We assessment the most effective bank cards for journey rewards that may be redeemed for flights, inns, or eating at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These similar playing cards are additionally good choices for any vacation spot on the planet–that features locations like Tokyo Disney Resort, DLP, and even Japan or France as an entire. (Up to date August 4, 2025.)
We perceive and recognize that bank cards will not be for everybody, however that doesn’t make them inherently dangerous. Between the 2 of us, Sarah and I’ve had ~25 bank cards, obtained tens of hundreds of {dollars} in rewards, seldom pay money for flights or non-Disney inns, and by no means pay any curiosity on purchases.
Bank card debt is clearly dangerous. It ought to go with out saying that you just aren’t popping out forward with rewards in case you’re paying curiosity. That doesn’t change the truth that “debt” shouldn’t be an inherent factor of possessing a bank card. Nor does it change the truth that an inherent factor of bank cards is rewards and perks. We’ll cease with the preachiness, however felt just a little of it was crucial to beat the horrible stigma related to having bank cards.
Let’s flip to our methodology for figuring out which bank cards belong on this checklist. Elements embrace annual charges, sign-up bonuses, incomes and redemption charges, reward choices, redemption problem, and ancillary advantages (similar to free checked luggage).
One issue that’s notably omitted is APR. The entire advantages supplied by bank cards are outweighed by paying any quantity of curiosity, and that goes for any bank card. Whereas useful instruments in case you leverage their advantages and repay your steadiness in full every month, bank cards are counterproductive once they carry a steadiness.
Once more, it is because we use bank cards for his or her rewards and awards. When you have good credit score, time to spare, the will to journey, and a few nice organizational expertise, we suggest that you just do the identical. That is how we “pay” for a lot of flights, stays in ~$1,000/night time inns, and are ready to make use of airport lounges, amongst many different issues.
Bank cards are an integral part of this. We was large on “churning,” which includes concurrently opening new bank cards primarily based upon which perks are being supplied, spending the suitable quantities to obtain these perks, redeeming stated perks, and shutting or downgrading the cardboard account after the primary full yr of getting it. (In the event you puzzled why we’ve gone by so many bank cards, that’s exactly the rationale.)
Extra just lately, we’ve been nonetheless been rotating by some bank cards, however aren’t as diligent about it. Though after reserving our December 2025 journey to Japan and considerably depleting our factors stockpiles on a trio of luxurious inns, we’re planning on getting again within the sport once more!
Suffice to say, churning may be properly well worth the effort if you wish to get severe about journey hacking. There’s a slight studying curve concerned, however when you spend a number of hours studying the ins and outs, you’ll overcome that and be rewarded with the information wanted for cheap or completely free journey.
With that out of the best way, listed below are the journey bank cards we suggest…
Disney Premier Visa Credit score Card
Let’s begin with the obvious choice, provided that this can be a Disney weblog. Regardless of that truth, we aren’t enormous followers of the assorted Disney Visa bank cards. This can be a bank card we have now, however not one we use with regularity. We can not stress sufficient that the Disney Visa is NOT the most effective bank card for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, counterintuitive as that may appear.
This bank card is actually solely advantageous to make use of whereas at Disney locations, making it a strong specialised use card for Disney followers, however not among the many greatest playing cards on this checklist–even for Disney followers. It’s a great card to have as a 4th or fifth card to carry merely for the perks, however not for the rewards and definitely not on a regular basis use.
Principally, it comes all the way down to rewards. You might be higher off with a daily money again credit score or a special bank card for journey. The worth you’ll derive from these rewards shall be a lot larger than this, and also you gained’t be locked in to Disney rewards factors. We do a extra thorough job of explaining why in our Disney Visa Credit score Card Execs & Cons publish.
The Disney Premier Visa card has a $49 annual payment and presents 2% rewards at fuel stations, grocery shops, eating places, and most Disney areas, and 1% all over the place else. It’s additionally good for some reductions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland; generally Disney Visa holders additionally obtain benefits in the case of Free Eating.
We all know lots of people who use this for on a regular basis purchases after which use the rewards to pay for parts of their Walt Disney World holidays. Flip the script on that: use this bank card whereas at Walt Disney World, and never for on a regular basis purchases. (Redeem the rewards for DisneyStore.com purchases.) Presently, there’s obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as $300 in rewards {dollars} after spending $1,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card
That is one other one among our main bank cards for journey purchases. One motive we suggest this card is due to its redemption flexibility, as its rewards will not be tied to any single airline or lodge chain. One other is that it earns at a better charge (throughout the board) than virtually another card.
The most important balking level on this card goes to be the annual payment, which simply elevated from $550 to $795. Truthfully, that wasn’t the largest blow from our perspective–it was that journey purchases now earn only one level per greenback, a big minimize from the earlier 3X charge that utilized to all journey not booked by Chase. There are actually 4X charges for flights and inns booked immediately, which is the Sapphire Reserve’s potential saving grace.
Truthfully, the annual payment doesn’t hassle us almost as a lot. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders nonetheless obtain a $300 per yr journey credit score, in addition to TSA PreCheck or International Entry software payment, plus DoorDash and Lyft credit, StubHub credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music credit, and Peloton membership credit. There are additionally credit for Chase’s high-end lodge and eating portals, however we haven’t discovered a lot use in these.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve additionally presents complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Standing by December 31, 2027. IHG shouldn’t be one of many loyalty packages we use, so to every their very own on that. Extra important is that Sapphire Reserve cardholders get entry to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Precedence Move lounges for themselves and as much as two visitors. There are presently eight Sapphire lounges, with three extra lounges set to open quickly. None in Orlando, however there are Precedence Move lounges at MCO (The Membership).
Arguably the largest profit is the pliability of Chase Final Rewards factors, which provides them a price that’s properly above-average. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $5,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink. If valuing these factors at round 1.5 to 2 cents every when transferred out and maximized, the worth of the sign-up bonus alone is definitely double to triple the annual payment. And that’s earlier than accounting for the perks.
Chase Ink Most well-liked
The Ink Enterprise Most well-liked Credit score Card is likely one of the greatest journey playing cards due to the cardboard’s rewards and worth. For less than a $95 annual payment, you earn 3X factors on the primary $150,000 spent in mixed purchases on journey, promoting, transport, and web, cable and cellphone providers every account anniversary yr. Earn 1 level per greenback on all different purchases.
That is the one Ink card that earns transferrable Chase Final Rewards factors versus money again (keep in mind, factors are value greater than 1 cent every if well redeemed). It’s additionally the one Chase Ink bank card that earns bonus factors on journey purchases. That is technically a enterprise card, which is why it’s usually ignored in conversations about greatest journey playing cards, however the bar for having a “enterprise” is low. We primarily use this card for the journey earn–it not having different perks is a profit to make use of since we additionally maintain the AmEx Platinum and CSR. There are already redundancies between these two–don’t want one other card providing similar credit.
The opposite large win right here is the sign-up bonus. Presently, you’ll be able to earn 90,000 bonus factors after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months utilizing our referral hyperlink. That’s not as engaging because the CSR above, however in case you’d want a lower-fee card or a number of Chase Final Rewards playing cards (you’ll be able to mix factors throughout accounts!), this can be a good choice.
Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card
Consider this because the “lite” model of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card. It has the identical upsides by way of flexibility, however with scaled again incomes and redemption charges, and lacks a number of of the opposite perks. It additionally solely has a $95 annual payment. We suggest this bank card in case you journey much less, don’t want or need the Sapphire Reserve, or are searching for an entry-level journey bank card.
With the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card, you earn 3 factors on eating, 2 factors on journey per $1 spent and 1 level per $1 spent on all the things else. Moreover, Chase Sapphire Most well-liked cardholders earn an anniversary bonus equal to 10% of their whole purchases from the earlier yr. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this makes use of the Chase Final Rewards portal and you may as well switch them at a 1:1 charge to a number of loyalty packages.
The Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card is a comparable card. For a similar $95 annual payment, it presents 5X miles on lodge and rental automobiles booked by way of Capital One Journey and 2X miles per greenback on all different purchases. That is one other good newbie bank card, and is extra simple than the Chase Sapphire Reserve or different choices.
