The right travel credit cards are essential for any journey, especially if you are a digital nomad. It can help you rack up points or miles for free flights and hotels and have your back with travel insurance and lost luggage protection. The best credit cards for digital nomads are more than a payment method. It’s a powerful tool to maximize rewards and minimize fees.
It’s your financial wingman on the road, smoothing the bumps and making life easier. Plus, the right card can score you free flights and luxurious stays. Even access to those fancy airport lounges while avoiding excessive expenses.
Here are some credit cards that best fit if you live extended travel or digital nomad life.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is popular among travellers for its robust rewards program and flexible redemption options. It includes point transfers to various travel partners or redeeming them through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for maximum value. Cardholders also enjoy exclusive access to curated travel and dining experiences through Chase’s partnerships.
The card provides –
- Excellent travel protection
- Ensuring peace of mind during your adventures with benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Primary car rental coverage for damage and theft
With 24/7 global customer service, you can always get the help you need, no matter where you are, including emergency assistance and concierge services.
Sign-Up Bonus – Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Based on TPG’s latest valuations, this Bonus is worth $900 in travel.
Rewards –
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 1x point on all other purchases
Standout benefits –
- $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit Card
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- There are no foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee – $95
Apply Here – Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
2. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® offers excellent rewards on dining and groceries, making it ideal for nomads who love exploring local cuisines. With 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and on up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, it provides substantial benefits for food lovers. Plus, you’ll earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.
Cardholders receive up to $120 in annual dining credits at select restaurants and food delivery services and up to $100 in airline fee credits annually. The card also features no foreign transaction fees. They ensure savings while travelling abroad, access to premium customer service, and exclusive events. It dramatically enhances the overall experience for globetrotters.
Welcome Offer – Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards –
- 4XMembership Rewards® points at Restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
Standout Benefits –
- Up to $120 Uber Cash annually (divided into $10 monthly credits)
- Up to $120 Dining Credit annually (divided into $10 monthly credits)
- The Amex Luxury Hotel Collection benefits from participating properties
- There are no foreign transaction fees
Annual FFee – $250
Apply Here – American Express® Gold Card
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
They provide straightforward rewards and flexible redemption options, perfect for frequent travellers. Cardholders earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, allowing them to accumulate miles for their next adventure quickly. Miles can be redeemed for travel statement credits, booking upcoming trips, or transferring to participating airline partners.
It allows travellers to choose how they use their rewards. The card offers no foreign transaction fees, saving travellers money when using their cards abroad. With travel accident insurance and 24-hour travel assistance services, cardholders can confidently travel, knowing they’re protected wherever they go. It also offers access to exclusive events through Visa Signature, enhancing the travel experience.
Welcome Bonus – Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Rewards –
- Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Standout Benefits –
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how many reward miles you can earn
- Travel accident insurance
- 24-hour travel assistance services
- There are no foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee – $95
Apply Here – Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
💡 Related – Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card Right for You? A Detailed Review
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® generously rewards travel and dining, allowing cardholders to transfer points to various travel partners. Cardholders earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants and 2X points on entertainment, making it ideal for those who frequently travel or dine out. New cardholders can quickly accumulate points for their next getaway. You can transfer points to airline loyalty programs.
They allow flexible redemption options and potentially higher redemption values. The card offers no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel. With travel accident insurance and access to Citi® Concierge for personalized assistance, cardholders can travel with peace of mind, knowing they’re protected and supported wherever their adventures take them.
Sign-Up Bonus – Earn 70,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Rewards –
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations
- Earn 1 ThankYou® Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Standout Benefits –
- Transfer points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Citi EntertainmentSM – Access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences for Citi card members
- Citi® Concierge – Dedicated assistance with travel planning, dining reservations, and entertainment options
Annual Fee – $95
Apply Here – Citi Premier® Card
5. Discover it® Miles
It is an excellent option for those earning travel rewards without an annual fee. Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase, with no caps or category restrictions, allowing them to accumulate miles quickly. At the end of the 5 years, it will match all the miles earned, doubling the rewards. The card offers flexible mile redemption for travel expenses, cashback on cashback credit cards, or gift cards.
With no annual fee, cardholders can enjoy the card’s benefits without paying extra. The card offers no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel. It Miles also provides an array of travel and purchase protections. It includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental insurance, which gives peace of mind while travelling.
Welcome Offer – Discover will automatically match ALL the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards, just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Rewards –
- Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase, every day
- There are no blackout dates or airline restrictions
- Redeem miles for travel or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases
- Get your rewards faster with no minimum redemption requirement
Standout Benefits –
- There are no foreign transaction fees
- Get an intro APR on purchases for 15 months from account opening (then 16.24% – 27.24% variable APR)
- Turn your card off if it’s misplaced
- $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee
Annual Fee – $0
Apply Here – Discover it® Miles Credit Card
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
They offer straightforward rewards with no annual fee, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers. Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, with points that never expire and no blackout dates when redeeming for travel. Cardholders can earn up to 75% more points on every purchase through Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program.
