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Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit
India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has lived and worked in three different countries and hopes to explore more of the world post-pandemic.
Seychelle is a credit card writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ at Bankrate where she employs a cumulative 12 years of experience in the finance industry to help readers navigate the intersection of their money choices and consumer credit.
Brooklyn Lowery is a Senior Editor on the Bankrate credit cards education team where she focuses on helping everyday consumers leverage credit cards as powerful tools in their personal finance toolbox.
The advice in this article is offered by the
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as of posting date, but offers mentioned may have expired.
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Finding a travel credit card can be difficult if your credit score has seen better days. Many of the best travel rewards credit cards are targeted toward people with FICO credit scores of 670 and up. So when comparing travel cards for fair or bad credit, you may see fewer options when it comes to earning rewards for flights and hotels, but you still have options. For instance, you can use cash back cards to offset travel costs, and get creative with popular rewards categories like gas, entertainment or dining to get more value from your credit card while you take steps to improve your credit score.
Even if you have damaged credit or limited credit history, you can still get a rewards credit card that could reduce the out-of-pocket cost on your next vacation. Take a look at our picks for the best travel credit cards for bad-to-fair credit along with tips on how to make the most of your travel rewards.
Comparing the best travel cards for bad-to-fair credit
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer is not available for this Capital One credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply, Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$39
Regular APR
29.74% (Variable)
Reward Details
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Bankrate’s view
The Capital One QuicksilverOne card gives people with fair credit the chance to earn 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5 percent cash back on general purchases. That’s an above-average flat rate that ensures you’re getting a decent amount of cash back on every purchase. Cardholders also get to take advantage of Capital One’s travel portal, which is filled with travel features that can make booking travel easier.
Pros
Capital One may automatically consider cardholders for a higher line of credit in as little as six months with on-time payments.
This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Cons
There’s an annual fee to take into account.
This card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
3.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases, 1X points on all other purchases
1X - 10X
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
29.49%* Variable
Reward Details
10X10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner
5X5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases
1X1X points on all other purchases
Bankrate’s view
The Credit One Wander Card is one of the few unsecured travel rewards cards accessible to people with fair credit. It comes with an annual fee of $95, but that may not be a problem for frequent travelers who can earn enough in rewards to offset that fee.
Cardholders earn 10X points on hotel and car rental bookings made through the Credit One Bank Travel portal, plus 5X points on all other eligible travel (including airfare from any airline), dining and gas purchases (followed by 1X points on all other purchases). That flexibility combined with a welcome bonus and no cap on how much you can earn makes the Wander card easily one of the best travel credit cards available at this credit level.
Pros
This card earns generous rewards on travel, comparable to premium travel cards
You can get prequalified without a hard inquiry on your credit.
Cons
The rewards program and redemption options have more restrictions than many competing cards.
The card has a $95 annual fee, which is high for a card for fair credit.
Card Details
5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases
1X points on all other purchases
10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner
Rent a car at Avis, Hertz, or SIXT and receive exclusive Amex Card member discounts, complimentary upgrades, and more*
No Foreign Transaction Fee
There's no limit to the number of points earned
Points may be redeemed for statement credit, gift cards, travel, and more
If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
Terms Apply*
Best for flat-rate travel rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
*The information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected
independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not
been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
N/A
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Bank of America credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.
1.5 points
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Reward Details
1.5 pointsEarn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.
Bankrate’s view
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Secured card is one of the few secured cards offering travel rewards. Unlike most secured cards, you’ll earn the same rewards rate as the unsecured version of the card while having the opportunity to build or rebuild your credit score with responsible use. This card also keeps costs low with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Plus, booking flights or hotels through the Bank of America Travel Center earns an elevated rate of 3 points per dollar spent. However, it could be difficult to book travel with this card given the potentially low line of credit. The minimum security deposit of $200 will get you an initial credit limit of just $200. To prioritize rewards alongside rebuilding your credit score, you may want to consider a larger security deposit to get the most from this card.
