Top credit cards for family travel in 2024

This collection of articles on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

Advertiser Disclosure: This article includes links to products from our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click these links. Terms apply to the offers mentioned. This relationship can influence how and where links are displayed on our site. Not all financial companies or offers are represented here. Details regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card, the Citi Premier Card, and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card have been independently sourced by Dinogo Planet. These cards are not available through Dinogo Planet. Terms may apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment could be necessary for select American Express benefits. For more details, visit americanexpress.com.

Traveling with children can be both thrilling and costly. To make adventures more budget-friendly, many families choose credit cards that provide rewards and benefits designed for travel.

An ideal credit card for family travel should feature a substantial welcome bonus that can be redeemed for flights, accommodations, and other travel expenses. Additionally, it should offer ongoing perks such as free checked bags, discounts on flights and hotels, and no foreign transaction fees. These benefits can significantly lower the cost of your family’s trips by reducing airfare and lodging expenses while traveling abroad.

Alongside these advantages, certain cards provide extra perks like priority boarding and access to airport lounges. This is particularly beneficial for families with young kids who may require additional assistance during boarding or while waiting at the airport.

When choosing a credit card for family travel, it’s essential to evaluate your options thoroughly to identify one that aligns best with your requirements. Look for cards that feature attractive welcome bonuses and ongoing benefits such as free checked bags or no foreign transaction fees to maximize your savings on family trips.

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

Here are our top recommendations for the best credit cards for traveling with kids:

Top credit cards for family travel in 2024

• Best for discounted airfare: Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

• Best for family lounge access: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best annual fee value: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best for earning rewards points: Citi Premier® Card

• Best for travel coverage: The Platinum Card® from American Express*

• Best for hotel rewards: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

Best choice for discounted airfare: Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

If you’re flying with kids, you likely want a card that helps you save on flights. The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is a fantastic option for reducing expenses on both paid and award tickets.

Although the Companion Fare is limited to economy tickets on Alaska Airlines, there are many routes where this can lead to substantial savings. For instance, flights to Hawaii can become expensive during peak seasons. Booking up to two companion tickets for just $99 plus taxes can result in significant discounts.

The card also enables you to book cheaper flights using airline miles. It allows you to earn up to 3 miles per dollar in various spending categories, plus a 10% annual rewards bonus. As part of the Oneworld airline alliance, Alaska Airlines lets you use your miles for flights on airlines like American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and more.

One of the best features of Alaska Airlines is its low award ticket prices within the Oneworld alliance. For instance, you can secure a domestic economy class ticket starting at just 5,000 miles each way, which costs 7,500 miles with American Airlines. International flights are also more affordable with the Alaska Mileage Plan, with one-way business class tickets to Asia beginning at only 50,000 Alaska miles instead of 60,000 American miles. Your miles stretch further with the Alaska Airlines Visa card.

Welcome bonus: Purchase one ticket and get another for just the taxes and fees while earning 60,000 bonus miles. To qualify, spend $3,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2X miles on qualifying gas, cable, streaming services, and local transit purchases; and 1X mile on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees starting from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 annually; free checked bags and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to six companions; 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when using your new card; $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership purchased with your Alaska card; 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned through card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account; no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to excellent credit.

Annual fee: $95.

Advantages

• Accrues valuable miles that can be used with over a dozen airlines for global travel.

• The $99 Companion Fare allows up to two companions.

• Offers a 10% bonus on all miles earned.

Disadvantages

• Relatively modest welcome bonus.

• Companion Fare is only applicable on Alaska flights and requires $6,000 in credit card purchases.

The top travel credit cards

Best for family lounge access: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Airports are currently bustling, and airline lounges offer a much-needed escape for families. While many credit cards provide access to airport lounges, the Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out with its family-friendly approach. Cardholders enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access for up to two guests and dining credits at selected airport restaurants. This feature is especially handy when lounges are crowded and a quick meal is preferable to waiting to enter the lounge.

Priority Pass features about 30 airport restaurants, with each eligible guest receiving up to a $30 credit for food and beverages. For a family of three, this totals $84 in dining credits, which can be used for shared meals if your group exceeds three people.