American Specific Platinum
That is one other one among our go-to journey bank cards. Due to its sturdy slate of journey advantages and reimbursements, it’s simply well worth the $695 annual payment. As steep as which will sound, it consists of annual assertion credit that may whole roughly $1,500 and are comparatively simple to make use of.
The Amex Platinum additionally presents distinctive journey insurance coverage for delays, interruptions, cancellations, and even emergency evacuation. On prime of that, concierge customer support–amongst many different issues–is out there with this card. The Amex Platinum additionally presents 5x factors on flights and inns, plus airline credit and International Entry or TSA PreCheck. That’s earlier than even attending to the American Specific Membership Rewards factors, that are among the many most dear–and transferrable!
Another excuse we love the Amex Platinum greater than another bank card is the lounge entry. We fly between Los Angeles and Orlando, usually on Delta. This card offers us entry to American Specific Centurion Lounges (there’s one in LAX) plus Delta Sky Golf equipment (additionally nice ones at LAX, MCO, and ATL, which is a frequent layover for flights out of MCO).
With that stated, the AmEx Platinum just about requires a excessive annual spend to be able to make sense. Given how a lot we drop at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and past annually, it does make sense for us. YMMV. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as 175,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $8,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card
There are a ton of inns the place you’ll be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors. At Walt Disney World, your greatest choices are Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve inns, that are situated proper subsequent to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and are inside strolling distance of each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However there’s additionally the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, and a pair choices at Flamingo Crossings.
At Disneyland, the choices are even higher. The Westin Anaheim Resort, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, and Fairfield Anaheim Resort all carry out properly on our Rankings & Critiques of Anaheim Lodges Close to Disneyland. Two of these are the one luxurious resorts within the metropolis, and the opposite two are lower than a ten minute stroll to the parks.
Along with the sign-up bonus that’ll earn you a number of free night time awards, the Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card presents as much as 6 factors per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy inns, 2 factors per $1 spent on all different purchases, and one free night time per yr. There are three totally different bank cards which can be Marriott Bonvoy-branded, however we suggest the middle-tier “Boundless” card.
Signal-up bonuses range, nevertheless it’s presently 3 free award nights, which is superb! Signal-up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit score Card by way of our referral hyperlink!
Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card
Hilton is rapidly changing into one among our favourite lodge chains, and is already the place we keep probably the most. Final yr, we logged over 30 nights on the Hilton Tokyo Bay–a monorail loop resort at Tokyo Disneyland, and that alone is sufficient for us to justify having this card. We additionally often redeem our factors on the Conrad Tokyo, and are trying ahead to a keep on the Roku Kyoto.
At Walt Disney World, there are additionally three on-site Hiltons which can be eligible for Early Entry! At Disneyland, the choices for Hilton aren’t pretty much as good, fairly frankly. We most likely wouldn’t get the Aspire Card or make HHonors your program of selection in case you’re primarily a Disneyland individual.
With a large sign-up bonus, you’ll be able to keep a number of nights at any of those properties. Different perks of this Hilton Honors Amex embrace giant class spend bonuses, Hilton property credit, airport lounge entry, an airline payment credit score, and Diamond Standing–which implies concierge lounge entry, free breakfast, and room upgrades.
Signal-up for the Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card by way of our referral hyperlink and earn 175,000 HHonors factors after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the bank card inside your first 6 months of membership. Provide ends 08/13/2025.
United MileagePlus Explorer Credit score Card
We bounce forwards and backwards between Delta and United as our most popular service relying upon the yr (by no means American Airways) as we’ve had success with each airways and want a main service that has precise worldwide routes. (Though now that we have now a toddler, we discover ourselves flying Southwest once more an increasing number of.)
The perks supplied by this card (free checked luggage, precedence boarding, free United Membership passes) are additionally good. The sign-up bonus is presently 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months by way of our referral hyperlink, which is nice sufficient for 2 round-trip flights to Walt Disney World.
Truthfully, we aren’t enormous on airline-specific bank cards. We every maintain 1-2 for the perks, however we usually don’t use airline co-branded bank cards to earn miles. It’s an identical concept to the Disney Visa. As an alternative, we use the Chase Sapphire and Ink plus the Amex Platinum and switch these factors to companion airline portals. As all the time, your mileage might range.
Southwest Speedy Rewards Premier Credit score Card
The following few playing cards are airline and lodge loyalty ones that we expect will most profit Disney vacationers. The Southwest card is our airline decide for a number of causes. First, we all know Southwest is the preferred airline for Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers (it’s a preferred and handy service at each MCO and SNA).
Second, this card makes incomes and redeeming factors simpler than most different airline-specific playing cards. Third, since Southwest Airways pulled a web page from the Bob Chapek playbook and made a number of guest-unfriendly adjustments, the bank cards are the most effective and best approach to get a free checked bag, customary seat choice, boarding profit, and extra.
For many Disney vacationers, the Southwest card is the most effective airline-specific choice. The $99 annual payment would possibly sting a bit, however you obtain a 3,000-mile anniversary bonus annually. Customary level charge is 1 level for each $1 spent, besides Southwest purchases, which earn at a 2:1 charge.
There are additionally no overseas transaction charges, and the flexibility to earn a Southwest Companion Move (see our Information to the Southwest Companion Move for how you can rating this for nearly 2 full years with a twin bank card hack) with a mileage increase. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $4,000 throughout the first 5 months with our referral hyperlink.
World of Hyatt Credit score Card
Hyatt is our favourite lodge chain on the planet (extra so than Hilton, Marriott–and even Disney), and we keep at their varied manufacturers at any time when and wherever attainable. We particularly love the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Park Hyatt Tokyo for Japan journeys, and people are good makes use of of Chase Final Rewards level transfers. In the event you journey internationally, there are unbelievable Hyatts within the cities close to all the different Disney Parks (Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo).
There are not any Hyatts on-site at Walt Disney World, however the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a superb resort that’s solely ~5 minutes from Walt Disney World (an inexpensive Uber experience). At Disneyland, there are literally 3 inns inside strolling distance–Hyatt Place Anaheim, Hyatt Home Anaheim, and Hyatt Regency Orange County.
With the present sign-up bonus, you earn 2 free nights at any Class 1–4 Hyatt lodge or resort after spending $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Factors after spending $12,000 in your first 6 months of account opening. This limited-time provide ends August 28, 2025.
BankAmericard Journey Rewards Credit score Card
Okay, let’s say you wish to pay no annual payment in any respect. That is fairly widespread sentiment, and we are able to respect not eager to spend cash on bank cards. Nonetheless, we might warning towards being anti-annual payment earlier than doing the mathematics to see if the advantages (primarily based in your spending habits) don’t offset the payment. In any case, if this describes you, this card presents a reasonably good reward charge, good redemption choices, and a good sign-up bonus.
The BankAmericard Journey Rewards card earns a flat 1.5 factors on each $1 spent. It’s that flat 1.5 charge that makes this card our final advice for the “no payment” class. Factors may be redeemed as an announcement credit score for journey purchases. When you have a Financial institution of America account, you obtain a ten% bonus; in case you’re a Most well-liked Rewards shopper, that bonus is as much as 75%.
Okay, that covers it for our abstract of the most effective bank cards for journey (with an emphasis on Disney journey). Be aware that none of those bank cards will not be one-size suits all. Our main airline and hotel-specific playing cards are for Delta, United, Marriott and Hyatt, however these are simply what occur to work greatest for us.
Additionally, journey playing cards will not be the identical as main, on a regular basis use bank cards–it is best to look to totally different playing cards for that. That’s a complete different subject, and one that isn’t related to this weblog. There are additionally a pair different bank cards which can be tangentially good for Disney journey in case you’re benefiting from the hacks in our Cash-Saving Ideas for Shopping for Disney Reward Playing cards publish.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you must know!
