Yes, it’s true that some of the world’s best all-inclusive resorts cost thousands of dollars per night. Still, there are also plenty of affordable vacation properties available for every type of traveler. Whether you are planning a Maldives trip on points and miles, a safari with the kids or a rejuvenating getaway to the Caribbean — and need to stick to a budget — you’ll be happy to know that affordable all-inclusive resorts exist in all these dreamy destinations.
If you are the type of traveler prone to accidentally spending your entire budget on vacations, all-inclusive resorts can become your best friend. With meals, drinks and — depending on the resort — activities included, there is no sticker shock when you check out at the end of your stay. Staying at an all-inclusive hotel means you’ll know exactly what you are spending before you arrive, allowing you to have the best possible stress-free vacation your budget allows.
Related: 21 best all-inclusive resorts for families
Where to find cheap all-inclusive hotels
There are cheap all-inclusive hotels around all corners of the world, including in the U.S., Africa, Europe and Asia, but the vast majority of them are in Mexico and the Caribbean. And just because an all-inclusive resort is affordable doesn’t mean it is subpar. You’ll be surprised to find many of the resorts listed here feel quite luxurious.
Mexico’s most popular beach destinations, including Cancun, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, are filled with affordable all-inclusive resorts for all types of travelers — some are geared toward families, others are adults-only. Spain is also home to a number of affordable all-inclusive resorts. These can be found along the Costa del Sol and even on the famed party island of Ibiza.
What is an ‘affordable’ all-inclusive rate?
Rates vary with all-inclusive resorts and are usually set by season and demand. For this guide, we define affordable all-inclusive rates as roughly less than $300 per night. Expect these rates to be slightly higher in traditional bucket-list destinations — like going on a safari in Kenya or diving in the Maldives. And while you may pay more per night for these properties, they are still affordable compared to other resorts in the region. Many are also inclusive of everything. So, on that safari, you’ll not only have all your meals and drinks included but also twice daily game drives.
When trying to determine a reasonable price for an all-inclusive vacation, consider if everything is truly included or if you will need to spend money on extras. For instance, if you are heading to Mexico and don’t want to sit around by the pool or beach all day, will you be spending money on excursions or rental cars? Because that will certainly add up. If this is the case, then the resort that includes all activities may be cheaper.
The best way to get a good price for an all-inclusive resort is to avoid travel during holidays when rates will be highest. If you are planning a short trip and have flexible vacation days (or work remotely), try booking during the week, when rates are usually lower (airfares can be lower as well).
Basecamp Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers looking for a classic Kenyan safari experience on a budget.
Why stay here: Adjacent to Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its prolific wildlife, rates include twice daily game drives, all meals and solar powered, comfy safari tent lodging.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
Basecamp Masai Mara is an affordable, all-inclusive safari resort in Kenya’s famed Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the annual wildlife migration. It offers a classic Kenyan safari experience at a rate that won’t break the bank. The property is also eco-friendly; its camps are lit, and water is heated by solar power.
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The camp is on the Talek River in a tropical forest setting and just across a footbridge from the reserve. The reserve is home to all of Africa’s big game animals, and it’s where you’ll do your twice daily included game drives. Basecamp caters to families and couples alike. If you are traveling with kids, the Young Explorers Club offers educational activities, like bush survival skill classes, for young ones during the parts of the day you aren’t on safari.
You’ll stay in one of 17 riverside canvas tents. These are permanent structures, and while they aren’t ultra-fancy, they are very comfortable with proper beds and are decorated with colorful fabrics. President Barack Obama and his family stayed at Basecamp when he was a senator, and the tent where he stayed is even bookable. There is also a family tent with two wings, each featuring a double bed and a shared bathroom area in the middle.
What makes Basecamp truly special, however, is the quality of its guides. The company employs the Maasai people, whose land they also lease. Not only will you get to experience the “big five” animals (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros), but you’ll also have a chance to learn about the Maasai culture. Dinners are communal affairs, where discussion with guides and other guests quickly becomes a highlight.
Rates at Basecamp Masai Mara, which start at $365 per night, are per person based on double occupancy and include all meals, airstrip transfers, shared game drives and Masai Mara park fees. Children 3-12 sharing a tent with adults pay 50% of the full rate.
