Best Credit Cards for Family Travel

Traveling as a family means more seats on the plane, more beds in the hotel room, and… more snacks. The right credit card can ease those extra costs by covering things like free checked bags, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and points that stretch across multiple tickets. Here are our top card picks for family travel, plus some tips to make sure every member of your crew gets perks along the way.

🏆 Best for restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

🏆 Best for restaurants

Annual Fee: $325

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
As high as 100k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 100k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 American Express Gold Card is a premium card that offers lucrative rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for foodies and frequent travelers. While it does come with an annual fee, the card's combination of rewards and perks can provide substantial value to those who frequently dine out and travel.
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 Groceries and Streaming

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

🏆 Best for Groceries and Streaming

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$250
Cash Back
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
Cash Back
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great cash-back credit card, offering exceptional rewards for everyday spending (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout). Although it has an annual fee (after a $0 intro fee the first year), the generous rewards and welcome offer make it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking to maximize their cash-back earnings.
âś… Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
đź‘€ Read Our Take

🏆 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 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 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
SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

Annual Fee: $39

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
Cash Back
Cash Back
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards card is a great option if you want to earn cash back without complicating things (or draining your wallet.) For a very modest annual fee, you’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and even popular streaming services, plus 1% back on everything else. It’s an easy way to earn on everyday spending categories that most of us are already dropping money on, and the rewards don’t expire. You’ll also get perks like no foreign transaction fees, access to Capital One’s entertainment and dining platforms, and more. If you’re working on building your credit and want a rewarding card that’s easy to use (without a huge fee attached), this one checks a lot of boxes.
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 for rotating categories

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

🏆 Best for rotating categories

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$200
Cash Back
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
$200
Cash Back
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
The Chase Freedom Flex definitely flexes on us a bit with its solid earning structures that cover the bases of just about all our regular spending needs. Plus, you can pair the Flex with a Sapphire card to turn those cash-back rewards 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
Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$150 Amazon Gift Card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
$150 Amazon Gift Card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
If you're an Amazon enthusiast, this card offers solid earning rates for not only Amazon purchases, but also purchases made at Whole Foods, gas stations, restaurants, and local transit. In addition to redeeming your rewards for millions of items on Amazon, you can also redeem for cash back, gift cards, and travel at Chase.com.
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 renters

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

🏆 Best for renters

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
This card does not offer a welcome offer.
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
The Bilt card truly is a game changer for those who pay rent and want to earn points doing just that. BUT, its decent earning structures and monthly bonuses are also solid perks that any travel hacker should consider.
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 Hilton Gold Status

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

🏆 Best for Hilton Gold Status

Annual Fee: $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
130,000
Bonus Points
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
130,000
Bonus Points
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The Hilton Honors Surpass card is a premium hotel rewards credit card that provides Hilton enthusiasts with generous rewards, including complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, elevated points earning potential, and a free night reward upon reaching a spending threshold. With a moderate annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to enjoy enhanced benefits and substantial rewards.
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 Southwest Loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest Loyalists

Annual Fee: $229

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
50,000
Bonus Points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
50,000
Bonus Points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
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 Frequent United flyers

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, a free checked bag, and other travel benefits, making it a suitable choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy perks when flying with United.
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 Family Travel

Traveling as a family means more seats on the plane, more beds in the hotel room, and… more snacks. The right credit card can ease those extra costs by covering things like free checked bags, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and points that stretch across multiple tickets. Here are our top card picks for family travel, plus some tips to make sure every member of your crew gets perks along the way.

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🏆 Best for restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

🏆 Best for restaurants

Annual Fee: $325

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
As high as 100k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 100k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 American Express Gold Card is a premium card that offers lucrative rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for foodies and frequent travelers. While it does come with an annual fee, the card's combination of rewards and perks can provide substantial value to those who frequently dine out and travel.
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 Groceries and Streaming

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

🏆 Best for Groceries and Streaming

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$250
Cash Back
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
Cash Back
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great cash-back credit card, offering exceptional rewards for everyday spending (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout). Although it has an annual fee (after a $0 intro fee the first year), the generous rewards and welcome offer make it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking to maximize their cash-back earnings.
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

🏆 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 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 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
SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

