Best credit cards for families
Families need many things: groceries, diapers, new shoes for growing feet, gymnastics classes, doctor’s appointments — and, whenever possible, a relaxing vacation from it all.
Thankfully, the things your family needs (like groceries and checkups) can help pay for the things you want (like vacations), assuming you choose the right credit card.
In today’s landscape, the best credit cards for families can do so much more than present an opportunity to charge expenses. However, that requires managing credit cards responsibly. If you don’t think that applies to your family just yet, consider reading these articles first:
If your family manages credit cards responsibly and you’re looking for a card that can add value to your life, let’s look at the best credit cards for families and what benefits they can offer.
How we chose the best cards for families
While many of the popular credit cards generally considered to be best in class for all consumers will also be the same top cards for families to consider, families have needs that differ a bit from those without children.
For example, families often spend more money in certain purchase categories and need more flexible rewards.
To determine the best credit cards for families, we looked at the top credit cards in three categories and looked for:
- The most flexible, valuable and easy-to-use rewards
- Lucrative welcome bonuses
- Cards that offer more than enough built-in benefits that families can really use
- Cards that earn extra cash back or bonus points in categories where families frequently spend money
The best credit cards for families
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The information for the American Express Green and JetBlue Plus cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
As an added layer, we have also divided the cards into three sections — best travel credit cards, best hotel credit cards and best cash-back credit cards — so you can truly pick the card that helps you with your ultimate end goal. Note that the current welcome bonus values for all the cards listed below are based on TPG’s July 2024 valuations, not the card issuers’.
The best travel credit cards for families
Summer break, spring break, winter break and good old-fashioned weekend getaways present the perfect opportunities to travel with your family and create some lifelong memories.
When evaluating our best travel cards, specifically those best for families, we went with the cards that offered the simplest (yet still rewarding) options and afforded as much flexibility as possible. However, we’ve added a luxury card at the end for any families looking for tons of perks at home and on the road.
American Express Gold Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Nov. 6.
Welcome offer value: Up to $1,300
Standout benefits: The Amex Gold earns well in categories where many families spend a lot of money. Cardmembers earn 4 points per dollar on up to $50,000 in dining purchases at restaurants per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly from the airline or through amextravel.com, 2 point per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: The Amex Gold beats most other cards for U.S. supermarket expenses and dining out at restaurants when it comes to bonus points earned.
The card also offers up to $10 per month in dining credits (up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year), $10 per month in Uber Cash (which can also be used with Uber Eats, up to $120 per calendar year), $7 per month in Dunkin’ credits (up to $84 in statement credits per calendar year), up to $100 in annual Resy credits per calendar year (up to $50 in statement credits biannually) and up to $100 in hotel credits when booking with Amex’s The Hotel Collection.
Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply. You must enroll your Amex Gold card in the Uber app to receive Uber Cash; valid on U.S. purchases. The Resy statement credits can be used for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants and on other eligible Resy purchases. To take advantage of The Hotel Collection credit, you must stay a minimum of two nights.
This is a card you want in your wallet if your family spends a good amount on eating — whether that comes in the form of groceries at U.S. supermarkets or meals at restaurants.
To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Apply here: Amex Gold
American Express Green Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $800
Standout benefits: Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel, transit and at restaurants and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Annual fee: $150
Why it’s worth it: You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on an extremely broad travel category. The card also has annual statement credits of up to $189 for Clear Plus and up to $100 for LoungeBuddy. Both of these perks can come in handy when traveling with your family.
It’s also worth noting that children under 18 can access Clear for free when traveling with an adult with a membership, adding further value to this perk. Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.
You’ll also enjoy trip delay insurance that will cover round-trip flights. You’ll be covered if you pay for the entire ticket with your card, use your card to pay the taxes and fees on award tickets or use Pay with Points. Membership Rewards points you earn on the card can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Green Card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account. Plus, new cardholders receive a $250 credit for Capital One Travel purchases in the first cardholder year.
Welcome offer value: $1,638 when combining the value of the bonus miles and travel credit
Standout benefits: Earn 5 Capital One miles per dollar on rental cars and hotels booked with Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. This card provides a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) and has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).
Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: Along with earning miles that are very flexible — you can redeem them against travel purchases you’ve made or transfer to 15-plus airline and hotel partners — the simplicity of the card is what many people love about it.
Capital One miles can be transferred to family favorites like Air Canada’s Aeroplan (with great lap-infant award prices) and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles, saving you a ton of miles when flying partner carriers, such as United Airlines.
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card.
Apply here: Capital One Venture Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $1,230
Standout benefits: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Cardholders enjoy a 10% anniversary points bonus each year, complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), an annual $50 hotel credit and a slew of travel protections in case something goes wrong during your family’s next trip.
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of the similar (but more expensive) Chase Sapphire Reserve®, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred is still a great pick for earning bonus points on travel and dining while enjoying some solid travel protections. In fact, the Sapphire Preferred is still my most frequent recommendation to those new to miles and points.
In addition to transferring points to partners such as United and Southwest, you can redeem them directly through the Chase Travel portal for 1.25 cents apiece. This is a nice feature for flights where you find a great cash deal. Plus, you can use your points to save money at theme parks like Universal Studios.
Whether you don’t want to spend $550 a year to get the Sapphire Reserve or your credit score currently isn’t high enough to qualify for that premium card, the Sapphire Preferred remains a very solid option.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Citi Strata Premier Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. A higher offer may be available through citi.com.
Welcome offer value: $1,260
Standout benefits: Earn 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on CitiTravel.com. Plus, earn 3 ThankYou points per dollar at restaurants (including takeout), supermarkets, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, air travel and hotels. Earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Like the American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, Citi has agreements with airline transfer partners so you can transfer your Citi ThankYou points to various loyalty programs, sometimes with periodic transfer bonuses.
The lineup of transfer partners isn’t as U.S.-centric as you will find with Chase Ultimate Rewards, but some solid programs are available — like Avianca LifeMiles — as well as valuable hotel partners in Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards.
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: At just $95 per year, the Citi Strata Premier has been in my wallet for years. The bonus categories are valuable and relevant to families, with many common household categories included.
If you don’t want to use points at a fixed value, you can transfer them to some valuable partners, which will truly allow you to explore the world. While many of their partners are international, JetBlue is a great domestic option for families since they can pool their points together for award tickets with the airline.
Families can also take advantage of Citi Strata Premier perks like a $100 hotel credit (on a single stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees) for stays booked through CitiTravel.com and protections for things they buy, like extended warranty and damage and theft protection.
Learn more: Citi Strata Premier
JetBlue Plus Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee in the first 90 days of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $650
Standout benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Cardholders get a free first checked bag (and so do up to three companions on the same reservation), a 5,000-point bonus after your account’s anniversary each year, 50% back on inflight purchases, a 10% rebate on points redeemed for award flights and a $100 statement credit each year after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package.
Annual fee: $99
Why it’s worth it: The JetBlue TrueBlue program allows family members to pool their points together to earn award flights faster. The onboard JetBlue experience is top-notch for families, as it offers complimentary assigned seats, the most economy legroom among U.S. airlines, a free snack basket and both free DirecTV and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi for all passengers.
Families that want to take advantage of JetBlue’s family-friendly programs and policies will benefit from having a JetBlue Plus credit card, both for the points it earns and the savings it can provide on JetBlue award flights, bag fees and onboard purchases. You can also work toward JetBlue Mosaic elite status by spending on the card throughout the year.
Since JetBlue also flies to Europe, this credit card will allow you to redeem those points to fly across the pond.
To learn more, read our full review of the JetBlue Plus.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
Welcome offer value: $700
Standout benefits: While this is the Southwest credit card that offers the most perks for families, there are three personal Southwest cards, and all three can help you earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass each year. The Companion Pass allows you to designate a friend or family member to join you on Southwest flights for just the cost of taxes.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority awards a $75 Southwest travel credit each year, 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards points at each anniversary and 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi.
You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent with Southwest, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partner purchases, local transit and commuting, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Annual fee: $149
Why it’s worth it: Southwest Airlines is one of our favorite airlines for family travel, in part because its Rapid Rewards program is extremely straightforward for families to use.
