The 18 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips [Gas, Hotels, Dining, and Attractions]

Road trips allow you to see the country up close and in relatively slow motion. Unlike flying, road trips are less about efficiently traveling from point A to point B than they are about creating experiences during the journey.

Planning your road trip can include earning and redeeming rewards to help you fund your adventure. You can also earn rewards along the way. Regardless of which is your primary objective, we can help you accomplish either or both.

We’re exploring credit cards that offer elevated earnings on typical road trip expenses and cards that can add value to your journey, such as those that allow you to offset the cost of activities. We’ll even talk about credit cards that can help you earn free hotel nights to use on the road.

The 18 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips — Overview

A road trip is a perfect opportunity to earn and redeem reward points or cash-back.

Before we detail each card in depth, let’s quickly summarize the value offered by each card when planning or executing your road trip.

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

The 7 Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases

You’ll fill up on gas often on your road trip, so be sure you’re earning rewards on every fuel purchase.

Here are some of the best credit cards for gas station purchases.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

HIGHEST 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.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. 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% 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%.
• 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 and 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 or at Amazon.com 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.
• 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

Why We Like This Card for Gas Station Purchases

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card earns 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and on transit such as buses, trains, parking, and tolls. It also earns 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets — which often sell gas station gift cards — on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.

Additional Card Benefits

• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming services
• Secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase premium protection for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period
• Shopping benefits such as extended warranty, purchase protection, and return protection
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
• Terms apply

Hot Tip:

Gas stations often sell gift cards for restaurants, streaming services, and other road-trip-related purchases. When you use a credit card that has bonus earnings at gas stations, you may be able to pick up a gift card and earn additional cash-back or points. 

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Why We Like This Card for Gas Station Purchases

The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns an uncapped 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, making it a great option each time you stop to fuel up or charge up.

It also earns 3 points per dollar on transit purchases such as parking and tolls, travel expenses such as hotels and rental cars, and restaurants. This card earns 3x rewards on the vast majority of road trip expenses.

Additional Card Benefits

• 3 points per dollar on popular streaming services and phone plans
• $0 annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Roadside dispatch
• Cell phone insurance protection

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

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 Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

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

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%

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 Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like This Card for Gas Station Purchases

Cardmembers earn 5% cash-back at gas stations when the merchant is a quarterly bonus category merchant. Gas station gift cards purchased at quarterly bonus category merchants, such as supermarkets, drugstores, or warehouse clubs, also earn 5% cash-back.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus offer
• $0 annual fee
• Earns cash-back as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer to premium Chase credit cards for greater value when redeeming points via the Chase Travel portal or Chase transfer partners
• 2% cash-back on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027
• Free 6-month DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription (starting February 1, 2025, for new enrollees)
• Shopping benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty

Additional Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card — Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, at U.S. restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, 12 points per dollar at Hilton, 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express — Earn 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash-back on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations (each capped at $6,000 per year).
• Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi — Get 5% cash-back on gas purchases at Costco and 4% cash-back at all other U.S. gas stations and on EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter), 3% cash-back at restaurants and eligible travel, and 2% on Costco purchases other than gas.
• The Platinum Card^® from American Express — Save 10 cents per gallon on fuel at Walmart, Murphy, Exxon, and Mobil stations with a complimentary Walmart+ subscription.

Hot Tip:

You can earn rewards with gas station fuel rewards programs on top of earning credit card rewards.

The 9 Best Credit Cards for Road Trip Accommodations

You’ll need a place to stay on your road trip, and you’ll find plenty of hotel card options. You can use hotel cards to earn rewards points, receive free hotel nights, and get complimentary elite status.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is easily one of the best cards on the market when it comes to accommodations.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ 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 powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

A powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% Variable 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 Wells Fargo Autograph Journey^SM Card is an excellent option for those looking for a great all-around travel rewards card that offers bonus categories on hotels, airfare, travel, and dining, giving you the opportunity to earn points on these purchases quickly.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options including access to transfer partners, an annual statement credit with airfare purchase, and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x points on hotels
• Earn 4x points on airfare
• Earn 3x points on other travel and restaurants; 1x on other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• List of transfer partners is smaller than competing programs

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 Annual Fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

Earning an uncapped 5x points per dollar spent on hotel bookings is a great benefit for those who take frequent road trips and need to book accommodations during those trips.

Oftentimes, certain credit cards with hotels as a bonus category require you to book through that bank program’s travel portal in order to get your bonus rewards. This can cause you to lose out on earning additional rewards and elite benefits by booking with the hotel chain directly. But with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, you can book directly with the accommodation option of your choosing and still earn 5x rewards when doing so.

