Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars of 2024
Best for Everyday Travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card’s rental car insurance benefits everyday travelers. It provides reimbursem*nt for damage due to theft or collision up to the actual cash value for most rental vehicles when using your card to pay for your entire vehicle rental and declining the collision damage waiver offered by the commercial car rental company. Plus, you’ll earn 5X points when booking travel car rentals through Chase Travel℠—all for an affordable $95 annual fee. Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review.
Pros
- Coverage applies to rental periods of up to 31 consecutive days for most rentals in most countries
- Earn 5X points when booking travel through Chase Travel instead the 2X points on other travel purchases
- Get a 10% points bonus on spending from the previous year at each account anniversary
Cons
- You must decline the commercial car rental agency’s collision damage waiver and charge the entire car rental purchase to your card to qualify for rental car insurance coverage
- Some rentals, like exotic vehicles, luxury vehicles and motorcycles, are ineligible for coverage
- Lacks premium travel perks like airport lounge access
Best for Primary Rental Car Insurance Coverage: Capital One Venture X Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable
Intro Bonus
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on the card within the first 3 months after opening the account
75,000 miles
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Credit Card is a premium travel credit card with plentiful travel perks, including an auto rental collision damage waiver. This coverage reimburses for eligible rental car damages caused by theft or collision. You can also earn 10X miles on Capital One Travel rental car bookings and take advantage of helpful travel protections like trip delay reimbursem*nt and trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. Read our Capital One Venture X review.
Pros
- Car rental insurance covers the actual cash value of rental vehicles with an original manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $75,000 when new
- Annual $300 travel credit can be used to book car rentals through Capital One Travel
- Receive President’s Circle status through the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which provides access to benefits like car class upgrades and a 50% points bonus on rentals**
Cons
- Must pay the entire rental with your card and decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver to qualify for coverage
- There are some geographic exclusions for coverage
- Coverage doesn’t apply to some rentals like antique cars, cargo vehicles and recreational vehicles
**Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders
Best for Business Driving: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Why we chose it: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for business owners who travel often. It features travel perks like an auto rental collision damage waiver, which provides primary coverage for eligible car rentals booked for business. You’ll earn 3X points on up to the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year on travel and in select business categories (then 1X points. Plus this card has an affordable annual fee of $95 per year. Read our Ink Business Preferred card review.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Includes additional travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Rewards can be redeemed for 25% more value when booking travel through Chase Travel
Cons
- Rental car coverage is secondary if have your own insurance and you’re renting inside your country of residence for personal reasons
- High minimum spend requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- 3X rewards are capped at $150,000 in combined spending each account anniversary year (then 1X)
Best for Elite Car Rental Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why we chose it: One of the many travel protections included with The Platinum Card® from American Express is car rental loss and damage insurance*. This secondary coverage provides reimbursem*nt for theft or damage to eligible car rental bookings. Travelers who rent cars often will appreciate the complimentary premium status perks available through Avis, Hertz and National. Read our Amex Platinum card review.
Pros
- Provides premium travel perks like free airport lounge access and multiple annual statement credits
- Cardholders who enroll can receive complimentary premier status through the Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club rewards programs
- Includes travel protections like trip delay insurance* and trip cancellation and interruption insurance*
Cons
- Car rental bookings don’t qualify for heightened bonus rewards
- Car rental loss and damage insurance* coverage is secondary to other insurance and doesn’t include liability coverage
- There are other credit cards with more affordable annual fees that provide primary car rental insurance coverage
Best for Elevated Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why we chose it: The Chase Chase Sapphire Reserve® is packed with premium travel perks, including a rental collision damage waiver for eligible theft or damage claims. This provides reimbursem*nt of up to $75,000 dollars. When booking car rentals through Chase Travel, you’ll earn elevated rewards. Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review.
Pros
- Earn 10X points when booking eligible car rentals through the Chase Travel portal*
- Get car rental discounts when booking with Avis, Hertz, National and Audi on Demand
- Receive automatic elite status with National’s Emerald Club Executive and Avis Preferred Plus
Cons
- Recommended for those with excellent credit
- There are other travel rewards cards with similar perks and more affordable annual fees
- You must book through Chase Travel to earn 10X points on car rentals*; otherwise, you’ll earn the 3X points* (on other travel)
*Travel-related rewards earned after the $300 annual travel credit is spent each year
A Closer Look at the Credit Cards for Rental Cars
Best for Everyday Travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card includes travel perks that appeal to the average traveler—all for an affordable $95 annual fee. Plus, this card provides many opportunities to earn rewards and offers flexible redemption choices so travelers can use their rewards how they see fit.
