Is the Orbitz Rewards Credit Card Right for Me?

Rachel Smith
By Rachel Smith 
Published
Edited by Mary M. Flory

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The Orbitz Rewards® Visa® Card offers a lot to consumers — from great rewards rates to discounted bookings. But how do you know if it's right for you? If you fit into one or more of these categories, it's worth giving the card a close look.

You value Orbucks rewards

The Orbitz Rewards® Visa® Card allows travelers to earn an additional 5% back in Orbucks, Orbitz’s rewards currency, on bookings made through Orbitz. This is on top of the 5% you earn for being a standard Orbitz rewards member.

Orbitz Rewards Dining offers cardholders 7% back in rewards at participating restaurants; without the card, you'd get 5% back. Check to see if your favorite dinner spot is on the list. If it is, 7% is a hefty reward for restaurants.

You’re flexible with hotel brands

If you’re not loyal to a specific hotel brand, then the Orbitz Rewards® Visa® Card could be a good option for you. Orbucks can be used for hotel stays through the Orbitz website or app.

Note that if you have elite status with a hotel brand like Marriott or Hyatt, or if you’re trying to earn it, the hotel will not recognize your status when you book with Orbitz, and you will not earn points toward their rewards programs. If you're status-conscious, a hotel credit card may be a better option.

You’re ready to go mobile

If you’d gladly use an app if it meant more rewards, you’re in luck: That’s exactly what Orbitz offers. Cardholders can receive up to 10% back in rewards with the Orbitz app, instead of 8% on a desktop.

Budget is your top priority

If affordability is more important to you than earning elite status or staying loyal to one brand, consider this card. Orbitz guarantees that you'll get the lowest price on your flight, car, rental, cruise or travel activity. If the price of your hotel night drops up to 48 hours before check-in, Orbitz will refund the difference. Price matches for flights and cruises can only be made within the first 24 hours after booking. The tradeoff means not building toward status with any hotel, car rental, or cruise brand, but travelers can earn Orbucks and airline rewards at the same time.

You’re OK with only redeeming for hotel stays

The Orbitz rewards program allows its members to redeem Orbucks toward qualifying hotel stays. This means points earned through other travel, such as flights, cruises, and rental cars may only be redeemed at hotels.

You want to rack up points

With Orbitz Rewards, your points never expire. So if you’re an occasional traveler, it’s easy to save up points until you need them for your next trip. Many other rewards programs require specific stays within a calendar year to keep points. With the Orbitz Rewards® Visa® Card, as long as you use the card once every 12 months, your Orbucks stay in your account.


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

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