Best Credit Card for VRBO in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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How to Choose a Credit Card for VRBO

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Choosing the right credit card for your VRBO rental is a key step in maximizing your travel rewards and ensuring peace of mind on your trip.

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While a big welcome offer is tempting, don't let it overshadow other crucial factors like the annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and whether the card's bonus categories actually include travel or vacation rentals. The best card for VRBO bookings will offer sustained value that matches your spending habits, not just a one-time bonus.

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Key Factors

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• Rewards on vacation rentals: Look for a card that specifically rewards travel spending, as VRBO bookings typically fall into this category, allowing you to earn points or cash back on your stay.
• Welcome offer: A generous welcome offer can provide a substantial initial boost in points or cash, but make sure the spending requirement is achievable for you.
• Annual fee: Consider whether the card's ongoing benefits and rewards earning potential justify the annual fee, as some premium cards with high fees offer perks that can easily offset the cost.
• Foreign transaction fees: If you plan to book international VRBOs, a card with no foreign transaction fees is essential to avoid extra charges, which are typically around 3% of the purchase.
• Travel insurance and protections: Valuable perks like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and rental car coverage can provide peace of mind and save you money if things go wrong.
• Redemption value: Ensure the points or miles you earn can be redeemed easily and for good value, whether through a travel portal, statement credits, or transfers to airline and hotel partners.

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What to Watch Out For

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A common pitfall is assuming any card with a "travel" bonus category will offer high rewards on VRBO stays, as some issuers may classify vacation rentals differently. Additionally, don't be swayed by a large welcome bonus if its spending requirements are unrealistic for you, or if a high annual fee will negate the rewards you earn over time.

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Decision Flow

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Navigating the world of travel credit cards can feel complex, but you can simplify the process by starting with your primary goal. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

If you want to maximize travel rewards and redemption flexibility, a premium travel card is likely your best match. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer high reward rates on travel and dining, and their points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners for potentially greater value. While they come with a significant annual fee, perks like annual travel credits can help offset the cost. Keep in mind that with the Sapphire Reserve, points are not earned on travel until after the first $300 is spent annually, as that spending goes toward the card’s $300 Annual Travel Credit.

If you prioritize luxury perks and a seamless travel experience, focus on top-tier cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express. While the rewards on the VRBO booking itself are valuable, the primary draw is the extensive list of benefits, such as airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and comprehensive travel insurance. These perks can elevate your entire trip, making the card a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

If you’re looking for a balance of solid rewards and a moderate annual fee, a mid-tier travel card is the sweet spot. Cards in the Capital One Venture family, for example, allow you to earn a steady rate of miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel statement credits against your VRBO charge. These cards often have manageable annual fees and typically include no foreign transaction fees.

If you value simplicity and straightforward cash back, consider a flat-rate cash-back card. You won’t have to worry about transfer partners or redemption portals; you simply earn cash back on every purchase, including your VRBO booking. While you’ll miss out on premium travel protections, the direct value and ease of use are hard to beat.

If your travels frequently take you abroad, your first filter should be for a card with no foreign transaction fees. This single feature can save you around 3% on your entire booking cost. Most dedicated travel cards include this benefit, but it’s crucial to confirm before applying.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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Maximize Your Return with VRBO

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Booking your vacation rental is just the first step; paying for it smartly can lead to significant savings and rewards. Here are several key tips for maximizing your credit card returns when you book with VRBO:

• Stack your earnings with shopping portals:Always check to see if your credit card or a preferred airline offers an online shopping portal that provides bonus rewards for clicking through to VRBO before you book.
• Use a card with bonus travel categories:Select a credit card that specifically rewards travel spending, as most VRBO transactions code as travel, ensuring you earn the highest possible rate on your rental.
• Apply flexible travel credits:Many premium travel cards provide annual credits that can be used for a broad range of travel expenses, including vacation rentals, effectively giving you a discount on your stay.
• Optimize your redemptions:While redeeming points for a statement credit against your VRBO charge is easy, you might get more value by transferring those points to an airline or hotel partner for other parts of your vacation.
• Lean on built-in travel insurance:Booking with a card that includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance provides a valuable safety net, protecting your investment if unforeseen circumstances disrupt your travel plans.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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This free smart wallet extension takes the guesswork out of maximizing rewards by automatically selecting your best card at checkout. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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While a flexible travel rewards card is often the best choice for VRBO stays, it's wise to consider your broader financial strategy. If you frequently stay with a particular hotel chain, a co-branded card might offer more tailored perks, though it lacks the versatility needed for VRBO's varied listings. Regardless of the card you choose, remember that rewards are only valuable if you pay your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest debt. It's also worth weighing other payment methods like cash or Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, though be mindful that BNPL plans can also lead to debt if not managed carefully.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use any credit card for VRBO?

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VRBO accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. However, acceptance can sometimes vary depending on the property owner and the country you are booking from.

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What are the benefits of using a credit card for VRBO bookings?

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Using a credit card provides significant benefits like fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges if the rental isn't as advertised. Many cards also offer travel insurance or purchase protection for your booking.

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How do VRBO bookings code on credit card statements?

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VRBO transactions typically code as "travel" or "lodging," making them eligible for bonus rewards on credit cards that offer extra points or cash back in those categories. It's always a good idea to check how your specific card categorizes these purchases.

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