Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars of October 2025
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Renting a car usually requires a credit card, and the card you use can make a big difference. It might mean you won't have to worry about insurance coverage on the car you rent, you might earn 5X or 10X rewards on the rental, and you might even be eligible for elite status with the rental car company. Whether you're renting for a vacation or just for getting around town, here are some of the best options.
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Renting a car usually requires a credit card, and the card you use can make a big difference. It might mean you won't have to worry about insurance coverage on the car you rent, you might earn 5X or 10X rewards on the rental, and you might even be eligible for elite status with the rental car company. Whether you're renting for a vacation or just for getting around town, here are some of the best options.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Renting a car usually requires a credit card, and the card you use can make a big difference. It might mean you won't have to worry about insurance coverage on the car you rent, you might earn 5X or 10X rewards on the rental, and you might even be eligible for elite status with the rental car company. Whether you're renting for a vacation or just for getting around town, here are some of the best options.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Renting a car usually requires a credit card, and the card you use can make a big difference. It might mean you won't have to worry about insurance coverage on the car you rent, you might earn 5X or 10X rewards on the rental, and you might even be eligible for elite status with the rental car company. Whether you're renting for a vacation or just for getting around town, here are some of the best options.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars of October 2025
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for General-purpose travel card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Premium travel card — perks
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for Premium travel card — value
The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Airline card — core benefits
The New United Club℠ Card: Best for Airline card — elite benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Elite status + much more
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for Small business
Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for General-purpose travel card | $95 | 1x-5x | 75,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardApply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Premium travel card — value | $395 | 2x-10x | 75,000 miles | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 The New United Club℠ CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Airline card — elite benefits | $695 | 1x-4x | 80,000 miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Small business | $95 | 1x-3x | 90,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve®Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Premium travel card — perks | $795 | 1x-8x | 125,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 The New United℠ Explorer CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Airline card — core benefits | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-2x | 60,000 miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Elite status + much more | $895 | 1x-5x | As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
Our pick for: General-purpose travel card
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$95Rewards rate1x-5xPointsIntro offer75,000pointsRegular APR19.99%-28.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$95Rewards rate1x-5xPointsIntro offer75,000pointsRegular APR19.99%-28.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
5xPoints on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.3xPoints on dining.3xPoints on select streaming services.3xPoints on online groceries.2xPoints on all other travel purchases.1xPoint on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to the cash value of most rental vehicles. Booking a car rental through Chase earns 5 points per dollar spent. You can also redeem points to book travel through Chase — including renting cars — and get more value per point.
Read full reviewProsYou earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase (including rental cars); 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on travel not purchased through Chase; and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Points are worth more when you redeem for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen airline and hotel programs. Check the big sign-up bonus, too.
ConsAs a general-purpose travel card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn't offer airline- or hotel-specific benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
Our pick for: Premium travel card — value
Apply Nowon Capital One's websiteon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee$395Rewards rate2x-10xMilesIntro offer75,000milesRegular APR19.99%-29.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Capital One's websiteon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee$395Rewards rate2x-10xMilesIntro offer75,000milesRegular APR19.99%-29.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
10xMiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.5xMiles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.2xMiles on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
For a relatively low price compared with other premium travel cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has plenty to offer in rental car benefits. Benefits include auto rental collision damage waiver. Rental cars booked through Capital One Travel earn 10 miles per dollar. And cardholders are eligible for complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status.*
Read full reviewProsYou earn 2 miles per dollar on most purchases, but booking travel through Capital One earns 5X miles on flights and 10X on hotels and rental cars. Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense at a value of 1 cent apiece, or you can transfer them to partner programs. You get $300 a year in credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, a 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary, airport lounge access, reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and a big sign-up bonus.
ConsThe $395 annual fee may be intimidating, although the credits and bonuses offered by this card quickly make up for it.
