nps travel card

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Travel charge card

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• Per Diem Lookup

What is the travel charge card? The GSA SmartPay® 3 program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major banks. 

There are currently more than 560 Federal agencies, organizations and Native American tribal governments participating in the program, spending $30 Billion annually, through 100 million transactions on more than three million cards.

There are three types of travel accounts:

• Individually billed accounts are issued to employees to pay for official travel and travel-related expenses. The government reimburses employees for authorized expenses. The employee is responsible for making payment to the bank.
• Centrally billed accounts are established by some agencies to pay for official travel expenses. Centrally billed accounts are paid directly by the government to the bank.
• GSA SmartPay Tax Advantage Travel accounts  are new product offerings that combine an Individually Billed Account (IBA) and Centrally Billed Account (CBA), providing a means to obtain tax exemption automatically at the point of sale for rental cars and lodging charges. The combined features of CBAs and IBAs are a key characteristic of this product. When using the Tax Advantage Travel Account, charges for rental cars and lodging will be automatically billed to a CBA for payment. Charges for other travel-related purchases, such as meals and incidentals, are billed to the IBA portion of the account.

What is the benefit for federal agencies? Each agency or organization using the travel charge card receives a rebate based on sales volume. The sale refund is remitted to the organization. In addition, a separate refund is provided to agencies and organizations based on improving speed of payment.

How can travel managers make it happen? In 1988, Congress mandated that federal employees use the government travel charge card for all payments of expenses related to official government travel, with some exceptions. 

Travel managers should ensure that all of their travelers use their government-issued travel charge card for all purchases of travel-related services or products such as rental cars, hotel rooms, and telephone or Internet service.

Looking for more information on SmartPay?

The GSA SmartPay program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies/departments, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major national banks. Additionally, to contact Travel Program call 888-472-5585 or email [email protected]

• Download the complete Federal Travel Regulation
• Joint Travel Regulations
• Foreign Affairs Manual

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

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America the Beautiful National Park Pass

Expires june 30, 2025.

America the Beautiful National Park Pass is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

Park Pass Information

Please note  that the Park Pass  is  not  available for immediate download or printing . A physical pass will be issued through the mail. Electronic scanned images of your pass are never valid for use.

• You will receive an annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, valid for 1 year from the month of purchase.
• Each Annual Pass admits pass owner and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas; and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free).
• The pass will be shipped without a name on it. The pass is valid once signed by the pass owner or recipient if it's a gift. Passes only allow the signature of one pass owner.
• The pass includes entrance fees to all parks for one personal vehicle, including rentals and RV's/motorhomes. Pass covers one motorcycle and it's operator & passenger.

Made in USA.

For Seniors, Military, or those with a Permanent Disability

For information on other passes for  seniors , military , or those with a permanent disability please click here .

Delivery in 2-5 Days

We make every effort to ensure orders are fulfilled and ready for shipment within 2-3 business days. No orders are shipped on Saturday & Sunday. Unless noted on a product's page, orders will ship in the order they were received. We will notify you via email as soon as your order is ready for shipment.  Digital Products (Guides and Gift Cards)  are available for immediate download or will be emailed to you.

Standard delivery times:

• U.S. orders: 2-5 business days.
• Orders to Canada: 5-9 business days. 
• Other international orders: 10-15 business days. 

FedEx Standard Overnight:

• Orders are delivered in 1 business day after fulfillment.
• Orders placed Monday - Friday after 12pm Eastern Time will likely ship the following business day.

Orders that are shipped and tracked with USPS:  USPS does not make any guarantees on shipping times. Read our  shipping policy  for full details.

National Parks List

• Pass is honored at over 2,000 sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

View our  list of parks  for a more complete list of where the pass is accepted.

Start Your Journey Today

Step 1: Order Your Park Pass

Our easy ordering process bring you one step closer to nature.

Step 2: We Ship It Fast

In just 2-5 days, your pass to adventure is in your hands. Get ready for the journey ahead.

Step 3: Enjoy Unlimited Nature

Dive into a year of nature with your pass. Over 2,000 sites await your footprints.

Freedom to Explore

Imagine a world where every day offers a new adventure, a new horizon to chase. With the U.S. Park Pass, that world is yours. From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the deep valleys of the Grand Canyon, freedom to explore is in your hands. No boundaries, no limits—just you, your loved ones, and the open road. This is your ticket to create stories and memories that last a lifetime, all at incredible value.

Explore more, Spend Less

Perfect for those who plan multiple park visits, the pass quickly outweighs the cost of individual entries. Enjoy the freedom to roam, discover, and connect with nature, all while keeping your spending in check. It's your invitation to adventure widely and wisely.

What Other Explorers Say

It’s beyond easy to renew my America the Beautiful Pass each and every year! We use it more and more with each passing year, so it’s only becoming a better and better deal for us too! Forests, Parks, Battlefields - this pass is great to have for any family of explorers!

Tennessee, United States

Love the efficiency of order the national park pass, and am always excited to share about our experiences exploring the stunning destinations in our country.

Ohio, United States

This is the perfect gift for my minimalist aunts who value nature experiences over material items. I will be getting it for them on an annual basis.

Iowa, United States

Customer Reviews

America the Beautiful National Park Pass - Expires December 31, 2024

Used it to travel to 7 parks last year

It was a gift.

