The 8 Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises [2025]

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

When you book a cruise, you should consider a few things: 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, we’ll review the best credit cards for booking cruises (both consumer and business cards), whether you want to earn transferable points, cash-back, or get the best onboard perks.

5 Best Personal Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

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

Some credit cards earn bonus points in the general travel category, which includes cruises, while others earn bonus points at stores that sell cruise line gift cards. 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 credit cards for booking your next cruise.

Card Summary

Amex Green Card: Best for Earning Amex Points on Cruises

American Express^® Green Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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

All information about American Express^® Green Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Green Card

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

Welcome Offer

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.

40,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $880

Annual Fee

$150

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
• Up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR^® Plus membership with the Card.
• Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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.
• $209 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express^® Green Card.
• 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

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

It also earns 3x points on transit purchases, including trains and subways, and at restaurants, so it’s great 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, as you can stack these rewards with other points and perks offered by your American Express card.

The information regarding the American Express^® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Capital One Venture Card: Best for Earning Capital One Miles on Cruises

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

If you want to earn Capital One Miles and want a simple payment method for your cruise, look no further than the Capital One Venture card. This card earns 2x Capital One Miles on all purchases, including cruises.

You can transfer those miles to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners or use them to cover travel purchases (including cruises) within 90 days at a rate of 1 cent per point. That means you can earn points by paying for your cruise, then use those same points to cover any remaining cruise charges (or other travel charges).

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has the same earning rate as the Capital One Venture card but a higher annual fee. It’s a great option to earn Capital One Miles on a card with premium benefits, including a $300 travel credit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for Earning Chase Points on Cruises

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 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
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 2x points on all travel purchases, including cruises. Since the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® lost its 3x travel category in the recent refresh, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now the best card for cruises when you want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

This card also earns 5x points on Chase Travel purchases, 3x points on dining worldwide, 3x points on select streaming services, and 3x points on online grocery purchases. Plus, it comes with an annual $50 hotel credit, the ability to access Points Boost, and some excellent travel protections.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card: Best for Cash-Back on Cruise Gift Cards

GREAT FOR CASH BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 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.)

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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.
• Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%.
• Plan It^®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express^® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
• Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred^® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

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 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 way 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. It offers unique benefits like a monthly Disney Streaming credit and return protection.

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

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

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!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, 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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

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 spending at that earning level is $25,000 per calendar year (then 1x thereafter), much higher than for other cards.

In addition to U.S. supermarket earnings, the Amex Gold card earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x thereafter), making it excellent for earning lots of Membership Rewards points. There’s also an up-to-$10 monthly dining credit and an up-to-$10 monthly Uber cash credit to help offset the annual fee cost. Enrollment is required for these benefits.

Additional Personal Cards for Booking Cruises

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express: You earn 2x points on cruises booked through AmexTravel.com with the Amex Platinum card. Additionally, you’re 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 has many premium benefits that make it one of the most popular travel rewards cards available.
• Citi Double Cash^® Card: You can use the Citi Double Cash card to 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 a maximum amount of cash-back you can earn. If you also have a premium Citi card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, you unlock access to all of Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners, making your points even more valuable.
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card: With this card, you earn 3x points per $1 on cruises. While that’s a good earning rate, Wells Fargo only has a few transfer partners, so these points aren’t as valuable as other currencies.

The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

Card Summary

Ink Business Preferred Card: Best for Earning Points on Cruises

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 26.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 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

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 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 more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel^SM
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 26.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of the best business credit cards for booking 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 that you 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. Our valuations give you a return of about 6% on your spending.

These points can be used for travel in the Chase travel portal, or you can transfer them to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners.

Amex Blue Business Plus Card: Best No Annual Fee Card for Earning Points on Cruises

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

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.

15,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $330

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.24% - 27.24%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 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

Cons

• 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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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, 17.24% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
• You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.24% - 27.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is excellent for business owners who want to earn lots of Membership Rewards points and value simplicity, because it earns 2x points on all purchases, including cruises (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x).

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

Capital One Spark Miles Card: Best for Earning Capital One Miles on Crusies

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Welcome Offer

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.

50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

APR

25.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases
• 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars purchased through Capital One’s travel booking site
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

Cons

• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

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Card Highlights

• 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 per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One’s travel booking site
• 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
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar from their purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 25.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

The Capital One Spark Miles card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. is a no-nonsense business card with an earn rate of 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases, including cruises. What’s great is that the 2x earnings aren’t capped, so the points can add up quickly.

This card also has benefits such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, no foreign transaction fees, $0 fraud liability on unauthorized charges, and a virtual credit card number.

Additional Business Cards for Booking Cruises

• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: This card is great for business owners looking for cash-back instead of points. It earns 2% cash-back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1x. Other benefits of the Amex Blue Business Cash card are car rental loss and damage insurance, the ability to connect to Quickbooks, purchase protection, Vendor Pay by Bill.com, and extended warranty protection.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.: 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’s travel booking site.

Cruise Line Credit Cards

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 isn’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 Silversea 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: You earn 2x points on all Princess Cruises purchases with this card. Each point is worth 1 cent and can be redeemed for onboard credits, amenities, cruise rewards, and discounted airfare.
• Norwegian Cruise Line^® World Mastercard^®: Use this card to earn 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: With this card, you can earn 2x MyCruise points on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea, and 1x MyCruise points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for stateroom upgrades, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Final Thoughts

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 benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the purchase protection benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.