Road trips are a unique form of travel that allows us to see the country up close and in relatively slow motion. Unlike flying, the road trip is less about efficiently traveling from point A to point B than it is about creating experiences during the journey.
For this reason, and more, planning a road trip can play a key role in the success of your adventure out on the open road.
That planning process could certainly include earning and redeeming rewards to help you fund your adventure and continuing to earn rewards along the way. Regardless of which is your primary objective, we can help you accomplish either or both.
We’re going to explore 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 assist you in securing free hotel nights to utilize during your trip.
The 16 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips — Overview
There is no doubt that a road trip is a perfect opportunity to earn and redeem rewards points or cash-back.
Before we detail each card in-depth, let’s quickly summarize the value offered by each card when planning for or executing your road trip.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer and Annual Fee | Best For |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
- Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
- Annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (rates and fees)
| Gas |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
- Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
- Annual fee of $0 (rates and fees)
| Gas |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ |
- Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $0
| Gas, Dining |
| American Express® Gold Card |
- Earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
- Annual fee of $250 (rates and fees)
| Accommodations, Dining, Sightseeing and Entertainment |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card |
- Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in purchases within your first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $95
| Gas, Accommodations, Dining |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card |
- Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts in the first 12 months.
- Annual fee of $99
| Accommodations |
| The World of Hyatt Credit Card |
- Earn 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 additional points by earning 2x in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1x, on up to $15,000 spent.
- Annual fee of $95
| Accommodations |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi |
- No welcome offer
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership
| Gas, Dining |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $550
| Accommodations, Dining, Sightseeing and Entertainment |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
- Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $95
| Accommodations, Dining, Sightseeing and Entertainment |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card |
- Up to 125,000 Bonus Points: Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on your first 6 months and 50,000 Bonus Points after you stay 6 eligible paid nights at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® through January 31, 2024.
- Annual fee of $95
| Accommodations |
| Citi Premier® Card |
- Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
- Annual fee of $95
| Dining |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express |
- Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
- Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)
| Gas, Sightseeing and Entertainment |
| American Express® Green Card |
- NEW OFFER: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 6 months.
Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months, up to $200 back as a statement credit.
- Annual fee of $150
| Dining, Sightseeing and Entertainment |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card |
- Earn 95,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual fee of $650 (rates and fees)
| Dining |
| Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card |
- Earn 75,000 bonus points, enough for up to 10 free nights at participating properties, after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
- Annual fee of $75
| Accommodations |
The 6 Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases
You’ll be filling up the gas tank often on your road trip, so you’ll want to be sure you’re earning rewards on every fuel purchase.
Here are some of the best credit cards for gas station purchases.
1.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why We Like the Card for Gas Station Purchases
The 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 may sell gas station gift cards (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%).
Additional Card Benefits
Hot Tip: Gas stations often sell gift cards for restaurants, streaming services, and other road trip-related purchases you might be making during your trip. When you use a credit card that has bonus earnings at gas stations, you may be able to pick up a gift card you can use and earn additional cash-back or points.
2. Chase Freedom Flex℠
Why We Like the 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, warehouse clubs, etc. also earn 5% cash-back.
Additional Card Benefits
- Welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Earns cash-back in the form of Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to premium Chase credit cards for up to 50% greater value when redeeming points via the Chase travel portal or Chase transfer partners
- 5% cash-back on Lyft rides through March 2025
- Free 3-month DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription and option to purchase an additional 9 months for 50% off
- 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 at U.S. gas stations and at U.S. supermarkets (which could sell gas station gift cards), 12x points at Hilton, and 3x points on all other purchases. Terms Apply
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express — earn 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets purchases, 3% cash-back on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3% cash-back at U.S. gas station (each capped at $6,000 per year)
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi — 4% cash-back at all U.S. gas stations including Costco and on EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter), 3% cash-back at restaurants, and 2% on Costco purchases other than gas
- The Platinum Card® from American Express — Save 10¢ per gallon on fuel at Walmart, Murphy, Exxon, and Mobil stations with a complimentary Walmart+ subscription.
For a quick look at some of the other top credit cards for gas station purchases, our article features a helpful list.
Hot Tip: In addition to earning rewards at gas stations by using a card that bonuses those purchases, you could qualify for additional rewards via the gas station’s fuel rewards program.
The 8 Best Credit Cards for Road Trip Accommodations
You’ll need a place to stay on your road trip, and fortunately, you’ll find plenty of card options for earning rewards points, receiving free hotel nights, and even enjoying complimentary elite status.
1. American Express® Gold Card
We like that the Amex Gold card can help you earn rewards to help fund your trip, then continue to earn rewards during your travels.
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
Why We Like the Card for Road Trips
Amex’s Membership Rewards program makes it easy since Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Choice Privileges are all Amex transfer partners. When redeeming with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, cardmembers can also 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
- Travel protections including trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage
- 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 return protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty
- Terms Apply
2. 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 property along the way.
With IHG Hotels & Resorts’ huge footprint of properties throughout the country, there’s always a place to stay nearby and you know you’ll have a warm breakfast to start each day.
Why We Like the Card for Road Trip Accommodations
On top of a generous welcome bonus that can be redeemed for several free hotel nights, the card comes with complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status that can result in room upgrades and other hotel benefits. You’ll also receive a free hotel night certificate at each card anniversary renewal.
Additional Card Benefits
- Trip interruption and cancellation coverage
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card can help contribute value during your road trip by offsetting accommodation expenses.
Why We Like the Card for Road Trip Accommodations
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x on Lyft purchases (through March 2025), 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases. Ultimate Rewards points transfer to IHG 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. Redeem your points for 25% more via the Chase travel portal, including accommodations.
Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers great travel insurance benefits and why it’s a smart choice for frequent travelers.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Sapphire Reserve offers great value and a source for travel funds to use during your road trip.
Why We Like the Card for Road Trip Accommodations
Similar to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can transfer points to IHG Rewards and World of Hyatt.
Travel, including accommodations, has 3x earnings on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and every travel purchase earns against the $300 travel statement credit each card anniversary year.
You can also redeem points for 50% more via the Chase travel portal, including accommodations.
5. 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.
Why We Like the Card for Road Accommodations
A great choice for Hilton Honors devotees, the Hilton Surpass card has a generous welcome bonus that can be redeemed for free hotel nights and has 12x earnings at Hilton properties, including Hampton by Hilton.
It also has 6x earnings at U.S. supermarkets and 3x earnings on every other purchase, including every road trip purchase you make.
Hilton Honors Gold status is complimentary and cardmembers receive a free weekend hotel night 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
- Secondary car rental coverage with the option to purchase premium protection for a low price that covers the entire rental period
- Shopping protections such as return protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty
- Terms Apply
Additional Credit Cards for Road Trip Accommodations
A hotel-branded credit card can serve to earn free nights you can utilize 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.
You’ll also enjoy our articles for specific hotel chain loyalists. If you’re a frequent Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or World of Hyatt guest, you’ll want to check out our card comparisons for each program.
Bottom Line: Many hotel-branded credit cards also offer free night certificates at card renewal.
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. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for statement credits, earning rewards, and getting free delivery on road trip dining.
Here are a few of our recommended cards and why the cards work well for road trip dining.
1. Amex Gold Card
You’ll be earning plenty of rewards with the Amex Gold card in your wallet during your trip.
- 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
- Up to $10 monthly dining statement credit for specific restaurants (including Grubhub delivery)
- Terms Apply
2. Hilton Surpass Card
- 6x Hilton Honors points at restaurants and at grocery stores that may sell restaurant gift cards
- Terms Apply
3. Costco Anywhere Card
- 3% cash-back at restaurants
- 4% cash-back at U.S. gas stations or EV charging purchases on the first $7,000 per year; 1x thereafter
- 2% cash-back at Costco (which may sell restaurant gift cards)
4. Citi Premier® Card
- 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants and on travel
- 3x ThankYou Points at grocery stores (which might sell restaurant gift cards)
5. 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, up to $1,500 in purchases, each quarter and often include restaurants
- 5% cash-back at bonus-category merchants who may sell restaurant, gas station, and other road trip-friendly gift cards
- Free 3-month DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription and option to purchase an additional 9 months for 50% off
6. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
Road trip dining is also very rewarding when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points at U.S. restaurants and on travel purchases
- Free DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription for at least 1 year (activation must occur before December 31, 2024)
- $5 monthly DoorDash credit
7. 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.
- 2x Ultimate Rewards points at U.S. restaurants and on travel purchases
- Free DoorDash DashPass food delivery subscription for at least 1 year (activation must occur before December 31, 2024)
8. American Express® Green Card
- 3x Membership Rewards earning at restaurants worldwide and on travel
9. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- 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
Hot Tip: Earn up to 20 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 be enjoying some sightseeing during your road trip, perhaps a rainy-day museum visit, or even take 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: Ultimate Rewards points transferred to premium Chase cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card can receive up to 50% more value when redeemed for travel, including lodging and experiences, via the Chase travel portal.
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
Wwhile the best redemption option for ThankYou Points is transferring to partner airlines and flight redemptions, it is also possible to redeem points on gift cards for golf, dining, grocery stores, and other road trip-friendly merchants.
Never redeem your ThankYou Points for less than 1 cent in value per point, however, 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 earn rewards during your road trip, selecting the right card can make an economic difference in your total 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 the grocery store or other eligible bonus category merchants will allow you to earn rewards while prepaying for expenses you’d normally incur during your trip.
It’s worth noting that not all bonus-category merchants will allow you to purchase gift cards with a credit card, although most will. Your experience will vary based on the merchant and location.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
![The 16 Best Credit Cards for Road Trips [Gas, Hotels, Dining, Attractions]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Road-through-Acadia.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
1 comments
Fanny Behrens
June 25, 2021
Nice clear summaries based on objectives. Easy to see what card would be best for me, road tripper, rather than generic best card for traveling which would then have perks for airline lounges or skymiles.
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