I’m always looking for ways to get more rewards and benefits on my travels. That’s why I’ve found the best credit cards for adventure lovers like me. These best credit cards for adventure travelers have great travel rewards credit cards programs, no foreign transaction fees, and lots of adventure travel perks.
With these travel-friendly credit cards, I can earn airline miles credit cards and hotel points credit cards. I also get cash back on travel purchases and travel insurance benefits. These top credit cards help me save money on my adventures and keep me safe if something unexpected happens.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The top adventure travel credit cards offer generous miles, points, and rewards to fuel your next expedition.
- These cards provide valuable travel perks like airport lounge access, rental car coverage, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- The best adventure travel rewards credit cards have flexible redemption options and reasonable annual fees.
- Earning travel points and miles can help offset the costs of flights, hotels, and other adventure-related expenses.
- Choose a credit card that aligns with your specific travel needs and adventure travel style.
Earning Travel Points and Miles: An Introduction
Starting with travel points and airline miles is a great way for adventure lovers to save money on trips. By earning rewards on everyday buys, you can gather points and miles for flights, hotels, and more. This can cut down the cost of your next adventure, like rafting in the Grand Canyon or trekking in the Himalayas.
How to get started with travel points and airline miles
- Pick a travel rewards credit card that fits your spending and travel style.
- Use the card for all buys you can to earn points or miles.
- Grab sign-up bonuses and other deals to increase your rewards fast.
- Use your points or miles for flights, hotels, rental cars, and adventure activities.
The importance of travel rewards for adventure travelers
Travel rewards are super useful for adventure travelers, who often book trips last-minute or change plans suddenly. The right credit card lets you use points and miles for many travel costs, like flights, hotels, rental cars, and adventure activities. Plus, many cards offer perks like travel insurance, rental car coverage, and airport lounge access. These perks can protect you and make your trip better.
“The right credit card can provide the flexibility to redeem points and miles for a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and even adventure activities.”
| Card | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months | $95 |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card | 5 Free Nights valued up to 300,000 Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | $99 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | $95 |
Best overall: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you love to travel and want a great credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect. It has solid insurance, earns a lot on travel, and offers many travel perks. Plus, it has a low annual fee.
Welcome bonus and rewards details
The card gives you a big welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You also get a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first year. This helps you start your travel adventures right.
Cardholders earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You also get 2X miles on all other purchases.
Travel benefits and perks
The Venture Rewards card comes with many travel benefits. You get a free six-month membership to The Cultivist, giving you access to museums worldwide. There’s also a $300 discount on a Gravity Haus membership for adventure travelers.
Other perks include Hertz Five Star status and up to $100 in application fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years. The card also offers rental car insurance and travel accident insurance.
This card is the top choice for adventure travelers. It offers great rewards, many travel perks, and a reasonable annual fee.
Best credit cards for adventure travelers
For those who love adventure, the right credit card can really boost your rewards and travel experience. When looking for the best credit cards for adventure travelers, think about rewards on travel purchases, flexible ways to use those rewards, and travel protections.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a top pick. It gives 14 Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts. You also get 7 points per dollar on flights, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants booked through Amex Travel. Plus, it offers 3 points per dollar on all other purchases. With a $550 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it comes with great travel perks like a free weekend night, Diamond status, and up to $250 in Hilton resort credits.
The Citi Double Cash Card is another great choice. It gives 2 points per dollar on all buys, with points earned at purchase and when paying the bill. It has no annual fee but does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. Still, its easy-to-use rewards make it a good pick for daily spending.
- The Bilt Mastercard is special for its rewards, giving 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 on travel, and 1 on all else, including rent. On “Rent Day,” your bonuses get doubled for most purchases. It has no annual fee and offers great travel protections.
- The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are great for adventure seekers too. They offer miles-based rewards and big welcome bonuses.
Think about your spending and travel needs to find the ideal credit card for adventure travelers. This way, you can make the most of your rewards and enjoy your next adventure even more.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for Activities and Experiences
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is perfect for adventure lovers who want special experiences and discounts. It offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You can earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X miles on flights, and 2X miles on other purchases through Capital One Travel.
This card stands out with its special benefits for adventure seekers. You get a free PRIOR subscription (usually $149) for exclusive travel tips and guides. You also get a six-month membership to The Cultivist for free access to museums worldwide. Plus, there’s a $300 discount on an annual Gravity Haus membership, a club for adventure travelers. These perks make your next adventure even better.
Welcome Bonus and Rewards Structure
New cardholders can get a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles by spending $4,000 in the first three months. This is like getting $1,000 towards travel. Plus, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 towards travel) every year after your first anniversary.