Annual Fee: $39

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
Cash Back
Cash Back
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards card is a great option if you want to earn cash back without complicating things (or draining your wallet.) For a very modest annual fee, you’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and even popular streaming services, plus 1% back on everything else. It’s an easy way to earn on everyday spending categories that most of us are already dropping money on, and the rewards don’t expire. You’ll also get perks like no foreign transaction fees, access to Capital One’s entertainment and dining platforms, and more. If you’re working on building your credit and want a rewarding card that’s easy to use (without a huge fee attached), this one checks a lot of boxes.
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

🏆 Best for rotating categories

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

🏆 Best for rotating categories

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$200
Cash Back
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
$200
Cash Back
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
The Chase Freedom Flex definitely flexes on us a bit with its solid earning structures that cover the bases of just about all our regular spending needs. Plus, you can pair the Flex with a Sapphire card to turn those cash-back rewards 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
Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$150 Amazon Gift Card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
$150 Amazon Gift Card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
If you're an Amazon enthusiast, this card offers solid earning rates for not only Amazon purchases, but also purchases made at Whole Foods, gas stations, restaurants, and local transit. In addition to redeeming your rewards for millions of items on Amazon, you can also redeem for cash back, gift cards, and travel at Chase.com.
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 renters

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

🏆 Best for renters

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
This card does not offer a welcome offer.
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
0
Bonus Points
This card does not offer a welcome offer.
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
The Bilt card truly is a game changer for those who pay rent and want to earn points doing just that. BUT, its decent earning structures and monthly bonuses are also solid perks that any travel hacker should consider.
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 Hilton Gold Status

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

🏆 Best for Hilton Gold Status

Annual Fee: $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
130,000
Bonus Points
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
130,000
Bonus Points
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The Hilton Honors Surpass card is a premium hotel rewards credit card that provides Hilton enthusiasts with generous rewards, including complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, elevated points earning potential, and a free night reward upon reaching a spending threshold. With a moderate annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to enjoy enhanced benefits and substantial rewards.
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 Southwest Loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest Loyalists

Annual Fee: $229

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
50,000
Bonus Points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
50,000
Bonus Points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
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 Frequent United flyers

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

The New Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, a free checked bag, and other travel benefits, making it a suitable choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy perks when flying with United.
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

No items found.

Business Cards

No items found.

No items found.

Which Card is Right for You?

Family trips all look a little different. If you’re hopping on a couple of domestic flights each year, a card with free checked bags can save you some cash. Families who spend more nights in hotels than at home should look for cards that come with annual free night certificates or status that unlocks upgrades to larger rooms. And if you're more into road trips and theme parks, flexible points cards can cover flights, hotels, and even Disney tickets. At the end of the day, the right card depends on whether you value simplicity, space, or saving, and the cards below can give you a mix of all three.

Other Ways to Earn

Your family travel card doesn’t just work when you’re booking flights. Many cards reward everyday categories like groceries, dining, and gas, which are all family budget staples. Earning extra points on those everyday purchases means you’re building your next vacation fund with every pizza night or Costco run. Transferable points currencies are especially useful, since you can stash up and then use those points for hotel stays, flights, or even cash back if you just need to offset expenses.


Pro Tip: Some cards let you pool points across family accounts, which means no wasted points sitting in your kid’s or partner’s profile. Combine balances to book bigger redemptions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] Family-friendly perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access can make travel days smoother [.pro]

[.pro] Annual free night certificates can cover expensive family hotels [.pro]

[.pro] Everyday bonus categories like groceries and dining help families rack up points [.pro]

[.pro] Some cards allow point pooling, making it easier to save for group redemptions [.pro]

Cons

[.con] Premium cards with the best perks often come with higher annual fees [.con]

[.con] Free checked bags usually only cover the primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation [.con]

[.con] You may need to actively use multiple benefits to make the annual fee “worth it” [.con]

FAQs

Do I really need a family travel card?

If you’re flying more than once a year as a family, then having a card with group travel benefits can be super helpful. The savings from free checked bags and travel credits usually cover the annual fee.

Can I use my points to book flights for my kids?

Absolutely — most programs let you redeem points for anyone, as long as you’re the one booking the tickets.

Do free night certificates cover family-sized rooms?

Certificates usually cover the standard room type, but having hotel elite status (from your card) can increase your chances of a free upgrade. It's always worth the ask!

Can my spouse and I both earn the same perks?

Yes, and it’s often smart. Each adult having their own card can double up on free bags, hotel certificates, and welcome offers.

Are travel protections included for the whole family?

Usually, travel protections are included for the whole family. Trip delay, cancellation, and baggage protections often extend to immediate family traveling with the cardholder, but always check the fine print.

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.
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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.
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Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

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Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor 

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