Finding the best credit card for Vrbo bookings can significantly enhance your travel experience by maximizing rewards and minimizing costs. With the right card, you can earn points, miles, or cashback on your Vrbo stays, which can be redeemed for future travel, merchandise, or statement credits. This article will delve into the best credit card options for Vrbo users in 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of the rewards, benefits, and features that can help you get the most out of your vacation rentals.
Top Credit Cards for Vrbo Bookings: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Credit Card | Rewards Program & Earning Structure | Key Benefits & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2x points on all other travel purchases; 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 1x point on all other purchases. | Travel protections (trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver); $50 annual hotel credit; 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; No foreign transaction fees. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | 10x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on all other travel purchases and dining worldwide; 1x point on all other purchases. | Travel protections (trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, emergency medical and dental benefit, emergency evacuation and transportation); $300 annual travel credit; 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access; No foreign transaction fees. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2x miles on every purchase, every day. | Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit; Travel accident insurance; No foreign transaction fees; Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 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. | $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary; Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Partner Lounge Network; Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit; Cell phone protection; No foreign transaction fees. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x); 4x points at restaurants worldwide; 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1x point on all other purchases. | $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments); $120 dining credit annually (valid at select restaurants); Travel protections (baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance); No foreign transaction fees. |
| Citi Premier® Card | 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 1x point on all other purchases. | $100 annual hotel savings benefit on a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through ThankYou.com; No foreign transaction fees; Transfer points to travel partners. |
| Discover it® Miles | 1.5x miles on all purchases. | Unlimited mile-for-mile match at the end of your first year; No annual fee; Travel accident insurance. |
Detailed Explanations of Credit Card Features and Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for travelers due to its versatile rewards program and reasonable annual fee. It offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making it ideal for Vrbo bookings made through their portal. The 2x points on all other travel purchases also benefits those who book directly with Vrbo. Key features include travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees, ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience. The $50 annual hotel credit helps offset the annual fee. Furthermore, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is the premium sibling of the Preferred card, offering enhanced rewards and benefits but with a higher annual fee. You'll earn 10x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making it extremely rewarding for Vrbo bookings via their portal. The 3x points on all other travel and dining worldwide are also valuable. The Reserve card boasts comprehensive travel protections, including emergency medical and evacuation benefits, a $300 annual travel credit, and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel. The Priority Pass™ Select membership offers access to a vast network of airport lounges, enhancing your travel comfort.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward option with a simple rewards structure. You earn 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards on all your spending, including Vrbo bookings. This card provides a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit, saving you time at airport security. Its no foreign transaction fees are a plus for international travel. The ability to transfer miles to 15+ travel partners adds flexibility to your redemption options.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card takes the Venture program to the next level with premium benefits and a higher earning potential. You earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5x miles on flights booked through the same portal. All other purchases earn 2x miles. The Venture X offers a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, and unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Partner Lounge Network. It also includes a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit and cell phone protection.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card focuses on dining and grocery rewards, but it also offers benefits for travel. You earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x) and 4x points at restaurants worldwide. Flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com earn 3x points. While it doesn't offer bonus rewards specifically for Vrbo, the Amex Gold card offers $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments) and $120 dining credit annually (valid at select restaurants). It also includes travel protections and no foreign transaction fees.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card offers a balanced rewards program with bonus categories that align well with travel and everyday spending. You earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. While it doesn't specifically reward Vrbo bookings, the 3x points on hotels can be valuable. The card includes a $100 annual hotel savings benefit on a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through ThankYou.com. The no foreign transaction fees and the ability to transfer points to travel partners add to its appeal.
Discover it® Miles
The Discover it® Miles card is a no-annual-fee option that offers a simple rewards structure. You earn 1.5x miles on all purchases. The most unique benefit is the unlimited mile-for-mile match at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. It also includes travel accident insurance. While it doesn't offer bonus rewards for specific categories, the Discover it® Miles card is a great option for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program without an annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning rewards on Vrbo bookings? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers the highest rewards rate on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making it ideal for Vrbo bookings made through their portal.
Which credit card offers the best travel insurance benefits for Vrbo stays? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card provides comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and emergency medical/dental coverage.
Are there any credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for international Vrbo bookings? Yes, several credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, and Citi Premier® Card, do not charge foreign transaction fees.
Can I redeem credit card points for Vrbo stays? Yes, you can redeem points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and American Express Membership Rewards for Vrbo stays, either through their respective travel portals or by transferring points to partner programs.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a travel credit card to use for Vrbo bookings? It depends on your spending habits and travel frequency; if you frequently book Vrbo stays and can utilize the card's travel benefits and bonus rewards, the annual fee can be justified.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Vrbo bookings depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture X offer premium rewards and benefits for frequent travelers, while cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture provide a balance of rewards and affordability. For those seeking a no-annual-fee option, the Discover it® Miles card offers a simple rewards structure with a unique first-year bonus. Ultimately, consider your travel patterns and spending habits to select the card that best maximizes your rewards and enhances your Vrbo experience.