Our pick for: Airline card — elite benefits
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$695Rewards rate1x-4xMilesIntro offer80,000milesRegular APR20.49%-28.99% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$695Rewards rate1x-4xMilesIntro offer80,000milesRegular APR20.49%-28.99% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
4xMiles per $1 spent on United® purchases.2xMiles per $1 spent on dining.2xMiles per $1 spent on all other travel.1xMile per $1 spent on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 80,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
- Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The signature benefit on The New United Club℠ Card is membership in United Airlines' lounge network, but you also get primary rental coverage that reimburses up to the cash value of most rental cars.
Read full reviewProsA standalone United Club membership costs at least $750 a year, so you start out ahead with this card, even considering the annual fee. You and a companion can each get two free checked bags; other benefits include priority boarding and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS. You earn 4 miles per dollar spent with United; 2 miles per dollar on all other travel and on dining; and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
ConsAlthough it's a bargain compared with the sticker price of a United Club membership, the $695 annual fee can still sting.
Our pick for: Small business
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$95Rewards rate1x-3xPointsIntro offer90,000pointsRegular APR20.24%-26.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$95Rewards rate1x-3xPointsIntro offer90,000pointsRegular APR20.24%-26.24% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
3xPoints per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.1xPoint per $1 on all other purchases - with no limit to the amount you can earn.Card details
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
All of Chase's Ink-branded cards for business operators offer primary coverage on cars rented for business purposes. In addition to the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, coverage is available on the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card and the Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card.
Read full reviewProsSign-up bonuses on Ink-branded cards are among the best on the market — even for the no-annual-fee cash-back cards — and the points you earn with your spending can be extremely flexible, depending on which cards you carry. See individual card reviews for the specific rewards and perks of each card.
ConsRental car coverage applies only to rentals for business purposes.
Our pick for: Premium travel card — perks
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$795Rewards rate1x-8xPointsIntro offer125,000pointsRegular APR20.24%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$795Rewards rate1x-8xPointsIntro offer125,000pointsRegular APR20.24%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
8xPoints on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠.4xPoints on flights and hotels booked direct.3xPoints on dining worldwide.1xPoints on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® takes the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and kicks them up a notch. There's primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to $75,000. Rental car bookings through Chase earn 8 points per dollar. And cardholders are eligible for special benefits from Avis, National and Silvercar.
Read full reviewProsYou get 8 points per dollar on all travel booked through Chase, 4 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines, 4 points per dollar on hotel stays booked directly and 1 point per dollar on all other travel. Plus, 3 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Points are worth more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners. You get $300 a year in credit for travel expenses, Priority Pass airport lounge access and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. And don't forget the big sign-up bonus.
ConsThe $795 annual fee is a significant upfront investment, although regular travelers can easily get that much value and more out of the card.
Our pick for: Airline card — core benefits
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$0 intro for the first year, then $150Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offer60,000milesRegular APR20.49%-28.99% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreApply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$0 intro for the first year, then $150Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offer60,000milesRegular APR20.49%-28.99% Variable APRRecommended credit scoreRewards breakdown
2xMiles on United® purchases2xMiles per $1 spent on dining.2xMiles per $1 spent on hotel stays when booked with the hotel.1xMile per $1 spent on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
- Over $500 in partner credits each year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The New United℠ Explorer Card offers an outstanding suite of benefits for a basic airline card, including primary rental car coverage that reimburses up to the cash value of most rental cars.
Read full reviewProsIn addition to primary rental car coverage, benefits include a free checked bag for you and a companion; priority boarding; two one-time passes to the United Club lounge each year; and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS. You earn 2 miles per dollar spent with United, as well as on dining and direct hotel bookings, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
ConsOther cards provide a free checked bag for more people traveling on your reservation. As with any branded airline card, you're limited in how you can redeem your rewards.
Our pick for: Elite status + much more
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$895Rewards rate1x-5xPointsIntro offerAs High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.APRSee Pay Over Time APRRecommended creditApply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$895Rewards rate1x-5xPointsIntro offerAs High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.APRSee Pay Over Time APRRecommended creditRewards breakdown
5xMembership Rewards® Points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.5xMembership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings.1xMembership Rewards® Points on other purchases.Card details
- 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. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Although it offers only secondary rental car coverage rather than primary (meaning you have to go through your own insurance company first), The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a laundry list of perks and benefits that includes elite status at Avis, Hertz or National. (Terms apply.)
