This no-annual-fee card from Carnival and Barclays offers 25,000 FunPoints for new cardholders who spend $500 in the first 90 days. FunPoints are redeemable for onboard credits (starting at 5,000 points for $50 in credits) or for statement credits toward eligible Carnival cruise purchases you’ve made in the past 180 days.

Ongoing rewards include 2x points per dollar on Carnival Cruise Lines spending and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Plus, there’s a solid introductory APR offer for balance transfers.

Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card

If you prefer to set sail with Princess Cruises, this no-annual-fee card from Barclays can help you earn points for onboard credits, gift cards, statement credits for Princess Cruises purchases, and even eligible airfare.

There’s a 10,000-point welcome offer when you spend at least $500 within the first 90 days, and rewards include 2x points on Princess Cruise purchases (including while onboard) and 1x points on all other purchases.

Read our full review of the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa

How to choose a credit card for cruises

To choose the best travel credit card , you need to find the combination of rewards, benefits, and fees that fit your budget and travel plans. That’s true for cruise credit cards too. But also consider what specific benefits the card or rewards program offers to help you save when you set sail.

These are some card features to look for:

If your cruise rewards card has an annual fee , do the math to make sure you’re getting enough value to offset the cost. Also, look at the card’s ongoing APR, foreign transaction fees , and any other fees that may apply. The interest rate, in particular, will likely be high on any travel credit card. Spend only what you can afford to pay down when your balance is due whenever possible, and you can avoid those high interest charges altogether.

Rewards on cruise spending

If you want to get rewarded for the money you spend booking your cruise vacations, choose a card with eligible travel rewards . Some travel cards only offer boosted rewards on specific travel purchases, like airfare or hotel bookings. Others will have a broader travel rewards category more likely to include cruises. Look for specific details on eligible spending within your card’s rewards program terms.

Cruise rewards redemptions

In addition to earning rewards on cruises, also consider how you can redeem rewards for cruises. Often, the best way to maximize redemption value is to book through the rewards program portal — but not every rewards program offers cruise travel as a redemption option. See if there are other ways to get a good redemption value on cruise spending, such as putting those rewards toward a statement credit cruise purchases charged to your account.

Travel protections

Using a credit card with travel protections to book your cruise can save you major headaches later on. Travel credit cards (especially more premium cards with annual fees ) often come with benefits such as travel assistance services, delay reimbursement, travel cancellation or interruption insurance, and more. To gain access to these protections, make sure you book your trip and pay using the card.

Added benefits for cruises

If cruises are your preferred type of vacation, prioritize benefits that help you save on cruise spending. This might include discounts or onboard credits, access to special pricing and voyages, and more. But don’t forget the extra costs of getting to your port city, too. Many travel cards offer benefits and credits for air travel and hotel stays, which can offer additional savings on your way to the ship.

Should you get a co-branded cruise line card?

Even if you go on cruises regularly, a general travel credit card can offer more flexibility, potential rewards, and ongoing benefits than you’ll often find from co-branded cards from cruise lines.

Start with the welcome offer . Among the cruise line cards we found, many welcome offers topped out around 20,000 or 25,000 points — worth around $200 to $250. Travel credit cards, on the other hand, typically offer welcome bonuses worth 60,000 to 80,000 points or more — a potential $600 to $800 value.

How you earn rewards is another important thing to consider. Co-branded cruise cards tend to only offer bonus rewards on your cruise spending and a maximum 1 point per dollar anywhere else. With a regular travel card, you can find rewards categories to make the most of your everyday spending at home and on those large purchases you make toward travel when planning a vacation (cruise or otherwise).

Finally, consider how you redeem your rewards. Cruise line credit cards do allow you to use your rewards for onboard credits or toward your cruise purchase. But you’ll get a lot more flexibility elsewhere. This might include using rewards toward your cruise booking, booking a flight to your port city with points or miles, booking the hotel you’ll stay in the night before you embark, and other purchases. That added flexibility can help ensure you get the best value from your points and bring down the overall cost of your cruise travel.

What credit score do you need for a credit card for cruises?

Many travel credit cards , including those good for cruises, require good to excellent credit for approval. If you don’t already have a solid credit score, you may want to take time to build your credit before you apply.

Student credit cards , secured credit cards , and other cards for credit-building are great options to improve your score and credit history. Then, you can upgrade to a more rewarding travel card in the future, and put your good credit habits to use while you earn rewards to use for upcoming trips.

Our methodology

Our search for the best credit cards for cruises began with our existing ratings of travel credit cards. The criteria used for these ratings includes details such as APR, annual fee, and security features as well as travel rewards rates, ease of redemptions, sign-up bonus, and more.

First, we looked for the best general travel cards for cruise travelers to use when they book and when they cruise. We went through all of our top-rated travel cards to individually look for cruise-related benefits. Then, we prioritized those travel cards that offer general travel rewards, rather than just boosted rewards specific to air travel or hotels.

Our search took on a more subjective approach from here, allowing us to consider what exactly travelers are looking for in a card to help them save on cruise travel. For our final picks, we included the cards we believe have the best combination of benefits designed for cruises, high ratings under our overall travel card rubric, rewards on both travel and everyday spending, and more. We also prioritized cards with more affordable annual fees for this list — unless there were significant or unique benefits for cruises on a card with a higher annual fee.

We also wanted to highlight the most rewarding co-branded cruise rewards credit cards from cruise lines. While we believe general travel cards may be more rewarding for the greatest number of readers, we also understand the value of a co-branded card for committed cruise fans who travel very frequently. The co-branded cards listed above are those cards from major issuers today that received the highest ratings in our overall rubric.

Finally, none of the cards on our list charge foreign transaction fees — making them all easy to use when traveling by cruise to international destinations. And we also included a majority of cards with a range of travel protections to help you in case of delay, trip interruption, and other unforeseen circumstances.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. 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. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

When you use our links to explore products, we may earn a fee but that in no way affects our editorial independence. Some of these links are from our partners and terms apply.

