Best Credit Cards to Pay for Your Honeymoon
At a Glance
One of the most exciting moments in a person’s life is the day they say “I do” with their partner. While friends and family traditionally pitch in for wedding costs to take the burden off of the happy couple, the honeymoon is often entirely paid for by the newlyweds. This major trip comes with serious costs, but utilizing the best credit card for honeymoon expenses can help a couple earn rewards back for their purchases.
Comparing the best credit cards for honeymoon
Choosing the best credit card to pay for honeymoon expenses can feel impossible considering how many different options are available, but the following gives a high-level overview of some of the best options:
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5X on travel, 3X on dining, 2X on other travel, 1X on everything else | 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 2X on all purchases, 10X on hotels booked through Capital One Travel | 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3X on travel and restaurant purchases; 1X on other purchases | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months |
| American Express Platinum Card | 5X on eligible airfare and hotel purchases; 1X on other eligible purchases | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in 6 months |
| Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, and popular streaming services; 1X on other purchases | Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in 3 months |
A closer look at the best credit cards for honeymoon travel
Finding the best credit card for wedding and honeymoon expenses may be challenging, but with the right information, any couple can start earning rewards for their purchases. Each of the following five credit cards offers unique perks to cardholders that make them excellent choices for honeymoon purchases:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards rate: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and eligible online grocery purchases; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Annual fee: $95
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 21.24%-28.24% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has stood as one of the best travel cards on the market for a long time and for good reason. This card is notable, in particular, because it provides the holder with more than one reward category. Those who spend large amounts on food and travel will see the most use out of this card, and existing Chase card holders can combine their points for an increased redemption value through the Chase travel portal.
Pros:
- Welcome offer and valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
- Points worth 25% more toward Chase Ultimate Rewards travel redemptions.
- $50 annual statement credit for hotel stays through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- No premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite statuses
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
Annual fee: $395
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 21.99%-28.99% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Our verdict: Capital One offers an impressive travel credit card with their Venture X Rewards card that can provide newlyweds with plenty of benefits for their honeymoon expenses. With rewards being earned as miles, rather than points or cash back, this card is best for those who are planning to fly a significant distance for their honeymoon. Additionally, there is an impressive welcome bonus for those signing up for the card as a new member.
Pros:
- Welcome offer and simple rewards rate.
- $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Airport lounge access to Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One Lounges
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Rewards 10,000-anniversary miles
Cons:
- $395 annual fee
- Travel credit only works through the Capital One Travel portal.
Apply now: Venture X Rewards credit card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Rewards rate: 3x points on travel and restaurant purchases; 1x points on other purchases
Annual fee: $450
Intro APR: Not specified.
Regular APR: 22.24% – 29.24% Variable
Signup bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is essentially the older cousin to the Chase Sapphire Preferred and offers benefits that are even more focused on travel. When looking at a credit card for honeymoon expenses, the Reserve should be considered due to the increased 3x back on travel purchases which can be redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal. The $450 annual fee is costly on this card, but it offers additional benefits which balance out the cost if they are utilized every year.
Pros:
- High rewards rate on travel and dining purchases
- Valuable signup bonus with Chase Ultimate Rewards travel redemption
- Useful travel credits and Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check reimbursement
- Airport lounge access and luxury resort upgrades enhance the travel experience.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- A high $450 annual fee may deter some applicants.
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
American Express Platinum Card
Rewards rate: Earn 5X points per dollar on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Annual fee: $695 (Terms apply)
Intro APR: Not specified.
Regular APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable
Signup bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Our verdict: Serving as the primary competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the Amex Platinum card offers an astounding 5x points per dollar on airfare of up to $500,000. Those with a honeymoon travel cost that is higher due to airfare should consider using this card to make the purchase, along with all other honeymoon expenses, so that the $6,000 minimum to get the 80,000 membership rewards points bonus can be reached quicker. This can give cardholders access to nearly $800 that can be put towards other honeymoon expenses.
Pros:
- Welcome offer and attractive rewards rate on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.
- Extensive airport lounge access through various programs like Priority Pass, The Centurion Lounge, and more
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Numerous perks and benefits for travel, including Uber Cash, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and Hilton Honors Gold status.
