For frequent travelers and digital nomads, having the right credit card is essential. Beyond earning points and miles, a good travel card can offer valuable perks like travel protections, lounge access, and flexible redemption options. Whether you’re working remotely while exploring new countries or simply need a card that helps you maximize your rewards, finding the right one is key.
As someone who spends a significant amount of time traveling for both work and personal reasons, I’ve come to realize that having the right travel credit card is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re jet-setting around the globe as a digital nomad or frequently on the move for business, the benefits of a good travel card can make a world of difference. From earning rewards points and miles to enjoying perks like travel protections and lounge access, choosing the right card is essential. After years of living the digital nomad lifestyle myself, I’ve gathered some insights into which credit cards are best for those who travel often and want to maximize the value of every dollar spent. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for credit cards that offer the best rewards and benefits for frequent travelers and digital nomads.
Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads & Long-Term Travelers
Here’s a quick list of the top travel credit cards for digital nomads, each offering unique benefits to suit different needs. I’ll dive into the details of each card below:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best overall card for travel
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best card for premium travel benefits
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best fixed-rate travel rewards card
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best sub-$100 annual fee card with extended warranty protection
- American Express® Green Card: Best card for modern travelers
Comparison of the Best Cards for Digital Nomads & Long-Term Travelers
| Card Name | Welcome Bonus | Earning Rates | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months | 10x on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 3x on dining and travel (after $300 travel credit), 5x on flights through Chase Travel, 1x on all other purchases | $550 |
| The Platinum Card® from Amex | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in 6 months | 5x on flights booked directly or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually), 1x on other purchases | $695 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months | 10x on hotels & rental cars through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, 2x on all other purchases | $395 |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months | 10x on hotels and rentals through CitiTravel, 3x on air travel, hotels, gas, restaurants, and supermarkets, 1x on all other purchases | $95 |
| Amex Green Card | Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in 6 months | 3x on travel and dining, including transit; 1x on other purchases | $150 |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best Overall Travel Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the top premium travel cards, perfect for frequent travelers and digital nomads. It offers robust travel protections, such as trip delay and cancellation insurance, alongside high earning rates on travel and dining purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points (valued at $1,230)
Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- 1.5 cents per point redemption through Chase Travel
- Comprehensive travel insurance (including emergency medical and dental)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership
- Annual fee: $550
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Premium Travel
For those who love luxury, the Amex Platinum is unmatched in terms of premium benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges and elite hotel status. It’s ideal for digital nomads who can maximize its many perks.
- Welcome Bonus: 80,000 points (valued at $1,600)
- Key Benefits:
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges through Global Lounge Collection
- Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
- Annual travel credits (up to $200 for airline fees, $300 for Equinox membership)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $695
Capital One Venture X Rewards: Best Fixed-Rate Travel Rewards
The Capital One Venture X stands out for its flat-rate rewards and low annual fee for a premium card. It’s perfect for digital nomads who value straightforward earning without worrying about categories.
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles (valued at $1,388)
- Key Benefits:
- $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited lounge access (Priority Pass and Capital One)
- 10,000-mile anniversary bonus
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $395
By using this link, you can explore the card’s full benefits and get started on earning great travel rewards!
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for Travelers on a Budget
For travelers who don’t want to break the bank on annual fees, the Citi Strata Premier is a great option with strong earning rates on everyday purchases and travel categories.
- Welcome Bonus: 70,000 points (valued at $1,260)
- Key Benefits:
- 3x points on air travel, hotels, dining, and gas
- Extended warranty and purchase protection
- $100 annual hotel credit (on stays of $500+ through Citi Travel)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $95
American Express Green Card: Best for Modern Travelers
The Amex Green is a well-rounded travel card, offering rewards for everyday travel purchases and dining worldwide. Its perks, including credits for Clear and LoungeBuddy, make it a solid choice for nomads.
- Welcome Bonus: 40,000 points (valued at $800)
- Key Benefits:
- 3x points on travel and dining
- Up to $199 in Clear membership credits annually
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $150
Airline and Hotel Credit Cards
If you frequently fly with a particular airline or stay with a specific hotel brand, a cobranded credit card might be worth considering. These cards often offer free checked bags, elite status, and bonus points for brand loyalty.
- Examples: Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex, United℠ Explorer Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Business Credit Cards for Digital Nomads
Running a business on the road? Business credit cards like the Ink Business Preferred® are perfect for long-term travelers and remote workers. They offer high earning rates on travel, advertising, and business expenses, along with excellent travel protections.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend hundreds on a credit card to enjoy valuable travel perks. These cards cater to frequent travelers and digital nomads, offering great rewards, travel protections, and benefits without excessive fees. Consider your travel habits and choose the card that aligns best with your lifestyle for maximum value.