Advertiser Disclosure

Terms Apply

The information for the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card

The Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card could be a fit for avid cruisers, but a more flexible travel card might have more benefits and higher-earning potential.

Credit Needed

Good/Excellent

Rewards Rate

2X Points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises and sister brands, Royal Caribbean and Azamara

The welcome offer only requires making your first purchase within the first 90 days after opening the account .

There is no foreign transaction fee on this card, making it a good one to use for international cruise itineraries.

Only cruise-related spending offers a bonus rewards rate.

Cardholders who make a late payment may have to pay a penalty annual percentage rate which is up to 29.99%.

Redemption options are limited to cruise uses such as onboard credits, stateroom upgrades and discounts.

Why Trust U.S. News

Your trust is important to us. To earn it, we conduct a rigorous, unbiased analysis with a transparent methodology, and maintain strict editorial standards and independence.

Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card Summary

With the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card rewards program, you receive two points for every dollar spent with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises, as well as one point per dollar spent on all other purchases using the card. There’s a $0 annual fee and you’ll get a welcome offer of 10,000 in MyCruise® points (valued at $250 as an onboard credit).

• Rates and Fees
• Highlights from Issuer
• Issuer Name Bank of America
• Credit Needed Good/Excellent
• Annual Fee $0
• Regular APR 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR
• Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
• Balance Transfer Fee 4% of each transaction
• Cash Advance Fee Direct Deposit and Check Cash Advances: 4% of the amount of each transaction ATM, Over-the-Counter, Same-Day Online and Cash Equivalent Cash Advances: 5% of the amount of each transaction

Is the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card Right for Me?

Yes, if you:

• Are a frequent cruiser who favors Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.
• Enjoy upgrading your cruise experience using rewards.
• Don’t plan on missing payments.

Tips for Using the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card

Ideally, you’ll open this card when you’re ready to book a cruise with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. That way, you can earn the welcome offer (worth $250 in onboard credit) and score the bonus earnings on your booking. Because there are no other bonus rewards offered, you may want to use another card that has a higher base rate for other purchase types.

Editor's Take

Avid cruisers loyal to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean lines can use this card to earn MyCruise® points that they can put toward making their vacation even better. We like that it has no foreign transaction fee, so it’s good to take with you when you’re hopping islands or countries. However, if you’re not going on at least one or two sailings per year, you might be better served by a general rewards card that offers flexible redemption options and multiple bonus categories.

Current Welcome Offers 

New cardholders earn 10,000 MyCruise® bonus points, worth $250 in onboard credit, after your first purchase within the first 90 days after opening the account .

How to Maximize Rewards With Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card

You will earn two MyCruise® points per dollar spent with Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean using the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card. All other purchases earn one point per dollar.

It’s a good idea to use this card to pay for cruises with participating cruise lines, and in any spending categories that you’re not already getting higher bonus rates from other cards. Then, once you’re at sea, you can redeem your points to level up your vacation with room upgrades, onboard credits, dining in specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.

Comparing the Bank of America Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card With Other Credit Cards

The information for the Bank of America Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® and the Carnival® World Mastercard® have been collected independently by U.S. News and the cards are not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers and it is accurate as of the date posted.

U.S. News Credit Card Rating Methodology

Alternative pick.

The information for the Carnival® World Mastercard® has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

Carnival® World Mastercard®

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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How to earn the most points and perks when you book a cruise

P erhaps you're a cruise lover who wants to spend less on travel by using points and miles. Or, maybe you're an avid points collector looking to book your first cruise vacation. Either way, you're likely wondering how to leverage your points stash, credit cards and loyalty status to get the most value from your cruise booking.

You might assume your best bet is to save cash by booking a cruise using points and miles , but this method does not always yield the most advantageous redemption options. A better bet would be to use your cruise booking to earn you things like more points and miles, status or even free onboard perks.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here is our expert advice on the most effective strategies for maximizing the rewards from your cruise bookings.

Pay with a travel credit card to earn extra points and miles

You will generally get the most out of your cruise booking by using the expense as an opportunity to earn points and miles toward a future trip, rather than by redeeming points for a free or discounted sailing.

In most cases, cruise purchases are coded as a travel expense by your credit card. A good strategy for maximizing your cruise purchase is to pay for your sailing with a travel credit card that earns more than 1% or 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases.

Once on board, your basic expenses will be covered as part of your cruise booking — including meals in select restaurants and entertainment — but there always will be some opportunities to splurge. You'll need to register a credit card with your cruise ship to pay for drinks and cocktails, meals at one of the fancier restaurants on board, shore excursions and spa treatments.

Again, you'll earn the most points on your onboard expenses by paying with a credit card that offers extra incentives for a broad range of travel purchases. Check out TPG's best credit cards for cruises to find the one that works for you.

To get you started, here is a quick reference chart of the current best credit cards for general travel-related expenses and their earning rate with TPG's valuation on travel purchases:

The information for the American Express Green Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn airline or hotel elite status

A large purchase, such as a cruise booking, is also a great way to get closer to airline or hotel elite status if you use a cobranded airline or hotel credit card that contributes to your stash of elite-qualifying points.

For example, American Airlines bases its elite status on AAdvantage Loyalty Points accrued through multiple channels, including purchases made with its cobranded credit card. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) earns 1 AAdvantage Loyalty Point per dollar spent. So, by paying for a $10,000 cruise on the card, you'd earn 10,000 Loyalty Points, a quarter of the 40,000 Loyalty Points needed for entry-level AAdvantage Gold status .

