The best credit cards for families

Families have a variety of needs: groceries, diapers, shoes for growing children, gymnastics classes, medical visits—and when the chance arises, a well-deserved vacation.

Fortunately, the essential expenses your family incurs (like groceries and doctor visits) can contribute to funding your desired experiences (like vacations), provided you select the right credit card.

In the current market, the best credit cards for families offer much more than just a way to manage expenses. However, this requires responsible credit card use. If you feel your family isn't ready for that yet, consider checking out these articles first:

• Strategies for consolidating and eliminating credit card debt
• Tips for avoiding and minimizing credit card interest

If your family uses credit cards wisely and you’re seeking a card that enhances your lifestyle, let’s explore the top credit cards for families and the benefits they can provide.

Our criteria for selecting the best family credit cards

While many of the top credit cards are often deemed the best for all consumers, families have unique needs that set them apart from those without kids.

For instance, families typically spend more in certain categories and require more adaptable rewards.

To identify the best credit cards for families, we analyzed top cards across three categories, focusing on:

1. The most versatile, valuable, and user-friendly rewards
2. Attractive welcome bonuses
3. Cards with substantial built-in benefits that families can genuinely utilize
4. Cards that provide additional cash back or bonus points in categories where families tend to spend the most

The top credit cards for families

• American Express® Green Card: Ideal for travel-related expenses
• American Express® Gold Card: Perfect for earning points on grocery shopping at U.S. supermarkets and dining out
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Great for straightforward rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Excellent choice for beginners
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for a low annual fee
• JetBlue Plus Card: Best for accumulating family points
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Exceptional for luxury travel perks and daily benefits
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Top choice for family travel by air
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for stays at Hilton hotels
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG hotel stays
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Ideal for Marriott accommodations
• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hyatt hotel stays
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for cash back on grocery purchases at U.S. supermarkets
• Chase Freedom Flex®: Great for mobile phone protection
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Best for overall cash back rewards

The details for the American Express Green and JetBlue Plus cards have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

To enhance your selection process, we’ve categorized the cards into three groups—best travel credit cards, best hotel credit cards, and best cash-back credit cards—allowing you to choose the card that aligns with your ultimate goals. Please note that the current welcome bonus values for all cards listed below are based on TPG's August 2024 valuations, rather than those provided by the card issuers.

Top travel credit cards for families

Summer vacations, spring breaks, winter holidays, and simple weekend getaways are ideal opportunities for family travel, creating lasting memories together.

In assessing our best travel cards, especially those suited for families, we selected cards that offer straightforward (yet rewarding) options with maximum flexibility. Additionally, we’ve included a luxury card at the end for families seeking extensive perks both at home and while traveling.

American Express Gold Card

Current welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening your new account. Additionally, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible dining purchases (up to $100) within the first six months. This offer expires on Nov. 6.

Value of the welcome offer: Up to $1,300

Key benefits: The Amex Gold excels in categories where families often spend heavily. Cardholders earn 4 points per dollar on dining purchases at restaurants for the first $50,000 each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), 4 points per dollar on U.S. supermarket purchases up to $25,000 each year (then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and eligible purchases through amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other qualifying purchases.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Why it stands out: The Amex Gold excels beyond most other cards for earning bonus points on U.S. supermarket purchases and dining out at restaurants.

The card also provides up to $10 in dining credits per month (totaling up to $120 in statement credits each year), $10 in Uber Cash per month (usable for Uber Eats as well, also up to $120 annually), $7 monthly in Dunkin' credits (up to $84 per year), and up to $100 in annual Resy credits (up to $50 in statement credits every six months). Additionally, you can earn up to $100 in hotel credits when booking through Amex’s The Hotel Collection.

Enrollment is necessary for specific benefits, and terms apply. You must register your Amex Gold card in the Uber app to access Uber Cash; this is valid for U.S. purchases. The Resy statement credits can be utilized for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants and other eligible Resy transactions. To redeem The Hotel Collection credit, a minimum stay of two nights is required.

This is a must-have card for families that spend significantly on dining—whether through groceries at U.S. supermarkets or meals at restaurants.

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the American Express Gold Card.

American Express Green Card

Current welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of your card membership.

Value of the welcome offer: $800

Key benefits: Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel, transit, and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $150

Why it's beneficial: You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on a wide range of travel expenses. Additionally, the card offers annual statement credits of up to $199 for Clear Plus and up to $100 for LoungeBuddy—both of which can be very useful when traveling with your family.