The Sapphire Reserve provides up to $100 in application fee credits every four years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. A key benefit of PreCheck is that children under 17 can accompany their parents through the PreCheck line. Thus, although the Sapphire Reserve covers only one application fee, the perk extends to kids, enhancing the travel experience for families.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This translates to $900 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when booking travel through Chase Travel℠, after spending the first $300 on travel purchases each year. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive up to $300 in annual travel statement credits for airfare, hotels, and rental cars; enjoy 50% more value when redeeming for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel℠; gain Priority Pass Select membership; receive application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years; and access travel protections including cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000 both in the US and abroad), and lost luggage reimbursement.

Credit score: Excellent.

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

Pros

• Priority Pass Select membership allows lounge access for up to two guests.

• The $300 annual travel credit helps mitigate the high yearly fee.

• Points hold a value of 1.5 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Cons

• Significant annual fee.

• $75 fee for each authorized user.

• Approval is contingent on the Chase 5/24 rule, meaning you won't qualify if you've opened five cards with any bank in the last 24 months.

Chase Sapphire review: a comprehensive analysis of the favorite card among travelers

Best value for the annual fee: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for families traveling with kids, featuring a manageable annual fee and ongoing perks. Cardholders can enjoy savings on travel and enhance their airport experience with two complimentary lounge visits each year and up to $120 in application fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Parents holding TSA PreCheck can take their children through the expedited PreCheck line, benefiting nearly the entire family.

Additionally, the Venture Card offers a six-month membership to The Cultivist, which grants free museum admission for members and a guest. While many museums already provide discounted entry for children, this membership can still help adults save money. Considering the card’s travel protections and substantial welcome bonus (valued at $750 for travel), it stands out as a fantastic option for families seeking to save and enhance their travel experiences. The card also earns a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it ideal for accumulating miles without needing to monitor spending categories.

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 via Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Two complimentary visits to Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges annually, six months of free membership to The Cultivist, up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz Five Star status, travel accident insurance, and rental car coverage.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. View rates and fees.

Pros

• The welcome bonus offers $750 towards travel expenses.

• The Cultivist membership provides families with savings on museum entries.

• Earn 2X miles on every purchase made with the card.

Cons

• The free Cultivist membership is limited to six months.

• When applying for this card, Capital One checks your credit across all three bureaus.

Top credit cards for global travel

Best for accumulating points: Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card is a fantastic option for families aiming to maximize their everyday expenses. It offers up to 3 points for every dollar spent on dining, groceries, gas, airfare, and hotel stays, making it ideal for most household expenditures.

Citi ThankYou points are extremely valuable; you can redeem them for travel purchases at a rate of one cent each or transfer them to 17 different hotel and airline loyalty programs. This includes family-friendly options like Wyndham Rewards and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, which offer great deals on award travel. For instance, Wyndham hotels start at just 7,500 points per night, while Turkish Airlines offers round-trip domestic flights on United Airlines for only 15,000 miles. Whether planning a trip to Disney or a Hawaiian getaway, these affordable rates can enhance the value of the card’s welcome bonus.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months after account opening.

Rewards: Earn 10X points on hotel and car rental bookings made through the Citi Travel portal until 6/30/2024; 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, on air travel, and hotel bookings; 1X points on all other expenses.

Travel benefits: Enjoy a $100 annual hotel savings benefit for stays of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through Citi ThankYou Travel; there are no foreign transaction fees.

Required credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $95. Refer to rates and fees.

Advantages

• Generous welcome bonus and attractive rewards for both travel and everyday purchases.

• Robust rewards program with an extensive array of transfer partners.

Disadvantages

• Citi has discontinued travel protections for all their cards.

• The $100 annual hotel savings benefit is applied after taxes.

Utilizing points and miles to cut travel costs

Top choice for travel protections: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Traveling with children brings added stress, which is where travel insurance comes in. The Platinum Card® from American Express* offers an extensive range of travel protections, eliminating the need for separate policies. When you charge travel expenses to this card, you can claim up to $500 in trip delay insurance. If your trip is delayed for over six hours, you can seek reimbursement for essential costs like hotels, meals, and ground transportation.

Additionally, the card offers up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions per journey. This reimbursement covers non-refundable travel expenses if your plans are disrupted. For instance, if you fall ill prior to your trip and your flight is nonrefundable, Amex will refund the total fare (provided you have proof of illness).