Great price and fast shipping. Going to just a few parks would pay for itself. Comes with a passholder for your vehicle that is sometimes recommended depending on the park you go to. Would highly recommend.

The whole process from ordering and timely receiving was flawless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping questions, how long will it take to receive my order, can i download and print my park pass, park pass questions, how many people can enter with one pass.

This answer varies and it can be determined once you know how the sites you are visiting charges their entrance fees. Children under 16 are always admitted free. 

For sites/parks that charge PER VEHICLE - up to 15 people can enter the park if they are all riding in a non-commercial vehicle and the pass holder is in the vehicle.

For sites/parks that charge PER PERSON - up to 4 adults can enter the park with one annual park pass which includes the pass holder.

List of Parks:  https://usparkpass.com/list-of-national-parks/

Non-Commercial Vehicle: Passenger car, van, pick-up truck, converted school bus, recreational vehicle, vehicles with trailers, etc., used to enter a Federal recreation site for non-commercial purposes.

When does an Annual Pass expire and when to renew?

Whether you buy the pass for yourself or as a gift, the Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, expiring on the last day of that month. 

For example, if you purchase the Annual Pass on any date in August 2024, then your pass will be valid until August 31, 2025. When you receive your pass, you will see a hole has been punched in the card on August and notice the expiration year to the right says 2025; this means the pass is valid until the last day of August 2025.  

Where can I purchase Senior, Access, Military, Veteran or 4th Graders Passes?

Unfortunately, we do not issue Senior, Access, Military, Veteran, or 4th Grade Passes as they require additional verification steps by the USGS. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 62 or older, have a permanent disability, are a current U.S. Military member, Gold Star Family member, veteran or are a student in the 4th grade, you may qualify for other passes. For more information contact your local participating Federal recreation site or visit the webpage  https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.

Can I use a confirmation receipt or my credit card statement/receipt to enter a park?

No. There is no digital version of the pass available, it’s a physical card that you must present when entering the National Parks. Likewise, photocopies of your physical pass saved on an electronic device WILL NOT be accepted.  

Can international visitors purchase a pass?

International visitors can purchase the pass without restrictions and the pass can be shipped to locations outside the U.S. prior to your trip.

Can I purchase a pass as a gift & how does it work?

Yes, annual passes can be given as a gift. Our website makes it really easy for you to give the gift of an Annual Pass to someone special. You can gift a physical pass easily in one of two ways.

• At checkout use the mailing address of your recipient. 
• If you expect to see your loved one in person, you can order the pass as normal and give it to your loved one directly. 

Passes are issued unassigned, so a name won't be printed on the pass itself. Instead, passes are claimed once an individual signs on the back of the card.

Another option is to purchase your recipient a  digital gift card  that can be redeemed at any point. Digital gift cards have no expiration date. They make a great gift for someone who is planning to travel later in the year, or who already has a pass. To learn more about our digital gift card click  here

Please note  our website does not sell Senior Passes. Senior Passes require additional verification steps by the United States Geological Survey. Therefore, we do not offer Senior Passes as a gift option.

Can lost or stolen passes be replaced?

Unfortunately, due to privacy and logistical considerations, all passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; a new pass must be purchased.

You won't be able to use a purchase confirmation or receipt to enter a park. The physical pass needs to be presented when entering a park. 

Where can I get a Senior Lifetime Pass?

Our website does not sell Senior Passes. Senior Passes require additional verification steps by the United States Geological Survey.

Both annual and lifetime passes need to be purchased directly through the USGS. Click the link below to find the information and documentation you will need to apply for a Senior Pass, including the application:

https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

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An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Charge Card Resources

Charge card management resources.

• Charge Card Guidance & Contacts
• Charge Card Training Guides
• Charge Card FAQs

Additional Resources

• SLA Metrics
• Information Assurance
• Internal Controls
• SSAE Audit Reports
• IBC Customer Bulletins
• IBC Financial Management Organizational Chart
• 2024 OFF Customer Day

Need Assistance?

Contact Information and Helpful Telephone Numbers

Charge Card Guidance & AOP/C Contacts

How to register your citibank account.

• To register your account, have your new card and paperwork handy and visit www.citimanager.com/login .
• Select Register as a Cardholder.
• Enter the card number and security code. Create a username. This must be more than six characters; may have letters, numbers and/or special characters; not include any spaces; and cannot be only numbers.
• Create a password. This must be 12-18 characters; must include at least one uppercase letter, one lower case letter, one number, and one special character; cannot contain more than three consecutive or identical characters; and cannot be the same as the user name.
• Fill in the additional requested details.

How to Apply for a Charge Card

In order to obtain a charge card, the first step is for your supervisor to determine the type of card or business line that you need (travel, purchase, or fleet). Once this is determined, the supervisor will convey this information via email to the A/OPC. The A/OPC will provide the supervisor with a Charge Card “Supervisor Request” form, for you, the applicant, and your supervisor to complete and return to the A/OPC accompanied with the required proof of Charge Card training completion. Additional steps will vary by bureau. Contact the A/OPC to learn the remaining steps for your bureau.

Charge Card Training in DOI Talent

You must complete the appropriate Charge Card training in DOI Talent . Recommended Browsers: Use the Chrome or Edge browsers when accessing DOI Talent. Do not use IE 11).

Please follow these instructions to complete training.

