The right travel credit card is important for any trip as it can earn points or miles and provide valuable travel protections. But what if you travel for months at a time as a digital nomad? My husband and I have been living on the road as digital nomads for more than six years. We work remotely online while traveling with no permanent home base. So, I’m writing this piece from a prolonged, personal experience.
Although every traveler values credit card benefits differently, this guide considers some of the credit cards that I think are the best fit if you’re living the extended travel or digital nomad life.
The best credit cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers
First, the quick hit list of the best cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers. I’ll get into the details below.
Comparison of the best credit cards for digital nomads and long-term travel
Card | Welcome bonus | Earning rates (return based on TPG’s valuations) | Annual fee
—|—|—-|—-
Chase Sapphire Reserve | 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening | 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (until March 2025) 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases booked through Ultimate Rewards (20%) 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals* booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (20%) 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel* (10%) 3 points per dollar on all other dining and travel purchases (6%) 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases (2%) | $550
The Platinum Card from American Express | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership | 5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (on the first $500,000 spent per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel (10%) 1 point per dollar on other purchases (2%) | $695 (see rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | 10 miles per dollar on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (18.5%) 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel (9.25%) 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases (3.7%) | $395 (see rates and fees)
Citi Premier® Card | Earn 60,000 ThankYou bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening | 3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets (5.4%) 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases (1.8%) | $95 (see rates and fees)
American Express Green Card† | 40,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership | 3 points per dollar on restaurants and travel, including transit (6%) 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases (2%) | $150 (see rates and fees)
*after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card for long-term travelers because of its 3 points per dollar earning on all other travel (excluding $300 travel credit) and dining purchases, as well as its travel protections. These travel protections include everything from reimbursements for expenses related to travel delays and delayed baggage to emergency medical and dental benefits.
Although the annual fee is $550, the up-to-$300 annual travel credit, strong earnings on travel and dining purchases, and travel protections can provide significant value when you’re on the road all the time. Plus, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Amex Platinum comes with more than $1,400 in annual statement credits and the most comprehensive lounge benefits of any credit card on the market.
It’s worth noting that you likely won’t be able to maximize every credit. And admittedly, those of us who spend a lot of time outside the U.S. may have trouble using the Uber perk, since it’s a monthly credit that’s only good in the United States.
However, lounge access — especially to Centurion Lounges — and hotel elite status at Marriott and Hilton can be especially valuable to those living on the road. The primary reason I believe the Platinum Card from American Express is worth it for long-term travelers and digital nomads: the emergency medical evacuation benefit that’s provided just by being a Platinum Card cardmember as long as you return (even briefly) to your official residence every 90 days. However, note that enrollment is required for select benefits.
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Card is great for bookings made through Capital One Travel and a flat-rate, hassle-free rewards on all other purchases. The card also offers the ability to transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners. The card’s $300 annual credit and 10,000-anniversary miles make for great benefits on a yearly basis. The Venture X stands out with the ability to add a number of authorized users.
Apply here: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier Card offers a strong earning rate on a variety of spending categories, including air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets. The card also offers the ability to transfer points to a variety of airline partners, making it a great option for digital nomads who frequently fly.
Apply here: Citi Premier® Card
American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card is a solid option for digital nomads who spend a significant amount on restaurants and travel. The card also offers a variety of travel protections and the ability to transfer points to airline partners.
Apply here: American Express Green Card
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card for digital nomads and long-term travelers is important as it can provide valuable benefits and rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Citi Premier® Card, and American Express Green Card are all great options to consider based on your individual spending habits and travel preferences.