Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
September 5, 2024 • 18 min read
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article reviews top travel cards suited for digital nomads and long-term travelers, focusing on those offering strong travel protections and flexible rewards.
It compares several options, highlighting unique benefits such as lounge access, statement credits, and travel-related insurance.
The guide also addresses the value of airline, hotel, and business cards for those with specific loyalty preferences or business needs while traveling extensively.
Personal experience from a long-term digital nomad informs the recommendations and practical considerations.
What to consider
Some benefits, such as certain statement credits or perks, may only be usable within the U.S. or require enrollment before activation.
Annual credits and protections can offset costs, but maximizing value depends on individual travel patterns and ability to use specific perks.
Select offers mentioned in the article are no longer available.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of travel card features, protections, and which options best fit different digital nomad lifestyles.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The right travel credit card is important for any trip as it can earn points or miles and provide valuable travel protections. But what if you travel for months at a time as a digital nomad?
My husband and I have been living on the road as digital nomads for more than six years. We work remotely online while traveling with no permanent home base. So, I’m writing this piece from a prolonged, personal experience.
Although every traveler values credit card benefits differently, this guide considers some of the cards that I believe are the best fit if you’re living the extended travel or digital nomad life.
The best cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers
First, the quick hit list of the best cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers. I’ll get into the details below.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The best overall card for travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express: The best card for premium travel benefits
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The best fixed-rate travel rewards card
Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): The best sub-$100-annual-fee card for travel and extended warranty protection
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.
Comparison of the best cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers
Card
Welcome bonus
Earning rates
Annual fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.
10 points per dollar on Chase Dining℠ purchases booked through Ultimate Rewards
10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠*
5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel*
5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
3 points per dollar on all other dining and travel purchases
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
$550
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on the first $500,000 spent per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
1 point per dollar on other purchases
$895 (see rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
10 miles per dollar on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
$395
Citi Strata Premier Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) when booking through CitiTravel.com
3 points per dollar on air travel, other hotel purchases, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, restaurants and supermarkets
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
$95
American Express Green Card
Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership.
3 points per dollar on restaurants and travel, including transit
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
$150
*After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
Now, let's dive deeper into what each of these cards has to offer. All of the welcome bonus valuations below are based on TPG's September 2024 valuations.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of TPG's favorite premium cards, thanks to its benefits and earning rates.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome bonus value: $1,230
Rewards:
10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel
10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards on prepaid restaurant reservations
5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel
5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
3 points per dollar on all other dining and travel purchases
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
(Note that the elevated earn rates for travel purchases come into effect after the first $300 in travel purchases made on the card in a calendar year.)
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card for long-term travelers because it earns 3 points per dollar on many travel purchases (after the first $300 spent on travel in a calendar year) and dining purchases.
It's travel protections are another reason why it's a great choice for digital nomads. These protections include everything from reimbursements for expenses related to travel delays and delayed baggage to emergency medical and dental benefits.
Although the annual fee is $550, the up-to-$300 annual travel credit, strong earnings on travel and dining purchases and travel protections can provide significant value when you’re on the road all the time.
Plus, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for 1.5 cents apiece through Chase Travel.
If you can maximize the statement credits and benefits that the Amex Platinum offers, it's a fantastic card for the long-term traveler.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome bonus: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Welcome bonus value: Up to $3,500
Rewards:
5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 per dollar) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
Annual Uber Cash credit of up to $200 each calendar year (up to $15 each month, up to $35 in December; Amex Platinum Card must be added to the Uber app and you can redeem with an Amex card; Uber Cash is only valid in the U.S.)*
Up to a $120 statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership for Uber One (enrollment required)
Travel protections, including trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance**
Shopping protections, including extended warranty protection*** and purchase protection***
No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
*Enrollment required for select benefits. Terms apply to all benefits.
**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Annual fee: $895
The Amex Platinum comes with numerous annual statement credits and the most comprehensive lounge benefits of any card on the market.
It’s worth noting that you likely won’t be able to maximize every credit. And admittedly, those of us who spend a lot of time outside the U.S. may have trouble using the Uber perk, since it’s a monthly credit that’s only good in the United States.
