Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Beyond the bright lights and thrilling games, strategic spending can significantly enhance your experience. Choosing the right credit card can unlock valuable rewards, travel perks, and even save you money on your Vegas vacation.
This article explores the best credit cards for a Vegas trip in 2024, focusing on maximizing rewards, minimizing fees, and providing benefits tailored to Sin City adventures.
Credit Card Comparison Table: Vegas Edition
| Credit Card | Key Benefits for Vegas | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earning: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, 2x points on all other travel. Redemption: Flexible point transfers to airlines and hotels (including Hyatt, a great Vegas option), 25% bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Other Perks: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, no foreign transaction fees. | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Earning: 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on travel and dining worldwide. Redemption: Flexible point transfers to airlines and hotels (including Hyatt, a great Vegas option), 50% bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Other Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, no foreign transaction fees. | $550 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earning: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases. Redemption: Flexible mile transfers to airlines and hotels (including Wyndham, which partners with Caesars Rewards), statement credits towards travel purchases. Other Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, Hertz President's Circle status, no foreign transaction fees. | $395 |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earning: 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Redemption: Flexible point transfers to airlines and hotels, statement credits towards dining and travel purchases. Other Perks: Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 per month), up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 per month), no foreign transaction fees. | $250 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Earning: 14x points at Hilton properties, 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 7x points at U.S. restaurants, 7x points at car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, 3x points on all other purchases. Redemption: Redeemable for free nights at Hilton properties (many in Vegas). Other Perks: Hilton Honors Diamond status, free weekend night reward each year, $250 Hilton resort statement credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees. | $550 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Earning: 4x points at Hyatt properties, 2x points at restaurants, airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships, 1x point on all other purchases. Redemption: Redeemable for free nights at Hyatt properties (including many desirable hotels in Vegas). Other Perks: Automatic Discoverist status, earn 2 qualifying night credits towards elite status for every $5,000 spent, free night award each year after account anniversary, no foreign transaction fees. | $95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Earning: 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2x points on all other purchases. Redemption: Redeemable for free nights at Marriott Bonvoy properties (including many desirable hotels in Vegas). Other Perks: Automatic Platinum Elite status, free night award each year after account anniversary, up to $300 in statement credits each year for purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, Priority Pass airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees. | $650 |
| Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card | Earning: 5x Reward Credits on Caesars Rewards purchases, 2x Reward Credits on gas and grocery purchases, 1x Reward Credit on all other purchases. Redemption: Redeemable for Caesars Rewards Credits, which can be used for hotel stays, dining, shows, and more at Caesars Entertainment properties. Other Perks: Automatic Platinum status in Caesars Rewards, no annual fee. | $0 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | Earning: 2x points on travel and dining purchases, 1.5x points on all other purchases. Redemption: Redeemable for cash back, travel, or gift cards. Other Perks: $100 airline incidental statement credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, no foreign transaction fees. Bonus for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. | $95 |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a fantastic entry-level travel card. It earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel through Chase's portal or transferred to partner airlines and hotels. Its bonus categories, particularly 3x points on dining, make it ideal for enjoying Vegas's culinary scene. The 25% bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards further enhances its value.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is the premium offering from Chase, providing even greater rewards and perks. It offers a higher earning rate on travel and dining, a larger redemption bonus (50%), and a $300 annual travel credit, making it a strong contender for frequent travelers. The Priority Pass airport lounge access is a valuable benefit for comfortable travel.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a strong competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It offers a generous earning rate, a $300 annual travel credit, and Priority Pass airport lounge access. The ability to transfer miles to Wyndham, which partners with Caesars Rewards, is a unique benefit for Vegas travelers.
American Express® Gold Card: The American Express® Gold Card is a top choice for foodies. Its 4x points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide make it incredibly rewarding for dining. The monthly dining and Uber Cash credits can help offset the annual fee. While it doesn't offer a direct Vegas tie-in, its flexible point transfers can be used for travel.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: For those loyal to Hilton, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a must-have. It provides top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status, a free weekend night reward each year, and a $250 Hilton resort statement credit. The high earning rates at Hilton properties make it perfect for earning free nights in Vegas.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: If you prefer Hyatt hotels, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent choice. It earns valuable Hyatt points, which can be redeemed for free nights at Hyatt properties, including many in Vegas. The free night award each year and automatic Discoverist status add further value.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is tailored for Marriott loyalists. It offers automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award each year, and up to $300 in statement credits for purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. The high earning rates at Marriott Bonvoy hotels make it perfect for earning free nights in Vegas.
Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card: The Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card is specifically designed for Vegas visitors who frequent Caesars Entertainment properties. It earns Caesars Rewards Credits, which can be used for hotel stays, dining, shows, and more. Automatic Platinum status in Caesars Rewards provides valuable perks. The best part? It has no annual fee.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card provides a straightforward earning structure with 2x points on travel and dining. The $100 airline incidental statement credit and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit are valuable benefits. The bonus for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can significantly enhance its value, making it a great option for existing Bank of America customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for earning free hotel nights in Vegas? The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card are excellent choices for earning free nights at Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott properties, respectively.
What is the best credit card for dining in Vegas? The American Express® Gold Card is a top choice, earning 4x points at restaurants worldwide. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card also offer strong rewards on dining.
Which credit card offers airport lounge access? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card all offer Priority Pass airport lounge access.
Does the Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card have an annual fee? No, the Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card has no annual fee.
What are the benefits of having Caesars Rewards Platinum status? Caesars Rewards Platinum status offers perks such as room discounts, priority lines at select locations, and complimentary self-parking.
Which credit cards have no foreign transaction fees? All the credit cards mentioned in this article have no foreign transaction fees.
Can I transfer points between different hotel loyalty programs? Generally, you cannot directly transfer points between different hotel loyalty programs. However, you can transfer points from credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and American Express Membership Rewards to various hotel partners.
Is it worth paying a high annual fee for a premium travel credit card? It depends on your spending habits and travel frequency. If you can utilize the card's benefits, such as travel credits, lounge access, and higher earning rates, the annual fee can be offset.
How do I maximize my rewards on a Vegas trip? Choose a credit card with bonus categories that align with your spending habits, such as dining, travel, and hotel stays. Utilize the card's perks, such as travel credits and lounge access, to enhance your trip.
What should I consider besides rewards when choosing a credit card for Vegas? Consider the card's interest rate, fees (including foreign transaction fees), and benefits such as travel insurance and purchase protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Vegas depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. For maximum flexibility and travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are excellent choices. If you are loyal to a specific hotel chain, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. For those who frequent Caesars Entertainment properties, the Caesars Rewards Visa Credit Card is a no-brainer. By carefully selecting a credit card that aligns with your needs, you can enhance your Vegas experience and unlock valuable rewards.