Why You Should Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card
As a digital nomad, many of our daily expenses can be put on a credit card. This makes it easy to accumulate points quickly. In the post-COVID world, most businesses accept credit card payments, even in developing countries. If you aren’t using at least one travel credit card, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
By utilizing cards that have bonuses that align with your spending habits it is possible to save, and even make money. Cashback, perks, and sign-up bonuses are all ways to gain money with travel credit cards. We have compiled a list of some of the best travel credit cards for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers that should be considered in your ongoing journeys and travel purchases. The following list highlights the best credit cards for travelers and digital nomads in 2024
Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads
1. Capital One Venture X Card
The Capital One Venture X is one of the newest travel credit cards, and it’s looking to dethrone the Chase Sapphire Reserve as the most popular traveler and digital nomad credit card in 2024.
- 75,000 bonus miles if you spend over $4,000 in the first 90 days
- 10,000 anniversary miles ($100 towards travel)
- 10x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit
- $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Airport lounge access via free Priority Pass membership with unlimited visits
- No cost for additional authorized users
- No foreign transaction fees
- $395 annual fee
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a low annual fee and a long list of benefits, making it among the most popular travel credit cards for expats and digital nomads alike.
- 80,000 bonus points when spending over $4,000 in the first three months ($1,000 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards)
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Redeem points as cash back or rewards in the travel portal
- You can receive comprehensive insurance for various services such as trip cancellations, rental cars, and even baggage delays
- Emergency and travel assistance services
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card is beneficial for travelers who spend a significant amount of money on flights and hotels when traveling. The following advantages are available to you here:
- 3% cashback on dining and traveling
- Access to airport lounges
- Upgrades at top resorts and hotels
- Reimbursement of Global Entry and TSA pre-check
- Up to $300 annual travel credit
- 50,000 bonus points when spending over $4,000 in the first three months
- Insurance for car rental, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency transportation.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $450 annual fee
4. American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card that has a long list of benefits that digital nomads will appreciate:
- 125,000 bonus points when spending $6,000 in the first six months
- 5x points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com
- 5x points on hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
- 1x points on all other purchases
- $200 credit for airline fees (checked bags, meals, and more)
- $200 hotel credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit (Audible, Disney+, ESPN+, Peacock, Hulu, and more)
- $200 Uber Cash ($15 each month, plus a $20 bonus in December)
- $100 TSA pre-check and Global Entry credit
- Membership in certain car rental services and car rental insurance
- Access to American Express lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
- $550 annual fee
This card has the highest annual fee, but more perks than some of the others. If you frequently use things like Uber and streaming services, this card can be more than worth the cost. Also, the American Express lounges are often some of the nicer lounges in airports, so for expats, digital nomads, and travelers your travels and stay get a little more comfortable.
5. Capital One VentureOne Card
Capital One VentureOne is one of the most frequently used travel credit cards available. It has a multitude of features that any digital nomad, expat, or frequent traveler will appreciate:
- 20,000 bonus miles if the user spends over $500 in the first three months
- 1.25 miles per every dollar spent
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Hotel upgrades and discounts on specific retailers
- Waiver for car rental collision damage
- Complimentary concierge service
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fees
6. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Cards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who only travel once in a while. Some advantages while using this credit card are:
- 1.5 points for every dollar spent
- 25,000 bonus points when spending over $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
- Redeem points for car rentals or other travel expenses, flights, and hotels
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fees
7. Barclays Miles & More World Elite Card
The Barclays Miles & More World Elite Card is a MasterCard explicitly designed for frequent travelers. Here are a few of the advantages:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on ticket purchases from Miles & More partners
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 2 yearly Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers
- Account anniversary companion ticket
- 60,000 bonus miles when spending over $3,000 in the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
- $89 annual fee
8. American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card is an excellent travel credit card if you travel frequently and book hotels and car rentals. Here are a few of the advantages:
- 40,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first six months
- 3x points per dollar spent on restaurants (including takeout & delivery)
- 3x points per dollar spent on transit (taxis, buses, trains, tolls, etc.)
- 3x points on travel (airfare, hotels, tours, cruises, etc.)
- 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases
- $100 CLEAR® Credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- $150 annual fee
9. Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
The Chase In Business Preferred card is a credit card for those who are traveling and have their own business. With its heavy focus on generating points for business expenses, it is a great card for digital nomad entrepreneurs. Here’s what you may anticipate:
- 100,000 bonus points when spending over $15,000 within the first three months ($1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel rewards when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards)
- 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in each account anniversary year
- 3 points per dollar spent on digital ad spend (Facebook, Google, and other social media and search engine ads)
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel-related
- 1 Point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $95 annual fee
Extra Tips for Digital Nomads Using Credit Cards when Traveling
Credit cards are a great tool for utilizing the digital nomad, expat, and traveler lifestyle. Like all tools, you have to know the time and place to use your credit cards. It’s easy to get carried away and overspend on your card, but that can negate the positive perks. These credit card tips are helpful to know before you get 20 credit cards and start spending your hard-earned money:
- Don’t miss out on the welcome bonuses! Depending on the card and the time of year, you can get up to $1,500 in bonuses for spending over a certain amount in a specified time period. These bonuses change throughout the year, so keep an eye out for good opportunities.
- Pay for everything possible with your credit card to maximize your points. Digital nomads can often put their rent on their credit card if living out of an AirBnb, hotel, or similar. This is a great way to maximize your rewards.
- Even though some of these cards provide a lot of credit, be careful not to overspend. Remember that when your credit card debt is deducted at the end of the month, you must have the amount in your bank account. So don’t go overboard.
- When choosing a credit card, keep your credit score in mind. If your score isn’t high enough the APR and approval rates might not be at a level you’re comfortable with. A high APR can cause balances to go up 11 – 30% of the remaining balance. That adds up quickly and can get out of control before you know it. Having a low credit score can also cause you to not be eligible for certain cards. Being ineligible means that you have a hard credit inquiry that will stick to your credit score and lower it until it is able to fall off.
- Having too many credit cards might affect your credit score, even if you don’t have any debts. Having a lot of credit cards without a lot of income looks suspicious to banks and other lenders.
While it might not be a good idea to have too many cards at once, you may undoubtedly choose one to three different ones in your endeavors.
Final Words: Travel Rewards Credit Card for Digital Nomads
As you can see, there are a variety of excellent travel credit cards available. The right one for you is based on a myriad of factors determined by your personal requirements, such as what perks and benefits you need and how often you’ll be utilizing it.
Right now, we recommend the Capital One Venture X. As a newcomer to the travel credit card scene, it is packed with perks. From no foreign transaction fees and car rental insurance to global entry credits and airport lounge access, this card is a great value for an annual fee of $395. Plus, they often have a strong welcome bonus when you sign up.
If you aren’t as serious of a traveler or are looking for a card with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is another great option.
Whatever credit card you choose, keep a close eye on your purchasing habits to avoid overspending and jeopardizing your livelihood. Being a responsible credit card user is not hard, but it does take some self-control and practice.
We keep this article updated with the latest cards and information. If you want more information about travel and finances, subscribe to our digital nomad newsletter!