However, lounge access — especially to Centurion Lounges — and hotel elite status at Marriott and Hilton can be especially valuable to those living on the road.
The primary reason I believe the Amex Platinum is worth it for long-term travelers and digital nomads: the travel protections. However, note that enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X has one of the lowest annual fees of any premium travel card currently on the market.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome bonus value: $1,388
Rewards:
10 miles per dollar on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
Standout benefits:
$300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
10,000 miles anniversary bonus
Unlimited Capital One lounge access
Hertz President’s Circle status**
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Auto rental collision damage waiver*
Extended warranty protection*
No foreign transaction fees
*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.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply
The card’s $300 annual Capital One travel credit and 10,000-anniversary miles make for great benefits on a yearly basis. The Venture X stands out with the ability to add a number of authorized users at no cost who also receive access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges with the ability to bring up to two guests each.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
The Citi Strata Premier often falls under the radar compared to other higher-end travel cards, but any long-term traveler should look into it.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Welcome bonus value: $1,080
Rewards:
10 ThankYou points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) when booking through CitiTravel.com
3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, gas stations, EV charging stations, restaurants and supermarkets
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Standout benefits:
Extended warranty protection and purchase protection
Redeem points directly for airfare through CitiTravel.com or transfer points to 20 airline and hotel partners
Annual $100 statement credit per calendar year for a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through CitiTravel.com or by calling Citi
Add an authorized user to your account at no additional cost
No foreign transaction fees
Annual fee: $95
The Citi Strata Premier features a 24-month extended warranty benefit that can be especially useful when living on the road, as nomadic life can take a toll on electronics and other gear. Plus, it carries a fantastic earning rate for a nice blend of everyday and travel-related purchases.
It's also much cheaper than many of the other cards on this list, so if you're traveling on a budget it may be the right card for you.
Travel protections, including trip delay insurance** when you purchase an eligible round-trip ticket with your card and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance***
Shopping protections, including purchase protection** and extended warranty**
No foreign transaction fees
*Enrollment required for select benefits.
**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Annual fee: $150
The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar on travel, including transit, which can provide great value to frequent travelers. The Amex Green’s annual fee is slightly higher than the Citi Strata Premier Card, but the Amex Green has annual statement credits that can more than offset the $150 annual fee if you’re able to get significant value from a Clear Plus membership and LoungeBuddy.
If you frequently fly a particular airline or stay at a particular hotel brand, it may make sense to carry a cobranded credit card from the airline or hotel.
These cards provide many benefits, which can range from free checked bags to extra award availability to bonus-earning to elite status.
Take a look at TPG’s guide to airline credit cards to see if the benefits provided by any cobranded airline credit cards make sense for your travel. Many of the cards provide a free checked bag, which can save you big time when you fly frequently — especially if you tend to purchase basic economy fares.
Even if you only check a bag a few times each year, cards such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) and United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) can pay off.
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
Check out TPG’s guide to hotel credit cards to see if signing up for a hotel cobranded credit card makes sense for your travel style.
For example, I’ve gotten excellent value from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees). Since I often stay at IHG hotels, the benefits that come with this card easily make up for the $99 annual fee.
I also love the benefits that come with Hilton Diamond Elite status from the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, but the card’s $550 annual fee (see rates and fees) may be difficult to justify if you don’t stay at Hilton properties frequently.
Many long-term travelers and digital nomads have businesses that they’re running from the road. These travelers may find it useful to have one or more business cards as well.
One business card that’s particularly well-suited to long-term travelers and digital nomads is the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees).
SOFIE DELAUW/GETTY IMAGES
This card earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined purchases spent on travel, shipping, social media and search engine advertising and internet/cable/phone services each account anniversary year, plus 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
The Ink Business Preferred offers cellphone insurance, primary rental car insurance on business-related rentals and no foreign transaction fees.
Bottom line
If your work position is remote, you may be able to give the digital nomad life a try. If you decide to hit the road, having any of the cards on this list can make your work and travel experience a lot more secure.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, click here.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