Similarly, most cobranded United MileagePlus credit cards let you earn 25 Premier qualifying points for every $500 you spend toward the PQP and Premier qualifying flight requirements for United Airlines Premier status . The United Quest Card and the United Club Infinite Card earn 2 miles per dollar and up to 6,000 and 8,000 PQPs, respectively. So, by paying for your cruise fare on either of these cards, you could earn redeemable miles and PQPs toward status.

Finally, Delta's credit cards earn 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases, but starting Jan. 1, 2024, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent. As a cardholder, you'll earn 2,500 MQDs per calendar year.

On the hotel side, the World of Hyatt Credit Card earns 2 World of Hyatt points per dollar spent on travel and two qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card. You'll also earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. A large cruise purchase can put you on track for both of those bonuses.

Also, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card earns 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on travel and an elite-qualifying night for every $5,000 you spend on the card. Spend $35,000 on the card in a calendar year, and you'll receive Gold Elite status .

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Meet a sign-up bonus

Even if you only earn 1% or 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases, you can still use your cruise fare to earn a welcome bonus. If you have a big cruise expense coming up, consider applying for a new credit card so your payment not only earns you redeemable points but also helps to meet the minimum spend requirement to earn the large welcome bonus.

As a new cardholder of The Platinum Card® from American Express , for example, you'll earn 80,000 points (worth $1,600 at TPG's valuations) after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first six months of card membership. One high-end cruise could get you all the way to that bonus with one purchase.

Refer to this post for the best credit card offers currently available.

Final payment is typically due three months prior to sailing, so you might be able to meet the spend minimum and receive the welcome bonus points in time to book flights or hotels for travel before or after your cruise. (Alternatively, you could pay the full cruise fare early.) This allows you to leverage your points for additional travel expenses that would otherwise require out-of-pocket expenses.

Or, you can save those points to use on flights and hotels for a subsequent cruise or vacation.

Related: Last-minute cruises: Should you book the deal?

Get extra cruise perks through credit card offers

Booking a cruise with the right credit card can earn you more than points. When you book through your credit card's portal, you might also be eligible for extra perks or discounts on your vacation at sea.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express , you're eligible for additional perks and benefits under the Amex Cruise Privileges Program .

Whether you pay in cash or use your Membership Rewards points to defray your cruise expenses, you'll receive up to $300 in cabin credit on cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line , Holland America Line , Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International .

Additional Amex Platinum perks vary by cruise line. While Amex doesn't generally publish its official benefits, reports indicate that previous benefits included a $200 shore excursion credit on Crystal and a bottle of premium Champagne or wine on Royal Caribbean.

Additionally, American Express frequently provides rewarding Amex Offers on cruises. Earlier this year, for instance, Amex offered a bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spent $1,000 or more on a Royal Caribbean voyage.

The number of bonus points, 20,000, is quite substantial. With our current valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, these 20,000 points would be worth $400 based on our evaluation. That means if you use an American Express card to spend $1,000 on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you receive 40% of that amount back in Membership Rewards points.

It's worth noting that these offers are targeted, meaning they are not available to every cardholder. Additionally, you must enroll in the specific Amex Offer to take advantage of it.

There are a few other considerations as well. Cardmembers can only enroll in the offer using one American Express card, and it is essential to review and adhere to the terms and conditions to receive the bonus points.

I recently booked a Celebrity Cruise when I was offered a 35,000-point bonus for spending $1,000 on my American Express® Gold Card . Since my mom had the same offer on her Amex Gold, I called Celebrity to split the payment for the cruise between the two cards. To get 72,000 Amex points for a $2,000 cruise is a fantastic maximization strategy.

Other credit cards don't offer cruisers nearly as many perks as the Amex Platinum does. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve does offer an annual $300 statement credit toward any travel-related purchase, including cruise bookings, made through its booking portal.

Book cruises via an airline portal for extra miles

Several airlines allow you to earn bonus miles by booking cruises via their websites. Airline-affiliated online cruise sellers include United Cruises , American Airlines Cruises and Delta SkyMiles Cruises .

The cruises we priced out via United Cruises were largely the same price as booking directly with the cruise lines. The only difference is that you would earn bonus United miles per dollar spent for booking via the United site.

On our Royal Caribbean cruise booking test, United credit card holders can earn up to 10 miles per dollar spent on the cruise cabin's base rate for booking via the airline's cruise portal. These increased accruals are only for balcony and suite rooms. Your United Cruises earnings are capped at 60,000 MileagePlus miles per purchase, and there's a one-time bonus of 2,500 miles per cruise booking.

You'll also earn 1 or 2 miles per dollar more by paying for the cruise on your cobranded United MileagePlus credit card . Or, double dip by paying with any credit card that gives you extra points for travel purchases.

Remember that these bookings are considered third-party purchases, so cruise lines are not obligated or might not be inclined to allow you to make changes.

For this Celebrity sailing for a family of two, that could mean picking up 6,580 United MileagePlus miles, valued by TPG at around $95.

Plus, travelers with United elite status receive extra onboard perks when booking through United Cruises. Bonuses vary by cruise line and are based on your elite status tier, but you could get anything from relaxing spa treatments to complimentary wine to up to $300 to spend on board.

Related: Get up to 200,000 AAdvantage bonus miles with this limited-time cruise offer

Use casino loyalty to get perks and free cruises

Your casino loyalty status can also earn you cruise perks. If you have status with MGM Rewards , for example, you might have access to cruise perks or even free cruises.

Gold members and above are eligible for onboard credit on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises , plus a welcome amenity and an entertainment tour. You will need to validate your loyalty status with the cruise line prior to departure to access your perks.

Even better, once you hit Platinum status with MGM, you can book one free cruise annually with either of the sister cruise lines. To book your free cruise, you'll need to contact the MGM Rewards elite reservations department.

The terms indicate that you must earn Platinum or Noir status by gameplay to get the free cruise.