Better yet, those 5x points are earned as flexible rewards, which allows you to redeem them through the Wells Fargo travel portal, as cash rewards, or through one of the Wells Fargo transfer partners.

Additional Card Benefits

• $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase
• Travel protections like lost baggage reimbursement, auto rental collision damage waiver, plus trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Cell phone insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

American Express^® Gold Card

We like that the Amex Gold card can help you earn rewards to help fund your trip and continue to earn rewards during your travels.

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

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 100,000 points with the Amex Gold card. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

The American Express Membership Rewards program makes hotel rewards easy, since Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Choice Privileges are all Amex transfer partners. When redeeming with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, cardmembers can receive the fifth hotel reward night free.

The Amex Gold card also has big earnings at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.

Additional Card Benefits

• Up to $10 monthly dining credit for specific restaurants (enrollment required)
• Travel protections, including trip delay insurance and baggage insurance
• Secondary car rental coverage with the option to purchase premium protection for a low fee that covers the entire rental period
• Shopping protections such as purchase protection and extended warranty
• $325 annual fee
• Terms apply

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

It’s difficult to imagine a road trip that doesn’t include a stay at a Holiday Inn Express along the way.

With IHG Hotels & Resorts’ huge footprint of properties throughout the country, there’s always a Holiday Inn nearby with a warm breakfast to start each day.

BEST OFFER OF 2025

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

IHG One Rewards Premier 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 perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 5 Free Nights – valued at up to 300,000 total points – after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Each Free Night is valued at up to 60,000 points.

5 Free Nights

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.99% - 28.49% 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

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
• 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG^® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

On top of a generous welcome bonus offer that can be redeemed for several free hotel nights, the IHG Premier card comes with complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status that can offer room upgrades and other hotel benefits. You also receive a free hotel night certificate at each card anniversary renewal.

Additional Card Benefits

• Trip interruption and cancellation coverage
• Purchase protection

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card can bring value during your road trip by offsetting accommodation expenses.

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.

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^SM, 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^SM
• 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

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027), 3 points per dollar on dining, and 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to IHG One Rewards, and cardmembers receive the fourth hotel reward night free.

You can also transfer points to World of Hyatt for good value stays starting at 5,000 points per night. Another option is to redeem your points for select hotels via Points Boost for up to 50% more value in the Chase Travel portal.

Bottom Line:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers great travel insurance benefits and is a smart choice for frequent travelers.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers great value and is a source of travel funds to use during your road trip.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% 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.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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

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

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like This Card for Road Trip Accommodations

Similar to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can transfer Chase Sapphire Reserve card points to IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Hotels booked directly earn 4x points per dollar on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and you can offset travel expenses with a $300 travel statement credit each card anniversary year.

You can also redeem points for up to 2x points per dollar with Points Boost via Chase Travel, including select accommodations.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

The Hilton Surpass card offers great value for those who frequent Hilton properties. With elevated earnings and complimentary Hilton Honors elite status, the card could be the perfect companion for road trip earning and redeeming.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® 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.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

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.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.

130,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.

APR

20.24%-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

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
• 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
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Why We Like This Card for Road Accommodations

A great choice for Hilton Honors devotees, the Hilton Surpass card has a generous welcome offer that can be redeemed for free hotel nights and earns 12 points per dollar at Hilton properties, including Hampton by Hilton.

It also earns 6 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants, plus 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases. You also earn 3 points per dollar on all other purchases, including every road trip purchase you make.

Hilton Honors Gold status is complimentary, and cardmembers receive a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 each card anniversary year.

Additional Card Benefits

• Spend $40,000 on the card to receive top-level Hilton Honors Diamond elite status

Additional Credit Cards for Road Trip Accommodations

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card — Redeem your earned welcome offer for several free nights of lodging, earn 6x points at Marriott properties, 2x points on all other purchases, and receive a free hotel night certificate at card renewal.
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card — Use the welcome bonus offer for free nights, get a free night certificate at each card renewal, and earn 4 points per dollar at Hyatt.
• Wyndham Rewards^® Earner℠ Plus Card — Earn 6x points at Wyndham hotels and gas stations, 4x points on dining and grocery store purchases, and get complimentary Platinum status.

A hotel-branded credit card can earn you free nights to use during your road trip, but cards that earn transferable points can also accomplish this objective.

For a breakdown of the best credit cards for hotels, including earning free hotel nights, we offer our take on the topic in this detailed article.

Bottom Line:

Many hotel-branded credit cards also offer free night certificates at card renewal. If you’re a frequent Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or World of Hyatt guest, check out our card comparisons for each program.