Pros
You’ll earn unlimited flat-rate rewards of 1.5 points for each eligible dollar you spend.
It’s an affordable option with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.
For travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center, you’ll earn 3 points for each $1 you spend in net purchases.
Cons
This card doesn’t qualify for the same welcome offer as the unsecured Travel Rewards credit card.
If you opt for the minimum security deposit of $200, your $200 line of credit may not be enough to handle regular card use.
*The information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected
independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not
been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Bankrate score
4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Bank of America credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
1% - 3%
Annual fee
None
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Reward Details
3%3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings
2%2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
1%Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Bankrate’s view
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is another rare secured card that offers better-than-average rewards. You can pick one category from a list of six to earn 3 percent cash back while also earning 2 percent back on grocery and wholesale club purchases (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases in the 3 percent and 2 percent categories each quarter, then 1 percent).
The customizable categories include travel, which covers airfare, hotels, transit, campgrounds, resorts, tourist attractions, booking agencies and more. You can even get cash back on purchases at places like amusement parks and aquariums. That level of flexibility is a rare feature that will appeal to daytrippers and other travelers who don’t spend as much on airfare and hotels.
Pros
You can earn rewards on everyday and travel purchases, a rarity on cards available to people with bad credit.
There’s no annual fee to cut into your rewards.
Cons
You’ll need to put down a $200 minimum security deposit to open the account.
The card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, which makes it pricey to use while abroad.
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Earn $50
Rewards Rate
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Reward Details
8%8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5%5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
3%3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
Music and sports fans looking for exclusive events will appreciate this card’s impressive 8 percent cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. On top of this entertainment perk, this card also offers a great rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This is also one of the few student credit cards to offer a welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees, which can help cut down on the cost of travel over the holidays, for school breaks or during study abroad opportunities.
Pros
This card earns generous rewards on entertainment, hotels and rental cars.
There’s an easy-to-earn welcome offer of $50 bonus cash when you spend $100 in your first three months.
Cons
The card is only available to students.
The APR you may qualify for with fair to bad credit is higher than most student cards.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Cashback Match™
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
1% - 2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
27.24% Variable APR
Reward Details
2%Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1%Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bankrate’s view
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns 2 percent cash back on gas and restaurant purchases up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1 percent) and an unlimited 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. But the standout feature is the card’s welcome bonus, which matches all the rewards you earn in your first year. You’ll have to wait until the end of year one to see this bonus, but the chance to essentially double all your first-year rewards should make the wait worth it.
Discover also has some nice credit-building features, like the ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months based on your creditworthiness.
Pros
Discover will match all the rewards you earn your first year, making it one of the few welcome bonuses without a minimum spend.
You’ll pay no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no penalty APR and no fee on your first late payment (up to $41 thereafter).
Cons
Outside some standard card features, the perks on this card are slim.
Discover is not as widely accepted abroad as some other networks’ cards.
Card Details
No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
The information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card was last updated on Jan. 17, 2025.
How to choose the best travel card for fair or bad credit
The best travel cards for people with bad-to-fair credit have features that can make your travel or everyday purchases more rewarding and help cover the cost of your next trip. But choosing the right one for you will depend on a few factors. Follow these tips to help you compare travel cards for fair or bad credit.
Knowing your credit score can improve your chances of applying for a credit card and getting approved. If you have bad credit (FICO score below 580), a secured credit card could be your best option, but with fair credit (FICO score of 580 to 669), you’ll have more options, including unsecured cards. If you need help, here’s how to check your credit score.
To get maximum value, you’ll need a travel card that rewards you on as much of your travel or everyday spending as possible. For example, if you spend the most on groceries and household items each month, the rewards you earn with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card could make that card a better fit than a card that only offers bonus rewards on hotel and car rentals.