Course Names are as follows:

Travel Card Training for Cardholders/Approving Officials

Purchase Card Training for Cardholders/Approving Officials

Fleet Card Training for Cardholders/Approving Officials

• In DOI Talent , click on the Find Learning tab. Type the course name or a shorter variation and click on Search. Scroll down, click on the course tile.
• Click on the Go to course button.
• Click on the Enroll me button.
• Click on the Select Here to Begin Course.
• Follow and complete each Step indicated on the course.
• When you have completed the course, it will take you to the Certification Exam. Click on the Certification Exam link to take you to Exam Instructions. Take the exam.
• Once you have completed the exam, please make sure all boxes, and radio buttons have been marked. This is an indication that all steps have being completed.
• Logout of DOI Talent.
• Once you have completed the training and exam successfully, you will receive a congratulatory email from DOI Talent Admin.
• This congratulatory email and training completion certificate are the required proof of Charge Card training that will need to be forwarded to the A/OPC along with the completed “Supervisor Request” form for a charge card application to be processed by the A/OPC.

Note: Please refer to the FAQs for additional resources on how to apply for a charge card.

Policy Information

Fleet Card Policy DOI-AAAP-0158, Fleet Charge Card Policy

Purchase Card Policy DOI-AAAP-0156 Purchase Charge Card Policy

Travel Charge Card Policy DOI-AAAP-0157 Travel Charge Card Policy

A/OPC Contact Information

Travel and Purchase Lead Bureau A/OPC Cheryl Battle Phone: 703-390-6477

Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Patti Kent Phone: 615-564-6964

Travel and Purchase Lead Bureau A/OPC  Ginger Allen Phone: 303-236-0181

Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Roy W. Granger Phone: 303-236-7121

Travel Lead Bureau A/OPC  Brandy Chapa-Tesar Phone: 303-445-3474

Purchase Lead Bureau A/OPC Miranda Brackett Phone: 303-445-2456

Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Anika Johnson Phone: 303-445-3255

Travel Lead Bureau A/OPC Nathalie Thomas Phone: 703-787-1247

Purchase Lead Bureau A/OPC Paige Shin Phone: 703-787-1332

Melani Hainesworth Phone: 703-787-1339

Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC John Godfrey Phone: 703-787-1140

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Kristen Wisda Phone: 571-488-8022 

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Dawn Smith Phone: 406-534-2287

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Kevin Goins Phone: 202-208-4426

Elisha Pippen Phone: 202-208-3899

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Joseph Gregory Phone: 703-487-5381

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Jocelyn Sice Phone: 505-816-1057

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC April Edquist Phone: 303-962-6763

Kristin Kauffmann Phone: 303-969-7379

Travel, Purchase, and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Lauren Williams Phone: 303-236-2918

Travel, Purchase and Fleet Lead Bureau A/OPC Lisa Womack Phone: 703-648-7347

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Alerts in effect, entrance fees & passes.

Help me choose an entrance pass

Choosing an Entrance Pass

Do you have or qualify for a discounted america the beautiful pass.

If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.

• America the Beautiful Pass

How often do you plan to visit national parks in the next 12 months?

If you don't qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful pass, we recommend choosing an entrance pass based on your trip plans.

Entrance Passes

• Standard Pass
• Annual Pass

Standard Entrance Pass

$20.00–$35.00

Private Vehicle $35.00

In-person purchase locations.

Ash Mountain Entrance Station

Cash or Credit/Debit

Big Stump Entrance Station

Per Person $20.00

Motorcycle $30.00, for organizations & businesses, non-commercial group (16+ persons) $20.00, commercial van (7-15 seats) $75.00, commercial mini-bus (16-25 seats) $100.00, commercial motor coach (26+ seats) $200.00, commercial sedan (1-6 seats) $45.00–$75.00.

Annual Entrance - Park

America the beautiful—the national parks and federal recreational lands pass.

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Army of Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers One private vehicle fee or Four per person fees

America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass

In person (recommended).

Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Purchase and pickup locations

Order Online, Receive by Mail

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store or by phone: 1-888-275-8747 , extension 1. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
• Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
• Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day

2024 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Fee-free Day

• Sunday, July 28, 2024 — Buffalo Soldiers Day
• Sunday, December 8, 2024 — Annual Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree event in Grant Grove.

80% of your entrance and camping fees directly fund projects that improve your experience here.

Learn more about projects funded by entrance fees . The parks appreciate your support!

Free Entrance Passes Through Every Kid Outdoors Program

Are you a fourth-grade student? If so, you and your family get free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To obtain a pass, fourth grade students can visit the bilingual Every Kid Outdoors website, participate in a short educational activity, and then download a paper voucher to print and bring with them to visit the parks. With the fourth-grader, the pass admits all children under 16 and all adults in up to one passenger vehicle. Commercial vehicles can't use this pass for entry. The pass does not cover camping and activity fees. Be sure to visit Every Kid Outdoors and print your pass before you arrive.

A cademic Fee Waivers

Schools and other educational groups may qualify for an academic fee waiver . If you'd like to apply, submit your information at least two weeks before your trip.

