Traveling solo offers freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of discovering new places on your own terms. However, to make your solo adventures even more enjoyable and financially rewarding, having the right travel credit card is essential. Whether you’re looking for cashback, avoiding foreign transaction fees, or enjoying perks like lounge access and travel insurance, the right card can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s a guide to the top travel credit cards for solo travelers, with a focus on international travel and rewards.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a standout choice for travelers looking for robust rewards, especially for international travel. Offering 2x points on travel and dining, it allows you to rack up points quickly. These points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, providing excellent flexibility. Additionally, the card comes with no foreign transaction fees and robust travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
• 2x points on travel and dining
• No foreign transaction fees
• Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection
• Lounge access with premium travel benefits (when paired with a higher-tier Chase card like the Sapphire Reserve)
2. American Express® Gold Card
For solo travelers who love dining out, the American Express® Gold Card offers an impressive 4x points on dining worldwide, as well as 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. This card is perfect for those who frequently eat out or enjoy exploring local cuisine while traveling.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
• 4x points on dining worldwide
• 3x points on flights
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to travel insurance, including baggage insurance and car rental loss and damage insurance
• Lounge access with the American Express Global Lounge Collection
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, solo travelers can earn 2x miles on every purchase. This simple and straightforward card is ideal for those who want to earn rewards without worrying about categories or spending limits. It also offers up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
• 2x miles on every purchase
• No foreign transaction fees
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Travel accident insurance and rental car insurance
• Easy redemption for travel rewards
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card is another strong contender for international travel, offering 3x points on travel (including gas stations), 2x points on dining, and 1x on other purchases. This card is particularly beneficial for travelers who want to earn a high number of points on everyday purchases.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
• 3x points on travel (including gas stations)
• 2x points on dining
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protections, such as trip cancellation and delay coverage
5. Discover it® Miles
If you’re looking for a card with no annual fee, the Discover it® Miles card is an excellent option. It earns 1.5x miles on every purchase, and Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
• 1.5x miles on every purchase
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee
• Travel protections, including car rental insurance and emergency assistance services
Comparing Travel Insurance and Perks
When comparing travel credit cards, it’s essential to look beyond rewards points and cashback. Many travel cards come with additional benefits, particularly in the area of travel insurance and protection. For solo travelers, these perks can be invaluable.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimburses you for non-refundable travel costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Insurance: Covers essential items or replacement costs if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
• Car Rental Insurance: Coverage for damage or theft of rental cars is often included, saving you money on insurance from the rental agency.
• Emergency Assistance: Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, offer 24/7 emergency assistance while traveling abroad.
Make the Most of Your Card
As a solo traveler, every bit of cashback and reward points counts. Using your travel card at relevant merchants through platforms like Fluz can boost your earnings. For example:
• Earn rewards when booking stays with Airbnb
• Stack cashback on flights with Delta Air Lines
• Book through Hotels.com for extra loyalty points and compare cashback
• Shop for gear on Amazon before your trip
• Grab food and drinks on the go at Starbucks or Panera Bread
Planning a solo Disney trip? Use your rewards to book stays at Disney Resorts, or get a Disney+ gift card through Fluz to enjoy movies while traveling.
Final TipFor solo travelers, choosing the right credit card can help you earn rewards, save money, and gain peace of mind during your international adventures. The Chase Sapphire Preferred®, American Express® Gold Card, Capital One Venture, Citi Premier®, and Discover it® Miles are all excellent options. Maximize your benefits by stacking rewards through Fluz, and every step of your solo journey will be more rewarding—literally.
