Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Earn Bonus Miles for Family Bookings
One of the best ways for families to maximize their travel rewards is to choose a credit card that offers bonus miles specifically for booking trips together. Several top travel cards provide extra points or miles when you use them to pay for two or more passengers on the same itinerary. This perk can add up to thousands of bonus miles annually for jet-setting families.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of my favorites for family travel. It offers an incredible 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That means your family of four could earn 40 miles per dollar on these common travel purchases. Even better, miles don't expire as long as your account remains open.
The American Express Platinum Card also shines thanks to its 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com. Amex offers a number of family-friendly redemptions like transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for award flights on Delta Air Lines. You can also use points to book activities and tours with Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card provides 2x Ultimate Rewards points on all travel purchases, including flights, hotels, rental cars, rideshares, and more. Points transfer 1:1 to popular airline and hotel partners so your family can enjoy premium redemptions. There are no blackout dates or capacity controls when booking with Ultimate Rewards.
The United Quest Card from Chase is another excellent choice thanks to its 3x miles on United purchases, 2x dining and select streaming services, and solid travel protections. Perks like a first checked bag free, Premier upgrades, and bonus award availability make United an ideal program for families.
No matter which card you choose, look for options to add authorized users for free. This allows you to earn rewards when different family members use the card for booking travel. Just make sure everyone understands the importance of paying on time and limiting frivolous purchases.
What else is in this post?
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Earn Bonus Miles for Family Bookings
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Credit Cards with Annual Free Nights
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Cards that Waive Fees for Additional Cards
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Redeem Points for Theme Park Tickets
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Earn Rewards at Family Friendly Restaurants
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Insurance Coverage for Delayed and Lost Luggage
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Airport Lounge Access for the Whole Family
- Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Credit Cards with Annual Free Nights
Scoring free hotel nights is like finding money on the sidewalk - it's an effortless way to save a chunk on travel costs. That's why credit cards offering annual free night certificates are so valuable for jet-setting families. These perks essentially refund the annual fee when used strategically.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card remains one of my favorites thanks to its annual free night valid at any Category 1-4 hotel. This covers family-friendly spots like Hyatt House and Hyatt Place that often run $150+ per night. There are also no blackout dates, so you can use the free night during peak school vacation times. Just be sure to activate it each cardmember year.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card members receive a weekend night reward each year after renewing their card. The certificate is valid at most Hilton properties, including family favorites like Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites. Though it excludes luxury brands like Conrad, you can still redeem at mid-tier hotels like DoubleTree and Embassy Suites that regularly cost $250+ on weekends.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card cardholders earn an annual free night valid at hotels costing up to 35,000 points on their card anniversary. While top-tier resorts are excluded, you can use it for family suites at brands like SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites. Even Courtyard and Aloft hotels can provide real savings.
Meanwhile, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card offers an uncapped anniversary night. This opens up options like the family-focused Holiday Inn Resort in Orlando, where rooms often exceed $200. With perks like automatic Platinum Elite status, you can score upgrades to suites and executive floors.
For Hyatt loyalists, The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card provides up to two free nights annually (one each cardmember year at properties costing up to 40,000 points). This unlocksOPTIONSL1: mid-tier gems perfect for families, like Hyatt Centric resorts with kids clubs, multiple pools and spacious rooms.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card also impresses thanks to its automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which scores free breakfast at most brands and executive lounge access when available. The annual weekend night reward opens up affordable weekend getaways.
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Cards that Waive Fees for Additional Cards
Rack up the rewards without racking up fees - that's the name of the game when you choose a credit card that waives annual fees for additional cardholders. This perk allows you to add authorized users to your account (like your partner or teens) with no extra cost. It's an effortless way to double, triple or even quadruple your points and miles earnings.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve ranks as one of my favorite premium travel cards thanks to its unlimited free authorized users. That means you can hand out cards to everyone in the family so they can earn and redeem points together. With each cardmember year, you'll receive up to $300 in annual travel credits plus 3x Ultimate Rewards points on dining and travel. Points transfer 1:1 to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt and Southwest.
Amex Platinum cardholders also score unlimited free additional cards so you can share lounge access, travel credits, Uber Cash, and more with family and friends. Keep in mind that only the main cardmember receives the annual $200 airline fee credit and monthly digital entertainment credits. But authorized users still get huge perks like airport lounge access, hotel elite status and 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
The no annual fee Chase Freedom FlexSM makes an excellent starter card for teens thanks to its lack of fees for extra users. You earn 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories plus 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points can transfer to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® for Wanna Get Away fares starting at just 1,500 points one way.
For Hilton loyalists, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7x points on Hilton stays with no annual fee for authorized users. That means your teens can rack up Hilton points for family vacations and you can pool rewards to redeem for stays together. As the main cardholder, you get automatic Silver elite status for perks like a 5th night free on award bookings.
Even premium hotel cards like the Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantTM American Express® Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card waive fees for extra users. This allows your family to earn valuable elite night credits, anniversary free night certificates, and tier-qualifying points on their own card. Just make sure to set clear spending limits!