Who should have this in their wallet: This is an excellent card choice for travelers who make frequent purchases in bonus categories, like dining, travel, and online groceries. It’s also a good fit for those wanting flexibility when redeeming their rewards. The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is a favorite among travelers because of the many redemption options.
Other cards to consider: People looking for more premium travel benefits will want to look elsewhere for a rewards card with rental car perks. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which costs $395 annually, has more generous travel perks. Another option is the Chase Chase Sapphire Reserve®. While it has a $550 annual fee, it offers an up to $300 annual travel credit as reimbursem*nt for eligible travel purchases made with your card.
Best for Primary Rental Car Insurance Coverage: Capital One Venture X Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Venture X includes valuable travel perks like airport lounge access and car rental travel insurance coverage for a reasonable annual fee of $395. For those who rent vehicles often, the opportunity to earn 10X miles on car rentals booked through Capital One Travel is valuable. This card could help you reach your travel rewards goals sooner.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you can swing the annual fee, this card is a solid choice as long as you value premier benefits like free airport lounge access and a 10,000-mile bonus at every account anniversary. Because of the elevated rewards opportunities, this card is best for those who don’t mind booking travel reservations through Capital One Travel.
Other cards to consider: If you can’t swing the $395 per year fee but want a travel credit card with car rental benefits, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It has a more affordable $95 per year, earns travel rewards, and offers generous travel benefits. Another option is the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which has no annual fee. It includes car rental insurance perks through its auto rental collision damage waiver. But it has limited travel perks compared to other cards with annual fees.
Best for Business Driving: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Why we love this card: Business travelers will value travel perks like trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance and car rental insurance coverage. This coverage applies as primary insurance to eligible car rentals booked for business purposes and offers reimbursem*nt for damage to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most vehicles. We also appreciate that cardholders can get 25% more value from their rewards by redeeming their points for travel through Chase Travel.
Who should have this in their wallet: This credit card is ideal for business owners who typically spend in the bonus rewards categories and those who travel often for work. It’s a good fit for businesses that want to earn credit card rewards without paying a hefty annual fee.
Other cards to consider: If you don’t rent vehicles for work, you’ll want to look elsewhere for a credit card with rental car insurance perks. If you’re seeking a Chase credit card, the $95 per-year Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a solid pick for a travel card with such perks.
Best for Elite Car Rental Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why we love this card: The Amex Platinum card includes premium lifestyle and travel perks. It offers various annual statement credits that can help cardholders save money on everyday purchases, like eligible streaming service subscriptions. Plus, it provides travel protections like trip delay insurance* and trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance*—something frequent travelers will appreciate.
Who should have this in their wallet: This car rental credit card is ideal if you’re looking for a credit card with secondary rental car insurance perks*. It’s also a good fit for someone who can benefit from the unique statement credits available with this card. Since this card has a $695 annual fee, you’ll want to skip it if the credits aren’t appealing.
Other cards to consider: If you want a credit card with premium travel perks and primary rental car insurance coverage, consider the $550 per year Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another rental car credit card with primary insurance coverage for covered rental cars.
Best for Elevated Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why we love this card: The Chase Chase Sapphire Reserve®’s auto rental collision damage waiver provides primary coverage for eligible rental car bookings. Some travel cards only offer secondary car rental insurance coverage. This card also features valuable travel protections that can improve your trips, like baggage delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Who should have this in their wallet: This travel rewards credit card is ideal for frequent travelers who value premium travel perks and protections. If you can afford the $550 annual fee and don’t mind booking travel reservations through Chase Travel to earn rewards at an elevated rate, you’ll likely be a good fit for this popular travel rewards credit card.
Other cards to consider: Don’t need premium travel benefits? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a more affordable option for those who value travel benefits and rewards. If you fly with United often, another card to explore is the United℠ Explorer Card. It has an introductory $0 annual fee in the first year (then $95 per year) and provides car rental insurance coverage with reimbursem*nt for damage caused by theft or collision for covered rental vehicles.