Related: 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Leverage Marriott's cruise partnership to earn points and status

Most cruise lines have their own loyalty programs that are exclusively focused on onboard perks when sailing that line. However, one cruise line is connected to a hotel loyalty program, so a direct booking will earn you points usable outside the cruise world.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This allows members to earn and redeem points on Ritz-Carlton cruises and enjoy various perks associated with elite status during their voyages.

When booking through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you will earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every dollar spent on the cruise fare. Your cruise fare will contribute toward the $23,000 spending requirement for Marriott's Ambassador Elite status . Additionally, you will earn elite nights for your cruises.

Buy cruise gift cards strategically to earn more points

You can use credit cards strategically to maximize earnings on your cruise purchases, beyond extra points for travel purchases. One way is by purchasing gift cards.

Some cruise lines offer gift cards for sale at retailers such as grocery stores and office supply stores. Depending on which credit cards are in your wallet, you might be able to earn more points per dollar when picking up cruise (or Disney) gift cards .

For example, with a card like the American Express® Gold Card , you can earn 4 points per dollar spent at groceries at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in a calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Use this card to purchase cruise gift cards at your preferred grocery store, and you will effectively categorize your cruise expenses as grocery purchases. In this way, you can accumulate more credit card points than if you paid for your cruise purchase with a card that only gives double points for travel purchases.

Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs

Bottom line

Paying for a cruise can be a significant purchase. You'll definitely want to get the most bang for your buck in points, miles, status advancement or perks when you pay that bill.

When it's time to plan your next cruise, choose the strategy or strategies that make sense based on the credit cards and loyalty status you have (or wish to have). Even if you're not getting a free cruise this time around, smart spending decisions will maximize the value you get from this purchase to discount or ease your travel in the future.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Personal Finance

Best luxury credit cards in july 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.

You’ve probably seen one at the checkout: The customer in front of you casually unsheaths a gleaming steel rectangle and hands it to the cashier. The ultra-luxurious credit card is exposed for only a moment before it’s discreetly returned to a mahogany billfold that looks like it’s been hand-crafted in the Andes from the leather of rare baby vicuña.

Luxury credit cards aren’t exclusively for the rich. In fact, you can qualify for just about any credit card if you’ve got a “good” credit score (670 or above, according to FICO).

Most luxury credit cards are travel rewards credit cards . If you travel enough, some of those cards more than pay for their high annual fees. Those that aren’t are often overpriced and focus more on status than practicality. Let’s take a look at the best luxury credit cards for earning rewards—and help you decide which is the best for your lifestyle.

Our recommendations

Best for less-frequent travelers: card_name, capital one venture x rewards credit card.

The card_name is great at most things—but not the best in any single category. The card is the least expensive in the group; it earns rewards that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for (nearly) free travel; it provides excellent travel insurance; it offers solid airport lounge access, and it provides hundreds of dollars worth of bonus miles and statement credits each cardmember anniversary.

These are all solid attributes, but none are industry-leading. In short, the card_name offers the best value for its annual fee of annual_fees . If you travel even once or twice yearly, this card is well worth the price tag.

Best for travel insurance: card_name

Chase sapphire reserve® card, why we like it:.

This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership , and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.

Product details:

• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass(TM) Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

The card_name has many excellent features, but its crowning achievement is its unparalleled suite of travel insurance benefits. For example, you’re entitled to up to $500 in expense reimbursements (such as meals, hotel room, transportation, etc.) when your flight is delayed by at least six hours or requires an overnight stay. You’ll also receive up to $75,000 in primary rental car insurance .

This is a great all-around travel rewards credit card. Its only drawback is a steep annual_fees annual fee. Still, with up to $300 in yearly travel statement credits and Priority Pass airport lounge access , frequent travelers won’t have an issue offsetting that fee.

Best for airport lounge access: card_name

The platinum card® from american express.

The card_name is an exclusive travel rewards credit card with an annual fee to match. You’ll pay <ProductField product="the-platinum-card-r-from-american-express" field=" card_name " /> ( Rates & Fees ) for what is perhaps the most prestigious publicly available luxury credit card on the market. It comes with thousands of dollars in annual statement credits (though some are quite obscure), various free memberships and elite statuses upon enrollment, and more. But its bread and butter is airport lounge access.

To name a few, you’ll get:

• Access to Amex Centurion Lounges, widely regarded as the highest-quality domestic airport lounges.
• A Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), allowing you and two guests to enter over 1,400 lounges around the world as often as you like.
• Delta Sky Club lounges for those with a same-day Delta boarding pass.
• Plaza Premium airport lounge access, which includes hundreds of locations worldwide.
• Lufthansa lounges for those with a same-day Lufthansa Group boarding pass.

The lounge access alone is miles ahead of what’s offered by most other cards. Between that and the plethora of statement credits the card offers, you can easily negate the card’s annual fee.

Best for hotel stays: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Hilton honors aspire card from american express.

Thanks to its many easy-to-use perks, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is one of the most valuable luxury hotel rewards credit cards. Those who stay at Hilton hotels and resorts will get the most value. Still, there are benefits any traveler will appreciate.

For a $550 annual fee ( See Rates ), you’ll get automatic Diamond elite status, Hilton’s highest status tier. It comes with perks like free (or discounted) breakfast, room upgrades when available, 100% bonus points on your stay, and more. It also provides Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required), $400 per year in Hilton statement credits, and $200 in free airfare. But the card’s best perk is a Hilton Free Night Reward worth up to 150,000 points, which you can use at nearly any Hilton hotel worldwide. This could be worth literally thousands of dollars, depending on the hotel at which you redeem it.

Best for flights: card_name

Delta reserver credit card from american express.

The card_name injects luxury into your commute in several different ways. If you fly Delta regularly, you can easily get your money’s worth despite the annual_fees annual fee.