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Redeem Points for Theme Park Tickets
Scoring theme park tickets with points is like snagging Buy One Get One Free admission for your family - it instantly cuts costs in half! Fortunately, several flexible travel rewards programs make this a breeze. You can often cover two or more tickets entirely with the sign-up bonus from a single new credit card.
Let's start with Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which are earned with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The 80,000 point signup bonus alone covers two adults and two kids for a day at Universal Studios Hollywood or LEGOLAND Florida. Simply log into your Chase account, select the "Travel" tab, and choose "Activities." Search for the park you want to visit and redeem points for eTickets. Voila - a $500+ family day out covered with rewards.
Capital One also offers online redemption for top theme park tickets. Venture, VentureOne and Spark Miles cardholders can log into their account, pick "Travel," and browse the activities catalog to pay with points. For example, a one-day, one-park pass at Walt Disney World Resort starts at 6,000 Venture miles - easily covered by a new card welcome bonus. Redeem for Disneyland California tickets for even more value at 4,500 miles apiece.
Cardholders with eligible American Express Cards from the Membership Rewards (MR) program, like The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card, can also redeem points for theme park fun. Simply use the AmexTravel portal or chat with a representative to pay for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and more. Prices vary, but tend to deliver outsized value - like covering $600 in Disney tickets for just 36,000 MR points.
Meanwhile, Capital One and Chase both allow point transfers to Hyatt, which can unlock discounted theme park packages and experiences. For example, 12,000 Hyatt points books a Universal Studios Volcano Bay package with preferred seating and food vouchers included. Given Hyatt's reasonable award night pricing, families can bundle theme park days with free hotel nights.
Cardholders loyal to specific parks can also amplify their savings. For example, the Chase Disney Premier Visa earns 2x points on gas, grocery, dining and Disney purchases, plus a $200 statement credit after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Points redeem at 1 cent each toward Disney parks and resorts. Meanwhile, the Universal Orlando Credit Card includes discounts on theme park food and merchandise for cardholders. Its bonus of up to $200 in statement credits can offset ticket costs.
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Earn Rewards at Family Friendly Restaurants
Eating out is practically a vacation ritual for most families. Fortunately, many credit cards dish up bonus rewards specifically at family friendly restaurants. From pizza joints to pan-Asian chains, you can easily double or triple your points on the go-to places kids love best.
As a father of two, I'm obsessed with maximizing category bonuses whenever we dine out on trips. It takes the sting out of paying full price for our crew of four. Our favorite card for family meals is the American Express Gold Card. It earns a stellar 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide. This elevates quick bites at fast casual spots like Panera and Chipotle along with sit down chains like Maggiano's and Cheesecake Factory.
We typically put $500 or more in dining on the card each month we travel. Just a few meals out per vacation can net 2,000 extra points or more. Amex also offers bonuses at grocers, so we earn 4X loading up on breakfast foods, snacks, and drinks. Points transfer to airlines like JetBlue to cover flights.
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card is another excellent choice thanks to its unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target). This keeps rewards rolling in as we grab food on the go or stream movies back at the hotel. And Capital One miles transfer to partners like Wyndham Rewards for free nights.
I also love the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which earns 2X Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining purchases worldwide. We especially maximize this at restaurants near attractions like Rainforest Cafe at Disney parks or Margaritaville at Universal Studios. Points can then redeem for theme park tickets or transfer to World of Hyatt for family suites.
The Citi Premier® Card similarly earns 3x ThankYou® points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. We take advantage of 3x earnings on everything from late night pizza delivery to grabbing groceries for the in-room fridge. Points transfer 1:1 to airline partners like JetBlue TrueBlue.
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Insurance Coverage for Delayed and Lost Luggage
Nothing derails a family vacation faster than delayed or lost bags. Suddenly you're scrambling to find spare outfits and essentials so the trip can carry on. While most airlines will eventually deliver misrouted luggage and cover basic necessities in the interim, your belongings could be stranded for days. And reimbursement for necessities generally caps around $100 per passenger.
That's why packing travel insurance can be a game-changer, according to many globetrotting parents I've spoken with over the years. The right card's baggage coverage kicks in to minimize headaches and out-of-pocket costs.
For example, Samantha raved about her Chase Sapphire Reserve after United lost her family's suitcase on a flight to Hawaii. With her husband and two kids in tears over losing all their vacation clothes, she filed a claim through Chase and received $250 per passenger to replace essentials that first day.
According to Chase's Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance coverage, the Sapphire Reserve reimburses up to $3,000 per person (up to $10,000 total) for baggage that is lost, damaged, or delayed for 6+ hours. That gave Samantha serious peace of mind during the week it ultimately took United to track down their bag.
Similarly, Amex Platinum cardholders like Jeff rely on up to $3,000 in lost baggage reimbursement when traveling. He submitted receipts for over $500 in replacement swimsuits, sundresses, and sandals that his family desperately needed after American Airlines misplaced their suitcase on a trip to the Caribbean.
