Best Credit Cards for Cruises

Cruises can be an incredible way to see multiple destinations in one trip, but the costs can add up quickly. From booking the fare to covering excursions and onboard extras, the right credit card can help you earn rewards while also saving money on fees and providing valuable protections. Many top cards even offer perks like lounge access, travel credits, or built-in insurance, which is the icing on top of the cake.

🏆 Our Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Our Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
75,000
Bonus Points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its excellent earning potential—we love it at Daily Drop! Cardholders can redeem their points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for Travel Credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for Travel Credits

Annual Fee: $795

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
125,000
Bonus Points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000
Bonus Points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards. With a focus on travel benefits, this card offers a generous welcome offer, airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and valuable rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card makes travel rewarding and easy. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal choice for international travel. If you’re looking to maximize rewards without crazy fees, this card would be a great addition to your wallet. This one continues to be a Daily Drop favorite.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Annual Fee: $395

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
The Venture X (one of our favorites!) is a premium travel rewards card that offers generous earning rates on travel and dining purchases, along with a wide range of travel perks and benefits. Cardholders can enjoy flexible redemption options for their rewards, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

Annual Fee: $695

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take
American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

Annual Fee: $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
40,000
Bonus Points
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
40,000
Bonus Points
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
If you're on the fence about joining the Amex family, getting the Amex Green card is a solid place to start. It offers a competitive earning rate of 3x points on spending categories that include travel, restaurants, and transit. So if you aren't a full-time or regular traveler who would benefit from the luxury perks of its bigger brother, the Platinum Card® from American Express, and a majority of your spending falls into those categories, this could be a great option.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best No-Annual-Fee Wells Fargo Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

🏆 Best No-Annual-Fee Wells Fargo Card

$0 Annual Fee

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
20,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
20,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a solid no-annual-fee choice. You’ll earn solid points back on everyday things like dining, gas, streaming, and transit. If you’re looking for an easy way to earn rewards, this one’s a solid pick, especially if you’re not ready for a premium travel card just yet.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆  Best Wells Fargo Overall

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

🏆  Best Wells Fargo Overall

$95 Annual Fee

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
60,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a strong choice if you want to rack up points without overthinking your purchases. With bonus categories like airfare, hotels, and dining, you can earn rewards pretty much anywhere. You can also transfer points to Wells Fargo’s travel partners (something we love to see!). If you want solid earning power and easy redemptions without juggling a million bonus categories, this card is worth a look.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$200
Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited isn't your average cash-back card. It offers solid earning categories on both travel and everyday purchases making it an excellent choice to keep in your wallet. Plus, it will unlock even more value if paired with one of Chase's more premium cards—the ability to turn your cash-back into Ultimate Rewards points!
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

Best Credit Cards for Cruises

Cruises can be an incredible way to see multiple destinations in one trip, but the costs can add up quickly. From booking the fare to covering excursions and onboard extras, the right credit card can help you earn rewards while also saving money on fees and providing valuable protections. Many top cards even offer perks like lounge access, travel credits, or built-in insurance, which is the icing on top of the cake.

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Best Credit Cards for Cruises
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🏆 Our Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Our Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
75,000
Bonus Points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its excellent earning potential—we love it at Daily Drop! Cardholders can redeem their points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for Travel Credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for Travel Credits

Annual Fee: $795

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
125,000
Bonus Points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000
Bonus Points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards. With a focus on travel benefits, this card offers a generous welcome offer, airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and valuable rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card makes travel rewarding and easy. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal choice for international travel. If you’re looking to maximize rewards without crazy fees, this card would be a great addition to your wallet. This one continues to be a Daily Drop favorite.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Annual Fee: $395

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
The Venture X (one of our favorites!) is a premium travel rewards card that offers generous earning rates on travel and dining purchases, along with a wide range of travel perks and benefits. Cardholders can enjoy flexible redemption options for their rewards, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

Annual Fee: $695

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take
American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

Annual Fee: $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
40,000
Bonus Points
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
40,000
Bonus Points
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
If you're on the fence about joining the Amex family, getting the Amex Green card is a solid place to start. It offers a competitive earning rate of 3x points on spending categories that include travel, restaurants, and transit. So if you aren't a full-time or regular traveler who would benefit from the luxury perks of its bigger brother, the Platinum Card® from American Express, and a majority of your spending falls into those categories, this could be a great option.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best No-Annual-Fee Wells Fargo Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