Your Ideas
What’s your favourite bank card for Disney? Do you favor paying a excessive annual payment and receiving higher perks and rewards, or staying fee-free? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
We assessment the most effective bank cards for journey rewards that may be redeemed for flights, inns, or eating at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These similar playing cards are additionally good choices for any vacation spot on the planet–that features locations like Tokyo Disney Resort, DLP, and even Japan or France as an entire. (Up to date August 4, 2025.)
We perceive and recognize that bank cards will not be for everybody, however that doesn’t make them inherently dangerous. Between the 2 of us, Sarah and I’ve had ~25 bank cards, obtained tens of hundreds of {dollars} in rewards, seldom pay money for flights or non-Disney inns, and by no means pay any curiosity on purchases.
Bank card debt is clearly dangerous. It ought to go with out saying that you just aren’t popping out forward with rewards in case you’re paying curiosity. That doesn’t change the truth that “debt” shouldn’t be an inherent factor of possessing a bank card. Nor does it change the truth that an inherent factor of bank cards is rewards and perks. We’ll cease with the preachiness, however felt just a little of it was crucial to beat the horrible stigma related to having bank cards.
Let’s flip to our methodology for figuring out which bank cards belong on this checklist. Elements embrace annual charges, sign-up bonuses, incomes and redemption charges, reward choices, redemption problem, and ancillary advantages (similar to free checked luggage).
One issue that’s notably omitted is APR. The entire advantages supplied by bank cards are outweighed by paying any quantity of curiosity, and that goes for any bank card. Whereas useful instruments in case you leverage their advantages and repay your steadiness in full every month, bank cards are counterproductive once they carry a steadiness.
Once more, it is because we use bank cards for his or her rewards and awards. When you have good credit score, time to spare, the will to journey, and a few nice organizational expertise, we suggest that you just do the identical. That is how we “pay” for a lot of flights, stays in ~$1,000/night time inns, and are ready to make use of airport lounges, amongst many different issues.
Bank cards are an integral part of this. We was large on “churning,” which includes concurrently opening new bank cards primarily based upon which perks are being supplied, spending the suitable quantities to obtain these perks, redeeming stated perks, and shutting or downgrading the cardboard account after the primary full yr of getting it. (In the event you puzzled why we’ve gone by so many bank cards, that’s exactly the rationale.)
Extra just lately, we’ve been nonetheless been rotating by some bank cards, however aren’t as diligent about it. Though after reserving our December 2025 journey to Japan and considerably depleting our factors stockpiles on a trio of luxurious inns, we’re planning on getting again within the sport once more!
Suffice to say, churning may be properly well worth the effort if you wish to get severe about journey hacking. There’s a slight studying curve concerned, however when you spend a number of hours studying the ins and outs, you’ll overcome that and be rewarded with the information wanted for cheap or completely free journey.
With that out of the best way, listed below are the journey bank cards we suggest…
Disney Premier Visa Credit score Card
Let’s begin with the obvious choice, provided that this can be a Disney weblog. Regardless of that truth, we aren’t enormous followers of the assorted Disney Visa bank cards. This can be a bank card we have now, however not one we use with regularity. We can not stress sufficient that the Disney Visa is NOT the most effective bank card for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, counterintuitive as that may appear.
This bank card is actually solely advantageous to make use of whereas at Disney locations, making it a strong specialised use card for Disney followers, however not among the many greatest playing cards on this checklist–even for Disney followers. It’s a great card to have as a 4th or fifth card to carry merely for the perks, however not for the rewards and definitely not on a regular basis use.
Principally, it comes all the way down to rewards. You might be higher off with a daily money again credit score or a special bank card for journey. The worth you’ll derive from these rewards shall be a lot larger than this, and also you gained’t be locked in to Disney rewards factors. We do a extra thorough job of explaining why in our Disney Visa Credit score Card Execs & Cons publish.
The Disney Premier Visa card has a $49 annual payment and presents 2% rewards at fuel stations, grocery shops, eating places, and most Disney areas, and 1% all over the place else. It’s additionally good for some reductions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland; generally Disney Visa holders additionally obtain benefits in the case of Free Eating.
We all know lots of people who use this for on a regular basis purchases after which use the rewards to pay for parts of their Walt Disney World holidays. Flip the script on that: use this bank card whereas at Walt Disney World, and never for on a regular basis purchases. (Redeem the rewards for DisneyStore.com purchases.) Presently, there’s obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as $300 in rewards {dollars} after spending $1,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card
That is one other one among our main bank cards for journey purchases. One motive we suggest this card is due to its redemption flexibility, as its rewards will not be tied to any single airline or lodge chain. One other is that it earns at a better charge (throughout the board) than virtually another card.
The most important balking level on this card goes to be the annual payment, which simply elevated from $550 to $795. Truthfully, that wasn’t the largest blow from our perspective–it was that journey purchases now earn only one level per greenback, a big minimize from the earlier 3X charge that utilized to all journey not booked by Chase. There are actually 4X charges for flights and inns booked immediately, which is the Sapphire Reserve’s potential saving grace.
Truthfully, the annual payment doesn’t hassle us almost as a lot. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders nonetheless obtain a $300 per yr journey credit score, in addition to TSA PreCheck or International Entry software payment, plus DoorDash and Lyft credit, StubHub credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music credit, and Peloton membership credit. There are additionally credit for Chase’s high-end lodge and eating portals, however we haven’t discovered a lot use in these.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve additionally presents complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Standing by December 31, 2027. IHG shouldn’t be one of many loyalty packages we use, so to every their very own on that. Extra important is that Sapphire Reserve cardholders get entry to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Precedence Move lounges for themselves and as much as two visitors. There are presently eight Sapphire lounges, with three extra lounges set to open quickly. None in Orlando, however there are Precedence Move lounges at MCO (The Membership).
Arguably the largest profit is the pliability of Chase Final Rewards factors, which provides them a price that’s properly above-average. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $5,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink. If valuing these factors at round 1.5 to 2 cents every when transferred out and maximized, the worth of the sign-up bonus alone is definitely double to triple the annual payment. And that’s earlier than accounting for the perks.
Chase Ink Most well-liked
The Ink Enterprise Most well-liked Credit score Card is likely one of the greatest journey playing cards due to the cardboard’s rewards and worth. For less than a $95 annual payment, you earn 3X factors on the primary $150,000 spent in mixed purchases on journey, promoting, transport, and web, cable and cellphone providers every account anniversary yr. Earn 1 level per greenback on all different purchases.
That is the one Ink card that earns transferrable Chase Final Rewards factors versus money again (keep in mind, factors are value greater than 1 cent every if well redeemed). It’s additionally the one Chase Ink bank card that earns bonus factors on journey purchases. That is technically a enterprise card, which is why it’s usually ignored in conversations about greatest journey playing cards, however the bar for having a “enterprise” is low. We primarily use this card for the journey earn–it not having different perks is a profit to make use of since we additionally maintain the AmEx Platinum and CSR. There are already redundancies between these two–don’t want one other card providing similar credit.
The opposite large win right here is the sign-up bonus. Presently, you’ll be able to earn 90,000 bonus factors after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months utilizing our referral hyperlink. That’s not as engaging because the CSR above, however in case you’d want a lower-fee card or a number of Chase Final Rewards playing cards (you’ll be able to mix factors throughout accounts!), this can be a good choice.
Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card
Consider this because the “lite” model of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card. It has the identical upsides by way of flexibility, however with scaled again incomes and redemption charges, and lacks a number of of the opposite perks. It additionally solely has a $95 annual payment. We suggest this bank card in case you journey much less, don’t want or need the Sapphire Reserve, or are searching for an entry-level journey bank card.
With the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card, you earn 3 factors on eating, 2 factors on journey per $1 spent and 1 level per $1 spent on all the things else. Moreover, Chase Sapphire Most well-liked cardholders earn an anniversary bonus equal to 10% of their whole purchases from the earlier yr. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this makes use of the Chase Final Rewards portal and you may as well switch them at a 1:1 charge to a number of loyalty packages.
The Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card is a comparable card. For a similar $95 annual payment, it presents 5X miles on lodge and rental automobiles booked by way of Capital One Journey and 2X miles per greenback on all different purchases. That is one other good newbie bank card, and is extra simple than the Chase Sapphire Reserve or different choices.