Beyond normal airline credit card benefits such as priority boarding and a free first checked bag, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card gives you complimentary seat upgrades—even if you don’t have Delta elite status. You aren’t going to find another consumer credit card with this perk.

Also worth noting is the access both to Delta Sky Club lounges when you’ve got a same-day Delta boarding pass and to Amex Centurion lounges. And you can use the annual companion certificate to bring along a travel buddy anywhere Delta flies in the Continental U.S. for just the cost of taxes and fees.

Best for small businesses: card_name

The business platinum card from american express.

The small-business sibling of the card_name , card_name has similar benefits (such as identical airport lounge access, hotel elite status, etc.) for a similar annual_fees annual fee ( Rates & Fees ). However, you’ll find some business-focused twists to its yearly statement credits. For example: Each year, you’ll receive up to $400 in Dell statement credits, up to $120 in wireless credits (to offset your phone bill), up to $360 in Indeed credits, and up to $150 in Adobe credits.

You must own a business to qualify for this card, but even driving for Uber or selling items on Etsy counts.

Best luxury credit cards compared

Our methodology.

In analyzing the best luxury credit cards, we examined qualities such as the value of each card’s welcome offer, the simplicity and flexibility of rewards programs, the practicality of annual statement credits, and the value of complimentary memberships. We then compared those valuations against each card’s annual fee to determine which premium credit cards were the best.

As a bonus, we also factored in aesthetics—an important aspect of a luxury card. All of the above cards are made of metal, making them shinier and heavier than most credit cards on the market.

Who should apply for a luxury credit card?

Again, the best luxury credit cards are travel-oriented. Because of this, frequent travelers will often get the most value from these premium credit cards. If you value travel insurance, spend hundreds of dollars on airfare and accommodation annually, and appreciate extravagant benefits such as hotel room upgrades and airport lounge access, a luxury credit card will likely fit your lifestyle.

You can easily determine if a luxury credit card is right for you by doing some simple math. If a card’s ongoing benefits will save you more than you’re spending for the annual fee, it’s likely worth applying.

How to select the best luxury credit card for you

When searching for the ideal luxury credit card for your situation, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to narrow your options quickly:

• What are your credit card goals? Figure out what you want from your credit card. Whether it’s cash back, airplane seat upgrades, or complimentary insurance coverage, there’s a luxury credit card for your lifestyle.
• Are the ongoing benefits worth more than the annual fee? Luxury credit cards incur annual fees that are considerably higher than mid-range credit cards. But it shouldn’t be a concern as long as the card’s additional benefits will save you more than the annual fee.
• Which card has the best welcome bonus? All things being equal, go for the luxury credit card with the most valuable intro offer.

More about luxury credit cards

What is considered a luxury credit card.

Most luxury credit cards share the following characteristics:

• Offer high-end perks, such as travel upgrades and hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits.
• Charge high annual fees (think between $395 and $695).
• Are made of metal .

There are exceptions, but you can bet that if at least two of these bullets describe the card you’re looking at, it’s considered a luxury credit card.

Pros and cons of premium credit cards

• Increased rewards-earning capability
• Elite benefits (lounge access, statement credits)
• Lucrative welcome bonuses
• High annual fees
• Harder to qualify for
• Bypass some valuable non-travel benefits, such as 0% intro APR offers

Luxury credit cards provide elite travel insurance benefits, easy-to-use statement credits, and lucrative welcome bonuses. They’re the best of the best among rewards credit cards, potentially worth thousands of dollars per year to someone who will use their perks regularly.

However, annual fees are very high—higher than mid-range credit cards, in many cases. And they tend to overlook helpful benefits common on lower-tier credit cards, such as 0% intro APR offers .

TIME Stamp: Luxury credit cards can be worth every penny of their annual fees

A luxury credit card can upgrade how you travel. Don’t be spooked by the price tag—with high annual fees come valuable benefits. Find a premium credit card with perks that complement your lifestyle so that you can easily recoup the money you’re paying in fees. If the match isn’t good, reconcile yourself to a plain plastic card with a much lower (or no) annual fee.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the most luxurious credit card to have.

Perhaps the most luxurious card is the Centurion® Card from American Express (also known as the “Black Card”). It’s invitation-only, meaning that you can only open the card if American Express reaches out to you with an offer.

Which credit card do most millionaires use?

Surprisingly, data points show that the card_name is one of the most popular credit cards among millionaires. It’s not exclusive to millionaires (those with a credit score of 670 and above can qualify), but its lush rewards make it one of the best value options.

What is higher than a platinum credit card?

Above the Amex Platinum Card is the Amex Centurion Card. American Express will reach out to those with income and spending habits that it believes suit this prestigious card.

What are high-end cards?

High-end cards are those that offer benefits the everyday consumer might not use. Things like cash back and 0% intro APR can be found on many no-annual-fee credit cards. But features like airport lounge membership or statement credits for travel, dining, and rideshare services belong to high-end cards.

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

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here

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

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

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5 Things to Know About the Carnival World Mastercard

Melissa Lambarena is a senior writer on the credit cards team at NerdWallet. She has enthusiastically covered credit card-related topics for over seven years. Her prior experience includes nine years as a content creator for several publications and websites. Through her work, she aims to help readers extract value from credit cards to meet financial goals like stretching their budget, building credit, traveling to dream destinations and paying off debt. She explores these topics in the Millennial Money column featured in The Associated Press. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, USA Today and Yahoo Finance, among others. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Erin is a credit card and travel rewards expert at NerdWallet, based in Baltimore, Maryland. She has spent nearly two decades showing readers unique ways to maximize their investments and personal finances. Prior to joining NerdWallet, Erin worked on dozens of newsletters and magazines in the areas of investing, health, business and travel with Agora Publishing. Her love of travel led to a passion for credit card and loyalty rewards to subsidize trips, and she thrives on teaching others how to harness the power of credit card rewards. When she's not writing or editing, Erin is planning her next adventure for her family of four using points and miles. Erin recommends this card as the cornerstone for all travelers looking to build up their rewards portfolio - see it here.