Read full reviewProsCardholders can receive a complimentary membership in Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and/or National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive, which entitles them to upgrades and discounts. Other benefits on the card include extensive airport lounge access; hundreds of dollars a year in available credits for travel, shopping and entertainment; elite status with Marriott and Hilton hotels; and much more. (See our review for a full rundown.) The card earns 5 points per dollar on select travel bookings and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. Terms apply.
ConsThe $895 annual fee is among the highest on any card from a major issuer. Although the perks are lavish, you might find that many of them go unused, while the rewards you earn on spending are pretty pedestrian for the price. And unlike with the other cards on this page, the rental car coverage is not primary.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR RENTAL CARS
Before applying, confirm details on issuer's website.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: General-purpose travel card
For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are potentially worth more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Our pick for: Premium travel card — perks
The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual credits, airport lounge access, and potentially a sizable boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Premium travel card — value
Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee (see rates and fees). Read our review.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Our pick for: Airline card — core benefits
The New United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.
The New United Club℠ Card
Our pick for: Airline card — elite benefits
The signature benefit on The New United Club℠ Card is membership in United Airlines' lounge network, but you also get two free checked bags apiece for you and a companion, plus other benefits to make travel more enjoyable. Read our review.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Elite status + much more
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.
Chase's Ink cards
Our picks for: Small business
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Read our review.
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card. Read our review.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. Read our review.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
How credit card rental car coverage works
The rental car coverage offered by credit cards isn't technically "insurance." The rental car agency already has insurance on its vehicles. But if you crash a car you've rented, or if it gets stolen while you have it, the agency's insurance company will probably try to recover the cost from you.
When you rent a car, the agency typically offers to sell you a collision and damage waiver, or CDW, which people often just refer to as "insurance." If you pay for the CDW, then you're off the hook if the car gets damaged or stolen. Credit card rental car coverage essentially takes the place of the CDW offered by the agency.
To make use of your credit card's rental car coverage, use your card to book the reservation and pay for the rental, then decline the CDW when offered.
In fact, most people can decline the CDW when they rent a car, regardless of whether their credit card has any coverage. That's because most people's existing auto insurance already covers them when they are in a rented car. However, if you crash a rental car and have to go through your own insurance, you'll probably have to pay a deductible, and the claim could well cause your insurance premiums to increase. That's why it's so valuable to have a credit card with "primary" rental car coverage.
Don't automatically assume your credit card has rental car coverage. At one time, coverage was a common perk on cards from major issuers, but many cards have removed it. Check your card's benefits to be sure.
» LEARN MORE: Smart rental car alternatives you might not know about
Primary vs. secondary coverage
If you're relying on your credit card to provide coverage for a rental car, it's important to understand whether the coverage is "primary" or "secondary":
With primary coverage, your credit card covers the cost directly (up to the coverage limits in your card agreement). There's no deductible to pay and no need to go through your own insurance.
With secondary coverage, you start by going through your own insurance company, and then the credit card covers any remaining costs. Secondary coverage would reimburse your deductible, for example.
What your credit card doesn't cover
Rental car coverage from credit cards doesn't cover everything. Like the CDW, it applies only to damage or theft involving the rental vehicle. It doesn't cover damage to other property or injuries. Nor does it cover theft of personal belongings from inside the rental car.
Should you book a rental car with airline miles?
With airline credit cards, be cautious about redeeming your miles for rental cars because these types of redemptions don’t usually offer the best value when you compare them with booking award flights.
For example, NerdWallet values United miles at 1.2 cents each for award flight redemption. So, if the cash value of the car rental is less than the value of the miles it would take to get an award rental, you might want to pay in cash instead.
If you choose to book with cash, don’t forget to include your frequent flyer account to earn bonus miles for your car reservation.
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NerdWallet's Gregory Karp and Meghan Coyle contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
More from Capital One:
Hertz President's Club status: Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Last updated on September 22, 2025
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