American Specific Platinum
That is one other one among our go-to journey bank cards. Due to its sturdy slate of journey advantages and reimbursements, it’s simply well worth the $695 annual payment. As steep as which will sound, it consists of annual assertion credit that may whole roughly $1,500 and are comparatively simple to make use of.
The Amex Platinum additionally presents distinctive journey insurance coverage for delays, interruptions, cancellations, and even emergency evacuation. On prime of that, concierge customer support–amongst many different issues–is out there with this card. The Amex Platinum additionally presents 5x factors on flights and inns, plus airline credit and International Entry or TSA PreCheck. That’s earlier than even attending to the American Specific Membership Rewards factors, that are among the many most dear–and transferrable!
Another excuse we love the Amex Platinum greater than another bank card is the lounge entry. We fly between Los Angeles and Orlando, usually on Delta. This card offers us entry to American Specific Centurion Lounges (there’s one in LAX) plus Delta Sky Golf equipment (additionally nice ones at LAX, MCO, and ATL, which is a frequent layover for flights out of MCO).
With that stated, the AmEx Platinum just about requires a excessive annual spend to be able to make sense. Given how a lot we drop at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and past annually, it does make sense for us. YMMV. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as 175,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $8,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card
There are a ton of inns the place you’ll be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors. At Walt Disney World, your greatest choices are Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve inns, that are situated proper subsequent to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and are inside strolling distance of each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However there’s additionally the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, and a pair choices at Flamingo Crossings.
At Disneyland, the choices are even higher. The Westin Anaheim Resort, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, and Fairfield Anaheim Resort all carry out properly on our Rankings & Critiques of Anaheim Lodges Close to Disneyland. Two of these are the one luxurious resorts within the metropolis, and the opposite two are lower than a ten minute stroll to the parks.
Along with the sign-up bonus that’ll earn you a number of free night time awards, the Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card presents as much as 6 factors per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy inns, 2 factors per $1 spent on all different purchases, and one free night time per yr. There are three totally different bank cards which can be Marriott Bonvoy-branded, however we suggest the middle-tier “Boundless” card.
Signal-up bonuses range, nevertheless it’s presently 3 free award nights, which is superb! Signal-up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit score Card by way of our referral hyperlink!
Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card
Hilton is rapidly changing into one among our favourite lodge chains, and is already the place we keep probably the most. Final yr, we logged over 30 nights on the Hilton Tokyo Bay–a monorail loop resort at Tokyo Disneyland, and that alone is sufficient for us to justify having this card. We additionally often redeem our factors on the Conrad Tokyo, and are trying ahead to a keep on the Roku Kyoto.
At Walt Disney World, there are additionally three on-site Hiltons which can be eligible for Early Entry! At Disneyland, the choices for Hilton aren’t pretty much as good, fairly frankly. We most likely wouldn’t get the Aspire Card or make HHonors your program of selection in case you’re primarily a Disneyland individual.
With a large sign-up bonus, you’ll be able to keep a number of nights at any of those properties. Different perks of this Hilton Honors Amex embrace giant class spend bonuses, Hilton property credit, airport lounge entry, an airline payment credit score, and Diamond Standing–which implies concierge lounge entry, free breakfast, and room upgrades.
Signal-up for the Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card by way of our referral hyperlink and earn 175,000 HHonors factors after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the bank card inside your first 6 months of membership. Provide ends 08/13/2025.
United MileagePlus Explorer Credit score Card
We bounce forwards and backwards between Delta and United as our most popular service relying upon the yr (by no means American Airways) as we’ve had success with each airways and want a main service that has precise worldwide routes. (Though now that we have now a toddler, we discover ourselves flying Southwest once more an increasing number of.)
The perks supplied by this card (free checked luggage, precedence boarding, free United Membership passes) are additionally good. The sign-up bonus is presently 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months by way of our referral hyperlink, which is nice sufficient for 2 round-trip flights to Walt Disney World.
Truthfully, we aren’t enormous on airline-specific bank cards. We every maintain 1-2 for the perks, however we usually don’t use airline co-branded bank cards to earn miles. It’s an identical concept to the Disney Visa. As an alternative, we use the Chase Sapphire and Ink plus the Amex Platinum and switch these factors to companion airline portals. As all the time, your mileage might range.
Southwest Speedy Rewards Premier Credit score Card
The following few playing cards are airline and lodge loyalty ones that we expect will most profit Disney vacationers. The Southwest card is our airline decide for a number of causes. First, we all know Southwest is the preferred airline for Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers (it’s a preferred and handy service at each MCO and SNA).
Second, this card makes incomes and redeeming factors simpler than most different airline-specific playing cards. Third, since Southwest Airways pulled a web page from the Bob Chapek playbook and made a number of guest-unfriendly adjustments, the bank cards are the most effective and best approach to get a free checked bag, customary seat choice, boarding profit, and extra.
For many Disney vacationers, the Southwest card is the most effective airline-specific choice. The $99 annual payment would possibly sting a bit, however you obtain a 3,000-mile anniversary bonus annually. Customary level charge is 1 level for each $1 spent, besides Southwest purchases, which earn at a 2:1 charge.
There are additionally no overseas transaction charges, and the flexibility to earn a Southwest Companion Move (see our Information to the Southwest Companion Move for how you can rating this for nearly 2 full years with a twin bank card hack) with a mileage increase. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $4,000 throughout the first 5 months with our referral hyperlink.
World of Hyatt Credit score Card
Hyatt is our favourite lodge chain on the planet (extra so than Hilton, Marriott–and even Disney), and we keep at their varied manufacturers at any time when and wherever attainable. We particularly love the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Park Hyatt Tokyo for Japan journeys, and people are good makes use of of Chase Final Rewards level transfers. In the event you journey internationally, there are unbelievable Hyatts within the cities close to all the different Disney Parks (Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo).
There are not any Hyatts on-site at Walt Disney World, however the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a superb resort that’s solely ~5 minutes from Walt Disney World (an inexpensive Uber experience). At Disneyland, there are literally 3 inns inside strolling distance–Hyatt Place Anaheim, Hyatt Home Anaheim, and Hyatt Regency Orange County.
With the present sign-up bonus, you earn 2 free nights at any Class 1–4 Hyatt lodge or resort after spending $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Factors after spending $12,000 in your first 6 months of account opening. This limited-time provide ends August 28, 2025.
BankAmericard Journey Rewards Credit score Card
Okay, let’s say you wish to pay no annual payment in any respect. That is fairly widespread sentiment, and we are able to respect not eager to spend cash on bank cards. Nonetheless, we might warning towards being anti-annual payment earlier than doing the mathematics to see if the advantages (primarily based in your spending habits) don’t offset the payment. In any case, if this describes you, this card presents a reasonably good reward charge, good redemption choices, and a good sign-up bonus.
The BankAmericard Journey Rewards card earns a flat 1.5 factors on each $1 spent. It’s that flat 1.5 charge that makes this card our final advice for the “no payment” class. Factors may be redeemed as an announcement credit score for journey purchases. When you have a Financial institution of America account, you obtain a ten% bonus; in case you’re a Most well-liked Rewards shopper, that bonus is as much as 75%.
Okay, that covers it for our abstract of the most effective bank cards for journey (with an emphasis on Disney journey). Be aware that none of those bank cards will not be one-size suits all. Our main airline and hotel-specific playing cards are for Delta, United, Marriott and Hyatt, however these are simply what occur to work greatest for us.
Additionally, journey playing cards will not be the identical as main, on a regular basis use bank cards–it is best to look to totally different playing cards for that. That’s a complete different subject, and one that isn’t related to this weblog. There are additionally a pair different bank cards which can be tangentially good for Disney journey in case you’re benefiting from the hacks in our Cash-Saving Ideas for Shopping for Disney Reward Playing cards publish.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you must know!
Your Ideas
What’s your favourite bank card for Disney? Do you favor paying a excessive annual payment and receiving higher perks and rewards, or staying fee-free? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
We assessment the most effective bank cards for journey rewards that may be redeemed for flights, inns, or eating at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These similar playing cards are additionally good choices for any vacation spot on the planet–that features locations like Tokyo Disney Resort, DLP, and even Japan or France as an entire. (Up to date August 4, 2025.)
