Las Vegas, often dubbed the adult’s playground, is known for more than just its iconic casinos. Beyond the famed Strip, the city offers concerts, sporting events, and conferences. Some even use it as a base for Southwest adventures or to bask in the gentle winter.
However, a trip to Vegas isn’t always cheap, even with the array of discount airlines and travel deals available. Due to the city’s heavy reliance on tourism, additional service fees and premiums are typical.
But here’s some good news: certain credit cards tailored for Las Vegas travelers can help mitigate some of these costs. They offer advantages like elite loyalty tiers, statement refunds, and exclusive lounge access, which can enhance your experience without breaking the bank.
Which Credit Cards are Ideal for Las Vegas?
When journeying to Vegas, travel rewards credit cards are a top choice. They often offer flexible rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more. If you’re partial to a specific hotel chain or airline, then a co-branded card might suit you better.
Here are some top picks:
1. Luxury Travel & Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Benefits: Up to $200 in yearly airline fee credits, Uber Cash, hotel and resort credits, elite hotel status, free airport lounge entry, and point rewards.
- Fee: $695 annually. It’s most suited for regular travelers who will use the luxury benefits.
2. Travel Redemption: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Benefits: Enhanced travel redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards, point transfer options, anniversary bonuses, travel insurance, and more.
- Fee: $95 annually, none for additional cards.
3. Amex Points for Dining & Flights: American Express® Gold Card
- Benefits: Monthly Uber and dining credits, points for dining and flights, and special hotel collection credits.
- Fee: $250 annually.
4. Flexible Points: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Benefits: Annual travel credits, high mile rewards, anniversary bonuses, airport lounge access, and more.
- Fee: $395 annually.
5. MGM Resorts Preference: MGM Rewards™ Mastercard®
- Benefits: Loyalty status, point accumulation, and priority check-in at MGM destinations.
- Fee: None. Must be at least 21 to apply.
6. Dining & Entertainment: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
- Benefits: High cashback on dining, entertainment, groceries, and streaming services.
- Fee: None.
7. Premium Travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Benefits: Annual travel credit, high redemption bonus, luxury hotel collection benefits, and more.
- Fee: $550 annually and $75 for extra cards.
8. Hyatt Hotel Stays: World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Benefits: Loyalty status, point bonuses, and free anniversary nights.
- Fee: $95 annually.
9. Hilton Honors Enthusiasts: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Benefits: Free night rewards, elite status, statement credits, and high point accumulation.
- Fee: $450 annually.
10. Southwest Airlines Flyers: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Benefits: EarlyBird Check-In, tier points, in-flight discounts, and bonus points.
- Fee: Information not specified.
11. Citi ThankYou Points: Citi Premier® Card
- Benefits: Points on travel, hotels, dining, and more, plus a hotel savings benefit.
- Fee: $95 annually.
12. Straightforward Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Benefits: Steady cashback rate and high rewards on hotel and car rentals.
- Fee: None.
Final Thoughts:
Every card on this list can enrich your Las Vegas trip. However, the right card will align with how you typically spend in the city. If a Vegas trip is in your near future, consider getting a card from this list to maximize rewards and enjoy various benefits. Make sure to compare perks and benefits tailored to your preferences before making a decision.
