Road trips are a rite of passage for many American families looking to save on summer travel plans. More Americans plan to hit the open road in 2025, and costs are driving that increase, according to a recent survey from the retail automotive services company, Valvoline. It found that 35% of Gen Zers, for example, say that the economy strongly influences their desire to drive instead of flying to their destination. Fortunately, the best credit cards for road trips can provide additional relief for value seekers. Here’s how.
How to maximize credit card rewards for summer road trips
The glamour of partially funding luxurious trips with credit card rewards isn’t lost when you opt for a trip that entails driving to a domestic locale. Plus, it allows travelers to avoid the hassle of flying.
“Almost half of the people planning road trips this summer say airline disruptions influenced their decision. Add in the rising cost of airfare, and it’s easy to see why so many are choosing to stay on the road,” says Kyle McMahon, vice president of store operations at Valvoline.
Many of the same tips apply when using credit cards to help mitigate costs without sacrificing memories.
Tips to optimize rewards for road trips
Planning is just as important for road trips as it is for air travel. Using a faulty strategy can cost you more and possibly lead to a less enjoyable trip.
Here’s how to maximize rewards this summer on road trips.
Take advantage of free nights
Hotel stays are an expensive part of travel. Worse yet, hotel rooms are spiking, according to data from the Wall Street Journal. Many hotels now have dynamic pricing, so rates can vary depending on demand. Keep that in mind when you go to redeem points. Don’t overlook using an annual free night stay, such as what’s available with some hotel credit cards.
Book activities via a travel portal
An overlooked benefit of travel rewards cards is the ability to book activities through a travel portal. The Chase Travel portal, for example, lets users book tours, experiences, and more, minimizing money paid out of pocket.
Sign up for a new rewards card
If you’re in the market for a new card, a sign-up bonus can be a good way to extend your travel budget. Getting a new credit card can be helpful if you’re already budgeting for more spending and might make it easier to hit spending requirements.
Get cash back on gas purchases
You’ll already be spending money on gas, so why not earn something for that spending? The best credit cards for gas rewards pay up to 5% cash back on gas purchases.
Best credit card categories for road trip spending
Don’t overlook earning rewards while on the road. Using the best travel rewards credit cards can help you optimize spending to help you earn for future travel. However, it’s important to choose the right card categories when spending to drive additional value.
Those categories include:
Gas cards: Fuel is an obvious expense on summer road trips, but not all credit cards provide value when spending at the pump. The card_name is one of the best gas rewards credit cards, giving 5% cash back at gas stations. The card_name awards 3% cash back on gas purchases. Selecting the wrong card can leave cash on the table. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
Hotel cards: Hotel stays typically don’t go away with road trips. Many hotel cards offer increased rewards on hotel spending. The card_name, for example, rewards seven points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
General travel cards: Having access to a general travel rewards card is a good way to streamline spending. This lets you earn points on most of your spending while on the road. The card_name is a good all-purpose card to consider. Cardholders receive 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal and 2x points on all other travel purchases. And, users receive an annual $50 travel hotel credit.
Restaurant or dining cards: Dining out is an inevitable part of summer road trips. You can earn points on that spending, too. The Chase Sapphire Preferred awards 3x points on dining and online groceries. If you’ll be spending at grocery stores on the road, the card_name awards 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
Common mistakes to avoid while using travel rewards credit cards
Even well-laid plans can go awry if you don’t follow wise tips. Rewards won’t pay for everything, but when used wisely, rewards can help stretch your travel budget without cutting back on the fun. The best reward cards for travel can aid in many ways, but no card is perfect, and misuse can compromise rewards.
Here are some common mistakes to sidestep when using travel cards for summer road trips.
Not redeeming for maximum value
Redeeming points for statement credits or cash back is tempting, but neither is typically the best value. Instead, aim to redeem rewards through travel portals or transfer to a travel partner to maximize reward value.
Using the wrong card for key categories
Hotel and gas costs make up a significant portion of the cost for road trips. Using cards that don’t boost earning potential can sacrifice rewards. If you have several credit cards, identify the best one or two that will allow you to earn more.
➤ SEE MORE:How to redeem credit card rewards for non-traditional lodging options
Not activating rotating categories
It’s common for rewards credit cards to rotate categories quarterly, allowing you to earn more on certain spending categories. You can commonly activate these categories with a single click. Bypassing this may leave you earning far less on your spending.
Not using travel protections
If your road trip includes a rental car, don’t forget that your card may include rental car insurance, allowing you to waive the costly coverage available through the rental company. The card_name, for example, offers 15 days of coverage. Additionally, it offers a wealth of other travel rewards benefits.
The bottom line
Road trips are a fun, often more affordable way to travel during the summer. There’s no need to overspend to make memories. Credit card rewards can provide a helpful way to spend less and even earn more to help fund a future trip. Just make sure not to overspend along the way.
