Understanding What Counts as "Travel" for Credit Card Rewards: A Guide for Savvy Travelers
Sophie Carter
If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who loves exploring new places, maximizing your credit card rewards can make your journeys even more enjoyable. But have you ever wondered what qualifies as a “travel” purchase for credit card rewards? The answer isn’t universal—it depends on the card issuer, the type of purchase, and even how you book your trip.
What’s Considered Travel for Credit Card Rewards?
Most credit card issuers define “travel” broadly, but the specifics can vary. Here are the common categories that typically qualify for bonus rewards:
- Flights and Air Travel: Almost all cards include airfare, whether booked directly or through third-party sites.
- Hotels and Accommodations: Stays at hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are almost always eligible.
- Car Rentals and Transportation: Renting a car, taxis, limousines, ferries, and buses are often included.
- Cruise Lines: Cruises are a staple for travel rewards.
- Travel Agencies and Booking Sites: Purchases made through agencies or platforms like Expedia, Kayak, or Booking.com may qualify, depending on the card.
- Campgrounds and Outdoor Stays: Some cards (like American Express) count campgrounds as travel, while others (like Chase) may not.
- Travel-Related Expenses: Even non-travel expenses like tours, tickets, or transportation to and from airports might count.
Key Exception: Third-party booking sites can be tricky. If the payment is charged directly to your card by the airline, hotel, or rental company, it’s likely considered travel. However, if the site uses a “travel agency” merchant category code (MCC), it may not qualify for bonus rewards on every card.
The Role of Issuer-Specific Rules
Not all credit cards treat travel the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of how major issuers handle travel rewards:
| Category | American Express | Bank of America | Capital One | Chase | Citibank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | |||||
| Hotels | |||||
| Car Rentals | |||||
| Third-Party Booking Sites | (via Capital One Travel) | (Citi Travel) | |||
| Campgrounds | Amex Green | ||||
| Tours and Attractions | Amex Green |
Pro Tip: Cards like Capital One and Chase have dedicated travel portals (e.g., Capital One Travel or Chase Travel℠) where you can earn bonus points or miles on eligible purchases. Always check your card’s terms to see which categories qualify.
Maximizing Your Rewards: Tips for Travelers
- Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase: For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2X points on all travel, while the Capital One Venture offers 5X miles on hotel bookings through their travel portal.
- Check Third-Party Booking Rules: If you book via Expedia or Kayak, confirm whether your card considers the transaction as travel. Some cards may still reward you even if the merchant category code isn’t “travel.”
- Leverage Redemption Options: Even if a purchase doesn’t qualify for bonus rewards, you might still redeem points/miles for travel expenses (e.g., flights, hotels, or car rentals).
- Look for Annual Fee Waivers: Cards like the Discover it Travel offer 1.5X miles on all purchases and match your first year’s miles, making them great for budget-conscious travelers.
- Stay Informed About Bonus Categories: Some cards (like the Amex Green) include unique categories like campgrounds or tours, while others (like Chase) may exclude certain types of travel.
Final Thoughts
While the definition of “travel” for credit card rewards can be a bit confusing, the good news is that most purchases related to travel will earn you some form of reward. Whether you’re booking a last-minute flight, splurging on a luxury hotel, or exploring a new city via a rental car, there’s likely a card that can help you save.
Remember: Always review your card’s terms and conditions to understand which purchases qualify for bonus rewards. And if you’re unsure, reach out to your issuer—they’re usually happy to clarify. With the right strategy, your credit card can become a powerful tool for making every trip more rewarding.
Ready to upgrade your travel game? Explore the best travel credit cards and start earning rewards today!