We perceive and recognize that bank cards will not be for everybody, however that doesn’t make them inherently dangerous. Between the 2 of us, Sarah and I’ve had ~25 bank cards, obtained tens of hundreds of {dollars} in rewards, seldom pay money for flights or non-Disney inns, and by no means pay any curiosity on purchases.
Bank card debt is clearly dangerous. It ought to go with out saying that you just aren’t popping out forward with rewards in case you’re paying curiosity. That doesn’t change the truth that “debt” shouldn’t be an inherent factor of possessing a bank card. Nor does it change the truth that an inherent factor of bank cards is rewards and perks. We’ll cease with the preachiness, however felt just a little of it was crucial to beat the horrible stigma related to having bank cards.
Let’s flip to our methodology for figuring out which bank cards belong on this checklist. Elements embrace annual charges, sign-up bonuses, incomes and redemption charges, reward choices, redemption problem, and ancillary advantages (similar to free checked luggage).
One issue that’s notably omitted is APR. The entire advantages supplied by bank cards are outweighed by paying any quantity of curiosity, and that goes for any bank card. Whereas useful instruments in case you leverage their advantages and repay your steadiness in full every month, bank cards are counterproductive once they carry a steadiness.
Once more, it is because we use bank cards for his or her rewards and awards. When you have good credit score, time to spare, the will to journey, and a few nice organizational expertise, we suggest that you just do the identical. That is how we “pay” for a lot of flights, stays in ~$1,000/night time inns, and are ready to make use of airport lounges, amongst many different issues.
Bank cards are an integral part of this. We was large on “churning,” which includes concurrently opening new bank cards primarily based upon which perks are being supplied, spending the suitable quantities to obtain these perks, redeeming stated perks, and shutting or downgrading the cardboard account after the primary full yr of getting it. (In the event you puzzled why we’ve gone by so many bank cards, that’s exactly the rationale.)
Extra just lately, we’ve been nonetheless been rotating by some bank cards, however aren’t as diligent about it. Though after reserving our December 2025 journey to Japan and considerably depleting our factors stockpiles on a trio of luxurious inns, we’re planning on getting again within the sport once more!
Suffice to say, churning may be properly well worth the effort if you wish to get severe about journey hacking. There’s a slight studying curve concerned, however when you spend a number of hours studying the ins and outs, you’ll overcome that and be rewarded with the information wanted for cheap or completely free journey.
With that out of the best way, listed below are the journey bank cards we suggest…
Disney Premier Visa Credit score Card
Let’s begin with the obvious choice, provided that this can be a Disney weblog. Regardless of that truth, we aren’t enormous followers of the assorted Disney Visa bank cards. This can be a bank card we have now, however not one we use with regularity. We can not stress sufficient that the Disney Visa is NOT the most effective bank card for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, counterintuitive as that may appear.
This bank card is actually solely advantageous to make use of whereas at Disney locations, making it a strong specialised use card for Disney followers, however not among the many greatest playing cards on this checklist–even for Disney followers. It’s a great card to have as a 4th or fifth card to carry merely for the perks, however not for the rewards and definitely not on a regular basis use.
Principally, it comes all the way down to rewards. You might be higher off with a daily money again credit score or a special bank card for journey. The worth you’ll derive from these rewards shall be a lot larger than this, and also you gained’t be locked in to Disney rewards factors. We do a extra thorough job of explaining why in our Disney Visa Credit score Card Execs & Cons publish.
The Disney Premier Visa card has a $49 annual payment and presents 2% rewards at fuel stations, grocery shops, eating places, and most Disney areas, and 1% all over the place else. It’s additionally good for some reductions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland; generally Disney Visa holders additionally obtain benefits in the case of Free Eating.
We all know lots of people who use this for on a regular basis purchases after which use the rewards to pay for parts of their Walt Disney World holidays. Flip the script on that: use this bank card whereas at Walt Disney World, and never for on a regular basis purchases. (Redeem the rewards for DisneyStore.com purchases.) Presently, there’s obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as $300 in rewards {dollars} after spending $1,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card
That is one other one among our main bank cards for journey purchases. One motive we suggest this card is due to its redemption flexibility, as its rewards will not be tied to any single airline or lodge chain. One other is that it earns at a better charge (throughout the board) than virtually another card.
The most important balking level on this card goes to be the annual payment, which simply elevated from $550 to $795. Truthfully, that wasn’t the largest blow from our perspective–it was that journey purchases now earn only one level per greenback, a big minimize from the earlier 3X charge that utilized to all journey not booked by Chase. There are actually 4X charges for flights and inns booked immediately, which is the Sapphire Reserve’s potential saving grace.
Truthfully, the annual payment doesn’t hassle us almost as a lot. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders nonetheless obtain a $300 per yr journey credit score, in addition to TSA PreCheck or International Entry software payment, plus DoorDash and Lyft credit, StubHub credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music credit, and Peloton membership credit. There are additionally credit for Chase’s high-end lodge and eating portals, however we haven’t discovered a lot use in these.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve additionally presents complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Standing by December 31, 2027. IHG shouldn’t be one of many loyalty packages we use, so to every their very own on that. Extra important is that Sapphire Reserve cardholders get entry to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Precedence Move lounges for themselves and as much as two visitors. There are presently eight Sapphire lounges, with three extra lounges set to open quickly. None in Orlando, however there are Precedence Move lounges at MCO (The Membership).
Arguably the largest profit is the pliability of Chase Final Rewards factors, which provides them a price that’s properly above-average. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $5,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink. If valuing these factors at round 1.5 to 2 cents every when transferred out and maximized, the worth of the sign-up bonus alone is definitely double to triple the annual payment. And that’s earlier than accounting for the perks.
Chase Ink Most well-liked
The Ink Enterprise Most well-liked Credit score Card is likely one of the greatest journey playing cards due to the cardboard’s rewards and worth. For less than a $95 annual payment, you earn 3X factors on the primary $150,000 spent in mixed purchases on journey, promoting, transport, and web, cable and cellphone providers every account anniversary yr. Earn 1 level per greenback on all different purchases.
That is the one Ink card that earns transferrable Chase Final Rewards factors versus money again (keep in mind, factors are value greater than 1 cent every if well redeemed). It’s additionally the one Chase Ink bank card that earns bonus factors on journey purchases. That is technically a enterprise card, which is why it’s usually ignored in conversations about greatest journey playing cards, however the bar for having a “enterprise” is low. We primarily use this card for the journey earn–it not having different perks is a profit to make use of since we additionally maintain the AmEx Platinum and CSR. There are already redundancies between these two–don’t want one other card providing similar credit.
The opposite large win right here is the sign-up bonus. Presently, you’ll be able to earn 90,000 bonus factors after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months utilizing our referral hyperlink. That’s not as engaging because the CSR above, however in case you’d want a lower-fee card or a number of Chase Final Rewards playing cards (you’ll be able to mix factors throughout accounts!), this can be a good choice.
Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card
Consider this because the “lite” model of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card. It has the identical upsides by way of flexibility, however with scaled again incomes and redemption charges, and lacks a number of of the opposite perks. It additionally solely has a $95 annual payment. We suggest this bank card in case you journey much less, don’t want or need the Sapphire Reserve, or are searching for an entry-level journey bank card.
With the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card, you earn 3 factors on eating, 2 factors on journey per $1 spent and 1 level per $1 spent on all the things else. Moreover, Chase Sapphire Most well-liked cardholders earn an anniversary bonus equal to 10% of their whole purchases from the earlier yr. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this makes use of the Chase Final Rewards portal and you may as well switch them at a 1:1 charge to a number of loyalty packages.
The Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card is a comparable card. For a similar $95 annual payment, it presents 5X miles on lodge and rental automobiles booked by way of Capital One Journey and 2X miles per greenback on all different purchases. That is one other good newbie bank card, and is extra simple than the Chase Sapphire Reserve or different choices.