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

Carnival Cruise Line has no shortage of impressive destinations — from the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, to locales much farther from home like Europe, Australia, New Zealand and more.

And if you're planning to take to the seas with this cruise line, the $0-annual-fee Carnival World Mastercard can definitely defray some of your costs. Issued by Barclays, it offers modest introductory offers, and Carnival super cruisers in particular may enjoy the card's discounts on shore excursions.

Still, most customers may be better off with a general travel card since the Carnival World Mastercard suffers from some of the same drawbacks that other cruise line credit cards have:

Modest ongoing rewards, which means it'll take you a while to accrue a pile of points on your everyday spending.

Complex redemption tiers, which make it difficult to determine the value of those points .

Here are five things to know about the Carnival World Mastercard.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for cruises

1. Its introductory offers are average

New cardholders will qualify for the following offers:

A small sign-up bonus

As of May 2024, the Carnival World Mastercard offers 25,000 FunPoints after spending $500 within the first 90 days. This is a solid bonus, but there are plenty of other travel credit cards with more lucrative bonuses that can help cover some of your vacation costs.

A lengthy 0% intro APR on balance transfers

New cardholders get a 0% introductory APR on the first 15 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to the account within 45 days of opening it. (It does charge a balance transfer fee of $ 5 or 5%, whichever is greater.)

While this introductory offer is a good deal for a travel card, if getting out of debt is the goal — other balance transfer credit cards can offer a longer interest-free window. Plus, it's generally not advisable to charge large purchases, like travel, on a balance transfer card if your main objective is to get out of debt.

The Carnival World Mastercard also offers an APR promotion on purchases, but as of April 2023 it was on only "qualifying Carnival cruise booking purchases," and for only six billing cycles. Otherwise, the ongoing APR varies depending on your credit but can range well above 20%.

» MORE: Review of the Princess Cruises credit card

2. ... But ongoing rewards fall short

Beyond the introductory offers, the Carnival World Mastercard offers mediocre rewards. You'll earn:

2 FunPoints for every $1 spent on purchases made with Carnival Cruise Line and other eligible brands under the World’s Leading Cruise Lines umbrella (including AIDA, Costa, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK, Seabourn and Fathom. These brands are accurate as of May 2024.) Terms apply.

1 FunPoint per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Unless you’re frequently setting sail with qualifying cruise lines, it will take you a while to rack up points. Other no-annual-fee travel credit cards earn bonus rewards in everyday spending categories — like dining or groceries — or they may simply offer a high flat rate, like 1.5% back on purchases of any kind.

» MORE: Review of the Holland America Line credit card

3. Point values vary and redemption is needlessly complex

You can redeem FunPoints for statement credits toward a variety of purchases, though you'll potentially get the most value for them when you redeem them as credits to offset eligible Carnival purchases.

But here's the rub: When using your points this way, their value depends on the amount of the purchase. You'll need a minimum of 5,000 points to start, but here's what you can expect them to be worth in a statement credit:

Spend $50 to $1,499.99: Statement credit redemption value of 1%.

Spend $1,500 to $5,000: Statement credit redemption value of 1.5%.

The card's terms note that if you don't have enough points to redeem for the full purchase amount, you'll be able to redeem only in $50 statement credit increments between $50 and $5,000.

Point values also differ for other redemption options:

Spending on other World’s Leading Cruise Lines brands: Statement credit redemption value of 1%.

Spending on merchandise or onboard amenities: Statement credit redemption value will vary. (For these options, the minimum amount of points required to redeem may vary.)

Spending on eligible airline or hotel purchases: Statement credit redemption value of 0.9%.

Spending on gift cards: Statement credit redemption generally has a value of about 0.75%. (For these options, you'll need a minimum of 3,300 points, redeemable for $25.)

A general travel credit — one that's not tied to any specific brand — will be much more straightforward and flexible. One example is the $0 -annual-fee Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card . It earns 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, and those points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel — but not just with cruise lines. You can redeem them for purchases with airlines, travel agencies, trains, buses, taxis, boat rentals, tourist attractions and exhibits, to name a few.

4. It offers a 10% discount on shore excursions

You can qualify for a 10% discount in the form of a statement credit when you use the card to purchase a Carnival shore excursions package before your cruise.

Shore excursions are activities or tours that you can participate in as you explore a new destination. Taxes and fees are not included in the discount.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best travel credit cards

5. It's relatively fee-friendly

With the Carnival World Mastercard, you don’t have to worry about an annual fee or foreign transaction fees when you make a purchase abroad. (Some cards charge 1% to 3% for each international transaction.)

As a Mastercard, the card is also well equipped for travel abroad, as it will be widely accepted by merchants everywhere.

On a similar note...

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

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Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Credit cards

Best credit cards for good credit of July 2024

Michelle Lambright Black

Grace Pilling

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

Robin Saks Frankel

Updated 5:09 p.m. UTC June 27, 2024

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Good credit comes with many perks , including the potential to choose from a variety of solid credit card offers. The best credit cards for good credit feature attractive benefits such as travel rewards , cash back, welcome bonuses or even 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time.

We analyzed a broad swath of credit cards in this category, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best credit cards for good credit of 2024. Here are our selections.

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
• No annual fee.
• Introductory APR period on purchases.
• Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
• Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
• Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.

Card details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® : Best credit card for good credit.
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for rewards bonus categories.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for travel rewards.
• Chase Freedom Flex®  *: Best for cash back.
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card  *: Best credit card for attractions.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 116+ cards analyzed.
• 16+ data points analyzed.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

Best credit card for good credit

Bilt world elite mastercard®.

