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Best cards for Car rentals

Rental cars and vacation rentals — most premium travel cards earn here under travel.

Last updated

  1. 1Citi
    Citi Strata Elite

    12× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    12.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  2. 2Capital One
    Venture X

    10× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    10.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  3. 3Chase
    Sapphire Reserve

    8× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    Booked through Chase Travel portal

    8.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  4. 4U.S. Bank
    U.S. Bank Shopper

    5.5% backcategory bonus

    5.5%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  5. 5Capital One
    Venture

    5× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  6. 6Capital One
    Capital One Savor

    5% backcategory bonus

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  7. 7Capital One
    Quicksilver

    5% backcategory bonus

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  8. 8Capital One
    VentureOne

    5× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  9. 9Citi
    Citi Custom Cash

    5% backchoose-your-category

    if you select car rentals · Up to $500/billing cycle, then 1%

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  10. 10Capital One
    QuicksilverOne

    5% backcategory bonus

    5.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  11. 11Chase
    Sapphire Preferred

    3× points · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus

    3.8%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  12. 12Chase
    United Explorer

    3× miles · at 1.2¢/pt

    3.6%value back ⓘ
    Apply

“Value back” = earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cpp) — a conservative, like-for-like estimate. Transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One) are often worth more than baseline. Category bonuses may be capped; see each card. All categories

How these numbers are calculated, and where every fact comes from: How we know this.

Frequently asked

What is the best credit card for car rentals in 2026?

By effective value back, Citi Strata Elite leads at about 12.0% on car rentals. Your own spend and whether you'll use the card's other perks can change the best pick.

Do I need a card with a car rentals bonus?

Not always. If you don't spend much on car rentals, a flat 2% card can net more after annual fees. Compare the value-back figures against your spend — the For-You tool does the math for you.

How is value back calculated?

Effective value back = the earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cents per point). Cashback cards are worth 1¢ per point; transferable points are often worth more. Category spend caps are factored in.