American Specific Platinum
That is one other one among our go-to journey bank cards. Due to its sturdy slate of journey advantages and reimbursements, it’s simply well worth the $695 annual payment. As steep as which will sound, it consists of annual assertion credit that may whole roughly $1,500 and are comparatively simple to make use of.
The Amex Platinum additionally presents distinctive journey insurance coverage for delays, interruptions, cancellations, and even emergency evacuation. On prime of that, concierge customer support–amongst many different issues–is out there with this card. The Amex Platinum additionally presents 5x factors on flights and inns, plus airline credit and International Entry or TSA PreCheck. That’s earlier than even attending to the American Specific Membership Rewards factors, that are among the many most dear–and transferrable!
Another excuse we love the Amex Platinum greater than another bank card is the lounge entry. We fly between Los Angeles and Orlando, usually on Delta. This card offers us entry to American Specific Centurion Lounges (there’s one in LAX) plus Delta Sky Golf equipment (additionally nice ones at LAX, MCO, and ATL, which is a frequent layover for flights out of MCO).
With that stated, the AmEx Platinum just about requires a excessive annual spend to be able to make sense. Given how a lot we drop at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and past annually, it does make sense for us. YMMV. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as 175,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $8,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card
There are a ton of inns the place you’ll be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors. At Walt Disney World, your greatest choices are Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve inns, that are situated proper subsequent to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and are inside strolling distance of each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However there’s additionally the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, and a pair choices at Flamingo Crossings.
At Disneyland, the choices are even higher. The Westin Anaheim Resort, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, and Fairfield Anaheim Resort all carry out properly on our Rankings & Critiques of Anaheim Lodges Close to Disneyland. Two of these are the one luxurious resorts within the metropolis, and the opposite two are lower than a ten minute stroll to the parks.
Along with the sign-up bonus that’ll earn you a number of free night time awards, the Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card presents as much as 6 factors per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy inns, 2 factors per $1 spent on all different purchases, and one free night time per yr. There are three totally different bank cards which can be Marriott Bonvoy-branded, however we suggest the middle-tier “Boundless” card.
Signal-up bonuses range, nevertheless it’s presently 3 free award nights, which is superb! Signal-up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit score Card by way of our referral hyperlink!
Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card
Hilton is rapidly changing into one among our favourite lodge chains, and is already the place we keep probably the most. Final yr, we logged over 30 nights on the Hilton Tokyo Bay–a monorail loop resort at Tokyo Disneyland, and that alone is sufficient for us to justify having this card. We additionally often redeem our factors on the Conrad Tokyo, and are trying ahead to a keep on the Roku Kyoto.
At Walt Disney World, there are additionally three on-site Hiltons which can be eligible for Early Entry! At Disneyland, the choices for Hilton aren’t pretty much as good, fairly frankly. We most likely wouldn’t get the Aspire Card or make HHonors your program of selection in case you’re primarily a Disneyland individual.
With a large sign-up bonus, you’ll be able to keep a number of nights at any of those properties. Different perks of this Hilton Honors Amex embrace giant class spend bonuses, Hilton property credit, airport lounge entry, an airline payment credit score, and Diamond Standing–which implies concierge lounge entry, free breakfast, and room upgrades.
Signal-up for the Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card by way of our referral hyperlink and earn 175,000 HHonors factors after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the bank card inside your first 6 months of membership. Provide ends 08/13/2025.
United MileagePlus Explorer Credit score Card
We bounce forwards and backwards between Delta and United as our most popular service relying upon the yr (by no means American Airways) as we’ve had success with each airways and want a main service that has precise worldwide routes. (Though now that we have now a toddler, we discover ourselves flying Southwest once more an increasing number of.)
The perks supplied by this card (free checked luggage, precedence boarding, free United Membership passes) are additionally good. The sign-up bonus is presently 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months by way of our referral hyperlink, which is nice sufficient for 2 round-trip flights to Walt Disney World.
Truthfully, we aren’t enormous on airline-specific bank cards. We every maintain 1-2 for the perks, however we usually don’t use airline co-branded bank cards to earn miles. It’s an identical concept to the Disney Visa. As an alternative, we use the Chase Sapphire and Ink plus the Amex Platinum and switch these factors to companion airline portals. As all the time, your mileage might range.
Southwest Speedy Rewards Premier Credit score Card
The following few playing cards are airline and lodge loyalty ones that we expect will most profit Disney vacationers. The Southwest card is our airline decide for a number of causes. First, we all know Southwest is the preferred airline for Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers (it’s a preferred and handy service at each MCO and SNA).
Second, this card makes incomes and redeeming factors simpler than most different airline-specific playing cards. Third, since Southwest Airways pulled a web page from the Bob Chapek playbook and made a number of guest-unfriendly adjustments, the bank cards are the most effective and best approach to get a free checked bag, customary seat choice, boarding profit, and extra.
For many Disney vacationers, the Southwest card is the most effective airline-specific choice. The $99 annual payment would possibly sting a bit, however you obtain a 3,000-mile anniversary bonus annually. Customary level charge is 1 level for each $1 spent, besides Southwest purchases, which earn at a 2:1 charge.
There are additionally no overseas transaction charges, and the flexibility to earn a Southwest Companion Move (see our Information to the Southwest Companion Move for how you can rating this for nearly 2 full years with a twin bank card hack) with a mileage increase. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $4,000 throughout the first 5 months with our referral hyperlink.
World of Hyatt Credit score Card
Hyatt is our favourite lodge chain on the planet (extra so than Hilton, Marriott–and even Disney), and we keep at their varied manufacturers at any time when and wherever attainable. We particularly love the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Park Hyatt Tokyo for Japan journeys, and people are good makes use of of Chase Final Rewards level transfers. In the event you journey internationally, there are unbelievable Hyatts within the cities close to all the different Disney Parks (Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo).
There are not any Hyatts on-site at Walt Disney World, however the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a superb resort that’s solely ~5 minutes from Walt Disney World (an inexpensive Uber experience). At Disneyland, there are literally 3 inns inside strolling distance–Hyatt Place Anaheim, Hyatt Home Anaheim, and Hyatt Regency Orange County.
With the present sign-up bonus, you earn 2 free nights at any Class 1–4 Hyatt lodge or resort after spending $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Factors after spending $12,000 in your first 6 months of account opening. This limited-time provide ends August 28, 2025.
BankAmericard Journey Rewards Credit score Card
Okay, let’s say you wish to pay no annual payment in any respect. That is fairly widespread sentiment, and we are able to respect not eager to spend cash on bank cards. Nonetheless, we might warning towards being anti-annual payment earlier than doing the mathematics to see if the advantages (primarily based in your spending habits) don’t offset the payment. In any case, if this describes you, this card presents a reasonably good reward charge, good redemption choices, and a good sign-up bonus.
The BankAmericard Journey Rewards card earns a flat 1.5 factors on each $1 spent. It’s that flat 1.5 charge that makes this card our final advice for the “no payment” class. Factors may be redeemed as an announcement credit score for journey purchases. When you have a Financial institution of America account, you obtain a ten% bonus; in case you’re a Most well-liked Rewards shopper, that bonus is as much as 75%.
Okay, that covers it for our abstract of the most effective bank cards for journey (with an emphasis on Disney journey). Be aware that none of those bank cards will not be one-size suits all. Our main airline and hotel-specific playing cards are for Delta, United, Marriott and Hyatt, however these are simply what occur to work greatest for us.
Additionally, journey playing cards will not be the identical as main, on a regular basis use bank cards–it is best to look to totally different playing cards for that. That’s a complete different subject, and one that isn’t related to this weblog. There are additionally a pair different bank cards which can be tangentially good for Disney journey in case you’re benefiting from the hacks in our Cash-Saving Ideas for Shopping for Disney Reward Playing cards publish.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you must know!
Your Ideas
What’s your favourite bank card for Disney? Do you favor paying a excessive annual payment and receiving higher perks and rewards, or staying fee-free? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
We assessment the most effective bank cards for journey rewards that may be redeemed for flights, inns, or eating at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These similar playing cards are additionally good choices for any vacation spot on the planet–that features locations like Tokyo Disney Resort, DLP, and even Japan or France as an entire. (Up to date August 4, 2025.)