Reethi Beach Resort
Fonimagoodhoo, Maldives
Best for: Anyone on a budget still wanting to check the Maldives off their bucket-list.
Why stay here: To have a dreamy overwater bungalow experience on a private island in the Maldives that won’t break the bank.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
When most people think of the Maldives, they think of overwater bungalows that cost thousands of dollars per night — not a vacation that mere mortals can afford. But Reethi Beach Resort offers an all-inclusive private island experience that won’t break the bank.
Here, you can even stay in an overwater bungalow. It’s not as luxe as the overwater bungalows at the resorts frequented by the 1%. Still, they sit on stilts over the Indian Ocean, offering direct access to the fish-filled lagoon below. Plus, no one can charge for the brilliant turquoise water and white sugar sand beaches that are the real stars of a Maldives holiday, and in this department, Reethi Beach Resort competes with the best of the best.
The property is in the Baa Atoll, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Hanifaru Bay. The reserve is home to manta rays, whale sharks and nurse sharks, among other marine life. Excursions to snorkel with them can be organized for an extra fee. There is also excellent diving in the area.
Reethi Beach offers a mix of overwater, ocean and garden-view bungalows. If you want to save your pennies for underwater excursions, which are truly worth the cost, then opt for one of the beach or garden bungalows. Their interiors offer the same style of decor and comfort level. Plus, you’ll still have access to the same stunning lagoon but at a lower price point.
All-inclusive rates at Reethi Beach Resort start from $194 per night and include all meals and some beverages.
Robinson Maldives
Funamadua, Kaadedhdhoo, Maldives
Best for: Honeymooners and couples looking for a remote island experience.
Why stay here: A peaceful vibe prevails at this adults-only property with a range of spacious villas, including overwater options, on a private island.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
If you have always dreamed of honeymooning in the Maldives, Robinson Maldives is an affordable resort option. An adults-only property on a private island in a very remote location, it has a marooned-at-sea ambience that matches its name. If you are planning a destination wedding, the resort also hosts these.
There are a range of spacious villas here, including overwater options. Economy bungalows are the least expensive room type and offer garden views (rather than water views). However, they are still comfy and perfect if you care less about where you sleep and more about affording a Maldives vacation. The decor is the same regardless of whether you are in an overwater or economy bungalow.
There are also two on-site restaurants and three bars. The resort has a house reef you can swim to, and snorkeling equipment is included in the nightly rate. Note that guests will pay extra to dive, do a boat snorkeling trip, windsurf or stand-up paddleboard.
Rates at Robinson Maldives begin at $461 per night and include all meals and some drinks.
Spice Hotel and Spa
Belek, Turkey
Best for: Anyone looking for a party atmosphere.
Why stay here: Families, friend groups or couples seeking a lively beach resort experience with themed parties, a poolside stage, a water park and a kids club will love this property on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
Spice Hotel & Spa is in one of Antalya’s newer developments on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast. It’s a sprawling, 500-plus room, all-inclusive property on the beach in Belek. Despite its good value price-point, Spice Hotel has a luxe feel. The public spaces are impressive with a gold pillared and peacock feather-decorated lobby, gold-mirrored elevator doors and lounges decorated in rich-hued fabrics.
Moroccan-style decor prevails around the property, and the best rooms and suites have an opulent look and Mediterranean views from furnished balconies. If you want to splurge, opt for a villa. These are lavishly styled and in their own VIP section within the resort. But note that even the cheapest rooms still have private terraces and contemporary decor.
This resort is a top choice if you are looking for a lively vibe. Attractive to families and couples (honeymoon suites have whirlpool tubs), it hosts nightly entertainment and weekly Champagne pool parties at the huge lagoon-style swimming pool, featuring costumed dancers and other performers.
The beach here is a wide sandy affair, with a mix of sun-loungers and cabanas for guests. If you are traveling with children, there is a kids club, water park pool, bowling and video game stations.
Spa Ice has an extra charge but offers a full range of treatments as well as a Turkish bath, steam room and sauna. The resort has a few different dining options, including buffet and a la carte choices.
Rates at Spice Hotel & Spa start at $116 per night based on double occupancy and include food and most beverages.
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Destination weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family vacations or group getaways.
Why stay here: It’s right on the beach, has multiple swimming pools, comfortable rooms and nine restaurant choices.
Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Set on a beautiful stretch of beach between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this oceanside resort caters to all types of travelers — including those with small dogs. Unlike many all-inclusive resorts, Dreams is pet-friendly (with an extra fee and size restrictions). Families can look forward to numerous pools and a kids club, too.
Well-appointed rooms and suites at this Mexican hacienda-style resort underwent a recent renovation and feature distinct, octagonal shapes throughout the design. There are many different room types, but booking the Preferred Club level offers extra amenities, such as premium alcohol included in your daily rate.
The property has a whopping nine on-site restaurants with a mix of buffet and a la carte selections. Restaurants span the globe cuisine-wise. Options range from upscale French restaurant Bordeaux to an Asian-inspired eatery and, of course, a modern Mexican restaurant.
Rates at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa start at $374 or 29,000 World of Hyatt points and are based on double occupancy and include all food and top-shelf alcoholic beverages.
Swandor Resort Cam Ranh
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Best for: Families — there is a kid-focused restaurant and lots of family-centric activities.
Why stay here: Set on a beautiful white sand beach south of Nha Trang, all rooms have ocean views; there are also three restaurants, a kids club and multiple pools.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
On Bai Dai Beach, just south of the popular Vietnamese resort city of Nha Trang, Swandor Resort Cam Ranh offers an affordable and comfortable all-inclusive beach vacation in a bucket-list destination. The beach here is beautiful, with soft sand and clear, warm turquoise water.
The five different room categories vary when it comes to size and views, but even the cheapest rooms have at least partial sea views and contemporary decor. The deluxe family-front sea-view rooms have a wall of windows looking out directly onto the ocean.
The property is very family-friendly; there is a kids club with supervised activities, a large playground and the Puppy Restaurant, which has a kid-focused menu. Other amenities include multiple pools and, for adults, the Xone Night Club. Choose from three restaurants, including one focused on seafood. There are also three bars and poolside snacks.
Rates at Swandor Resort Cam Ranh start at $120 per night and include all food, beverages and some activities.
Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive
Cozumel, Mexico
Best for: Families with kids — or dogs (the resort is pet friendly).
Why stay here: It’s a family-friendly, good value resort with spacious suites, an excellent kids club and three restaurants.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
On Cozumel, the island just off the shore of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean, Fiesta Americana is a great choice for families looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort experience. The on-site Fiesta Kids Club runs all sorts of activities for younger travelers; it has crafts, video games and a special lunch service for children.
One guided snorkeling trip is included in the nightly rate. There is also a private beach club and two swimming pools to lounge around — ideal spots to sip all the included tropical drinks.
The rooms and suites all have at least partial Caribbean Sea views from furnished balconies or terraces. The best views are found on the higher floors, naturally. There are also large, modern family suites, perfect for spreading out with the kiddos. Guests can choose between Mexican fare at El Mexicano, Asian cuisine at Peninsula or Italian dishes at Rosoto.
Rates at Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive start at $212 per night, based on double occupancy, and include food, beverages and some activities.
Barceló Portinatx
Ibiza, Spain
Best for: Travelers looking for something other than the party vibe in Ibiza. Think: A relaxing island vacation in a beautiful location.
Why stay here: An adults-only resort on a beach at the island’s north end, it isn’t on Ibiza’s party circuit and offers a chill, boho-luxe experience.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
If you are visiting Ibiza for something other than the party scene, you’ll love Barcelo Portinatx. The adults-only property sits at the northernmost tip of the island, and the vibe is way more zen than the club-centric nightlife for which this island is widely known. The location is beautiful; it’s just steps from a cove with a small beach, where the resort has a beach club for guests.
The all-white resort has a boho chic-meets-modern minimalist style throughout. The rooms have a neutral color tone and elegant decor. All feature rainfall showers, designer bath amenities and sun loungers on a large balcony. The best room types come with whirlpool tubs or outdoor showers.
You’ll have four dining choices: a main restaurant, the beach club, the lobby bar and the pool bar. There are also two swimming pools and complimentary hatha yoga classes each morning.
Rates at Barcelo Portinatx start at $121 and include meals and drinks.
Iberostar Royal Andalus
Cadiz, Spain
Best for: Golfers, as the resort has two par 72 courses. Families will also like the kid-friendly amenities.