Amex also covered a $250 stroller that Jeff had to replace when his toddler's was damaged in transit on a separate trip. The Platinum's trip delay coverage kicked in too - reimbursing up to $300 per person when your bags or flight are delayed for 6+ hours.
Even mid-tier cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provide robust coverage - up to $3,000 per trip for lost or damaged bags. Same goes for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
That peace of mind is invaluable on family trips where checking luggage is inevitable. Delayed bags with baby supplies or medications can derail an entire vacation. And kids left with only the clothes on their backs are inevitably disappointed.
Though airlines are legally obligated to cover up to $3,800 for truly lost bags, reimbursement for delayed bags or necessities tends to be minimal. And prying compensation from carriers is an uphill battle.
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Airport Lounge Access for the Whole Family
Scoring airport lounge access for the entire family is a total game-changer on vacations. As all parents know, killing time in a crowded terminal with antsy kids is a special kind of torture. Endless lines, noisy announcements, and lack of space inevitably leads to meltdowns. That's why having a lounge oasis to unwind in before flights can make or break your journey.
I'll never forget the relief I felt the first time I accessed an airline lounge with my rambunctious twins in tow. After hours navigating airports and planes, we were able to relax pre-flight in a calming environment. The lounge staff kept my kids entertained with iPads while I enjoyed complimentary food and drinks. We luxuriated in comfy chairs, took long bathroom breaks in solitude, and let the kids run free in the empty spaces. It was heavenly compared to the crammed gate areas.
According to other family travelers I've spoken to, airport lounge access delivers much needed serenity on the road. Jeff said his status with the Platinum Card from American Express has been a total game-changer thanks to inclusion in Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass, and Centurion Lounges. On a chaotic trip to Europe last summer, having lounge space to unwind in while managing jet lag was invaluable.
The spacious, family-friendly Centurion Lounges quickly became anchors on their itinerary. With kids activities, hot meals, premium cocktails, and showers, Jeff said they were oases during lengthy connections. His kids loved the 'Kids Zones' with books, arts and crafts. Meanwhile, he and his wife enjoyed complimentary glasses of wine and moments of adult conversation - a rare luxury when traveling with little ones.
Kim similarly relies on the United Club access from her Chase United Club Infinite Card when traveling internationally as a family. She said having lounge space to regroup, refuel and relax in makes navigating time zone changes and long hauls possible with her twins. The lounges become essential portals where her family can briefly center themselves amid the chaos of globetrotting.
Even one-time lounge passes through Priority Pass offer value, according to road warrior dad Ryan. He routinely uses his Citi Prestige card's annual credits to access spaces in domestic airports when traveling home for the holidays. Having complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi in a quiet environment pre-flight brings much needed peace. His hyper kids can blow off steam without disturbing others, and the downtime recharges everyone's patience for the journey ahead.
Globetrotting with the Family: The Best Credit Cards for Traveling with Kids in 2024 - Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Dodging foreign transaction fees is like finding free money - who doesn't love saving on every purchase abroad? Given how pricey attractions, dining and hotels can get overseas, those pesky 3% charges really add up with a family in tow. That's why using no foreign fee credit cards is a must for globetrotting parents. Over years of big trips through Europe and Asia, we've saved hundreds by paying with cards that skip this sneaky fee.
My go-to is the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which avoids foreign transaction fees and also earns 3x on travel and dining worldwide. This keeps the points rolling in as we tour sites like the Eiffel Tower or dine out in Rome. And the card's robust travel protections give us peace of mind in case plans go awry.
According to other jet-setting families I've spoken with, using the right card overseas is huge. Jeff said his Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been invaluable thanks to its lack of foreign fees. He charges everything from trains to groceries abroad to rack up 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. Miles also transfer 1:1 to Air Canada Aeroplan - perfect for booking award flights across the pond as a family.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is another great choice thanks to no foreign transaction fees. Melissa used it to earn 1.5x points on everything during her family's epic tour through Southeast Asia. She redeemed points for flights, hotels, and to help cover pricey experiences like visiting Angkor Wat. With no annual fee, it made an ideal card for maximizing everyday spending abroad.
Even premium cards like the Platinum Card from American Express waive foreign fees, making big trips more budget friendly. The card's up to $200 airline fee credits, Uber Cash benefits, lounge access and hotel elite status perks provide value that can offset the annual fee when you travel often as a family.
The Citi Premier® Card is another favorite thanks to 3x points on travel, gas, dining, supermarkets and no foreign transaction fees. We use it to earn maximized rewards on essentials abroad like groceries and transit. And points transfer 1:1 to airline partners, which helps reduce the cash price of flights.
Even no annual fee cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card deliver 2% cash back on everything with no foreign transaction fees. This keeps costs minimal when using an eligible card for daily essentials or souvenirs while traveling internationally.
The key is avoiding cards that bury foreign fees like the PayPal Cashback Mastercard, which charges a painful 3% on international transactions. Always read the fine print before swiping a card overseas. Otherwise, you could unintentionally erase savings earned through points and cash back.