🏆 Best No-Annual-Fee Wells Fargo Card

$0 Annual Fee

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
20,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
20,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a solid no-annual-fee choice. You’ll earn solid points back on everyday things like dining, gas, streaming, and transit. If you’re looking for an easy way to earn rewards, this one’s a solid pick, especially if you’re not ready for a premium travel card just yet.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆  Best Wells Fargo Overall

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyâ„  Card

🏆  Best Wells Fargo Overall

$95 Annual Fee

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
60,000 bonus miles
Bonus Points
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a strong choice if you want to rack up points without overthinking your purchases. With bonus categories like airfare, hotels, and dining, you can earn rewards pretty much anywhere. You can also transfer points to Wells Fargo’s travel partners (something we love to see!). If you want solid earning power and easy redemptions without juggling a million bonus categories, this card is worth a look.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$200
Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited isn't your average cash-back card. It offers solid earning categories on both travel and everyday purchases making it an excellent choice to keep in your wallet. Plus, it will unlock even more value if paired with one of Chase's more premium cards—the ability to turn your cash-back into Ultimate Rewards points!
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

Personal Cards

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Business Cards

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Which Card is Right for You?

The best cruise card depends on how you like to travel. If flexibility matters most to you, look for cards that let you redeem rewards across a wide range of travel options, including cruises. Frequent travelers may benefit from premium cards with lounge access and better protections, while every-now-and-then cruisers might prefer a simple cash-back card to offset onboard spending. And if you’re loyal to a particular cruise line or airline, a co-branded option could be a good option. Ultimately, the right card is the one that fits your style, whether that means maximizing points, enjoying added perks, or keeping things simple.

Other Ways to Earn

Cruise costs don’t stop once you book your cabin. You’ll likely spend on excursions, transportation, hotels before or after the trip, and plenty of food and drinks. That’s why cards that reward travel and dining purchases can be super solid, letting you rack up points across the whole trip. General travel cards often come with strong earning rates on these expenses, while cash-back cards keep things simple by giving you a flat return. Even your everyday spending at home, like groceries, gas, or streaming, can build a stash of rewards to put toward your next cruise.

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] You can earn rewards on cruise fares, onboard purchases, and related travel costs [.pro]

[.pro] Premium cards often include protections like trip delay coverage, cancellation insurance, and rental car benefits [.pro]

[.pro]Cash-back cards provide a way to offset costs without dealing with complex points systems [.pro]

[.pro] Some cards add value with extras like lounge access, hotel status, or airline perks that tie into cruise travel [.pro]

‍

Cons

[.con] Top-tier perks usually come with higher annual fees [.con]

[.con] Cruise line credit cards often have limited redemption value outside of cruising [.con]

[.con] If you only cruise occasionally, a simpler cash-back card may be more practical than a premium travel card [.con]

FAQs

Can I use points to book a cruise?

Yes, many major issuers allow you to redeem points toward cruise bookings through their travel portals, and some even let you cover travel purchases with points.

Should I use a cash-back card for cruises?

If you want to keep things simple, then using a cash-back card for cruises could be a good idea. Flat-rate cash-back cards can help cover onboard spending without worrying about redemption strategies.

What makes a credit card good for cruises?

A strong cruise card should help you earn rewards on big purchases while also offering travel protections. Perks like lounge access, trip delay coverage, or statement credits can add even more value.

Are travel protections important for cruises?

Yes, cruises are tied to flights, hotel stays, and tight schedules, so coverage for delays, cancellations, and lost luggage can save you from major headaches.

Do cruise line credit cards offer the best value?

Not usually. While cruise cards can earn points toward onboard purchases or discounts, flexible travel cards often provide better long-term value and more versatile rewards.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.
‍
Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.
‍
Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

‍

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor 

‍

‍

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🏆 Best for Travel Credits
Learn more
What's on this page
Best Credit Cards for Cruises
Best credit cards for business
Best credit cards for personal
Cards That Transfer to
Which Card is Right For You?
Other Ways to Earn
Pros & Cons
Related Ranked Lists
Browse Other Categories of Cards
FAQs
Why Trust Daily Drop?