We perceive and recognize that bank cards will not be for everybody, however that doesn’t make them inherently dangerous. Between the 2 of us, Sarah and I’ve had ~25 bank cards, obtained tens of hundreds of {dollars} in rewards, seldom pay money for flights or non-Disney inns, and by no means pay any curiosity on purchases.
Bank card debt is clearly dangerous. It ought to go with out saying that you just aren’t popping out forward with rewards in case you’re paying curiosity. That doesn’t change the truth that “debt” shouldn’t be an inherent factor of possessing a bank card. Nor does it change the truth that an inherent factor of bank cards is rewards and perks. We’ll cease with the preachiness, however felt just a little of it was crucial to beat the horrible stigma related to having bank cards.
Let’s flip to our methodology for figuring out which bank cards belong on this checklist. Elements embrace annual charges, sign-up bonuses, incomes and redemption charges, reward choices, redemption problem, and ancillary advantages (similar to free checked luggage).
One issue that’s notably omitted is APR. The entire advantages supplied by bank cards are outweighed by paying any quantity of curiosity, and that goes for any bank card. Whereas useful instruments in case you leverage their advantages and repay your steadiness in full every month, bank cards are counterproductive once they carry a steadiness.
Once more, it is because we use bank cards for his or her rewards and awards. When you have good credit score, time to spare, the will to journey, and a few nice organizational expertise, we suggest that you just do the identical. That is how we “pay” for a lot of flights, stays in ~$1,000/night time inns, and are ready to make use of airport lounges, amongst many different issues.
Bank cards are an integral part of this. We was large on “churning,” which includes concurrently opening new bank cards primarily based upon which perks are being supplied, spending the suitable quantities to obtain these perks, redeeming stated perks, and shutting or downgrading the cardboard account after the primary full yr of getting it. (In the event you puzzled why we’ve gone by so many bank cards, that’s exactly the rationale.)
Extra just lately, we’ve been nonetheless been rotating by some bank cards, however aren’t as diligent about it. Though after reserving our December 2025 journey to Japan and considerably depleting our factors stockpiles on a trio of luxurious inns, we’re planning on getting again within the sport once more!
Suffice to say, churning may be properly well worth the effort if you wish to get severe about journey hacking. There’s a slight studying curve concerned, however when you spend a number of hours studying the ins and outs, you’ll overcome that and be rewarded with the information wanted for cheap or completely free journey.
With that out of the best way, listed below are the journey bank cards we suggest…
Disney Premier Visa Credit score Card
Let’s begin with the obvious choice, provided that this can be a Disney weblog. Regardless of that truth, we aren’t enormous followers of the assorted Disney Visa bank cards. This can be a bank card we have now, however not one we use with regularity. We can not stress sufficient that the Disney Visa is NOT the most effective bank card for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, counterintuitive as that may appear.
This bank card is actually solely advantageous to make use of whereas at Disney locations, making it a strong specialised use card for Disney followers, however not among the many greatest playing cards on this checklist–even for Disney followers. It’s a great card to have as a 4th or fifth card to carry merely for the perks, however not for the rewards and definitely not on a regular basis use.
Principally, it comes all the way down to rewards. You might be higher off with a daily money again credit score or a special bank card for journey. The worth you’ll derive from these rewards shall be a lot larger than this, and also you gained’t be locked in to Disney rewards factors. We do a extra thorough job of explaining why in our Disney Visa Credit score Card Execs & Cons publish.
The Disney Premier Visa card has a $49 annual payment and presents 2% rewards at fuel stations, grocery shops, eating places, and most Disney areas, and 1% all over the place else. It’s additionally good for some reductions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland; generally Disney Visa holders additionally obtain benefits in the case of Free Eating.
We all know lots of people who use this for on a regular basis purchases after which use the rewards to pay for parts of their Walt Disney World holidays. Flip the script on that: use this bank card whereas at Walt Disney World, and never for on a regular basis purchases. (Redeem the rewards for DisneyStore.com purchases.) Presently, there’s obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as $300 in rewards {dollars} after spending $1,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card
That is one other one among our main bank cards for journey purchases. One motive we suggest this card is due to its redemption flexibility, as its rewards will not be tied to any single airline or lodge chain. One other is that it earns at a better charge (throughout the board) than virtually another card.
The most important balking level on this card goes to be the annual payment, which simply elevated from $550 to $795. Truthfully, that wasn’t the largest blow from our perspective–it was that journey purchases now earn only one level per greenback, a big minimize from the earlier 3X charge that utilized to all journey not booked by Chase. There are actually 4X charges for flights and inns booked immediately, which is the Sapphire Reserve’s potential saving grace.
Truthfully, the annual payment doesn’t hassle us almost as a lot. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders nonetheless obtain a $300 per yr journey credit score, in addition to TSA PreCheck or International Entry software payment, plus DoorDash and Lyft credit, StubHub credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music credit, and Peloton membership credit. There are additionally credit for Chase’s high-end lodge and eating portals, however we haven’t discovered a lot use in these.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve additionally presents complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Standing by December 31, 2027. IHG shouldn’t be one of many loyalty packages we use, so to every their very own on that. Extra important is that Sapphire Reserve cardholders get entry to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Precedence Move lounges for themselves and as much as two visitors. There are presently eight Sapphire lounges, with three extra lounges set to open quickly. None in Orlando, however there are Precedence Move lounges at MCO (The Membership).
Arguably the largest profit is the pliability of Chase Final Rewards factors, which provides them a price that’s properly above-average. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $5,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink. If valuing these factors at round 1.5 to 2 cents every when transferred out and maximized, the worth of the sign-up bonus alone is definitely double to triple the annual payment. And that’s earlier than accounting for the perks.
Chase Ink Most well-liked
The Ink Enterprise Most well-liked Credit score Card is likely one of the greatest journey playing cards due to the cardboard’s rewards and worth. For less than a $95 annual payment, you earn 3X factors on the primary $150,000 spent in mixed purchases on journey, promoting, transport, and web, cable and cellphone providers every account anniversary yr. Earn 1 level per greenback on all different purchases.
That is the one Ink card that earns transferrable Chase Final Rewards factors versus money again (keep in mind, factors are value greater than 1 cent every if well redeemed). It’s additionally the one Chase Ink bank card that earns bonus factors on journey purchases. That is technically a enterprise card, which is why it’s usually ignored in conversations about greatest journey playing cards, however the bar for having a “enterprise” is low. We primarily use this card for the journey earn–it not having different perks is a profit to make use of since we additionally maintain the AmEx Platinum and CSR. There are already redundancies between these two–don’t want one other card providing similar credit.
The opposite large win right here is the sign-up bonus. Presently, you’ll be able to earn 90,000 bonus factors after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months utilizing our referral hyperlink. That’s not as engaging because the CSR above, however in case you’d want a lower-fee card or a number of Chase Final Rewards playing cards (you’ll be able to mix factors throughout accounts!), this can be a good choice.
Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card
Consider this because the “lite” model of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit score Card. It has the identical upsides by way of flexibility, however with scaled again incomes and redemption charges, and lacks a number of of the opposite perks. It additionally solely has a $95 annual payment. We suggest this bank card in case you journey much less, don’t want or need the Sapphire Reserve, or are searching for an entry-level journey bank card.
With the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card, you earn 3 factors on eating, 2 factors on journey per $1 spent and 1 level per $1 spent on all the things else. Moreover, Chase Sapphire Most well-liked cardholders earn an anniversary bonus equal to 10% of their whole purchases from the earlier yr. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this makes use of the Chase Final Rewards portal and you may as well switch them at a 1:1 charge to a number of loyalty packages.
The Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card is a comparable card. For a similar $95 annual payment, it presents 5X miles on lodge and rental automobiles booked by way of Capital One Journey and 2X miles per greenback on all different purchases. That is one other good newbie bank card, and is extra simple than the Chase Sapphire Reserve or different choices.
