Finding a travel credit card can feel like an uphill battle when you have a less-than-perfect credit score. Many of the most enticing travel rewards cards are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit. However, having a lower credit score doesn’t mean you have to abandon your travel dreams or miss out on the benefits of credit card rewards. There are still valuable options available, and understanding them is the first step towards smarter travel.
Even with a fair or bad credit history, you can still access credit cards that offer rewards and perks that can significantly reduce your travel expenses. These cards might not offer the same premium benefits as those for excellent credit, but they provide a pathway to earn rewards on your spending and make travel more affordable. Let’s explore some of the best travel credit card options for those with bad to fair credit, and how to maximize their benefits.
Top Travel Credit Cards for Fair to Bad Credit: A Detailed Comparison
| Card Name | Best For | Annual Fee | Credit Score Needed | Reward Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Hotel and Rental Car Rewards | $39(See Rates and Fees) | No Credit History | – 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel – 1.5% cash back on all other purchases |
| Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards | Travel-Focused Rewards | $95 | Fair Credit | – 10X points on hotels and rental cars via Credit One Bank travel partner – 5X points on travel, dining, and gas – 1X points on all other purchases |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card* | Simple Flat-Rate Rewards | $0 | Bad Credit | – 1.5 points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases – 3 points per $1 when booking travel through Bank of America Travel Center |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card | Secured Card for Travel Perks | $0(See Rates and Fees) | Bad Credit | – 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel – 1.5% cash back on all purchases |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* | Flexible Spending Categories | None | No Credit History | – 3% cash back in a chosen category (including travel) – 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs – 1% cash back on everything else (on up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter for 3% and 2% categories) |
| Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Student Travel and Entertainment | $0(See Rates and Fees) | No Credit History | – 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases – 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel – 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Welcome Bonus and Gas & Restaurant Rewards | $0 | No Credit History | – Unlimited Cashback Match™ in the first year – 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%) – 1% cash back on all other purchases |
Note: Always refer to the card issuer’s website for the most current terms and conditions.
Detailed Look at the Best Travel Credit Cards for Bad to Fair Credit
To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve deeper into some of the top contenders from the table above, highlighting their strengths and who they might be best suited for.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Top Pick for Hotel and Rental Car Rewards
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for its straightforward rewards structure and accessibility for those with limited credit history. It offers a solid 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus an impressive 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This elevated rewards rate on travel booked through their portal makes it a particularly attractive option if you frequently book accommodations and transportation as part of your trips.
While it does carry a $39 annual fee, the rewards can outweigh this cost if you spend a significant amount on travel and everyday purchases. The cash back earned can be redeemed for statement credits, checks, or gift cards, providing flexible options to offset your travel expenses. This card is a great starting point for building credit while still enjoying travel rewards.
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card: Maximizing Travel Rewards
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards
For those specifically seeking richer travel rewards, the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards card is worth considering. It boasts a high 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through their travel partner and 5X points on eligible travel, dining, and gas purchases. This accelerated earning potential in key travel and everyday spending categories can lead to accumulating rewards quickly.
However, this card comes with a $95 annual fee, which is higher than some other options on this list. To make this card worthwhile, you need to ensure your spending habits align with the bonus categories to maximize point accumulation and offset the annual fee. It’s best suited for individuals who spend considerably on travel, dining, and gas and are comfortable redeeming points within the Credit One Bank ecosystem.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card: Simple and Secure Travel Rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for those with bad credit looking for a simple, no-frills travel rewards card. As a secured card, it requires a security deposit, which acts as your credit line and reduces the risk for the issuer, making it more accessible for individuals with lower credit scores.
It offers a straightforward rewards structure: 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases. Furthermore, you earn 3 points for every $1 spent when booking travel through the Bank of America Travel Center. With no annual fee, the rewards earned can be redeemed for statement credits towards travel purchases, making it a practical way to save on your trips. This card is a good option for those prioritizing simplicity and credit building with a secured card.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: Flexible Rewards for Day Trips
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
For those who prefer flexible rewards categories, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers the ability to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. You can choose to earn 3% cash back in one of six categories, including travel, along with 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%). All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
This secured card, with no annual fee, allows you to optimize your rewards earnings based on your lifestyle. If you frequently take day trips or weekend getaways, choosing “travel” as your 3% cash back category can be highly beneficial. It’s a great option for those who want more control over their rewards and are focused on building credit with a secured card.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for Student Travelers
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Specifically designed for students, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an enticing rewards program that aligns with student spending habits. It provides a whopping 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores.