Unique Activity and Experience Benefits
- Complimentary PRIOR subscription (typically $149) for access to exclusive travel experiences and destination guides
- Six-month membership to The Cultivist, providing complimentary access to hundreds of museums worldwide
- $300 discount on an annual Gravity Haus membership, a social club for adventure travelers
These special benefits let adventure travelers discover unique activities and experiences. This makes the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card a top pick for those looking for more than just rewards and discounts.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
For adventure travelers, having good travel insurance is key. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card gives you great coverage. You can get up to $10,000 per person (up to $20,000) back if your trip is cut short. If your trip is delayed over six hours, you can get up to $500 per ticket to help with unexpected costs.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card’s travel insurance is a big help for adventurers. Imagine a family who had to cancel a $1,500 safari trip because a child got sick before they left. Thanks to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, they got back the whole cost of the trip.
This card also covers baggage delays, lost luggage, and emergency medical and dental needs. So, you’re protected from many travel problems. This means you can enjoy your adventures without worrying about unexpected issues.
To use the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card’s travel insurance best, learn its details. Call the card’s claims department within 20 days after a trip issue. Being patient, persistent, and quick with your documents helps with claims.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, you can enjoy your adventures worry-free. It covers things like delayed flights, lost bags, or medical emergencies. This card is a must-have for any bold traveler.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Best for Surfers and Skiers
For adventure travelers who love surf or ski spots, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a top pick. It offers a 45,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. You can earn 5X points at Wyndham hotels and gas stations, 2X points on dining and groceries (except at Walmart and Target), and 1X point on everything else.
Welcome Bonus and Rewards Earnings
With over 9,000 Wyndham hotels and timeshares worldwide, many great for surfers and skiers, this card is a gem. You get automatic Platinum status, which means late checkout, early check-in, and better rental cars. Plus, you’ll get a 10% discount on using your points for free stays.
Benefits for Wyndham Hotel Stays
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is perfect for those who hit the surf or slopes often. It comes with a big welcome bonus, great earning rates, and Platinum status perks. This card can make your travel experiences better and save you money on Wyndham hotels.
| Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 45,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days |
| Earning Rates |
|
| Platinum Status Benefits |
|
| Award Night Redemption | 10% discount on award night redemptions |
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a great choice for adventure travelers. It offers a big welcome bonus, rewarding earning rates, and valuable Platinum status benefits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Rental Car Insurance
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is great for travelers who often rent cars. It has primary rental car insurance. This means it covers damages and theft before your own insurance does. This can save you from filing a claim with your own insurance and help avoid rate hikes.
The card also offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay coverage. These benefits add peace of mind to your travels. With a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, you can earn points easily. You get 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on other travel purchases.
The card’s $95 annual fee is a good deal for frequent travelers. It offers great rental car coverage and other perks. Compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® with its $550 annual fee, the Preferred card is more cost-effective.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $550 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend |
| Regular APR | 21.49%–28.49% variable | 22.49%–29.49% variable |
| Rental Car Coverage | Actual cash value | Up to $75,000 |
Planning a road trip, ski vacation, or adventure abroad? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers valuable protection and peace of mind for your rental car needs. Its travel benefits, earning potential, and affordable annual fee make it a top choice for those who love adventure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card can greatly enhance your next adventure. You can earn rewards on daily purchases and enjoy travel perks and protections. This makes your trips cheaper and smoother. Whether it’s rafting or heli-skiing, the best cards offer more benefits.
Think about how you spend, what you like to do on trips, and what you need in terms of coverage. This will help you pick the best card for your adventures. With the right card, you can get big sign-up bonuses, earn more points or miles on travel and dining, and enjoy perks like rental car insurance and airport lounge access. These benefits let you spend less and make more memories on your trips.
Choosing the right travel rewards card is key to making the most of your adventures. By researching and picking the best card for you, you’ll be ready to fund your dreams and explore the unknown.
FAQ
What are the key features to look for in the best credit cards for adventure travelers?
How can travel rewards and points help adventure travelers save money?
What makes the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card the best overall choice for adventure travelers?
What unique benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer for adventure travelers?
How does the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage for adventure travelers?
How can the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card benefit adventure travelers who frequently visit surf or ski destinations?
FAQ
What are the key features to look for in the best credit cards for adventure travelers?
When picking the best credit card for adventure travel, look for rewards on travel purchases. Also, check for flexible ways to use those rewards. It should have travel protections and a fair annual fee. Plus, look for discounts on adventure experiences and memberships.
How can travel rewards and points help adventure travelers save money?
Travel points and airline miles are great for saving money on trips. By earning rewards on everyday buys, you can save for flights, hotels, and more. This can cut down the cost of your next adventure, like rafting in the Grand Canyon or trekking in the Himalayas.
What makes the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card the best overall choice for adventure travelers?
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is top for adventure travelers. It has good insurance, earns well on travel, and offers travel perks at a fair fee. You get 75,000 miles and a 0 travel credit in the first year. Plus, earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other buys.
What unique benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer for adventure travelers?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has special perks for adventure travelers. You get a free PRIOR subscription for unique travel experiences and guides. There’s also a six-month membership to The Cultivist for museum access and a 0 discount on Gravity Haus membership for adventure clubs. These perks can make your next adventure even better.
How does the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage for adventure travelers?
Adventure travelers need good travel insurance. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card has great coverage. You can get up to ,000 per person for trip cancellation or interruption. Plus, get up to 0 per ticket for trip delays over six hours to cover unexpected costs.
How can the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card benefit adventure travelers who frequently visit surf or ski destinations?
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is great for surf or ski trips. It offers a 45,000-point welcome bonus after
FAQ
What are the key features to look for in the best credit cards for adventure travelers?
When picking the best credit card for adventure travel, look for rewards on travel purchases. Also, check for flexible ways to use those rewards. It should have travel protections and a fair annual fee. Plus, look for discounts on adventure experiences and memberships.
How can travel rewards and points help adventure travelers save money?
Travel points and airline miles are great for saving money on trips. By earning rewards on everyday buys, you can save for flights, hotels, and more. This can cut down the cost of your next adventure, like rafting in the Grand Canyon or trekking in the Himalayas.
What makes the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card the best overall choice for adventure travelers?
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is top for adventure travelers. It has good insurance, earns well on travel, and offers travel perks at a fair fee. You get 75,000 miles and a $250 travel credit in the first year. Plus, earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other buys.
What unique benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer for adventure travelers?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has special perks for adventure travelers. You get a free PRIOR subscription for unique travel experiences and guides. There’s also a six-month membership to The Cultivist for museum access and a $300 discount on Gravity Haus membership for adventure clubs. These perks can make your next adventure even better.
How does the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage for adventure travelers?
Adventure travelers need good travel insurance. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card has great coverage. You can get up to $10,000 per person for trip cancellation or interruption. Plus, get up to $500 per ticket for trip delays over six hours to cover unexpected costs.
How can the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card benefit adventure travelers who frequently visit surf or ski destinations?
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is great for surf or ski trips. It offers a 45,000-point welcome bonus after $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. You earn 5X points at Wyndham hotels and gas stations. With over 9,000 Wyndham locations worldwide, it gives you benefits like Platinum status and a 10% discount on hotel stays.
What makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a great choice for adventure travelers who rent cars on their trips?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is perfect for renting cars on trips. It offers primary rental car insurance, covering damages and theft before your insurance does. This can save you from filing a claim with your own insurance and avoid rate hikes. It also has trip cancellation and baggage delay insurance for peace of mind on your adventures.
,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. You earn 5X points at Wyndham hotels and gas stations. With over 9,000 Wyndham locations worldwide, it gives you benefits like Platinum status and a 10% discount on hotel stays.
What makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a great choice for adventure travelers who rent cars on their trips?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is perfect for renting cars on trips. It offers primary rental car insurance, covering damages and theft before your insurance does. This can save you from filing a claim with your own insurance and avoid rate hikes. It also has trip cancellation and baggage delay insurance for peace of mind on your adventures.
What makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a great choice for adventure travelers who rent cars on their trips?
Source Links
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- We Found the Best Travel Credit Card for Every Type of Traveler – https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-travel-credit-card
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- Redeem – https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-rewards/page-original-copies/redeem
- Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels & Resorts – https://frequentmiler.com/best-hyatt-category-1-4-hotels-resorts/
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- Your Guide To Chase Sapphire Rental Car Insurance: How And When To Use It – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-rental-car-insurance/
- Make Your Credit Card the Ultimate Travel Tool – https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/how-make-your-credit-card-ultimate-travel-tool/
- Best Credit Cards for International Travel – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-credit-cards-international-travel-titus-mband-8gadf
- How To Travel the World For (nearly) Free! | Quench Your Adventure – https://quenchyouradventure.com/2019/09/12/want-to-travel-more-without-spending-more-learn-how-we-utilize-credit-cards-to-earn-ridiculous-amounts-of-rewards-points-and-travel-the-world/