• Earns rewards on rent payments.
• No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
• No annual fee or Foreign Currency Conversion Fee.
• You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
• No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
• Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.
• $0 annual fee
• Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
• Cellular Telephone Protection
• Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
• Concierge Service
• Lyft Credits
• No Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
• Rewards & benefits terms
• Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Best for rewards bonus categories

Best for travel rewards, chase sapphire preferred® card.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best for cash back

Chase freedom flex®.

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening,

• Generous cash-back potential if you maximize rotating categories.
• Can pool rewards with a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card.
• Low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
• Rotating categories must be activated quarterly.
• Not all rotating categories will be a good fit for every cardholder.
• Takes work to track the various rewards categories.
• Annual fee: $0.
• Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer .
• Perks and benefits: Cellphone protection of up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency services, purchase protection and extended warranty.

Best credit card for attractions

Citi strata premier℠ card.

The information for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

• Annual fee: $95.
• Rewards: 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%.

Compare the best cards for good credit

Why it’s the best

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a solid credit card option for travel rewards fans — and renters in particular. A standout feature of the Bilt World Elite Mastercard is that it offers cardholders the ability to earn rewards on rent payments with no transaction fees.

In addition to rent rewards, the card offers a decent rewards rate on dining and direct travel purchases. Also, if you make a non-rent purchase on the first of the month, you can earn double points. The card also features no annual fee, Cellular Telephone Protection and a range of travel protection benefits, including Lyft Credits.

• Earn rewards for paying rent with no transaction fees.
• Transfer partners available.
• Requires five credit card transactions per statement period to earn rewards.
• No intro APR or welcome bonus.
• Other cards may offer higher rewards rates (although not on rent).

Card details:

• Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
• Welcome bonus: None.
• Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: None.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a well-rounded rewards card that offers elevated rewards in multiple popular spending categories — restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, plus eligible streaming services and phone plans. The card also features an introductory APR offer on purchases, giving extra breathing room to pay off larger expenses, along with a fairly attainable welcome offer.

You can use your rewards as statement credits, to book travel through the issuer or transfer them to a growing number of travel partners, making this a versatile card for both earning and redeeming rewards.

• Generous bonus rewards categories.
• Introductory APR offer on new purchases.
• Attainable welcome offer.
• Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories.
• No introductory APR on balance transfers.
• No premium travel perks.
• Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fees: None.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great choice for anyone who wants the opportunity to earn travel rewards and enjoy travel-related benefits for a low annual fee. The card offers generous rewards rates in several bonus spending categories, including dining, eligible streaming services, online grocery purchases and travel, making it easy to earn rewards on a range of everyday spending.

You can also book travel through Chase to earn bonus rewards or transfer your rewards to Chase’s travel partners to potentially stretch your points further. A generous welcome offer can give an early boost to your rewards balance, plus you’ll get an annual hotel credit and complimentary subscriptions to DoorDash and Instacart+.

• Access to Chase’s travel partners.
• Lucrative welcome offer.
• Has an annual fee.
• No premium travel perks such as lounge access or free anniversary nights.
• No introductory APR offers.
• Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Fans of cash rewards may want to consider the Chase Freedom Flex® * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The no-annual-fee credit card offers rotating quarterly bonus categories (activation required) along with elevated cash rewards on dining, drugstore purchases and Chase Travel℠ purchases throughout the year. The welcome offer has a very attainable spending requirement and with introductory APR offers on both purchases and balance transfers, you’ll have extra time to pay off those early purchases with no added interest.

• Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• Easy-to-earn welcome offer.
• No access to travel partners without another Chase card.
• Must book travel through Chase Travel to earn elevated cash back.
• Charges foreign transaction fees.
• Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card * The information for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers respectable rewards for travelers — especially people looking to earn rewards on attraction-related purchases like theme park tickets. The card offers high rewards on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. There are bonus rewards on spending at restaurants, supermarkets and gas and EV charging stations, as well as on air travel and other hotel purchases.

With a big welcome offer for new cardholders and a $100 annual hotel credit ($100 off a single hotel stay of at least $500, excluding taxes and fees, when booked via the Citi travel portal) that can offset the annual fee, the card offers considerable value even if you only travel once a year for a big event.

• Best card for attraction-related rewards.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No premium travel perks such as lounge access.
• Hotel credit has a spend requirement.
• Foreign transaction fees: 0%.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:

• Annual fee: 25%.
• Annual rewards earnings: 21%.
• Regular APR: 15%.
• Welcome offer: 10%.
• Intro APR on purchases: 6%.
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 6%.
• Foreign transaction fees: 5%.
• Cellphone protection: 3%.
• Lounge access: 2%.
• Primary insurance: 2%.
• Secondary insurance: 1%.
• Baggage delay insurance: 1%.
• Lost luggage insurance: 1%.
• Trip delay insurance: 1%.
• Trip cancellation: 1%.

How to choose a credit card for good credit

As you search for a credit card for good credit, take time to compare multiple offers before applying for a new account. Here are some credit card features to consider as you narrow down your options.

• Fees: Paying an annual fee can be worth it if the benefits you receive outweigh the expense. If you won’t actually use enough of an annual-fee card’s perks, go for a no annual fee credit card instead. 
• Rewards: Find a card that offers rewards that fit your lifestyle. Look for cards with the highest rewards in the categories where you spend the most.And consider how you would get the most value out of your redemptions as well.
• Redemption: How you can redeem rewards is almost as important as how you earn them. Cash back is king when it comes to flexibility, but cards that earn travel points or transferable rewards can help you stretch your rewards further.
• Welcome offer: The potential to earn extra cash back or points when you open a new credit card can be appealing, but consider the minimum spending requirement and whether you can meet it with regular spending within the allotted time frame. 
• APR: The best way to manage a credit card is to pay off your full balance on time every month. However, if you might occasionally revolve a balance on the account, find a credit card with the lowest interest rate .
• Other benefits: Many rewards credit cards feature additional benefits that could save you money if you take advantage of them, such as statement credits, cellphone protection, complimentary subscriptions and travel insurances. Find perks that align with your needs and avoid those you probably won’t use. 