Last updated: April 16, 2024

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271

559 565-3341

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An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

In This Section

• Upcoming Meetings
• Federal Register Notices
• Press Releases
• Meeting Information &  Materials
• Meeting Summaries

Travel Guidance & Administrative Items

• Subcommittee Information
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Invitational Travel Guidance
• Invitational Travel Procedures  (PDF)
• Vendor Request Form (Excel)
• Invitational Traveler Access Form (WORD)
• Concur Traveler Manual  (PDF)
• Welcome to DC  (PDF)
• Federal Travel Regulations
• DOI Travel Policy
• Per Diem Rates
• Transit Authority
• Washington DC Official Tourism Site

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail:  RPC Support Staff 1849 C Street NW MS 5134 Washington DC 20240

Email:  [email protected]

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Passport To Your National Parks

Passport To Your National Parks® FAQs

What’s a “cancellation”? What should I do if a national park visitor center is closed and I can’t get my cancellation? Where can I purchase a Passport? 

Find answers to these and your other Passport® questions here!

Support Your Parks

Follow Us On Our Passport Adventure!

Follow Passport To Your National Parks on social media as we explore National Park Service units across the country! Stay up to date on new cancellation locations, park anniversaries & milestones, and the latest Passport gear. Want to show off your Passport collection? Tag us using #passporttoyournationalparks in your post.

Celebrating

Years of passport® adventures, passport® books sold, cancellations in, national parks.

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Travel Charge Card

Usda travel charge card program.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Financial Planning and Policy, Fiscal Policy Division, Travel Section, along with representatives from agencies across USDA, is responsible for establishing and implementing travel policy and procedures as well as managing the USDA travel charge card program.

The USDA Travel Charge Card program provides travel charge cards to USDA employees through the GSA SmartPay 2 contract. The USDA travel charge card provides employees with access to government negotiated fares while allowing agencies greater visibility in to their travel spend.

Travel Charge Card Holder and Travel Charge Card A/OPC Training

All Travel Charge Card holders and Agency/Organization Program Coordinators (A/OPCs) are required to take the USDA Travel Charge Card Training on the proper use of a Government Travel Charge Card prior to receiving one. This course gives charge card holders and A/OPCs a better understanding of the policies and procedures for the Travel Charge Card and helps you and your agency maximize the benefits of the Travel Charge Card program.

Receive travel charge card training by searching for “USDA Travel Charge Card Training” on AgLearn+

Benefits of the USDA Travel Charge Card include:

• The travel charge card is accepted worldwide
• Access to discount government negotiated rates
• Built in travel insurance
• Eliminates the need for travelers to use their personal charge card
• Travelers are no longer required to carry large sums of cash
• Ability to monitor transactions and pay bill online
• Improved oversight in travel spend
• Charges are limited to travel related expenses

Travel Charge Card Policy

The USDA Travel Charge Card is a convenient method for the USDA and employees to make payments for official government travel and travel related expenses, while allowing the USDA to better manage their travel related expenses.

Other benefits of the program include:

• Safety – The USDA Travel Charge Card improves financial controls and eliminates the need for cash
• Electronic Access to Data – Provides accurate, comprehensive transaction detail with a few clicks of a button
• Worldwide Acceptance – The GSA SmartPay2 Charge Cards provide greater access to merchants because they are accepted worldwide
• Access to Government providers - Government Charge Card users are given access to GSA City Pair reduced airfares and FedRooms hotel rates

The USDA saves money on travel processing costs and generates revenue through volume of refunds with the use of the GSA SmartPay Travel Charge Card.

Eligibility

Employees who travel more than four times a year on official government business are required to use a government charge card. Please contact you’re A/OPC to discuss your eligibility to receive a travel charge card.

Card holder roles and responsibilities

Cardholders SHOULD:

• Use the charge card appropriately, in accordance with USDA policy, other laws, and governmental regulations
• Keep up to date with required program & agency-specific training, including refresher training
• Look out for communications from A/OPCs and take appropriate action
• Contact their A/OPC for questions regarding use of the card
• Immediately report a lost or stolen card
• Register for on-line access
• Use card for OFFICIAL travel expenses ONLY
• Track expenses while on travel in order to have accurate information for filing travel claims
• Keep receipts for All transactions charged on their travel charge card
• File travel claim within 5 days of returning from TDY
• Submit payment in full and on time for each monthly bill

Cardholders SHOULD NOT:

• Use the Travel Charge Card for personal use
• Obtain ATM travel advances which exceed the expected out of pocket expenditures for a trip
• Allow their monthly bill to become overdue which could result in the suspension or cancellation of the Travel Charge Card
• Wait for the receipt of their monthly bill to file travel claims
• Pay for another individuals travel expense
• Write their personal identification number (PIN) on the card or carry the pin number in their wallet

Travel Charge Card Documents

• Travel Charge Card Acceptance and Acknowledge Statement (PDF, 206 KB)
• USDA Government Travel Charge Card Regulation
• US Bank Cardholder Guide (PDF, 143 KB)
• Travel Charge Card Do’s and Dont’s (PDF, 426 KB)
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The National Parks Senior Pass – America the Beautiful

Hands down, the best value in the rving world is the national parks senior pass, officially known as the america the beautiful pass….

• 1 Hands down, the best value in the RVing world is the National Parks Senior Pass, officially known as the America the Beautiful Pass…
• 2 What the America the Beautiful National Parks Senior Pass includes:
• 3 How to Get an America the Beautiful Senior Pass
• 4.1 TIP: Check out this article about finding Free and Cheap camping
• 5 What Is the Access Pass?
• 6 There are some exceptions
• 7 Many other types of passes are available
• 8 Mike and Jennifer Wendland's Yellowstone Travel Guide

One of the consolations of old age is the America the Beautiful Pass, which, like most Federal entities, has undergone a name change – it used to be called MANY years ago, the Golden Age Pass.