Why stay here: On pretty Barrosa Beach in Cadiz, this is an affordable all-inclusive with five restaurants, a beach club, two pools and activities for all ages.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
If you are looking for an affordable all-inclusive with a plethora of amenities on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Iberostar Royal Andalus delivers. Set above the sand dunes overlooking Barrosa Beach in Cadiz, it is also a top choice for golfers with two par 72 courses within walking distance — or you can take a free shuttle.
The rooms and suites are spacious, although some look a bit dated. Still, for the price point, they are comfortable and put you close to the stunning beach. If you want something a bit more upscale than the base-level rooms, book one of the suites; these have newer furnishings, more vibrant artwork and in-room Nespresso machines. Some also feature whirlpool tubs. Families should consider the adjoined suite options, with separate living spaces and sofa beds.
There are multiple restaurants on-site, so you won’t go hungry here. There are also two swimming pools, a seasonal kids club, a water park and a beach club with included activities.
Rates at Iberostar Royal Andalus start at $64 and include meals, beverages and some activities.
Sandpiper Bay Resort
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Best for: Families looking for an active vacation. The resort offers golf, tennis, soccer and volleyball lessons and training programs.
Why stay here: It just finished a major renovation and is a family-friendly all-inclusive on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Best way to book: Book directly with the resort for the best rates and packages.
Sandpiper Bay Resort is finishing a major resort-wide renovation as it transforms from what was once a Club Med into a Trademark Collection by Wyndham property. One of the few true all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., it’s on Florida’s beautiful Treasure Coast.
The resort has both beach and river access and is geared toward families, as seen in the two separate kids clubs. (There is one for children between the ages of 4 and 10 years and another for tweens and teens, each with age-appropriate programming.)
Activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are included in the nightly rate. There are also tennis and pickleball courts, minigolf courses and basketball courts, ideal for family games. Other amenities include several different dining options and a spa.
Rooms and suites come in a handful of tiers and layouts, but all feature bright colors and modern decor. The family suite option has two bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with two twins, as well as a daybed.
Rates at Sandpiper Bay Resort start at $422 per night.
Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
Provincia de Coclé, Panama
Best for: Travelers seeking a traditional all-inclusive resort experience at a good price point.
Why stay here: Located directly on the beach, the resort has lots to keep guests entertained including four pools, multiple restaurants, a large kids club, nightly shows and 24-hour room service.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
About two hours south of Panama City on the Gulf of Panama, this luxury property offers a good value price-point on Playa Blanca beach. This makes it one of the best choices for anyone seeking a traditional, large-scale, all-inclusive resort experience with plenty to entertain guests.
It caters to families, friends and couples alike. There is a large kids club with organized activities split by age group (4-7 years and 8-12 years). Guests can use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, body boards and snorkeling equipment free of charge. There is also a nearby golf course for guest use.
Besides the beach and included activities, there are four swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar and another dedicated to children. There is also daily activity programming. Nighttime entertainment includes a discotheque open six nights a week and nightly live shows around the resort.
Rooms and suites are sleek and contemporary with fun pops of color. There is a main buffet restaurant and three a la carte choices: Asian, Italian and a steakhouse.
Rates at Hotel Riu Playa Blanca start at $265 per night and include all food and unlimited beverages 24 hours a day, including in-room liquor dispensers and minibars.
MarBella Elix
Parga, Greece
Best for: Those searching for an active vacation that mixes beach days with hilly hiking and cycling adventures.
Why stay here: Set above a beautiful beach, this resort is surrounded by green scenery in the far north of Greece. It has well-appointed rooms and suites, some with private infinity swimming pools and offers a slew of activities.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
Opened in 2021, MarBella Elix sits on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and a beautiful beach in the far north of Greece with views of Corfu, Paxos and Antipaxos. Despite its luxe vibe, this all-inclusive still has a shockingly affordable price point.
The design is modern beach chic with lots of floor-to-ceiling glass windows as well as a lobby featuring a live tree and bright patterned pillows on rich leather couches. Rooms and suites have woven wood headboards behind beds draped in high-quality linens.
There are multiple dining options, including a large Greek and Mediterranean buffet and a creative Greek fine-dining restaurant. At the pool, guests can grab light meals at the Italian Indigo Pool Restaurant while Azure dishes out burgers, pizza and salads on the beach.
