The best credit cards for booking cruises
Editor's Note
There is one common question we get from TPG readers who are cruise enthusiasts: What are the best credit cards for booking cruises?
It might seem logical that the best way to earn rewards on cruise bookings is to get a cruise line cobranded credit card. However, these cards generally don't offer as strong a value as the best travel credit cards.
For example, the Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card currently offers a welcome bonus of 30,000 points (worth $300 in onboard credit or cabin upgrades) after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening. While that may sound appealing, you can typically get much better value from the welcome bonus on most general travel credit cards.
If you want to get the most value from your cruise purchases, here's our guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises and why you always want to pay for your vacation at sea with a credit card.
The information for the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why use a credit card to book your cruise?
At TPG, we recommend using a credit card whenever and wherever possible so you always earn rewards on your purchases. When it comes to cruises, you'll get some serious benefits by booking with a credit card.
Earn points and miles
A cruise is a significant expense, which means it's an opportunity to earn significant rewards.
You can use a cruise booking to help you hit a spending requirement and earn a valuable welcome bonus on a new card, or earn rewards to put toward future travel by using a card that earns bonus points or miles on travel purchases.
Improve your cash flow
We've all experienced billing mistakes and the headaches that come with them. If you use cash or a debit card for your cruise, a billing mistake can mean money is already gone from your account before you realize there's an issue. By using a credit card, your money stays protected while you work to get the issue resolved.
Protect your spending
Many travel rewards cards include trip delay and cancellation insurance, so you'll be protected if your travel plans go awry. If you plan on doing significant shopping while on your ship, you can use a card with purchase protection to ensure your items arrive safely.
Related: Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it
The best credit cards for booking cruises
When deciding which credit card to use for booking cruises, you'll want to consider the rewards a card earns on cruises and benefits like travel and shopping protections. You can also take advantage of a card's more specific perks, like statement credits for travel and airport lounge access to get you to and from the port.
With this in mind, we recommend these credit cards for booking a cruise:
| Card | Annual fee | Earning rate on cruises | What the points and miles are worth (based on TPG's August 2025 valuations) | Rewards return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Green Card® | $150 | 3 points per dollar | 2 cents per point | 6% |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | $95 | 2 points per dollar (up to 3.5 points per dollar with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards® program) | 1 cent per point | 2%-3.5% |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $95 | 2 miles per dollar | 1.85 cents per mile | 3.7% |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | 2 miles per dollar | 1.85 cents per mile | 3.7% |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) | $95 | 2 points per dollar | 2.05 cents per point | 4.1% |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) | $795 | 8 points per dollar for all bookings made through Chase Travel℠
1 point per dollar if not booked through Chase Travel (Points earned after using your $300 annual travel credit) | 2.05 cents per point | 16.4% and 2.1%, respectively |
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Green
Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in your first six months of card membership, worth $800 according to TPG's August 2025 valuations.
Annual fee: $150
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruises. This means you'll earn bonus points on the cruise booking as well as any flight or hotel purchases you make to get to and from your cruise. You'll also get trip delay insurance* that covers up to $300 per trip (maximum of two claims per 12-month period) and purchase protection** for up to 90 days after you make a purchase.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
To learn more, see our full review of the Amex Green.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Amex Green card?
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening, worth $600.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card earns 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases, including cruise line purchases as well as hotel and airline purchases. You'll also get travel protections such as trip cancellation/delay/interruption insurance.
And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you'll earn an additional 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase, giving you an even greater return on your cruise spending.
To learn more, see our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.
Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
Capital One Venture Rewards
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. According to TPG's August 2025 valuations, this offer is valued at up to $1,388.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Capital One Venture Rewards earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruise bookings. You can redeem the rewards you earn for a statement credit to cover travel expenses, including cruise line purchases.
To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,388 according to TPG's August 2025 valuations.
Annual fee: $395
Why it's great for booking cruises: Like the Venture Rewards, the Venture X earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruises, and comes with several travel protections. What makes the Venture X stand out is that it can make your trip run more smoothly with additional perks like complimentary airport lounge access, a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel.
To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,538 according to TPG's August 2025 valuations.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns a valuable 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruise bookings. What makes this card stand out is its impressive travel protections. When you use it to book travel, you'll get protection against lost or delayed baggage, as well as trip delays and cancellations.
To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome bonus: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $2,563 according to TPG's August 2025 valuations.
Annual fee: $795
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 8 points per dollar on all bookings through Chase Travel, including cruises booked in the portal. You'll also get a slightly better suite of travel protections than with the Sapphire Preferred, plus airport lounge access.
Perhaps the best perk on this card, however, is a $300 annual travel statement credit automatically applied to travel purchases, meaning you can get up to $300 back on your cruise booking when you use this card to pay.
To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Bottom line
Using the right credit card to book your cruise allows you to earn some serious rewards on your booking and protect yourself against a wide range of mishaps.
Whether you're focused on receiving a valuable welcome bonus to help fund your next trip or earning bonus points on your onboard cocktails, you can feel great knowing your card is working hard while you're kicking back at sea.
Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles
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.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.