American Specific Platinum
That is one other one among our go-to journey bank cards. Due to its sturdy slate of journey advantages and reimbursements, it’s simply well worth the $695 annual payment. As steep as which will sound, it consists of annual assertion credit that may whole roughly $1,500 and are comparatively simple to make use of.
The Amex Platinum additionally presents distinctive journey insurance coverage for delays, interruptions, cancellations, and even emergency evacuation. On prime of that, concierge customer support–amongst many different issues–is out there with this card. The Amex Platinum additionally presents 5x factors on flights and inns, plus airline credit and International Entry or TSA PreCheck. That’s earlier than even attending to the American Specific Membership Rewards factors, that are among the many most dear–and transferrable!
Another excuse we love the Amex Platinum greater than another bank card is the lounge entry. We fly between Los Angeles and Orlando, usually on Delta. This card offers us entry to American Specific Centurion Lounges (there’s one in LAX) plus Delta Sky Golf equipment (additionally nice ones at LAX, MCO, and ATL, which is a frequent layover for flights out of MCO).
With that stated, the AmEx Platinum just about requires a excessive annual spend to be able to make sense. Given how a lot we drop at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and past annually, it does make sense for us. YMMV. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of as much as 175,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $8,000 throughout the first 3 months with our referral hyperlink.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card
There are a ton of inns the place you’ll be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors. At Walt Disney World, your greatest choices are Swan & Dolphin, and Swan Reserve inns, that are situated proper subsequent to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and are inside strolling distance of each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However there’s additionally the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, and a pair choices at Flamingo Crossings.
At Disneyland, the choices are even higher. The Westin Anaheim Resort, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, and Fairfield Anaheim Resort all carry out properly on our Rankings & Critiques of Anaheim Lodges Close to Disneyland. Two of these are the one luxurious resorts within the metropolis, and the opposite two are lower than a ten minute stroll to the parks.
Along with the sign-up bonus that’ll earn you a number of free night time awards, the Marriott Bonvoy Credit score Card presents as much as 6 factors per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy inns, 2 factors per $1 spent on all different purchases, and one free night time per yr. There are three totally different bank cards which can be Marriott Bonvoy-branded, however we suggest the middle-tier “Boundless” card.
Signal-up bonuses range, nevertheless it’s presently 3 free award nights, which is superb! Signal-up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit score Card by way of our referral hyperlink!
Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card
Hilton is rapidly changing into one among our favourite lodge chains, and is already the place we keep probably the most. Final yr, we logged over 30 nights on the Hilton Tokyo Bay–a monorail loop resort at Tokyo Disneyland, and that alone is sufficient for us to justify having this card. We additionally often redeem our factors on the Conrad Tokyo, and are trying ahead to a keep on the Roku Kyoto.
At Walt Disney World, there are additionally three on-site Hiltons which can be eligible for Early Entry! At Disneyland, the choices for Hilton aren’t pretty much as good, fairly frankly. We most likely wouldn’t get the Aspire Card or make HHonors your program of selection in case you’re primarily a Disneyland individual.
With a large sign-up bonus, you’ll be able to keep a number of nights at any of those properties. Different perks of this Hilton Honors Amex embrace giant class spend bonuses, Hilton property credit, airport lounge entry, an airline payment credit score, and Diamond Standing–which implies concierge lounge entry, free breakfast, and room upgrades.
Signal-up for the Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card by way of our referral hyperlink and earn 175,000 HHonors factors after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the bank card inside your first 6 months of membership. Provide ends 08/13/2025.
United MileagePlus Explorer Credit score Card
We bounce forwards and backwards between Delta and United as our most popular service relying upon the yr (by no means American Airways) as we’ve had success with each airways and want a main service that has precise worldwide routes. (Though now that we have now a toddler, we discover ourselves flying Southwest once more an increasing number of.)
The perks supplied by this card (free checked luggage, precedence boarding, free United Membership passes) are additionally good. The sign-up bonus is presently 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months by way of our referral hyperlink, which is nice sufficient for 2 round-trip flights to Walt Disney World.
Truthfully, we aren’t enormous on airline-specific bank cards. We every maintain 1-2 for the perks, however we usually don’t use airline co-branded bank cards to earn miles. It’s an identical concept to the Disney Visa. As an alternative, we use the Chase Sapphire and Ink plus the Amex Platinum and switch these factors to companion airline portals. As all the time, your mileage might range.
Southwest Speedy Rewards Premier Credit score Card
The following few playing cards are airline and lodge loyalty ones that we expect will most profit Disney vacationers. The Southwest card is our airline decide for a number of causes. First, we all know Southwest is the preferred airline for Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers (it’s a preferred and handy service at each MCO and SNA).
Second, this card makes incomes and redeeming factors simpler than most different airline-specific playing cards. Third, since Southwest Airways pulled a web page from the Bob Chapek playbook and made a number of guest-unfriendly adjustments, the bank cards are the most effective and best approach to get a free checked bag, customary seat choice, boarding profit, and extra.
For many Disney vacationers, the Southwest card is the most effective airline-specific choice. The $99 annual payment would possibly sting a bit, however you obtain a 3,000-mile anniversary bonus annually. Customary level charge is 1 level for each $1 spent, besides Southwest purchases, which earn at a 2:1 charge.
There are additionally no overseas transaction charges, and the flexibility to earn a Southwest Companion Move (see our Information to the Southwest Companion Move for how you can rating this for nearly 2 full years with a twin bank card hack) with a mileage increase. Presently, you’ll be able to obtain a sign-up bonus of 100,000 factors in rewards {dollars} after spending $4,000 throughout the first 5 months with our referral hyperlink.
World of Hyatt Credit score Card
Hyatt is our favourite lodge chain on the planet (extra so than Hilton, Marriott–and even Disney), and we keep at their varied manufacturers at any time when and wherever attainable. We particularly love the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Park Hyatt Tokyo for Japan journeys, and people are good makes use of of Chase Final Rewards level transfers. In the event you journey internationally, there are unbelievable Hyatts within the cities close to all the different Disney Parks (Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo).
There are not any Hyatts on-site at Walt Disney World, however the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a superb resort that’s solely ~5 minutes from Walt Disney World (an inexpensive Uber experience). At Disneyland, there are literally 3 inns inside strolling distance–Hyatt Place Anaheim, Hyatt Home Anaheim, and Hyatt Regency Orange County.
With the present sign-up bonus, you earn 2 free nights at any Class 1–4 Hyatt lodge or resort after spending $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Factors after spending $12,000 in your first 6 months of account opening. This limited-time provide ends August 28, 2025.
BankAmericard Journey Rewards Credit score Card
Okay, let’s say you wish to pay no annual payment in any respect. That is fairly widespread sentiment, and we are able to respect not eager to spend cash on bank cards. Nonetheless, we might warning towards being anti-annual payment earlier than doing the mathematics to see if the advantages (primarily based in your spending habits) don’t offset the payment. In any case, if this describes you, this card presents a reasonably good reward charge, good redemption choices, and a good sign-up bonus.
The BankAmericard Journey Rewards card earns a flat 1.5 factors on each $1 spent. It’s that flat 1.5 charge that makes this card our final advice for the “no payment” class. Factors may be redeemed as an announcement credit score for journey purchases. When you have a Financial institution of America account, you obtain a ten% bonus; in case you’re a Most well-liked Rewards shopper, that bonus is as much as 75%.
Okay, that covers it for our abstract of the most effective bank cards for journey (with an emphasis on Disney journey). Be aware that none of those bank cards will not be one-size suits all. Our main airline and hotel-specific playing cards are for Delta, United, Marriott and Hyatt, however these are simply what occur to work greatest for us.
Additionally, journey playing cards will not be the identical as main, on a regular basis use bank cards–it is best to look to totally different playing cards for that. That’s a complete different subject, and one that isn’t related to this weblog. There are additionally a pair different bank cards which can be tangentially good for Disney journey in case you’re benefiting from the hacks in our Cash-Saving Ideas for Shopping for Disney Reward Playing cards publish.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you must know!
Your Ideas
What’s your favourite bank card for Disney? Do you favor paying a excessive annual payment and receiving higher perks and rewards, or staying fee-free? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
