Skip to content
CardSwipe
Join the beta

Guide

Which credit card earns the most on travel?

It depends on how the card defines travel. Broad definitions cover airlines, hotels, car rentals, transit and rideshare. Narrow ones pay most only on bookings through the issuer's own travel portal.

Broad travel and narrow travel

Some cards pay a bonus on almost anything coded as travel: airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, trains, buses, taxis, rideshare, parking and tolls.

Others pay a bonus only on airfare booked directly with the airline, or only on hotels.

Many premium cards pay their highest rate only on bookings made through the issuer's travel portal, and a lower rate when you book direct.

Portal versus booking direct

A portal booking can earn more points, but the airline or hotel may treat it as a third-party booking. That can mean no hotel loyalty points or elite benefits.

Portal prices are not always the same as direct prices. Compare the total, not only the multiplier.

For flights, booking direct usually makes changes and cancellations simpler.

What often does not count

Travel booked through an online agency is usually travel, but vacation rentals, tours and timeshares vary.

Purchases made at a hotel's gift shop or spa can code as retail.

Foreign transaction fees apply abroad on many cards, and a 3% fee can wipe out a 3x bonus. Travel cards usually waive it.

Common follow-ups

Does Airbnb count as travel for credit card rewards?
With most issuers, yes. Airbnb usually codes as lodging or travel. A few narrow travel definitions exclude it.
Do taxis and rideshare count as travel?
On cards with a broad travel definition, usually yes. Cards that define travel as airlines and hotels only do not include them.
Is a travel portal worth using?
Sometimes. Compare the portal price with the direct price, and weigh any loyalty points or benefits you would lose.

Figures come from issuer terms published at the time of writing and are estimates, not guarantees. Your own card agreement governs what you earn. Updated October 2026.

Read next

Know the card before you reach the register

CardSwipe is on the App Store Thursday, November 5. Until then the beta is open on TestFlight: install it, add the cards you carry, and check the answer at the next counter you stand at.

Join the beta

No bank login. No card numbers. Ever.

iOS 18 and watchOS 11, US cards. On the App Store Thursday, November 5, 1:00 AM Pacific. Built by Shaurya Dattani and Aarav Patel.

CardSwipe support will never ask for account numbers, passwords, card numbers, or any other credential, for any reason. Reward rates are estimates based on published issuer terms, not guarantees. CardSwipe is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any card issuer named on this site, and carries no paid placement: rankings are computed from published issuer terms alone.