If your plans change, you can redeposit your award without penalty, making the points earned by the Southwest credit cards extremely useful for families tied to school schedules or who have plans that may change. Plus, everyone gets free checked bags when traveling with Southwest, which is huge for families.
To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card
The Platinum Card from American Express
Current welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $1,600
Standout benefits: For those looking for a card offering premium perks while traveling and a plethora of benefits at home, this card has you covered.
As a cardmember, you can take advantage of numerous statement credits: up to $200 in airline incidental statement credits per calendar year, up to $200 in hotel statement credits per calendar year, up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year (which can also be used for Uber Eats; must enroll your Amex Plat card in the Uber app to receive Uber Cash; valid on U.S. purchases), up to $240 in annual streaming and digital entertainment statement credits per calendar year, up to $100 in annual statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue per calendar year (up to $50 biannually), reimbursement for one monthly Walmart+ membership to get grocery delivery without extra fees (up to $12.95 each much plus applicable taxes; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups not eligible) and more. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Cardmembers have access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight).
Cardmembers also get complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, elite status with several car rental programs and multiple shopping and travel protections.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: Many people balk at the high annual fee on this card, but it can be worth it if you take advantage of the card’s benefits. Lounge access while traveling saves money against expensive food and drinks in airports, and lounges also provide a better place to pass the time during layovers.
Your travel experience is also elevated by hotel elite status and breezing through airport security, with the Amex Platinum also providing an up to $189 annual credit for a Clear Plus membership each calendar year.
Even when not traveling, you can enjoy access to credits for streaming services, grocery delivery perks and annual credits for ride-hailing apps and dining. Families looking for tons of perks will find them here.
Note that enrollment is required in advance for some benefits, and terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
The best hotel credit cards for families
Hotel credit cards can help your family score better rooms, eat free breakfast, enjoy resort credits or provide automatic elite status that makes your stays away from home a bit more enjoyable. This is true whether you simply need a room near the grandparents’ house or you want to head off to resorts in Hawaii and beyond.
Many of these cards even include a free night award each year you keep the card and pay the annual fee.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $780
Standout benefits: Enjoy complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors for perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, plus your fifth night free on award stays using points.
Annual fee: $150 annual fee (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: There are multiple Hilton credit cards, including the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees) with minimal perks and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which has a fee of $550 to justify its luxury perks and top-tier elite status.
Families looking for a card with a modest fee that provides real-world perks should look at the Surpass card. Daily complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits with Gold status can save your family a lot of money before heading out of the hotel to explore, visit a theme park or splash in the sea.
Additionally, Gold elite members can enjoy space-available room upgrades and don’t pay resort fees when staying on award nights using points, resulting in hundreds of dollars saved on a resort vacation.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass.
Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex Surpass
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 5 free nights valued at up to 300,000 points (each night valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome offer value: $1,500
Standout benefits: Earn 10 points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts, 5 points per dollar on travel, dining and gas purchases and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases. In addition to the free night and the points from the welcome offer, cardholders receive a free night award (worth up to 40,000 points) on each account anniversary.
Additionally, you’ll receive IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, which can lead to perks like room upgrades and welcome gifts. You’ll also earn points at a higher rate on paid stays. You’ll also receive reimbursement for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee.
Annual fee: $99
Why it’s worth it: In addition to the free night each year, you’ll also have access to a fourth-night free perk when using points for hotel stays, which is a 25% discount on stays of four nights.
These two perks alone can save money for your family and add up to more than the card’s $99 annual fee. Thanks to the elite status included, you’ll also get upgrades and perks during your stays. The card also offers multiple travel protections in case things go wrong during your trip.
To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Current welcome offer: Earn three free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Welcome offer value: Up to $1,275
Standout benefits: Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 in combined spending at grocery stores, gas stations and dining each year and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
You’ll receive a free night award (worth up to 35,000 points) each year on your account anniversary, as well as automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and 15 elite night credits toward status simply by having this card.
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: The annual free night award can easily be redeemed for more than $95 in value, covering the annual fee. While Silver Elite status doesn’t offer much, you can get early check-in and late checkout at hotels, which helps make a hotel stay more convenient.