The 9 Best Credit Cards for Road Trip Dining

Road trips generally call for a less formal meal experience that can include picnics, carryout, mom-and-pop restaurants, and even food delivery. There are plenty of options for statement credits, earning rewards, and getting free food delivery.

Here are a few of our recommended cards and why the cards work well for road trip dining.

Amex Gold Card

You earn plenty of rewards with the Amex Gold card in your wallet during your road trip. This card offers:

• 4x earnings at restaurants
• 4x earnings at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x), some of which sell restaurant, gas station, and other road trip-related gift cards
• An up to $10 monthly dining statement credit for participating restaurants, including Grubhub delivery (enrollment required)

Hilton Surpass Card

This card works well for dining with 6x Hilton Honors points at U.S. restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.

Costco Anywhere Card

With the Costco Anywhere card, you get:

• 3% cash-back at restaurants
• 5% cash-back on Costco gas and 4% cash-back at U.S. gas stations or on EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year; 1x thereafter
• 2% cash-back at Costco (which may sell restaurant gift cards)

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ 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.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Citi Strata Premier card earns well for dining and more with these rewards:

• 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, EV charging stations, airfare, and hotels
• 3x ThankYou Points at grocery stores (which might sell restaurant gift cards)

Freedom Flex Card

You’ll find several ways to earn rewards on road trip dining with the Freedom Flex card:

• Quarterly bonus-category merchants offer 5% cash-back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter and often include restaurants.
• 5% cash-back at bonus-category merchants that may sell restaurant, gas station, and other road trip-friendly gift cards
• Free 6-month DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription (starting February 1, 2025, for new enrollees)

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Road trip dining is also very rewarding when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which offers:

• 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on dining worldwide
• Free DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription for at least 1 year (activation must occur before December 31, 2027)
• $300 annually in monthly DoorDash credits

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of our favorite travel rewards cards. You’ll also find it a worthy companion for earning during your road trip, offering:

• 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on dining
• 2x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchases
• Free DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription for at least 1 year (activation must occur before December 31, 2027)

American Express^® Green Card

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*:

$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

The Amex Green card earns 3x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and on travel.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is another great option for dining expenses, as it earn 3x points per dollar on dining, and these rewards can then be transferred to top transfer partners like Avianca, British Airways, and the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® 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 premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

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.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Up to 150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,050

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-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

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite Status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy^® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection*, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. *Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• 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
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers:

• 3x Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide
• Up to $25 in monthly statement credits (up to $300 per year) for eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide (enrollment required)

Hot Tip:

Earn up to 20 Chase Ultimate Rewards points at Restaurant.com for dining gift certificates via the Shop Through Chase portal. 

Best Credit Cards for Sightseeing and Entertainment

You’re sure to enjoy some sightseeing during your road trip, perhaps a rainy-day museum visit or even a tour.

We don’t often consider using our credit card rewards points for purchasing experiences, but there are several ways to find good value when doing so.

Here are a few ways to offset the cost of sightseeing and entertainment during your road trip.

Chase

Ultimate Rewards-earning Chase credit cards offer an excellent option to redeem points for experiences.

In your Chase Ultimate Rewards online account, click on Things to Do at the top of the page and type in your destination. You’ll find a long list of activities that can be purchased using your Chase card or with Ultimate Rewards points.

Hot Tip:

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferred to premium Chase cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card can receive more value when redeemed for travel, including lodging and experiences, via Chase Travel.

American Express

While you can’t use Membership Rewards earned on your Amex cards to purchase activities directly, you can transfer your Amex points to airline partners and book vacation packages or experiences that can include theme park tickets, boat rides, museum entrance passes, and much more.

Citi

While the best redemption option for ThankYou Points is transferring to partner airlines and flight redemptions, it’s also possible to redeem points as gift cards for golf, dining, grocery stores, and other road trip-friendly merchants.

However, never redeem your ThankYou Points for less than 1 cent in value per point, and watch for special deals in your Citi card account for gift cards that can be purchased with ThankYou Points.

Final Thoughts

Whether your objective is to earn rewards in advance to offset the cost of your journey or rack up rewards during your road trip, selecting the right card can make a difference in your bottom-line road trip expenses.

Selecting a card that will provide free hotel nights, for example, can offer tremendous value. Purchasing road trip-related gift cards with a rewards-earning card at participating grocery stores or other eligible bonus category merchants will allow you to earn rewards while prepaying for expenses you’d normally incur during your trip.

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For the car rental loss and damage insurance 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. 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 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. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty 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. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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 baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express^® Gold 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 trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, 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.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express^® Gold 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^® Gold 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^® Gold 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.