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 risks with travel and rental car insurance and provide benefits like airport lounge access and travel-focused annual statement credits. If you're curious about some of the travel perks you can access with a credit card, we have you covered.
Lounge access
Airport lounges are one of the best parts of premium travel. They offer a spot to relax and refuel while you wait for your flight. Nowadays, several premium travel cards give you access to these lavish lounges.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers complimentary access to Capital One Lounges. You'll also enjoy perks like 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
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 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $1,388.
Alternatively, there's the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which offers an expansive lounge network through a Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders also have access to Chase's growing network of Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club.
You can earn a welcome offer of 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Based on our May 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $3,075.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are programs that give you expedited screening at U.S. airports for $85 (for TSA PreCheck) or $120 (for Global Entry). If you're eligible, it's best to pay extra for Global Entry, as TSA PreCheck benefits are included.
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 spent 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. Note that this credit will not cover the full cost of Global Entry, but it will cut down the cost to a very reasonable amount.
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 $209 each calendar year for a Clear Plus membership (enrollment is required; subject to auto-renewal).
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.
TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.
Related: Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Rental car insurance
Some of the best travel rewards cards provide primary rental car insurance that may allow you to decline a rental company's collision damage waiver.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the 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 among the most valuable cards for both 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 the 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. The card also offers bonus points on popular business expenses, including travel and advertising.
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 an airline lose your checked bag or you find yourself delayed overnight.
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 Airlines flyers and provides essential travel insurance to help mitigate risk.
If you're loyal to another airline, consider its 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.
There's also the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees), which similarly offers your first checked bag free.
Another great perk of the latter card is its two annual United Club passes. TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak appreciates the ability to use her United Explorer's United Club passes when she flies United.
Related: Airline baggage fees: How much it costs to check a bag on major US 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 three free night awards* after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award* after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
*Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Based on TPG's February 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,500. This card includes Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status each year, which provides additional benefits at Marriott hotels.
New World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) holders can earn up to 60,000 points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on up to $15,000 spent.
This card comes with World of Hyatt Discoverist status and can help you earn elite nights toward higher status tiers.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
Purchase protection
You might also opt for a card with purchase protection that covers the cost of items purchased 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 protection. Make sure to read your card's terms and conditions to understand the protections available to you.
Cellphone protection
Lastly, you might opt for a card with cellphone protection that covers loss or damage 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), which offers 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.
In addition to 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 on 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 long-term value and should be a factor in your decision 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.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.