Anyone over the age of 62 can get an America the Beautiful Lifetime Senior Pass for $80. Or, an Annual Senior Pass for only $20.

In this article, we share the details and direct links to order the America the Beautiful Senior Pass that's right for you…

What the America the Beautiful National Parks Senior Pass includes:

All US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for this pass, which will greatly reduce your expenditures for visiting and camping in National Parks and federal land – more than 2,000 locations in all.

Each pass covers entrance fees for your RV (or whatever vehicle you are in) and all passengers at national parks and national wildlife refuges, as well as standard and day-use fees at national forests and grasslands and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Most campgrounds in National Forests give you a 50% discount on camping fees with the America the Beautiful pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Senior Pass

The America the Beautiful Senior Pass is sold at all National Park entrances, national monuments, many National Forest ranger stations, Bureau of Land Management field and district officers, and numerous other places.

As soon as you turn 62, just show up with documentation that you're either a US citizen or permanent resident (driver's license, US passport, birth certificate, or green card) and that you're 62.

Or, you can purchase the Senior Pass right now online:

Purchase the LIFETIME Senior Pass Here.

Purchase the ANNUAL Senior Pass Here.

Pay the fee ($80), and you're literally set for life. Since the replacement charge is the same as a new card, the procedure is just to get another one if you lose yours. So don't lose your card!

NOTE: They don't accept pictures of the card (in case you like to digitize your paper for trips) – so keep your card handy!

The National Parks Senior Pass has lots of benefits for campers

There are many other uses more important to RVers and fulltimers who spend more than the usual two or three weeks a year touring our country.

Six federal agencies – the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management – all honor the America the Beautiful National Parks Senior Pass at sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged. 

“Standard amenity fees” is governmentese for day use, swimming, boat launch or campsite fees, which is where the pass comes into its own.

When you check-in at one of the campgrounds, look on the envelope you use to pay your camping fee at National Forest and BLM campgrounds. 

On the bottom line, there's a place for your pass number and a 50% discount on the overnight camping fee. Army Corps of Engineers campsites also honor this 50% discount for senior pass cardholders.

Even the Tennessee Valley Authority will give you 50% off of the campsite fees. The TVA offers hundreds of campsites among its six dam reservoir campgrounds in the Southeast, available from March 15 to November 15. The length of stay is limited to 21 days during the high season (May 1 to Sept 30) and 30 days in the off-season (Oct 1 to April 30, excluding closure dates).

TIP: Check out this article about finding Free and Cheap camping

The America the Beautiful pass for seniors will also save you the trouble of going into the ranger station or store to get a permit for National Forest dispersed camping – just display your card on the dash in lieu of the permit. 

What Is the Access Pass?

The site also explains, “A lifetime pass – available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a  permanent disability  (does not have to be a 100% disability)  –  that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies” is only $10. That Pass is called the Access Pass and you can read all about it here.

There are some exceptions

The only fly in the ointment are concessionaires – private companies that contract with the Federal government to manage campgrounds in national parks and forests.

They aren't required to accept the pass for a 50% discount, although there are many who do. Each concessionaire has a separate agreement for the National Parks Service. It's just bad business not to honor this pass, so almost all the concessionaires we've encountered do so.

If the campsite has “improvements” – water and/or electric hookups – expect to pay full price for the “improvements,” and get 50% off the basic campground fee only. 

Most Federal campgrounds don't have hookups, though, so if you have solar or just like to boondock, an America the Beautiful Senior Pass will come in handy.

There's just no downside to getting this card. Even if you don't camp at all, you'll be able to drive through national parks without getting gouged for an entrance fee.

This has to be one of the best values out there in the RV world. 

Many other types of passes are available

If you or some travel companions are not seniors, there are many other types of passes available , including a Military Pass , a Volunteer Pass, a student pass, and many more.

Mike and Jennifer Wendland's Yellowstone Travel Guide

At the top of every RVers bucket list, it is a place so majestic, so wild, and so big that it calls us to return, to explore, to get to know the diversity of its land and animals over and over again.

Everywhere you look are  waterfalls, fast-moving rivers, geysers, sheer rock faces, towering lodgepole pines , all framed by mountains under the bright blue cloudless sky.

It’s spectacular for those who love the wilderness and getting up close and personal with it. Enjoy Yellowstone for RV travel.

Published on 2023-12-04

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

93 Responses to “The National Parks Senior Pass – America the Beautiful”

December 05, 2023at10:47 am , dave korotev said:

Bought a golden ager card for $10 at the LBY ranch in tx in the 80s–have used it all over the US and saved lots of $$$$$$

October 24, 2022at12:04 pm , james emmons said:

The concesssionaire campgrounds are permitted to price-gouge just like a commercial campground. The NFS and NPS have effectively given away that which belongs to U.S. citizens.

October 24, 2022at12:35 pm , james emmons said:

Here’s a fine one. $60 per night to pitch a tent in YOUR National Forest. [Link deleted]

October 24, 2022at12:42 pm , james emmons said:

Canyon Lake campground in AZ

July 21, 2022at7:17 am , Roger LaClair said:

We keep a running total of our savings with the card and we’re over $500 in savings to this point!!