There are also Marriott properties near theme parks — including Disney World — where you can redeem your points and free nights.
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Current welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point on up to $15,000 spent.
Welcome offer value: Up to $1,020
Standout benefits: Earn 4 points per dollar on purchases at Hyatt properties, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, airfare purchased directly from airlines, dining, fitness clubs and gym memberships and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
The World of Hyatt card provides all cardholders an annual Category 1-4 free night at each account anniversary and the ability to earn a second Category 1-4 free night by spending $15,000 on the card in a cardmember year.
As a cardholder, you’ll also enjoy automatic Discoverist status with Hyatt, which can include preferred rooms and free bottled water in your room each day. You can also spend your way toward higher status levels by using your credit card.
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: This card is a particularly great fit for families because Hyatt offers some of the best resorts in the world for those after high-quality family vacations at reasonable award rates. See our guide to the best Category 4 Hyatt properties for families, all of which could be booked with your points and the free night award from the World of Hyatt card.
With Hyatt, resort fees are waived for everyone staying on award nights. Hyatt has also been known to launch special promotions just for its cardholders, which can save you points or money. You can supplement your World of Hyatt account balance with 1:1 transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
The best cash-back cards for families
Points and travel perks are great, but sometimes cash is king. If your family doesn’t want to muddle with points, it is hard to argue with cash back. While cash itself can be simple, there are many different card options, even within the realm of cash back.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Current welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months
Welcome offer value: $250
Standout benefits: Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per calendar year, then 1% thereafter), 3% cash back on transit (parking, tolls, ride-hailing, subway, etc.), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and 1% cash back everywhere else.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. You’ll also gain access to valuable Amex Offers and several shopping protections that can save you thousands of dollars.
You’ll receive $7 back each month (up to $84 back annually) after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto-renewal) to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, using your card. Enrollment is required and terms apply.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: Earning elevated cash back on groceries can lead to big savings for your family. The fact you can also earn great rates on commuting expenses and streaming services fits well with most families these days.
If your family already has a Disney bundle subscription or plans to get one, it becomes even easier to justify paying this card’s annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred.
Apply here: Blue Cash Preferred
Chase Freedom Flex
Current welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on your card within three months of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $200
Standout benefits: Earn 5% on the first $1,500 spent on rotating categories each quarter (activation required), 5% on Lyft rides (through March 2025), 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining, 3% at drugstores and 1% on all other purchases.
As a cardholder, you’ll also enjoy cellphone protection each month that you pay your cellphone bill with this card, plus three months of complimentary DashPass.
Annual fee: $0
Why it’s worth it: The ability to earn high cash back rates in areas where families tend to spend money is a great perk of the Freedom Flex. The card also provides cellphone protection, which isn’t common for cards without an annual fee.
The real power of the Freedom Flex comes from pairing it with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (which is a small-business credit card) because your cash-back earnings from the Freedom Flex can be used as Chase Ultimate Rewards points and redeemed for outsize value with Chase’s transfer partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Citi Double Cash Card
Current welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $200
Standout benefits: The Citi Double Cash is simple yet rewarding. While you’ll gain access to Citi Entertainment, there aren’t many perks built into this no-annual-fee card.
The main highlight is the ability to earn 2% cash back on every dollar spent (1% when you buy, then 1% when you pay). If you hold a Citi card that earns ThankYou points, such as the Strata Premier, you can use your cash back as points to transfer to Citi’s loyalty partners.
Annual fee: $0
Why it’s worth it: The Citi Double Cash is hard to beat if you are looking for an easy-to-use cash-back card. No, it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles some other cards offer in terms of purchase protection or travel insurance, but you’ll get a no-annual-fee card that earns cash back that can be cashed out but also used for other purposes.
To get maximum value from the Double Cash card, you should pair this card with another Citi card that earns ThankYou Reward points.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash
Bottom line
No matter which credit card is best for your family’s situation, you can turn everyday expenses into rewards and perks that your family can enjoy together.
Just ensure you use the included benefits and don’t start paying interest and fees that offset the value of the rewards you can earn.
Related: Want to build credit history for your kids? Add them as an authorized user
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex Surpass, click here.