You can redeem points for a statement credit to cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. The card features no foreign transaction fees. It is a great companion for international travel, with a competitive APR and access to Bank of America’s award-winning online and mobile banking services. Cardholders can easily manage their finances while earning rewards on their everyday purchases.
Welcome Bonus – 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Rewards –
- Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time
- Redeem points for travel purchases, cash back, gift cards, or merchandise
- There are no blackout dates for travel redemptions
- Combine points from multiple Bank of America accounts
Standout Benefits –
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points don’t expire as long as your account is open
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services – including medical referrals and lost luggage assistance.
- Roadside Dispatch® – 24/7 assistance in emergencies like towing, tyre changes and lockouts.
Annual Fee – $0
Apply Here – Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
💁♀️ Also read – How to redeem credit card points and rewards wisely?
7. Platinum Card® from American Express
It is perfect for those seeking luxury travel perks and extensive rewards. Cardholders earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. They are significantly boosting their points balance with a generous sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points.
The card offers access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. It provides a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. Cardholders receive up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, and up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits. With no foreign transaction fees, premium travel and purchase protections, and 24/7 concierge service.
Welcome Offer – Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards –
- 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
Standout Benefits –
- $200 Airline Fee Credit (for incidental fees like baggage and in-flight purchases on your selected qualifying airline)
- $200 Hotel Credit (on prepaid bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel)
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
- Up to $200 Uber Cash annually (divided into $15 monthly credits and $20 in December)
- Airport lounge access (including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Lounge Access Select)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit (every 4 years)
- Complimentary access to premium services like Equinox gyms and Walmart+ membership
Annual Fee – $695
Apply Here – Platinum Card® from American Express
Recommended read – 10 Remote Work Hotels with Workspaces That You’ll Want to Work at Forever
8. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® is ideal for frequent hotel stayers looking to maximize their rewards. Cardholders earn 6X points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2X on all other purchases. New cardholders can quickly accumulate points for future stays. The card also offers a free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one-night stay at participating hotels.
The card provides Silver Elite status, which includes benefits such as priority late checkout and a 10% points bonus on stays. With no foreign transaction fees, cardholders can save money when using their card internationally. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, providing peace of mind on your travels.
Welcome Offer – Earn a 75,000 Bonus for 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards –
- 6X points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 3X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide
- 2X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Standout Benefits –
- Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
- Automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year
- No foreign transaction fees
- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
Annual Fee – $95
Apply Here – Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors card is perfect for Hilton loyalists seeking to maximize their points. Cardholders earn 12X Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels. With the Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of Card Membership. New cardholders can quickly earn valuable rewards after spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
The card also offers a Free Weekend Night Reward. The card also provides complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. It includes room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast at select hotels. With no foreign transaction fees, cardholders can save money when using their card internationally. Also, you can read the full detailed review of Hilton Honors.
Limited Time Offer – Get 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward when you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/31/24.
Rewards –
- 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Standout Benefits –
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
- Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on Card purchases in a calendar year
- $100 Hilton resort credit after spending $15,000 on Card purchases in a calendar year
- Priority Pass™ Select membership
Annual Fee – $150
Apply Here – Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
10. Barclaycard Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
The Hawaiian Airlines® offers a range of benefits. Designed for travellers who frequently fly smarter with Hawaiian Miles Airlines and want to maximize their rewards, these cards provide a range of benefits. It also includes travel and purchase protections, making it a valuable tool for frequent Hawaiian Airlines travellers. The card’s rewards program aims to be flexible and user-friendly.
Cardholders can redeem their miles for flights, upgrades, and more. The card offers a generous sign-up bonus. It allows new cardholders to earn bonus miles after qualifying purchases. They also provide travel and purchase protections, making it a valuable tool for frequent Hawaiian Airlines travellers. Cardholders enjoy access to exclusive Hawaiian Airlines offers and discounts.
Welcome Offer – Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Rewards –
- 3X miles on eligible Hawaiian Airlines purchases
- 2X miles on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases
- 1X miles on all other purchases
Standout Benefits –
- One-time 50% companion discount on a roundtrip coach companion ticket between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
- The first checked bag is free on eligible Hawaiian Airlines flights
- Share miles with friends and family
- Access to the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club lounge
- In-flight discounts on food and beverages
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Purchase security and extended warranty protection
Annual Fee – $99
Apply Here – Barclaycard Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
Bottom Line
The best credit cards for digital nomads or travel adventures can be a serious game-changer. It’s not just about swiping plastic. The right card can unlock rewards, savings, and hassle-free travel. Whether you live for restaurant hopping and racking up frequent flyer miles. A budget traveller who wants to avoid those pesky foreign transaction fees. Someone who enjoys the finer things in life with luxury travel perks, or you fall somewhere in between.
Take a moment to think about your travel style and how you typically spend money.
Safe travels!
💳 If you need help figuring out which credit card is best for your digital nomad adventures and could use a hand finding the right one; we’ve got your back!
We can help you choose the perfect card to match your travel style and keep your finances in tip-top shape. 👩💻
Book a session with us and fill out a quick form. We will reply promptly to discuss this and help you with your decision-making.
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