Is a good credit card right for me?

In the United States, most lenders use credit scores that range from 300 to 850. On this scale, a credit score of 670 or higher is typically considered to be a good credit score . Yet it’s important to understand that each credit card issuer sets its own approval criteria and decides for itself the minimum credit score applicants must have to qualify for a new account. 

Before applying for a credit card for good credit, it’s important to look at your credit reports and credit scores . A credit check will enable you to see where you stand and give you a better sense as to whether or not you’re likely to meet a card issuer’s criteria.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The most common types of credit scores that lenders use in the United States are FICO® Scores and VantageScore credit scores. With FICO Scores, a score of 670 to 739 is considered a good credit score. Most lenders consider a VantageScore credit score of 661 to 780 to be a good credit score as well.

Any credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion and Experian — has the potential to build and improve your credit score . Yet that same account could also have a negative impact on your credit score as well. 

In the end, it’s the way you handle your credit card account that will determine whether it impacts your credit for better or worse.

Improving your credit score from good to excellent can take time. The most important rule to follow when trying to improve your credit is to always pay your credit obligations on time. Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio on your credit cards is also wise since this factor can also affect your credit score in a meaningful way.

In the United States, 90% of top lenders use FICO Scores. A good FICO Score ranges from 670 to 739. A fair FICO Score ranges from 580 to 669. 

Having fair credit could make it more difficult to qualify for financing products, although you can get a credit card with fair credit . But if you work to improve your credit and earn a good credit score, you’re more likely to be eligible for better credit offers from lenders and credit card companies in the future.

*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Michelle Lambright Black, founder of CreditWriter.com, is a leading credit expert with more than two decades of experience in the credit industry. She’s an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, identity theft, budgeting, and debt elimination. Michelle is also a certified credit expert witness, personal finance writer, and travel writer who's been published thousands of times by outlets such as Experian, FICO, Forbes Advisor, and Reader’s Digest, among others. When she isn't writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her husband and three children — preferably to somewhere warm and sunny. You can connect with Michelle on Twitter (@MichelleLBlack) and Instagram (@CreditWriter).

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Editor's Note

So you've decided to get a travel credit card — congratulations. Now comes the hard part: finding the card that makes the most sense for your wallet.

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to pick out what kind of credit card will offer you the most value based on your lifestyle and spending habits. To help you make the decision that's best for you, follow these four simple steps.

Decide between a cobranded or general travel rewards card

First and foremost, you'll want to consider the type of travel card you want and the type of rewards you wish to earn. There are two main categories to consider here: cobranded travel credit cards and general travel rewards credit cards.

Cobranded travel credit cards are affiliated with a particular airline or hotel and often come with brand-specific travel benefits. For airline cards , that means perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and inflight discounts. Hotel cards may include annual hotel credits or automatic hotel elite status.

Since cobranded cards help you earn rewards within a specific travel program, they're best suited for frequent travelers loyal to a particular brand, like United Airlines or Marriott.

General travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn rewards within a credit card rewards program with various redemption options. With a general travel card, you might be able to transfer your rewards to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs or use them to book travel through your card issuer's travel portal. You may also be able to redeem your rewards for statement credits, gift cards and select merchandise.

General travel credit cards are typically better for those who want flexibility in their rewards without being tied to a specific airline or hotel brand.

Related: Why all travelers should earn transferable rewards

Find a valuable welcome offer

Next, you'll want to identify a card with a hefty — yet achievable — welcome offer, which can sometimes single-handedly justify your ownership of the card for years on end.

Take stock of your ability to meet the minimum spending requirements on a given offer. For example, the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 's typical welcome offer is 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Spending $4,000 in three months isn't a terribly high bar to clear, but make sure you can meet that spending level if you're considering getting the card.

Rewards cards with higher welcome offers typically come with higher minimum spending requirements. You'll also want to keep an eye on card offer histories and potentially take advantage of any elevated welcome offers on cards you're interested in.

Related: The best welcome offers this month

Maximize bonus categories

If you've found a card with a nice sign-up bonus, be sure that it has bonus categories conducive to your spending habits so that you can take advantage of them as much as possible.

If you spend a lot in a given category, like restaurants, groceries or travel , find a card that earns multiple points or miles per dollar when you spend at those places. Predictably, most travel cards also offer bonus rewards when you spend on travel, with Marriott Bonvoy cards offering bonus rewards at Marriott properties, for example, or more general Chase cards offering bonuses when you book travel through Chase Travel℠ .

Welcome offers and bonus categories will make up a major chunk of how you earn rewards, so choose wisely.

Justify the annual fee

Lastly, we recommend only considering the cards with perks that will make a difference to you, with benefits that will help you justify an annual fee (if the card has one) and that you can derive value from the next time you book a trip.

For example, premium offerings like The Platinum Card® from American Express offer lavish perks that are seemingly never-ending. The Amex Platinum has well over $1,400 worth of benefits and statement credits, mostly to offset its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), but if you can't take advantage of those perks and find yourself paying almost $700 for benefits you aren't taking advantage of, the card won't be worth it.

There are plenty of cards with no annual fee , which is a good place to start. That said, most annual fees on cards are justifiable and can be more than offset if you use the card and its perks wisely.

Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees

Bottom line

With so many cards on the market, we know it can be difficult to find the one that's right for you, especially if you're new to the world of points and miles . Our advice is to go for a general travel rewards card if you are a free agent or a specific airline or hotel card if you are loyal to a particular brand. Follow the simple steps in this guide to help narrow your options, and keep it locked on TPG for more advice on finding the right card to help fund your next big trip.

Related: Best travel cards of 2024

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .