9 valuable travel perks that you can get with a credit card
Editor's Note
There's no shortage of great perks you can get with a travel credit card — especially with several solid options currently on the market.
Premium travel cards can shield you from risk with travel and rental car insurance, in addition to providing benefits like lounge access and annual statement credits. If you're curious about some of the travel perks you can access with a credit card, we've got you covered.
Lounge access
Airport lounges are one of the best parts of premium travel. They offer a spot to relax while you wait for your flight. Several high-end cards offer access to lavish lounges.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers complimentary access to Capital One Lounges for cardholders, authorized users and up to two guests per visit. You'll also enjoy perks like 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
Finally, new account holders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG's February 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,388.
Then there's the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® card. For a $400 annual fee, cardholders enjoy a 12-month Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges. You'll also get up to $325 in annual credits for travel and dining, as well as bonus points on mobile wallet purchases. Note that this card is currently closed to new applicants.
Lastly, there's the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which offers an expansive lounge network through a Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders can also gain entry into Chase's growing network of Sapphire lounges.
You can earn a welcome offer of 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Based on our valuations, this offer is $2,563 (including the Chase Travel credit).
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for airport lounge access
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are programs that allow you to cut the line at airport security and immigration, allowing for expedited screenings over a five-year period for $120 (Global Entry) or $85 (TSA PreCheck). It's best to pay extra for Global Entry as TSA PreCheck is included in the $120 fee.
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you'll enjoy a credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, letting you enjoy the program of your choice for only a $95 annual fee. The Venture Rewards card also offers at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to memorize and a number of other solid mid-tier perks.
Another card offering credits is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. This card offers a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credit of up to $100 every four years. Plus, new cardholders can earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. Note that this credit will not cover the full cost of Global Entry.
If you want to save even more time, you can grab a card that will reimburse you for an annual Clear Plus membership. The American Express® Green Card is one of these cards, offering up to $199 each calendar year for a Clear Plus membership. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Rental car insurance
Some of the best travel rewards cards provide rental car insurance that may allow you to decline a rental company's collision damage waiver.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) are two valuable cards that offer primary rental car insurance on most rentals.
The Sapphire products are some of the most valuable cards for travel beginners and experts. They offer perks that include up to $300 in annual travel credits (via the Sapphire Reserve) and a $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through Chase Travel℠ (via the Sapphire Preferred).
No foreign transaction fees
If you travel internationally often, you'll want a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Cards like the Sapphire Preferred and Venture Rewards fit that bill. Each card lets you make purchases worldwide with no additional fees attached. Consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) for your international business spending.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a small thing that can prevent a big hassle should something go wrong on your next trip. Cards like the Sapphire Reserve have solid protections in place should you lose a bag or suffer a last-minute cancellation.
If you're a frequent flyer, you might want to consider a premium airline card like the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees). This card offers great value for frequent United flyers and crucial travel insurance if you're a frequent flyer trying to mitigate risk.
If you're loyal to another airline, consider their top credit card instead.
Free checked bags
Most cobranded airline credit cards offer complimentary checked bags for you and those traveling with your party.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you your first checked bag for free. New cardmembers can earn up to 90,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $5,000) in the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG's October 2025 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,125.
There's also the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees), which offers the first checked bag free for you and your companion. You get two United Club passes each year when the cardholder or authorized user travels and an up to $120 TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus credit every four years. New cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on our January 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $910.
TPG credit cards writer Olivia Mittak appreciates the ability to use her United Explorer's United Club passes when flying any Star Alliance airline.
Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines
Elite status
Many credit cards give you elite status for holding that particular card. This is primarily found with hotel credit cards.
You might consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) if you're a Marriott fan. New cardholders can earn five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. Additionally, you can receive up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
Based on TPG's March 2025 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,850. This card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status every year.
New World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) cardholders earn up to five free nights: three free nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, two free nights after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can be redeemed at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.
This card comes with World of Hyatt Discoverist status every year.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
Purchase protection
You also might opt for a card with purchase protection that covers the cost of items bought in the event of loss, theft or damage.
Most top-tier travel cards, like the Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X, offer purchase protection. If you have a large purchase coming up, it's wise to put it on a card with substantial purchase protections. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of your particular card so you understand what protections are available to you.
Cellphone protection
Lastly, you might opt for a card with cellphone protection that covers loss or damages when you pay your cellphone bill with the card.
The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) is one such option, covering up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year in cellphone protection. Cardholders can earn a valuable 5% cash back on select bonus categories that rotate each quarter once you activate (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter), plus 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
This no-annual-fee card is a great option for cash-back enthusiasts.
There's also the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees), offering up to $600 of cellular telephone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card. It offers a simple 2% cash rewards rate on purchases.
Along with cellular telephone protection, the card provides access to the Visa Signature® Concierge and the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection. New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months.
Related: Link a credit card with cellphone protection to your mobile bill
Bottom line
Some of these perks aren't the most eye-catching, and you probably won't get a new credit card solely because it offers something like cellphone protection. However, some of these lesser-known benefits can provide value in the long run and should definitely be a factor in deciding on your next card.
You never know when something like travel or rental car insurance will come in handy.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees