Top Adventure Travel Credit Cards for 2024

This series on credit cards, travel rewards, and budgeting is brought to you in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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Planning your next big adventure? Whether it's rafting the Grand Canyon, climbing Mount Everest, or cycling through Slovenia, selecting the right credit card can help you earn points on every purchase, getting you there faster and with added benefits.

For adventure travelers, the ideal credit card not only helps you save for your journey but also offers protection in case things don’t go as planned.

Adventure seekers need a credit card that accumulates plenty of travel points while offering flexible redemption options and travel protections for a reasonable annual fee. This way, you’ll maximize your points and get the best value whether booking last minute or planning ahead. The top adventure travel cards also include a range of travel insurance benefits, providing significant savings for those on the go.

Crucially, the right credit card can offer essential travel protections when things go awry. If your trip gets delayed, canceled, or your luggage is lost, the travel insurance linked to your card can help you navigate these challenges without excessive costs, allowing you to continue your journey or reschedule without financial strain.

When identifying the best credit cards for adventure travel, we've evaluated welcome bonuses, ongoing perks, and the absence of foreign transaction fees for international purchases. Without further delay, here are the top credit cards for adventure travel.

Getting Started with Travel Points and Airline Miles

Top Adventure Travel Credit Cards for 2024

• Best Overall: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best for Surfers and Skiers: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

• Best for Activities: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best for Rental Car Insurance: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best for Cell Phone Protection: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

How to Utilize Points and Miles for Travel Savings

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best Overall Choice

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out as the top choice for adventure travelers due to its robust insurance coverage, high rewards on travel purchases, and valuable perks—all at a reasonable annual fee. The card provides up to $120 in fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, helping you breeze through security and immigration. Few cards at this price point offer such benefits, along with two complimentary lounge visits each year.

Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy discounts on unique experiences via Gravity Haus, a social club tailored for adventurers. The card grants $300 off a Gravity Haus membership, and cardholders receive free museum access through a six-month membership with The Cultivist.

When it’s time to redeem rewards for your next journey, the card allows you to do so at a value of 1 cent per mile. Alternatively, you can transfer miles at a 1:1 ratio to numerous airlines and hotel loyalty programs for greater value.

Welcome Bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel Benefits: Enjoy a complimentary six-month membership with The Cultivist, $300 off Gravity Haus membership, Hertz Five Star status, two annual visits to Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges, up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, plus rental car and travel accident insurance.

Credit Score: Good to Excellent.

Annual Fee: $95.

Advantages

• Complimentary membership with The Cultivist, plus $300 off a Gravity Haus membership.

• Includes travel accident insurance and rental car coverage.

• Attractive welcome bonus and ongoing rewards for purchases.

Disadvantages

• Limited rewards on travel booked outside of Capital One.

• Capital One checks your credit with all three bureaus when applying for a card.

The Top Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: Top Choice for Skiers and Surfers

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card is an excellent option for those who love to surf or ski. With over 9,000 hotels and timeshares worldwide, Wyndham offers many choices for adventure seekers. You can book these accommodations starting at just 7,500 points per room, or opt for a cash and points award beginning at 1,500 points. Additionally, cardholders enjoy a 10% discount on full award nights, making stays even more affordable.

This flexibility makes the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card a fantastic choice for adventure travelers. The card provides a generous welcome bonus that can translate into 10 or more free nights, and its annual fee is lower than most hotel credit cards.

Welcome Bonus: 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on eligible purchases at Hotels by Wyndham and qualifying gas stations; 2X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Walmart and Target); 1X point on all other purchases (excluding down payments for Wyndham Vacation Club).

Travel Benefits: Automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, exclusive cardmember booking discount, annual 7,500-point bonus, and no foreign transaction fees.

Required Credit Score: Good to Excellent.

Annual Fee: $75. See rates and fees.

Advantages

• Receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year when you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases.

• Automatic Platinum status offers valuable benefits such as late checkout, early check-in, and upgrades on rental car status.

Disadvantages

• $75 annual fee.

The Top Credit Cards for Rental Cars

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for Activities and Experiences

No adventure is complete without exciting activities. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you gain access to exclusive experiences and discounts. The Venture X card includes a complimentary PRIOR subscription, valued at $149, which unlocks unique travel experiences and destination guides.

For those seeking more leisurely pursuits, the card provides a six-month membership with The Cultivist, offering free access to hundreds of renowned museums around the globe. You can even bring along two guests. Notable eligible museums include the prestigious New York Met Museum, San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art, and the Picasso Museum in Paris.

Additionally, Venture X cardholders enjoy a $300 discount on an annual Gravity Haus membership, a social club tailored for adventure enthusiasts. Members benefit from discounts on hotel stays, premium travel gear, and more perks.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel Benefits: $300 annual credit for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles each year on your card anniversary; access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass Select membership; complimentary PRIOR subscription; six-month Cultivist membership; $300 discount on Gravity Haus social club membership; up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; Hertz President’s Circle status; access to Premier Collection hotels for exclusive discounts and perks; rental car coverage; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services; up to $800 in cell phone protection.

Credit Score Required: Excellent.

Annual Fee: $395.

Advantages

• Discounts on activities and experiences through PRIOR, The Cultivist, and Gravity Haus memberships.

• High earning potential on travel purchases.

• Comprehensive travel protections.

Disadvantages

• The Cultivist membership lasts only six months.

• Relatively high annual fee.

Capital One Venture X review: an outstanding credit card for travel enthusiasts

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Ideal for comprehensive travel insurance

Travel insurance is vital for adventure travelers, and many choose to purchase a policy. If you're seeking a credit card that offers extensive coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the perfect choice. It provides up to $10,000 per person (up to $20,000 total) in trip cancellation and interruption insurance, reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is unexpectedly cut short.

If your journey is delayed by more than six hours, Sapphire Reserve’s trip delay reimbursement covers up to $500 per ticket for expenses like meals and hotel stays that aren’t covered by other means. Additionally, your luggage is protected for up to $3,000 per passenger against loss or damage, provided you charge your travel expenses to the card.

The Sapphire Reserve offers rental car insurance covering up to $75,000 for theft and damage both in the U.S. and internationally. Cardholders also benefit from emergency evacuation and transportation services, which are rare among credit cards. This policy covers up to $100,000 for medical services and transportation during emergencies, ensuring peace of mind for adventure seekers.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. That's equivalent to $900 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booking travel through Chase Travel℠, after the first $300 spent on travel purchases annually. Additionally, earn 3x points on other travel and dining purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other expenses.

Travel Benefits: Receive up to $300 in annual travel statement credits for expenses like airfare, hotels, and rental cars; enjoy airport lounge access via Priority Pass Select; get up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years; and benefit from travel protections such as cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000) and lost luggage reimbursement.

Credit Score: Excellent.

Annual Fee: $550 (plus $75 for each authorized user). See rates and fees.

Pros

• Comprehensive travel insurance that covers luggage, rental vehicles, emergencies, and trip delays or interruptions.

• Generous rewards on travel-related purchases.

Cons

• High annual fee, plus an additional $75 fee for authorized users.

• Approval is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.

Chase Sapphire review: a detailed exploration of the card favored by travelers

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for rental car insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is perfect for adventure travelers who enjoy road trips in rental cars, whether in the U.S. or abroad. It features primary auto collision insurance, typically costing around $15 per day from most rental companies. This coverage protects your rental vehicle from damage and theft up to its full cash value.

While car rental insurance is common among premium cards like the Sapphire Preferred, not all provide primary coverage. Secondary coverage means you must first file a claim with your personal insurance before the credit card coverage activates. A standout feature of the Sapphire Preferred’s rental car insurance is that it covers both domestic and international rentals, offering ultimate peace of mind.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, equating to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases eligible for the $50 Annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit); 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and in-restaurant meals; 3X points on online grocery shopping; 3X points on select streaming services; 2X points on all other travel expenses; and 1X point on everything else.

Travel benefits: Enjoy an annual $50 Chase Travel℠ hotel credit, no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and access to travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Primary rental car insurance provides coverage up to the vehicle’s cash value, even for rentals made overseas.

• Earn up to 5 points per dollar on travel purchases, including rental cars, through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

• Offers valuable travel protections such as trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage delay insurance.

Cons

• Only earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases made outside the Chase Travel℠ portal.

• Annual fee of $95.

• Approval may be affected by Chase’s 5/24 rule.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide: one of the top loyalty programs available

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Ideal for cell phone protection

For adventure travelers, having a cell phone is crucial for staying connected with family and friends. However, this valuable device is often at risk while traveling, whether from drops or theft. The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers up to $600 in travel insurance for your phone each year, making it an exceptional benefit for a card without an annual fee, especially with a modest $25 deductible compared to many premium cards.

Additionally, the Autograph card provides primary rental car insurance and access to travel and emergency assistance services. Its generous rewards rate helps you make the most of every dollar spent while traveling.

Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months.

Rewards: Earn 3X points on travel, gas, dining, transit, and popular streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive up to $600 per year in cell phone protection (with a $25 deductible), secondary rental car insurance in the U.S., primary rental coverage for rentals abroad, plus travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Offers $600 in cell phone protection annually.

• Primary rental car coverage is valid for international rentals.

• Generous earning potential in travel-related spending categories.

Cons

• In the U.S., rental car insurance is secondary and limited to just 15 consecutive days—half the coverage offered by most other cards.

• Points are valued at only one cent each for travel redemptions and cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.

Traveling to New Zealand using points and miles

Who should consider an adventure travel credit card?

Anyone embarking on an adventure who desires the convenience, security, and rewards of a credit card should think about applying for one. This includes outdoor enthusiasts who partake in activities like hiking, camping, or water sports, as well as those planning safari trips or journeys to remote areas. A credit card is beneficial for booking flights, accommodations, and activities, as well as for handling emergencies or unexpected costs that may arise during the journey.

People who often travel internationally for adventurous pursuits should also look into obtaining a credit card. Many cards offer perks like no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and emergency assistance services, which can be invaluable when venturing to remote or unfamiliar places. These benefits provide reassurance and contribute to a seamless and enjoyable adventure travel experience.

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How to select the ideal credit card for adventure travel

When selecting the ideal credit card for adventure travel, several factors come into play. Start by looking for a card that provides travel rewards or benefits that match your travel goals. For instance, if you often book flights or accommodations, a card that offers bonus points or miles on travel expenses may be perfect. Additionally, consider whether the card includes valuable perks like travel insurance, which can be crucial during adventurous trips.

Next, keep an eye on any fees tied to the credit card. If you intend to use your card internationally during your adventures, opt for cards with no foreign transaction fees. Also, evaluate any annual fees to ensure that the card's benefits justify the costs.

Another key consideration is how widely the credit card is accepted at your travel destination. Visa and Mastercard are recognized globally, so having a credit card from one of these networks can be advantageous for international adventures.

Finally, think about the rewards and ongoing perks associated with the card. If you plan to use a credit card for all your travel and everyday expenses, you'll want rewards that are flexible and easy to redeem. A card that offers transferable rewards, like the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred, is a great choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top credit card for adventure travel?

The ideal credit card for adventure travel varies based on your travel objectives and spending patterns. Our top recommendation is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which provides essential travel protections, generous rewards, and valuable travel perks at a competitive annual fee.

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What features should adventure travelers seek in a credit card?

When selecting a credit card, adventure travelers should prioritize features such as robust travel insurance, generous bonus points on travel expenditures, and ongoing benefits. Always weigh the card's benefits against any annual fees to ensure you receive good value.

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Are credit cards beneficial for adventure travelers?

For adventure travelers who maximize their benefits or accumulate significant points annually, credit cards can be highly valuable.

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Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, nor have they been reviewed or endorsed by these entities.