The 7 Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises [October 2026]
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Best Credit Cards That Earn Bonus Points on Travel
You may notice that some credit cards earn bonus points on the general category of “travel.” The good news is that the travel category often includes cruises!
Here are some great credit cards that offer bonus points on all types of travel (including cruises)!
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — 2x Points (Best Overall Value Card)
BEST FIRST TRAVEL CARD
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
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.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$1,500
$95
19.49 - 27.74% Variable
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands, and streaming services.
It offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and strong travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance. If you travel a few times a year and spend on dining, the card is likely to be a good choice, but it’s hard to justify if you don’t dine out or travel often.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5x points on all travel booked via Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Subject to Chase’s 5/24 application restrictions
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, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
- Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.49 - 27.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
If you want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but aren’t sure if the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s annual fee is worth it, check out the card’s little brother, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
This card’s annual fee is easier on the budget but still comes with lots of great benefits. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you’ll earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, including cruises. That’ll give you a return of 4 cents per dollar, which is a solid value.
Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great place to start if you are just getting into points and miles. It offers solid benefits for a reasonable annual fee and is the card we recommend for beginners.
2. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card — 3x Points (Best Business Card)
NEW OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Chase's secure site)100,000 pointsGood to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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.
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.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$2,000
$95
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
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 card application.
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
Card Highlights
- Earn 100k 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
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- 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
- Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 17.99% - 26.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
The Ink Business Preferred card is one of our favorite business credit cards for so many reasons.
In addition to great benefits like trip interruption and cancellation insurance and cell phone protection, the Ink Business Preferred card earns 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on a cruise (up to $150,000 per year). Don’t forget you’ll also earn 3x points on flights to get you to your departure port, a hotel room for the night before your cruise, or even your taxi ride to the cruise port! Based on our valuations, that gives you a return of 6 cents per dollar.
These points can be used for travel in the Chase travel portal or you can transfer them to one of Chase’s many airline or hotel partners.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — 2x Points
LIMITED-TIME OFFER
$300 Travel Credit + 75k milesGood to Excellent Credit
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!
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Earn more than $1000 in Travel Bonuses with a limited-time $300 Capital One Travel stays credit, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening—that's more than $1,000 in travel value.
$1,650
$95
Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
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 card application.
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
Card Highlights
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s more than $1,000 in travel value
- 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
- Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
- APR: Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
The Capital One Venture card is a solid option that will appeal to a lot of different types of travelers. It offers a great welcome offer to earn, has a low annual fee, and comes with some great travel benefits including:
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
- Auto rental insurance
- Airline and hotel transfer partners
While this card might be overlooked by diehard points and miles enthusiasts, it offers some solid benefits and a flexible way to use points.
With the Capital One Venture card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, including cruises!
You can redeem your Capital One miles through the Capital One Travel portal for 1 cent each.
4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — 2x Miles
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 Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
$1,350
$395
Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.
Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.
Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
- APR: Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
The Capital One Venture X card offers a great way to pay for cruises since it earns 2 miles per dollar on any purchase.
Plus it comes with a nice list of additional benefits:
- Airport lounge access including participating Priority Pass™ lounges upon enrollment and access to Capital One Lounges and Landings
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement
- Up to $300 in annual credits for travel booked through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after account anniversary each year
Like the Capital One Venture card, you can redeem your Capital One miles through the Capital One travel portal. You’ll get 1 cent per mile in value with both methods.
5. Platinum Card® from American Express — 2x Points
BEST OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.Good to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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 Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.
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.
The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 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.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card® from American Express is a top choice.
The card offers premium perks like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and several annual card credits. The Amex Platinum card is easily worth the annual fee for frequent travelers who use the lounges and travel credits, and hard to justify for those who won’t.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
- 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
- $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags).
