Advertiser Disclosure

Picture this: You’re on vaca and just hopped in your rental car. The playlist is ready, your shades on, and the open road is ahead of you. You’re totally at ease because you know this road trip is in fact a budget-friendly joyride thanks to the credit card you used to rent the vehicle. Picking the right payment type for your next road-tripping adventure is like choosing the perfect sidekick. The right credit card’s got your back for anything unpredictable, so you can focus more on fun and less on stress. 
The best peace of mind comes when you know you are covered for the unexpected, and many cards provide primary car rental insurance with comprehensive coverage, saving you money by handling damages or theft without requiring a claim on your personal insurance. And on top of that oh-so-important insurance coverage, many cards carry no foreign transaction fees and provide international coverage too.  
In addition, when you can earn bonus points or cashback on your car rental expenses and potentially receive complimentary upgrades, suddenly you’re not just renting a car; you’re cruising in style without breaking the bank. So, buckle up as we outline the top card to consider to make your next car rental journey smoother, safer, and more rewarding.
Need help getting started with points and miles? Here’s your crash course! 

Best for high rewards on rental cars: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

And if you are brand new to using credit card points and miles within your travel strategy, here is a great place to begin!

Best for high rewards on rental cars: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Learn more here
Watch out because this card is one of the highest earning options in its category. At a whopping 10 miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, this is the easy choice for card holders needing to rent. 
In addition to that high earning percentage, check off primary car rental insurance coverage, no foreign transaction fees, and option for VIP status with Hertz President’s Circle entitling a guaranteed one-car-class upgrade with every rental. Talk about riding in style!
In the grander scheme, with its straightforward redemption process the Capital One Venture X allows cardholders to easily apply miles to cover various travel-related expenses too. For those seeking even greater value, an alternative option is available: the ability to transfer Capital One miles to 18 different airline and hotel partners.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Annual fee: $395. See rates and fees.

Choosing the right credit card for your car rentals can be a game-changer in transforming your travel experience from stressful to seamless. With benefits ranging from primary car rental insurance to exclusive perks, these cards not only provide financial savings but also add a layer of convenience and security to your journeys. By making an informed choice, you’re not just swiping a card; you’re unlocking a world of possibilities, making your adventures more enjoyable, less stressful, and certainly more affordable. So, next time you hit the road, let your credit card be your trusted travel companion, paving the way for memorable and worry-free explorations. Safe travels!
Interested in a more broad list of our favorite cards especially selected for those who may be starting off in the points world? Look no further!

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.