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Not ideal for earning rewards on everyday spending.
- American Express Platinum Card:
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months – equivalent to 75,000 Delta SkyMiles for flights.
- Annual Fee: $450
Apply now: American Express Platinum Card
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable)
Regular APR: 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable
Signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value).
Our verdict: Finally, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a relatively new option that requires no annual fee which is really what earns it a place on this list. Wells Fargo didn’t typically offer travel-focused cards, but the Autograph Card provides holders with an unlimited 3x points back on travel purchases, making it a smart choice when considering the best travel credit card for honeymoon costs.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Welcome offer and elevated rewards rates on everyday categories.
- Cell phone protection and auto rental collision damage waiver
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- No premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite statuses
Apply now: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
How to choose the best credit card for your honeymoon
Planning a honeymoon can be exciting, but selecting the right credit card can make it even more rewarding. To find the best fit, consider these factors:
- Research and compare: Explore various credit cards with travel benefits. Look for ones that offer rewards, miles, or points that align with your travel plans.
- Annual fees: Avoid credit cards with high annual fees. Opt for ones that offer valuable rewards without a hefty cost.
- Extra perks: Seek cards that provide additional honeymoon-related perks, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, or hotel upgrades.
- Reward redemptions: Evaluate how easily you can redeem rewards. Flexible redemption options can enhance your honeymoon experience.
- Blackout dates: Be cautious of cards with blackout dates or restrictions on travel redemption. Choose cards that allow more flexibility in scheduling your honeymoon.
Using travel rewards to score a cheaper honeymoon
Taking advantage of travel rewards can significantly reduce the cost of your honeymoon. Here’s how to do it:
- Start early: Begin accumulating rewards well before your trip to have enough for substantial savings.
- Choose the right card: Opt for a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your spending habits and offers attractive sign-up bonuses.
- Strategic spending: Concentrate on using your card for honeymoon-related expenses to accumulate more rewards quickly.
- Combine rewards: If you have multiple credit cards, consider combining rewards from different accounts to maximize your benefits.
- Timing is key: Book your honeymoon during off-peak seasons or take advantage of promotional offers to get the most out of your rewards.
1. Start planning early
Start planning your honeymoon well in advance to secure the best deals on travel and accommodation. Early planning allows you to take advantage of lower prices and availability.
2. Beware of annual fees
Select a credit card with reasonable or no annual fees to avoid unnecessary expenses.
3 Look for extra perks
Explore credit cards that offer extra benefits like travel insurance, concierge services, or airline and hotel upgrades. These perks can enhance your honeymoon experience.
4. Compare reward redemptions
Maximize your savings by opting for cards with flexible and straightforward reward redemption processes.
5. Watch for blackout dates
Prioritize cards with minimal blackout dates or restrictions to have more flexibility in scheduling your honeymoon.
Methodology
The methodology used to determine the best credit card for your honeymoon typically involves:
- Research: Gathering information on various credit cards with travel rewards and benefits.
- Comparison: Evaluating the rewards programs, sign-up bonuses, fees, and additional perks of each card.
- User reviews: Considering feedback from users who have used these cards for their honeymoons.
- Expert opinions: Seeking advice from financial experts and travel enthusiasts to weigh the pros and cons.
- Personal preferences: Finally, align the chosen credit card with your specific travel plans and preferences to find the perfect fit for your dream honeymoon.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
The best way to pay for a honeymoon is to use a combination of cash and credit cards. Carry cash for small expenses and places that don’t accept cards. Use travel rewards credit cards to earn points on honeymoon expenses for future trips. If you need additional financial assistance, you can also explore honeymoon loans to help cover the costs. Learn more about honeymoon loans here.
Using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees is generally more convenient and secure than carrying foreign currency. It also allows you to earn rewards. However, carrying a small amount of local currency can be useful for places that don’t accept cards.
Yes, couples can apply for joint credit cards or add each other as authorized users on their cards. This can help them earn rewards together and manage shared expenses. However, both partners’ credit histories may affect the approval process.
Compare: Best Credit Cards for Couples
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