What Does Your Credit Card for Rental Cars Not Cover?
The exact coverage details for car rental credit cards with car rental insurance vary, so be sure to review the details of your benefits before you travel. But in many cases, car rental insurance provided through your credit card doesn’t cover the following:
Most insurance benefits don’t cover exotic vehicles, antique cars, cargo vans, motorcycles, or limousines. Rentals booked in select geographic regions may also be excluded from coverage. Some examples include Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy.
Credit card for rental car insurance coverage typically doesn’t cover bodily or personal property damage caused during a car accident. It’s also worth mentioning that most insurance won’t provide coverage for rental periods over 31 days.
How Do Credit Cards for Rental Cars Work?
Many of the best credit cards for rental cars offer perks for people who rent cars while traveling, including car rental insurance coverage. To use this perk, most card issuers require travelers to charge the entire cost of their rental car reservation to their eligible credit card. They also typically require travelers to decline the commercial rental car company’s collision damage waiver to be eligible for coverage.
You should review the benefits your car issuer provides before planning the details of your next trip that requires a car rental. Check to see if you get car rental insurance perks and review eligibility requirements, including any exclusions, so you know what to expect before your trip. You also want to ensure you understand the claims process.
Why Would You Need a Credit Card for Rental Cars?
Here are a few reasons a car rental credit card can be helpful:
- Protect Against Collision Damage Caused By a Car Accident or Theft: No matter how prepared you are, accidents and unexpected incidents can happen when traveling. Car rental insurance coverage can help you feel less financial strain after experiencing an unexpected car rental incident while traveling.
- Earn Rewards on Car Rental Bookings: Travel expenses can add up quickly, so it’s smart to maximize the rewards you earn when traveling. With the right credit card for rental cards in your wallet, you can earn rewards when you use your card to pay for travel purchases, including rental car bookings.
- Access Perks That Improve Your Car Rental Experience: A car rental credit card may qualify you for additional car rental perks. For example, some cards give cardholders elite benefits through popular car rental company loyalty programs, which could offer benefits like free upgrades or car rental discounts.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Rental Cars
You’ll want to choose the best credit card for car rental that meets your needs and expectations. Here are some factors to consider when exploring credit cards for rental cars:
Annual Fee
Before getting a best credit card for rental car, check whether it has an annual fee. If you’re considering a card with an annual fee, you want to ensure the yearly fee fits your budget. There are travel credit cards with more modest fees, but they may have fewer travel benefits provided.
Car Rental Insurance Coverage
Many travelers get a credit card with car rental insurance coverage perks. As you review credit cards for rental car options, check whether rental car insurance is provided. If it is, you should verify whether coverage is primary or secondary to other insurance coverage. Some cards offer secondary coverage. Finally, review all coverage details so you know what to expect.
Travel Benefits
Getting a car rental credit card can be helpful if you travel often. You should also research any other travel benefits that are provided. Getting additional travel perks through your credit card could make your trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Some helpful travel benefits include trip delay insurance and free airport lounge access.
Reward Opportunities
You should also explore how the card earns rewards and your redemption options. To maximize your rewards, you want to choose a credit card that matches your typical spending habits. You may need to book travel through a travel portal to earn at a higher reward rate. Understanding how to use your rewards once you earn them is also ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Cheaper To Rent a Car With a Credit Card?
Some credit card issuers offer rental car benefits that could help travelers save money when renting vehicles. For example, cardholders may qualify for elite perks that offer discounts on rentals through select car rental loyalty programs. Additionally, renting a car with a credit card can be cheaper due to the additional perks provided, like rental car insurance coverage. Not having to pay for additional protections separately could offer savings.
What Can I Use Instead of a Credit Card To Rent a Car?
Some car rental companies allow travelers to use a debit card to pay for their rental car bookings. But there may be requirements for using a debit card, such as making a refundable deposit or providing proof of a return ticket, when paying with a debit card and renting a vehicle from an airport location. Using a credit card is a good idea because you may benefit from the additional travel perks provided.
Does a Visa Card Cover Rental Car Insurance?
Yes, your Visa credit card may include rental car insurance. The insurance coverage varies from card to card, so review your credit card benefits guide to learn more about rental car insurance coverage details. This way, you know what to expect before filing an insurance claim.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