July 22, 2022at12:25 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

That is fantastic! thanks for sharing – Team RV Lifestyle

December 05, 2021at6:41 pm , Tracey M said:

For me, it’s an 80 dollar piece of crap. It’s good at “some” campsites – but you don’t know which, until you’re trying to make a reservation and it says you can’t use it.

May 13, 2014at1:56 pm , Beverly J. Graves Bachota said:

What age is considered “Senior”?

May 13, 2014at9:52 pm , Campskunk said:

gotta be 62. from the looks of your photo, you have a while to wait 😉

May 12, 2014at5:50 pm , Janet Stefani Stadler Bragg said:

Got ours before we started our traveling. Good for life. What a deal!!!

May 12, 2014at2:39 pm , Charlotte Peak Thornton said:

Love mind, looks just like mind….

May 12, 2014at1:27 pm , Judy Floyd said:

Have one just like it.

May 12, 2014at11:53 am , David M. Bennett said:

May 12, 2014at11:17 am , Jacquie Neale said:

Is it available to Canadians?

May 13, 2014at9:50 pm , Campskunk said:

it’s available to all canadians with green cards (permanent residents). my wife is canadian, and it’s her card.

May 12, 2014at10:49 am , Richard J Badali said:

I have had one since I turned 62 and my parents had one for many years before mine.

May 12, 2014at8:12 am , Barbara Barnhart Pollock said:

Free or 1/2 price admissions, discounts on camping and only $10. We just used ours at Mammoth Cave NP for cave tours. Save more than the cost of the cards in 2 days.

May 12, 2014at2:14 am , Joey Serpa said:

Just used ours today to get into Yosemite for free!

May 12, 2014at12:57 am , Robert Ambrose said:

Just got mine in April and it was the best $10 I ever spent!

May 11, 2014at11:56 pm , Mollie Ann Wilson Soule said:

Have one!!!!

May 11, 2014at11:24 pm , Sherilyn Morrill said:

Got one, great investment

May 11, 2014at9:27 pm , Darlene Robbins Hamilton said:

May 11, 2014at9:14 pm , Wayne Smith said:

My sister-in-law bought us life time pass years ago. Have used it a lot. It’s great.

May 11, 2014at7:19 pm , Sarah Domengeaux Brombaugh said:

Had ours for years. Best $10.00 investment ever!! 🙂

May 11, 2014at5:44 pm , Eleanor Hudson said:

Yes, I got mine too now for several years and it definitely is the best investment in being able to see our beautiful country at a bargain… not only to mention all the senior discounts along the way… remember to always ask wherever you go… some have really surpised me!

May 11, 2014at5:44 pm , Marlene Evans-Garcia said:

Love ours…..

May 11, 2014at5:03 pm , Richard An D Veronica said:

Just got ours in April, looking forward to using it. Better than paying the $80 p/yr!!

May 11, 2014at4:43 pm , Audrey McGrath Fitzgerald said:

Just got mine four days ago!

May 11, 2014at4:31 pm , Emily Williams Rawe said:

Rodney Rawe

May 11, 2014at3:56 pm , Debra Black said:

Enjoying ours.

May 11, 2014at3:31 pm , Helen Degerstrom Lunt said:

I HAVE ONE LIKE THIS.

May 11, 2014at3:25 pm , Glenda Cain said:

just ordered mine

May 11, 2014at3:06 pm , Bob Lopes said:

I still have mine,, great investment.

May 11, 2014at2:16 pm , Marilyn Kearns Hilborn said:

Love ours! We have used them a lot.

May 11, 2014at1:56 pm , Mary L. Moore said:

I HAVE ONE OF THEM

May 11, 2014at1:35 pm , Janet Avey Guthrie said:

May 11, 2014at1:35 pm , Steve Zeck said:

Got mine at the Forsythe in Galloway

May 11, 2014at1:00 pm , Mary Barrow said:

May 11, 2014at12:46 pm , Craig Hamblin said:

Also, if you have handicapped license plates or window tag you can get free admission to all national parks and monuments. They will issue the pass at any of the parks.

May 11, 2014at11:49 pm , Cindy Black Bearden said:

If permanently disabled, you can get the Access Pass. Doesn’t require plates or tags. I have a brain injury so no plates or tags. Most of the parks can issue, but not all. Free. Also, some state’s parks honor this or have their own you can get for free or very cheap (<$5) – California, TX for example.

May 12, 2014at2:25 am , Cindy Black Bearden said:

May 11, 2014at12:05 pm , Janice Browning Wilson said:

Don’t forget to use it in Puerto Rico.

May 11, 2014at11:50 am , Mary Zuschlag said:

They still honor Golden Age.

May 11, 2014at11:31 am , Joyce La Jeunesse said:

Where do you get them?

May 12, 2014at8:13 am , Barbara Barnhart Pollock said:

At any National Park

May 11, 2014at11:20 am , Janice Bailey Fancher said:

We use ours !!

May 11, 2014at10:40 am , Bev Busch Sutter said:

May 11, 2014at10:35 am , Roger W Spencer said:

Does this mean my ‘Golden Age Pass’ is no longer good?

May 11, 2014at11:51 pm , Cindy Black Bearden said:

Still good. Just changed the name.

May 11, 2014at10:32 am , Jack L Gillespie said:

I’ve got one!

May 11, 2014at10:21 am , David Herrmann said:

Picked one up on our last trip to the Great Smoky Mtns.