With no annual fee and a $50 welcome bonus for spending $100 in the first three months, this card provides significant value for students. The high rewards rates on dining and entertainment, combined with travel rewards, make it an excellent choice for students who enjoy exploring and socializing while managing their finances responsibly.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Welcoming New Cardholders with a Unique Bonus
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out with its unique Cashback Match™ welcome bonus. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn in your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. This is an incredibly valuable feature for new cardholders.
Beyond the welcome bonus, it offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% back on all other purchases. With no annual fee, this secured card is a fantastic option for those looking to maximize their rewards in the first year and earn on everyday spending categories like gas and dining, while building or rebuilding their credit.
Choosing the Right Travel Card for Your Needs
Selecting the best travel credit card when you have fair or bad credit requires careful consideration of your spending habits and travel goals. Ask yourself:
- What are my primary travel expenses? (Flights, hotels, rental cars, dining, etc.)
- How often do I travel? (Frequent trips vs. occasional getaways)
- What kind of rewards do I prefer? (Cash back, points, miles)
- Am I comfortable with an annual fee?
- Am I looking to build or rebuild my credit?
By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and choose a card that aligns with your financial situation and travel aspirations. Secured cards are excellent tools for credit building, while unsecured cards may offer richer rewards but might be harder to qualify for with bad credit.
Maximizing Your Travel Card Rewards and Credit Building
Once you’ve chosen a travel credit card, implement these strategies to make the most of it:
- Utilize Travel Portals: If your card offers access to a travel portal, explore it for potential deals and booking benefits. However, always compare prices with other booking sites to ensure you’re getting the best value.
- Budget Wisely: Create a budget to track your spending and avoid overspending on your credit card. Responsible credit card use is crucial for building credit and avoiding debt.
- Pay Balances in Full and On Time: Always aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges. Timely payments are essential for improving your credit score.
- Request Credit Limit Increases: After several months of responsible use, consider requesting a credit limit increase. A higher credit limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, positively impacting your credit score.
- Prioritize Credit Building: While rewards are enticing, remember that the primary goal with these cards is often to build or rebuild your credit. Focus on responsible usage to improve your creditworthiness over time.
Final Thoughts: Travel Rewards are Within Reach
Having less than perfect credit doesn’t have to sideline your travel ambitions. By exploring travel credit cards designed for fair to bad credit, you can access rewards, save money on your trips, and work towards improving your credit score. With careful selection and responsible use, the world of travel rewards is open to you, regardless of your credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are travel credit cards worth it if I travel only a few times a year? Even with infrequent travel, a travel credit card can be beneficial if it aligns with your spending habits and offers rewards on categories you frequently use, such as dining or gas. The added travel perks like purchase protection can also be valuable.
- Which travel credit card is easiest to get approved for with bad credit? Secured credit cards are generally the easiest to get approved for if you have bad credit, as they require a security deposit. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card and Discover it® Secured Credit Card are good options to consider.
- Can I get an airline-specific credit card with bad credit? It’s generally more challenging to get approved for airline-specific credit cards with bad credit, as they often require good to excellent credit. Focus on general travel rewards cards or secured cards to build your credit first, then consider airline cards in the future.
Disclaimer: Credit card terms and conditions are subject to change. Always verify the most current information with the card issuer.
The information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card was last updated on Jan. 17, 2025.
{width=1280 height=720}Image alt text: A tourist enjoying the sights of New York City, representing travel opportunities achievable with travel credit cards for bad credit.
{width=219 height=138}Image alt text: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, a top choice for hotel and rental car rewards for individuals with fair to bad credit.
{width=217 height=139}Image alt text: Credit One Bank Wander American Express Card, highlighted as a travel-focused rewards card suitable for those with less-than-perfect credit.
{width=219 height=138}Image alt text: Bank of America Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card, a flat-rate rewards option for individuals seeking travel benefits while building credit.
{width=219 height=138}Image alt text: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, offering flexible spending categories including travel for those with bad credit.
{width=219 height=138}Image alt text: Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, a recommended travel card for students with no credit history, featuring entertainment and dining rewards.
{width=219 height=138}Image alt text: Discover it Secured Credit Card, recognized for its welcome bonus and rewards on gas and restaurant purchases, ideal for individuals with bad credit.