It’s also important to mention that children under 18 can access Clear for free when accompanied by an adult who has a membership, enhancing the value of this benefit. Enrollment is necessary for select perks, and terms apply.

You’ll benefit from trip delay insurance covering round-trip flights. You’ll be protected if you pay for the entire ticket with your card, use your card for taxes and fees on award tickets, or utilize Pay with Points. The Membership Rewards points earned can be transferred to more than 20 airline and hotel partners.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the American Express Green Card.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $1,388 when you combine the bonus miles with travel credits

Key benefits: Earn 5 Capital One miles per dollar on rental cars and hotels booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. This card also offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $120) and does not charge foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Why it’s valuable: In addition to earning highly flexible miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses or transferred to over 15 airline and hotel partners, the card’s straightforward design is a major draw for many users.

Capital One miles can be transferred to popular programs like Air Canada's Aeroplan (which offers great lap-infant award prices) and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles, helping you save significantly on miles when flying with partner airlines like United Airlines.

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account, plus receive a $300 statement credit for Chase Travel℠ purchases made in the first year.

Value of the welcome offer: Up to $1,530 (including the $300 travel credit).

Key benefits: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar on Lyft (valid through March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase portal, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Cardholders receive a 10% anniversary points bonus every year, a complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), an annual $50 hotel credit, and a variety of travel protections to cover your family's next adventure.

Annual fee: $95

Why it’s valuable: While it may lack some of the luxurious features of the pricier Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains an excellent choice for earning bonus points on travel and dining, along with robust travel protections. It's often my top recommendation for those new to earning miles and points.

You can transfer points to airline partners like United and Southwest, or redeem them directly through the Chase Travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. This flexibility is advantageous when you come across a great cash deal on flights. Additionally, points can be used for savings at theme parks like Universal Studios.

If you prefer not to pay the $550 annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve or your credit score isn't yet high enough for that premium card, the Sapphire Preferred is a very strong alternative.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Citi Strata Premier Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. You may find a better offer at citi.com.

Welcome offer value: $1,260

Standout benefits: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding airfare) booked through CitiTravel.com. Additionally, earn 3 ThankYou points per dollar at restaurants (including takeout), supermarkets, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, airline tickets, and other hotel expenses. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Similar to American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi has partnerships with airline transfer partners, allowing you to transfer your Citi ThankYou points to various loyalty programs, often with periodic transfer bonuses.

While Citi's lineup of transfer partners isn't as U.S.-focused as Chase Ultimate Rewards, it includes some strong options like Avianca LifeMiles and valuable hotel partners such as Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's worth it: With an annual fee of only $95, the Citi Strata Premier has been a staple in my wallet for years. Its bonus categories are both valuable and family-friendly, covering many common household expenses.

If you'd prefer not to redeem points at a fixed value, you can transfer them to some valuable partners, allowing for more extensive travel options. While many partners are international, JetBlue serves as an excellent domestic choice for families, enabling them to pool their points for award tickets.

Families can also benefit from Citi Strata Premier perks, such as a $100 hotel credit (on a single stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees) for bookings made through CitiTravel.com, as well as protections on purchases like extended warranty and damage and theft protection.

Discover more: Citi Strata Premier

JetBlue Plus Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $650

Standout benefits: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Cardholders enjoy a complimentary first checked bag (along with up to three companions on the same reservation), a 5,000-point bonus each year on the anniversary of their account, 50% back on in-flight purchases, a 10% rebate on points used for award flights, and a $100 statement credit each year after booking a JetBlue Vacations package.

Annual fee: $99

Why it's worth it: The JetBlue TrueBlue program enables family members to combine their points for quicker award flight access. JetBlue provides an exceptional onboard experience for families, featuring complimentary assigned seating, the most legroom in economy among U.S. airlines, a free snack basket, and both complimentary DirecTV and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi for all passengers.

Families looking to leverage JetBlue's family-friendly initiatives will gain from the JetBlue Plus credit card, which offers valuable points and savings on JetBlue award flights, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases. Additionally, spending on this card can help achieve JetBlue Mosaic elite status over the year.

With JetBlue offering flights to Europe, this credit card allows you to use your points for transatlantic travel.

To find out more, check out our comprehensive review of the JetBlue Plus.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Welcome offer value: $700

Standout benefits: This Southwest card is packed with family-friendly perks, but keep in mind there are three personal Southwest cards, each of which can help you achieve the highly sought-after Southwest Companion Pass annually. With the Companion Pass, you can select a friend or family member to fly with you on Southwest for just the taxes.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority provides a $75 travel credit each year, awards 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards points on your anniversary, and gives you 25% back on inflight beverages and Wi-Fi.