Card Highlights
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 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.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 08/2026.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 60+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to The Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Whatever the occasion, choose from our two signature collections of premium hotels, curated to inspire and excite you when you book through Amex Travel™: Fine Hotels + Resorts® is a collection of over 1,900 luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves and the Hotel Collection includes over 1,400 upscale hotels in desirable destinations.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
While the Amex Platinum card doesn’t offer bonus points on a travel category, it does offer bonus points when you book a cruise through AmexTravel.com. With this card, you’ll earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on cruises booked through American Express.
When you use your Amex Platinum card, you’ll be eligible for the Cruise Privileges Program that 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 additional exclusive amenity based on your cruise line.
In addition to the cruise benefits, the Amex Platinum card comes with a lot of premium travel benefits (for example, it’s the best credit card for airport lounge access) that make it one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards out there.
2 Credit Cards That Earn Bonus Points on Cruise Gift Cards
The next category of credit cards we are going to look at are those that earn bonus points at grocery stores where you can purchase gift cards for your cruise. With these cards, you’ll earn your bonus points on the gift cards, then you can redeem the gift cards for your cruise.
While it adds an extra step, it’s a great way to earn points on cards that don’t offer a travel bonus category.
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — 6% Cash-Back
SPECIAL OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.Good to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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 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.
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.
You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
As High As $300
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.74%-28.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
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 card application.
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)
Card Highlights
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 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 19.74%-28.74%.
- 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 Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.74%-28.74% 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
This card offers an impressive earning rate at U.S. supermarkets, where you can purchase cruise line gift cards. With the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you’ll earn 6% cash-back on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets stores every year! Your cash-back can only be redeemed as a statement credit, so this could be a good option to help offset the price of your cruise.
If you’d prefer a card that skips the annual fee, check out the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. This card earns 3% cash-back (up to $6,000 annually) on U.S. supermarket purchases (rates & fees).
Per Amex’s terms, purchases of gift cards do not count toward a card’s welcome offer spend threshold.
2. American Express® Gold Card — 4x Points
TOP PICK
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.Good to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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 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.
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.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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.
Up to $2,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
With the Amex Gold 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 are several other benefits of the Amex Gold card, including monthly dining credits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5x points on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
Cons
- $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
- 4x categories for restaurants and U.S. supermarkets have annual spend caps
Card Highlights
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
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.
The Amex Gold card offers great earning potential — 4 points per $1 spent — at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), and that means you can use it to purchase cruise line gift cards.
However, there is a potential catch: per Amex’s terms, the purchases of gift cards do not count toward the card’s welcome offer spend threshold and are ineligible to earn bonus points.
With that said, we’ve had luck using this card to purchase gift cards at U.S. supermarkets, but this is a definite case of “your earnings may vary.”
Note: Be careful when using an American Express card to purchase gift cards. Each card’s terms can vary and many of them state that gift card purchases either don’t count toward welcome bonus offer minimum spending and/or won’t earn extra points in bonus spending categories. There are plenty of data points showing that some gift card purchases can fly under the radar, but you should go into it knowing there’s a chance your points won’t post or could be clawed back.
2 Credit Cards That Earn Cash-Back
Maybe you would prefer to earn cold hard cash instead of points? Well, there are some great credit card options for you, too.
Here are just some of the credit cards that offer cash-back on your cruise purchases.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited® — 1.5%-5% Cash-Back
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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 all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center
The Freedom Unlimited card earns 5% cash-back on travel through Chase Travel, 3% cash-back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases. In actuality, you’ll earn Ultimate Rewards points that can be received as cash-back or used in the Chase travel portal for 1 cent each.
The real magic with this card is when you pair it with a premium Chase card — you’ll gain the ability to transfer the points you earn on your Freedom Unlimited card to Chase’s hotel or airline partners. This can increase the value of those hard-earned points!
2. Citi Double Cash® Card — 2% Cash-Back Per Dollar (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.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.
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$0
18.49% to 28.74% Variable
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 card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
Cons
- No bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Card Highlights
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 18.49% to 28.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Rewards Center
The Double Cash card is a great option when you want a simple way to earn points. With this card, you’ll earn 2% cash back per dollar — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay your bill on time. There are no categories to consider and no maximum to the amount of cash-back you can earn.