Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals in 2025

July 23, 2025
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Skip the Fees, Get the Perks

Renting a car? Your credit card might be your best insurance policy—and your secret to free upgrades, travel rewards, and waived fees. Whether you’re booking for a business trip or vacation, the right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars on rental costs and protect you from unexpected damage charges.

Below, we break down the best credit cards for car rentals in 2025, including cards with primary insurance, rental loyalty perks, and bonus rewards on car rental spending.

Why Use a Credit Card for Car Rentals?

Many credit cards offer collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage when you pay for the rental with the card and decline the rental agency’s insurance. This can include:

✅ Primary or secondary coverage for damage or theft
🚗 Access to elite loyalty programs like Hertz President’s Circle or National Executive
🏆 Bonus points or miles when booking rentals through travel portals
💰 Savings of $15–$30/day by skipping the rental company’s insurance add-on

Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals in 2025

Card	Best For	Insurance Type	Bonus Rewards	Annual Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred®	Travelers on a budget	Primary (up to 31 days)	2X on travel	$95
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Luxury travel	Primary (up to $75K)	3X on travel	$795
Capital One Venture X Rewards	Premium perks + car rentals	Primary (15 days U.S. / 31 days Intl.)	10X on rentals	$395
The Platinum Card® from Amex	Elite status & perks	Secondary (enrollment required)	Status with Hertz, Avis, National	$695
Ink Business Preferred®	Business travel	Primary (business use only)	3X on travel	$95
Capital One Venture Rewards	Flat-rate rewards + flexibility	Secondary U.S. / Primary abroad	5X on rentals via Capital One Travel	$95

Featured Card Highlights

💼 Capital One Venture X Rewards

Primary coverage for theft or damage
10X miles on car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
$300 annual travel credit + airport lounge access
Best for: Frequent travelers who want full-featured benefits with flexible miles

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Primary insurance up to $75,000
Includes trip delay, baggage delay, and rental car elite status
Comes with Priority Pass™ lounge access and premium travel protections

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Rental car insurance (must enroll), plus elite status at Avis, Hertz, and National
Perfect for travelers seeking upgrades and white-glove service

What’s Primary vs. Secondary Coverage?

Coverage Type	What It Means
Primary	Pays first, no need to file with personal insurance
Secondary	Pays only after your auto insurance is billed
Pro Tip	Primary is better if you don’t want to involve your own insurer

Pro Tips for Using a Credit Card with Car Rentals

Always decline the rental company’s CDW/LDW if your card provides coverage
Use the same card to reserve and pay for the rental
Book through Chase Travel or Capital One Travel for bonus rewards
Keep receipts and rental contracts in case of claims
Check coverage limits—some cards exclude certain countries or vehicle types

FAQs About Car Rental Credit Cards

What credit card is best for rental car coverage?

Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer primary rental car coverage with high limits and premium travel perks.

Do I need rental car insurance if I use a credit card?

Not necessarily. If your card provides primary coverage, you can decline the rental company’s insurance and still be protected.

Which credit cards offer rental car elite status?

Amex Platinum and Business Platinum offer status with Hertz, Avis, and National, giving you faster service and free upgrades.

Are there no-annual-fee credit cards with rental insurance?

Yes, cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer secondary coverage, though coverage is more limited than premium cards.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Rent Without the Right Card

The best credit cards for car rentals in 2025 do more than earn points—they offer valuable protection, elite status, and real savings.

If you rent cars even a few times a year, choosing a card with primary insurance and travel perks is a no-brainer. Whether you want simple rewards or premium benefits, there’s a card to match your driving style.