May 11, 2014at10:20 am , Daniel Topham said:

Michael Miller

May 11, 2014at10:11 am , Rochelle Furtah said:

One of the few silver linings of turning 62!

May 11, 2014at10:08 am , Phil C Pace said:

Best thing you can get from the government… 🙂

May 11, 2014at10:04 am , William Terry Robbins said:

Had mine since 2010. Great perk! Pick up at any National Park once you are 62.

May 11, 2014at10:03 am , Cheryl Badinger said:

Where do you get it

May 11, 2014at9:52 am , Beverley Clouse Gibson said:

May 11, 2014at9:41 am , Jay Acerra said:

wow now thats great thank you!!!!

May 11, 2014at9:33 am , Shirley Walsh Allen said:

I got mine about 6 yrs. Ago!!

May 11, 2014at9:24 am , Alan F Dedman said:

We never leave home without it, great value!!

May 11, 2014at9:20 am , John O'Connell said:

Best $10.00,I ever spent.

May 11, 2014at9:14 am , Joan Thum Bloom said:

Have it..it is a good thing!!!!

May 11, 2014at9:13 am , Donnie L. Grinnan said:

Got mine & use it!

May 11, 2014at9:11 am , Ellie Chauvin said:

Best $10 investment in the country….world. Sooo many great Parks, Battlefields, Historic Parks & Sites. Also half price on tours.

May 11, 2014at9:06 am , Debi Berry said:

May 11, 2014at9:02 am , Karen Silverman said:

Can hardly wait;)

May 11, 2014at9:01 am , Carolyn Reid said:

I have one and use it everywhere to show that I am a Senior! #loveroadtripping

May 11, 2014at9:01 am , Christine Craycroft said:

62 in October!

May 11, 2014at9:00 am , Meg Turner said:

It’s for the US. Not Canada.

May 11, 2014at8:50 am , Darlene Robbins Hamilton said:

Where do u get one?

May 12, 2014at2:22 am , Cindy Black Bearden said:

Research at http://www.recreation.gov

May 11, 2014at8:49 am , Sarah 'Sally Fulmer' Bickett said:

We have ours. Didn’t realize till this year that it got us into most national parks free.

May 11, 2014at8:45 am , Ed DeWitt said:

May 11, 2014at8:41 am , Ross Murphy said:

I have mine and have used it many times.

May 11, 2014at8:39 am , Christine Weeks Vallis Naylor said:

We have one also. With us at all times. It is great.

May 11, 2014at8:33 am , Bud Roberts said:

Got two (mine and my wife)

May 11, 2014at8:30 am , Dan Holloway said:

May 11, 2014at8:25 am , Jackie Sayles said:

Don’t leave home without it!

September 09, 2013at4:33 pm , Jane McArdle said:

sadly neither dear hubby or my self qualify for the Senior card but I understand there is a disabled card I just have to keep searching for the site or where it get it from thanks

September 09, 2013at4:56 pm , Campskunk said:

here’s a link to the Access Pass information, and how to get one: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

August 11, 2013at6:09 pm , Barbara K said:

Thanks for the tip! Went and got mine immediately!

August 05, 2013at11:04 am , Bill Sprague said:

We’ve been loving ours for the past 7 years! Oh and you can take your Roadtrek full of folks with you and just flash one card! What a bargain!

August 03, 2013at9:28 pm , Roberta said:

I got mine about a month ago…

August 03, 2013at4:08 pm , Maureen said:

Oops, forgot this site for BC which is easy to view different geographic areas of BC. http://www.gocampingbc.com/‎

August 03, 2013at3:41 pm , Maureen said:

Campskunk….thought some of your readers might be interested in the these sites, this one for BC Parks http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/faq/ and this one for Canada National Parks http://www.pc.gc.ca/ar-sr/lpac-ppri/ced-ndp.aspx . There is wonderful information on BC and Canadian Parks and I believe the Discovery Pass can be purchased by anybody…so if you are planning an extended trip through BC and/or Canada you might want to check out these sites.

August 03, 2013at3:12 pm , shari groendyk said:

It’s great advice, RT. DH and I both bought the Senior Pass last fall and it allowed us free entry this summer to the Badlands National Park, Yellowstone NP, and Grand Tetons NP this summer. DH was in one van with 2 adults and 2 gkids and I was in another van with 2 adults and 2 gkids. Had we not had the Passes with us, we would’ve paid $65 per van, a total of $130. I figure it’s either in Uncle Sam’s pocket, or in my pocket, so for very little effort, we kept it in our pocket. Were we smiling at every entrance booth? Oh. yeh.

August 03, 2013at10:46 am , Moisés de Pontes Lima said:

I am Brazilian and I live in Brazil, I am interested in buying a motorhome on a shared basis for use in period of 30 days per year, someone is interested in selling a motor home? Moses Pontes Lima

August 03, 2013at10:18 am , Jim Diepenbruck said:

To put it in perspective. On our trip west last year, we visited and camped at Little Bighorn, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The Senior Pass saved more than enough to get a FREE tank of gas. 🙂

August 03, 2013at10:11 am , Tim Ernst said:

Hey Lisa, the official name in red on the back of the card is “America The Beautiful – The National Parks And Federal Recreation Lands Pass” – on the front it just says “Annual Pass” – the photo changes each year, and the one I bought in January has a red kayak on it. Not all federal campgrounds accept this for 1/2 price camping, but most of them do, and most accept it for free entry. You can also get a hang tag with it so you can display the card on your mirror for dayuse parking, etc. Even at $80, this card usually saves us at least a couple hundreds bucks a year, sometimes a lot more…

August 03, 2013at9:47 am , Lisa said:

Tim- I didn’t realize that was another one for those of us under 62. What’s it called so I can look it up? That would come in handy for when I get to solo camp!