Depending on your creditworthiness, you may be able to choose between a secured or unsecured card. If your only option is to get a secured card, you’ll have to put down a cash deposit as collateral before you can use it, which typically acts as your credit limit. Make sure you know what the minimum and maximum security deposits are and that they fit your budget and spending habits.
Pay attention to the fees that come with each card you’re considering. Some fees may be worth it, especially if the card has a higher rewards rate that helps justify the cost. But if you travel abroad or make online purchases with overseas merchants, look for a card that charges no foreign transaction fees to avoid unnecessary costs.
The best travel credit cards for bad or fair credit typically have a point value of 1 cent when you redeem them for travel. So 1,000 points will be worth $10 when you book trips through a travel portal or for options like statement credits and gift cards. But some cards may have points worth less than 1 cent when you redeem them for options like gift cards.
How to make the most of a travel card for bad-to-fair credit
Once you have the right card for you, it pays to have a strategy in place to help you build credit and maximize the rewards you earn. Here are some steps you should take to get the best value out of your travel card.
Take advantage of the perks. If your credit card issuer has a travel portal, take advantage of any available features, such as price-drop prediction, which can help you book the best flight based on your travel plans. And for the best value, make sure to compare the prices with third-party booking sites before you finalize your travel plans. It’s great to use your card strategically to earn rewards but always do so responsibly so you can focus on building your credit and staying out of debt.
Create a budget. Knowing how to budget can help you keep track of your money so you can avoid most missteps that derail your travel plans or financial goals. If you don’t pay attention to your money, you run the risk of overusing your credit card or not having enough credit available in an emergency.
Pay off your balance quickly. Unless you’re traveling for an emergency, try to avoid making travel plans you can’t pay off at the next statement closing date. Most rewards cards come with high interest rates, also known as annual percentage rates (APR), which you can usually avoid if you pay your purchase balance in full each month before the grace period ends.
Ask for a credit limit increase. If you don’t have a credit card that automatically considers you for credit limit increases, consider asking for one after six months of of responsible use and on-time payment. Having a higher credit limit and using as little of your available credit as possible can help you improve your credit score over time.
Don’t lose track of building credit. Focusing too much on earning rewards runs the risk of slowing down your credit-building journey. Make sure to pay your credit card bill on time and keep your debt to a minimum to avoid negative marks on your credit report and work toward a stronger credit score.
The bottom line
Having less-than-stellar credit doesn’t mean you have to miss out on travel perks. You can score a rewards card even if you don’t have good credit, and with responsible use and a sound strategy to maximize your rewards, your next flight, hotel stay or day trip could be a lot less expensive. Just make sure to stay on budget so you don’t undo all your hard work.
Frequently asked questions
If you tend to travel multiple times throughout the year, a travel credit card can be a good investment. On top of earning rewards on bookings, you can also get benefits that can help you while traveling, such as purchase protection and emergency card replacement. Just make sure to find a card that matches your budget and spending habits to make it worth your while.
The easiest travel card to get is one that matches your own credit history and score. If you have excellent credit and a track record of responsible card use, you may have an easy time getting approved for even premium credit cards. If you’re working on building your credit from the bad or fair range, you’ll still want to look for cards that are designed for where you are in your credit process.
It can be difficult to get a specific airline card with bad credit as most require good to excellent credit. They also are more likely to have high annual fees due to the perks and rewards rates they offer, which can make rebuilding your credit score more difficult.
The information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card* has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
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APA:
Davis, I., & Thomas, CFEI®, S. (2025, January 17). Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit. Bankrate. Retrieved May 05, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/
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Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. 17 January 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
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Chicago:
Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. January 17, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
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Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
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We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
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our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
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Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
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Bankrate follows a strict
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so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
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staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
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and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
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Quick citation guide
Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.
APA:
Davis, I., & Thomas, CFEI®, S. (2025, January 17). Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit. Bankrate. Retrieved May 05, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/
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MLA:
Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. 17 January 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
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Chicago:
Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. January 17, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
