Best Credit Cards for Vacation Rentals in April 2025

A credit card is only as good as its parts. That's why it's important to look at all of the features that make up a card, and decide which matter the most to you and what you're looking to get out of it.

Rewards

Compare travel credit cards for your vacation rentals by reviewing their rewards value and welcome offers. You should also seek out cards that offer more points or miles in categories you tend to spend a lot in. If you're tempted to apply for a card because you want to earn one of the best welcome bonuses, make sure you can meet their minimum spending requirement within the proposed timeline with regular, planned spending and bills. 

If you need to spend $4,000 within three months, for example, make sure you can spend at least $1,334 per month on groceries, gas and other bills for three consecutive months in a row after you sign up. You also want to make sure the card offers recurring rewards value that suits your spending beyond the welcome bonus.

Redemption options

Make sure you can redeem your rewards for vacation rentals and other options. For the most flexibility possible, look for cards that let you redeem points or miles for statement credits with a value of at least one cent per point. Travel credit cards that offer vacation rentals and other travel through their own portal also offer more flexibility.

Travel perks

Decide which travel benefits you want and compare cards that offer the perks you're interested in at a price point you can afford. For example, decide if you want benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits, or if you want a card with fewer benefits and a lower annual fee.

Fees

Speaking of fees, compare cards based on their annual fees and if you travel abroad often, check for foreign transaction fees. Also decide whether you want a card with an intro APR for purchases and balance transfers, and watch out for other fees like balance transfer fees, cash advance fees and late fees.

If you plan to carry a balance from month to month, choose a credit card with a lower APR. However, we recommend treating your credit card like a debit card, which means paying off any purchases you make right away.

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you'll want to use it for all your purchases and regular bills. Also make sure you meet the minimum spending threshold to earn the welcome bonus you're offered, and utilize any bonus categories your card has.

Most importantly, make sure you always pay your credit card bill in full each month to avoid interest charges. If you're trying to earn rewards for travel but also paying interest on everything you buy, what you spend on interest could eclipse any value you'd get from the rewrds. The best travel credit cards are offering 5% to 10% back on eligible travel purchases with a much lower rewards rate on regular purchases, whereas the average credit card interest rate is well over 20%.

Alternatives to travel credit cards include cash-back credit cards and general rewards credit cards. These cards may not offer bonus rewards for travel specifically, but they still let you get something back for each dollar you spend.

Cash-back cards and general travel credit cards can also offer flexible redemption options that work for vacation rentals. For example, you can typically redeem rewards from these cards for statement credits to cover any purchase (including vacation rental bookings), and you may even be able to redeem cash back for gift cards for Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms.

How to apply for a credit card

Once you decide you're ready for one of the best credit cards for vacation rentals, take these steps to apply:

1. Compare card options: Pick a credit card for vacation rentals that seems to suit your needs best after comparing options based on the factors you care most about.
2. Apply for a card: Choose the card that best matches your travel budget. You'll then fill out an application with information like your name, address, phone number, household income, housing payment and Social Security number.
3. Get your card: If you're approved for a credit card, you may find out online instantly. You might also hear about your approval or denial later via email or physical mail. If you're approved for a card, you'll typically receive it in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

• X1 Card
• American Express Green Card®

CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonuses, travel rewards and balance transfers. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card. 

*All information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.