You'll earn 3 points for every dollar spent with Southwest, 2 points per dollar on purchases from Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners, local transit and commuting expenses, internet, cable, phone bills, and select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $149

Why it's worth it: Southwest Airlines ranks among our top choices for family travel, largely because its Rapid Rewards program is incredibly easy for families to navigate.

Should your plans shift, you can redeposit your awards without any fees, making the points accumulated through Southwest credit cards particularly advantageous for families with school schedules or changing plans. Additionally, everyone enjoys complimentary checked bags when flying Southwest, a significant benefit for families.

To discover more, read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Current welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Welcome offer value: $1,600

Standout benefits: This card is perfect for those seeking premium travel perks along with a wide range of benefits for everyday use.

As a cardholder, you can enjoy a variety of statement credits: up to $200 in airline incidental credits annually, up to $200 in hotel credits each year, up to $200 in Uber Cash annually (which can also be applied to Uber Eats; Uber Cash will only be added to one Uber account when you link the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card; valid for U.S. transactions), up to $240 in annual streaming and digital entertainment credits, up to $100 in annual statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue (divided into $50 every six months), and reimbursement for one monthly Walmart+ membership for grocery deliveries without additional fees (up to $12.95 each month plus applicable taxes; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups are excluded), among other benefits. Enrollment is required for some benefits.

Cardholders gain entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will enjoy 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card each year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight).

Cardholders also receive complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, elite status with several car rental services, and various shopping and travel protections.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Why it's worth it: While the annual fee on this card may seem steep, it can be justified if you utilize the benefits offered. Access to lounges during travel helps save on costly food and drinks at airports, and they provide a more comfortable environment to relax during layovers.

Your travel experience is enhanced with hotel elite status and expedited airport security, as the Amex Platinum card offers an annual statement credit of up to $199 for a Clear Plus membership each calendar year.

Even when you're not traveling, you can benefit from credits for streaming services, perks for grocery delivery, and yearly credits for ride-hailing services and dining. Families in search of abundant perks will find plenty here.

Keep in mind that some benefits require prior enrollment, and terms apply.

To learn more, read our comprehensive review of the Amex Platinum.

Top hotel credit cards for families

Hotel credit cards can help your family secure upgraded rooms, enjoy complimentary breakfasts, access resort credits, or provide automatic elite status to enhance your stays away from home. This applies whether you need a room close to grandparents or are planning a getaway to resorts in Hawaii and beyond.

Many of these cards also offer a free night award each year as long as you keep the card and pay the annual fee.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of your card membership.

Welcome offer value: $990

Standout benefits: Receive complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors, granting perks like room upgrades and free breakfast, along with a fifth night free on award stays when using points.

Annual fee: $150 annual fee (see rates and fees)

Why it's worth it: There are several Hilton credit cards available, including the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees) which offers limited benefits, and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which charges a $550 fee for its premium perks and top-tier elite status.

Families in search of a reasonably priced card with genuine benefits should consider the Surpass card. Daily complimentary breakfasts or food and beverage credits through Gold status can lead to substantial savings before heading out for adventures, theme parks, or beach days.

In addition, Gold elite members can enjoy available room upgrades and avoid resort fees when booking award nights with points, potentially saving hundreds on a resort getaway.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The details provided here have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

To discover more, check out our complete review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $700

Standout benefits: Accumulate 10 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, 5 points per dollar on travel, dining, and gas expenses, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases. Along with the free night and points from the welcome offer, cardholders enjoy a free night award (valued up to 40,000 points) each year on their account anniversary.

Furthermore, you'll gain IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, which can provide benefits like room upgrades and welcome gifts. You'll earn points at an elevated rate on paid stays and also receive reimbursement for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus application fee.

Annual fee: $99

Why it's worth it: Beyond the annual free night, you'll also enjoy a fourth-night free benefit when redeeming points for hotel stays, equating to a 25% discount on four-night stays.

These two benefits alone can result in significant savings for your family, surpassing the card's $99 annual fee. With the elite status included, you'll receive upgrades and additional perks during your stays, and the card offers various travel protections in case of unexpected issues during your trip.