The Platinum Card provides secondary rental car coverage, activating only after your personal insurance denies a claim. However, you can opt for a premium car rental protection plan for approximately $12.25 to $24.95 per rental. Furthermore, cardholders can access the Premium Global Assist Hotline* when traveling over 100 miles from home. This benefit offers 24/7 support for medical, legal, financial, and emergency needs—particularly valuable when traveling with kids, especially internationally.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 in the first six months after opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 each calendar year, then 1X); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Includes trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, secondary rental car insurance, premium global assist hotline, up to $1,500 in yearly credits for travel, dining, and entertainment, upgrades to Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status, elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National rental cars, access to Amex’s Lounge Network, and no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Extensive travel insurance coverage.

• The substantial annual fee is balanced by over $1,500 in travel protections.

• The 24/7 Global Assist hotline is an invaluable benefit for international travel.

Cons

• The rental car insurance provided is secondary coverage.

• The annual fee is quite high.

Top credit cards with no international fees

Ideal for hotel stays: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Families traveling with children often require multiple hotel rooms or entire homes for comfort. The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a fantastic option since points can be redeemed for hotel rooms, condos, and vacation rentals. Free nights at Wyndham properties start at only 7,500 points per bedroom, and you can maximize your points further with a cash and points option beginning at 1,500 points per night. Additionally, cardholders enjoy a 10% discount on award night bookings, enhancing the value of your points.

With low redemption rates, booking discounts, and flexible accommodation options, Wyndham is a superb program for families. The welcome bonus from the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card allows for up to ten free nights, which is remarkable.

Welcome bonus: 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 6X points on purchases at Wyndham hotels and for gas; 4X points on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target); 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resort down payments).

Travel benefits: Achieve Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, enjoy cardmember booking discounts, receive an annual bonus of 7,500 points, and incur no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $75. See rates and fees.

Pros

• The welcome bonus can be used for up to 10 nights at Wyndham locations, which include vacation home rentals and hotels.

• Cardholders get a 10% discount when using points.

• Automatic Platinum status provides valuable perks for families, such as late checkout and early check-in.

Cons

• $75 yearly fee.

Top credit cards for adventure travel

Should families with children consider getting a credit card?

Families with kids should think about obtaining a credit card for various reasons. Primarily, using a credit card can help save money by leveraging discounts and welcome bonuses, which can reduce the overall cost of a family vacation or allow for upgrades to better accommodations.

Credit cards provide protection against fraud and theft, offering families additional peace of mind. Many credit cards include travel insurance that covers trip interruptions, delays, lost luggage, and more. While some travelers purchase their own policies, numerous credit cards offer these benefits at no extra charge when travel expenses are charged to them.

A credit card can also serve as a financial backup in emergencies. It's safer than carrying cash or using a debit card, which can incur fees of up to 3% when used internationally.

Deciding whether families with children should get a credit card depends on their unique circumstances and financial objectives. It’s essential to understand how credit functions and be aware of potential risks before applying for a card.

Top credit cards for earning airline miles

Tips for selecting the ideal travel credit card for families

When selecting the perfect travel credit card for your family, consider several important factors. Firstly, make sure the card provides rewards that align with your family’s travel habits. If you travel by air often, seek cards that offer airline miles or transferable points. Conversely, if hotel stays are more common, look for cards that provide hotel loyalty points or special discounts. Additionally, evaluate perks such as complimentary checked bags, access to airport lounges, or hotel credits.

Next, evaluate the fees linked to the card and how they might affect the rewards you earn. Certain cards come with annual fees that could significantly diminish the overall value of any rewards. Additionally, verify if the card waives foreign transaction fees to enhance its value during international travel.

Lastly, assess the ease of redeeming rewards and whether they can help reduce your family’s travel expenses. By weighing these factors, you can identify a travel credit card that caters to your family’s needs, making trips with kids smoother and more cost-effective.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Choosing the right option for you

FAQ

What is the ideal card for family travel?

The ideal card for family travel varies based on your specific needs and preferences. Notable options include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and American Express Platinum Card. These cards provide a range of rewards and features suited for families, including bonus miles, flexible redemption choices, and travel protections.

10 incredible hotels worldwide available for booking with points

Is it possible to obtain a credit card for a family member?

You can obtain a credit card for a family member by adding them as an authorized user on your existing card. Be aware that some cards may charge fees for authorized users, so it's important to review the terms beforehand. This option will vary depending on the card issuer and their specific policies.

Using points and miles for travel to Hawaii

Is there a credit card designed for children?

There are currently no credit cards specifically for children. However, American Express permits adding children aged 13 and above as authorized users.

Comparing American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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. These entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content.