August 03, 2013at10:42 am , Campskunk said:

here’s some annual pass info: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/annual.html it can be used in some, but not all, of the places the senior pass can be used. for instance, corps of engineers campsites honor the senior pass but not the annual pass. i think the park system, the BLM, and the national forests consider the passes interchangeable, though.

August 03, 2013at9:33 am , Tim Ernst said:

The version of this card for the rest of us folks that are under 62 costs $80 a year – just a few visits to the $25 parks like the Tetons, or several campground stays will pay for it – plus not having to always check in as noted above just makes life easier. The cards encourage visitors to our national lands and are a great deal for sure. THANKS go to our government for having this program!

August 03, 2013at8:44 am , Laura HughesPostema said:

We have our calendar marked! Ken turns 62 next year…we’ll have one of these cards the next day! Thank you for all the links you provided, too. Happy trails!

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America the beautiful-the national parks and federal recreational lands access pass.

What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass?

The Interagency Access Pass is part of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and is available free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

Who is eligible to get an Interagency Access Pass?

The Interagency Access Pass may be issued to US citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.

What documentation do I need to show for proof of eligibility?

Along with a valid photo ID such as a US passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID, applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability with one (1) of the following:

• A statement by a licensed physician (Statement must include that the individual has a PERMANENT disability, that it limits one or more aspects of their daily life, and the nature of those limitations.)
• A document issued by federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or, Supplemental Security Income
• A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

Where can I get an Interagency Access Pass?

Get a Pass in Person

You can get an Interagency Access Pass in person at a federal recreation site. Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location.

Get a Pass Online

You can also get an Interagency Access Pass online through the USGS Online Store or, through the mail using an application form (Note: While the pass itself is free, there is a shipping and processing cost to get a pass online or through the mail).

Interagency Access Passes are available online.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass

Information and laws about service animals in our parks.

Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks.

Learn about accessibility laws and policy.

Last updated: December 16, 2022

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PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card : Best for Credit union benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking directly with airlines/hotels

Best Travel Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Max flexibility + big bonus

Flat-rate rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, bonus rewards + high-end perks, best hotel card, travel rewards for rent payments, best airline card, credit union benefits, booking directly with airlines/hotels, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Max flexibility + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking directly with airlines/hotels

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Triple points on everyday categories

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: B est airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Best hotel card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travelers

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on June 20 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Business travel can earn credit card rewards just like leisure travel. Credit cards that earn rewards for travel purchases don't distinguish between one or the other — meaning, if a card pays 3X points on airfare, for example, it's going to pay it no matter why you're buying the ticket. There are also travel credit cards specifically designed for business operators, with benefits and perks better aligned with their needs.

Where things get complicated is when you're not arranging the travel yourself. With credit card points, the rewards go to the cardholder. So if you arrange travel through your employer and the cost goes on the "company card," then the company card gets the points. Put it on your own card and get reimbursed later, and you get the points. (And if you have a company card with your name on it? That may come down to company policy.)

When redeeming travel rewards, you want to get as much value as possible. If you can get more value by using your rewards than by using cash, then it's smart to do so. (And of course, the reverse also applies.) NerdWallet has calculated the baseline values of most major credit card points, airline miles and hotel points. When you get a value that exceeds these baselines, go ahead and use your rewards. If not, consider using cash.

For example, say you could book a trip by paying $400 cash for a ticket or by redeeming 50,000 points or miles. In that case, your points would be getting you a value of 0.8 cents apiece (50,000 x 0.8 cents = $400). If the baseline value of each point is 1 cent, then you're better off paying cash and saving the points for when you can redeem them for 1 cent or better.

That said, you don't want to be overthinking it and hoarding points indefinitely in search of the deal to end all deals. Like any other currency, travel rewards lose value over time. That flight that costs 50,000 points today might cost 55,000 next year. Do you have enough points to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, in the way you want to get there? If so, don't let fractions of a penny stop you from booking your trip. It's your money, and you get to decide how to spend it.

A number of travel credit cards come with "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, has a $300 annual travel credit; several cards offer credits toward things like airline fees or hotel bookings; and a bunch of cards have a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

The less restrictive a credit is, the easier it is to redeem. The easiest travel credit to redeem is one that:

Applies to a broad range of expenses. Some credits are very fickle. You may get $200 a year in "airline credit," but it applies only to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline that you have to choose ahead of time. A card may offer hundreds of dollars in credit toward travel, but you have to go through the issuer's booking portal, where rates may be more expensive and options more limited. Other credits, however, are broad and open-ended: $300 on any travel expense, $100 toward any airline booking, and so on.

Shows up automatically on your statement. Your issuer's system should be able to recognize qualifying expenses and then apply the credit to them without you having to do anything. If the only way to receive the credit is by calling a phone number or submitting receipts or other documentation, that makes it harder to redeem, which in turn makes it less likely that you'll redeem (and that may be the point).

About the author

Sara Rathner