To learn more, check out our comprehensive review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Current welcome offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $1,063

Standout benefits: Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent annually at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Each year on your account anniversary, you’ll be granted a free night award valued at up to 35,000 points, along with automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and 15 elite night credits toward achieving higher status simply for holding this card.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's worth it: The yearly free night award can easily be redeemed for more than $95 in value, offsetting the annual fee. While Silver Elite status offers limited benefits, it does provide early check-in and late checkout, making your hotel experience more convenient.

Additionally, there are Marriott properties located near theme parks — including Disney World — where you can utilize your points and free night rewards.

To learn more, check out our comprehensive review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Current welcome offer: Receive five free nights at any Category 1 - 4 Hyatt hotel or resort after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Welcome offer value: Up to $1,530

Standout benefits: Earn 4 points for every dollar spent at Hyatt properties, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, airfare bought directly from airlines, dining, fitness clubs, and gym memberships, and 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases.

The World of Hyatt card offers every cardholder an annual free night at Category 1-4 hotels on their account anniversary, plus the opportunity to earn an additional free night in the same category by spending $15,000 within a cardmember year.

As a cardholder, you will automatically receive Discoverist status with Hyatt, which may include benefits like preferred room selections and complimentary bottled water in your room daily. You can also increase your status by using your credit card for purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's worth it: This card is especially well-suited for families, as Hyatt boasts some of the finest resorts worldwide, perfect for high-quality family vacations at competitive award rates. Check out our guide to the best Category 4 Hyatt properties for families, all of which you can book using your points and the free night award from the World of Hyatt card.

Hyatt waives resort fees for all guests using award nights. Additionally, the hotel often offers exclusive promotions for its cardholders, allowing you to save points or money. You can also enhance your World of Hyatt account balance by making 1:1 transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards.

To learn more, read our comprehensive review of the World of Hyatt card.

The best cash-back cards for families

While points and travel benefits are fantastic, cash reigns supreme for many families. If your family prefers not to deal with points, cash back is hard to beat. Despite the simplicity of cash, there are various card options available, even among cash back cards.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Current welcome offer: Receive a $250 statement credit after making $3,000 in qualifying purchases with your new card in the first six months.

Welcome offer value: $250

Standout benefits: Earn 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions, 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each calendar year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on transit (including parking, tolls, ride-hailing, and subway), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Cash back is provided in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be used for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. You'll also benefit from exclusive Amex Offers and various shopping protections that could save you significant amounts.

You can earn $7 back each month (up to $84 annually) after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto-renewal) for The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, using your card. Enrollment is required and terms apply.

Annual fee: $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees).

Why it's worth it: Earning higher cash back on groceries can result in significant savings for your family. Additionally, the ability to earn excellent rates on commuting costs and streaming services aligns well with modern family needs.

If your family already has or plans to subscribe to the Disney bundle, it makes the annual fee for this card even more justifiable.

To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred.

Chase Freedom Flex

Current welcome offer: Receive $200 cash back after making $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $200

Standout benefits: Earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in rotating categories each quarter (activation needed), 5% on Lyft rides (until March 2025), 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining, 3% at drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

As a cardholder, you will also benefit from cellphone protection each month when you pay your cellphone bill with this card, along with three months of free DashPass.

Annual fee: $0

Why it's worth it: The Freedom Flex card offers impressive cash back rates in categories where families typically spend, plus it includes cellphone protection—an uncommon feature for no-annual-fee cards.

The true advantage of the Freedom Flex is its synergy with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (a small-business credit card), allowing you to convert your cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for exceptional value through Chase's transfer partners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

Citi Double Cash Card

Current welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of opening your account.

Welcome offer value: $200

Standout benefits: The Citi Double Cash Card is straightforward yet rewarding. While it provides access to Citi Entertainment, it lacks many additional perks common in other cards with annual fees.

The card's main feature is the chance to earn 2% cash back on every dollar spent—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. If you also have a Citi card that earns ThankYou points, like the Strata Premier, your cash back can be converted into points for transfer to Citi's loyalty partners.

Annual fee: $0

Why it's worth it: The Citi Double Cash Card is a top choice for anyone seeking a straightforward cash-back option. While it may lack some of the extra features like purchase protection or travel insurance found in other cards, it offers a no-annual-fee experience with cash back that can be redeemed or used in various ways.

To maximize your rewards with the Double Cash card, consider pairing it with another Citi card that earns ThankYou Rewards points.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which credit card suits your family's needs best, you can transform everyday spending into rewards and benefits that everyone can enjoy together.

Just be sure to take full advantage of the available perks and avoid accruing interest and fees that could diminish the value of the rewards you earn.