If you are traveling with the kids, the Grasshoppers Mini Club — unlike most kids clubs — accepts children as young as 4 months and up to 12 years. It provides a range of age-focused activities.
Rates at MarBella Elix start at $115 per night.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
Best for: Couples and families looking for a smaller resort experience and/or golfers wanting to be near two of Bermuda’s best courses.
Why stay here: On a pink sand beach, this resort offers multiple water activities and just 201 rooms in 11 colorful cottages scattered across 21 acres.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates and packages.
Offering all-inclusive packages, Grotto Bay is a good choice if you are looking for a smaller resort experience on a beautiful pink sand beach. Set on 21 acres of lush tropical grounds that include dramatic caves and direct access to the clear turquoise water beach at Bailey’s Bay, it has 201 rooms and 11 colorful cottages.
There is plenty to do at this property, although not all excursions are included. You can use stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for free. You can also play tennis, and pay for excursions like fishing charters, wreck diving and reef snorkeling tours.
Rooms and suites come in several layouts and are on the smaller side, averaging around 350 square feet. Each features some type of ocean view and floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a furnished balcony. If you want to be right on the water, book the oceanfront rooms. Ocean-view rooms are set on a ridge top and offer water views from a distance.
There are three on-site restaurants as well as two bars.
Rates at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa start at $262 per night, and all-inclusive rates include three meals, unlimited beverages, food and beverage gratuities, public transportation and use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Tulum, Mexico
Best for: Swimmers who will want to dive into the nine pools.
Why stay here: A new Family Zone with a teens club that has a movie theater, video games and air hockey and billiards tables makes this a top option for families.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem points and get credit toward elite status.
The Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Resort was the brand’s first all-inclusive foray into this part of Mexico, opening in 2022. Set right on the beach, Hilton Tulum has a luxe, contemporary ambience. There are 735 rooms and suites, but despite the size, the property does not feel crowded.
Accommodations are designed with locally sourced materials that match the surrounding environment; they’re styled with a neutral color pattern. All rooms have private balconies with either landscape or ocean views. The suites add separate living and dining space and even larger balconies. You can book the “Enclave” club level for elevated room amenities, a private pool area and a lounge with snacks and beverages. Because this is already an all-inclusive resort, this is not necessarily worth the extra cost.
If you are traveling with the family, there is a kids club with organized activities and a splash pool water park playground. Teens also have a club with a movie room, video games and pool tables.
There are nine resort pools in total, and if you are traveling as a couple or with friends, there is an adults-only pool as well. Other amenities include five signature restaurants as well as bars and lounges. There also is a fitness center with a yoga studio and spin room.
Rates at Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Resort start at $234 or 81,000 Hilton Honors points and include meals, most beverages and some activities.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best for: Couples searching for that Instagram-worthy overwater bungalow experience.
Why stay here: This adults-only haven is perfect for couples looking for a special getaway in an oh-so-romantic atmosphere.
Best way to book: For the best rates and availability, book directly through the Sandals website.
If you want to sleep in an overwater bungalow in the Caribbean, head to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort in Jamaica. The luxury all-inclusive is an adults-only property that caters almost exclusively to couples. Designed to pay homage to refined British style, it has a Georgian-style Great House, roaming peacocks on its manicured grounds and offers afternoon tea service.
The overwater bungalows are the most luxe of the multiple accommodation tiers. These are set on the resort’s private island, so they offer an even more exclusive experience. The villas come with glass panels on the floors that let you check out the underwater world beneath. They also have outdoor soaking tubs and double hammocks on their balconies.
If the overwater bungalow is out of your price range, don’t worry: The other rooms are still romantic and swanky. Guests also have access to 20 restaurants at this Sandals and two others in the area, including a Thai restaurant on the private island open to all guests.
One of the best parts about staying at a Sandals property is that rates are truly all-inclusive. Motorized water sports and even scuba diving are included in your nightly rate, so you won’t need to spend anything on activities.
Rates at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort start at $387 per night.
Best credit cards for booking affordable all-inclusive resorts
There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.
Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.
Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits, are:
- Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum)*
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy*
- Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select*
- Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December)*
- Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership*
- A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up-to-$85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first)
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earning rates: Earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Benefits: Cardholders get $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees)
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding 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.
Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage, among other policies.
Annual fee: $95
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Related reading:
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
