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Have you considered a credit card for your travels or RV journeys? Even if you consider yourself a weekend warrior, having a credit card can be a huge perk.
We’ve compiled a list of the 8 best credit cards for RVers, with perks and rewards that you can use during any step of your journey.
But what should you consider in a credit card for your RV? And what might some of the reasons be to get a credit card perfectly tailored to your RV experience? If you’ve never considered a credit card for camping or RV life, now is the time!
Would you like to jump ahead and check out our top 8 list of credit cards now?
Just use the table of contents below to check out our favorites:
What to Consider in a Credit Card for RVers
Just like you have a lot to consider when looking at RV rentals on RVShare or Outdoorsy, you should have a few things to decide regarding an RV credit card.
Curious what you should think about before applying for credit cards for RVers? Let’s take a look at some top considerations now.
Reward Options
What’s the number one benefit attached to credit cards for many consumers? Reward options.
According to creditcards.com, cash back or points rewards cards are key to cardholder satisfaction and overall usage of the card itself.
Every single credit card on the market today is different. You may like a credit card because it gives you a discount at a certain store that you usually shop at. You could receive benefits for flying or staying at hotels.
Or, like many RVers, you could be searching for a credit card that gives you a decent amount of cash back on gasoline or fuel purchases. Many gas reward credit cards offer anywhere from 2% to 5% back on your overall fuel purchases.
You can even find rewards credit cards that offer cash back or points for staying at campgrounds for RV parks. Always double-check with the bank and card itself whether or not campgrounds count as travel under their rewards points system.
Annual Fees
One of the main roadblocks to many major credit cards is the concept of an annual fee. Annual fees are usually less than $200 annually, but having to pay for a credit card is often not something many consumers want to do.
However, the trade-off is often related to your level of rewards or additional perks that the card can offer you. Sometimes annual fees help pay for better customer service and card protection services as well.
Annual fees are something for any consumer to consider, especially RVers. If you are planning to get a credit card for your occasional RV travels, choosing a card without an annual fee may be a smarter idea.
However, there are some cards that have a far greater amount of perks and more specific discounts that might interest you if you are a full-time RV or planning on using your card for things other than camping.
Interest Rates
If you plan on having a balance on your credit card month to month, you may want to consider a credit card with a low interest rate. Interest rates can be a deciding factor for many consumers when it comes time to pay their credit card bill.
If you have a high interest rate, you will be charged a set percentage every single month that you have a balance on your credit card. If you plan on paying off your credit card every month before your interest rate payment goes through, this will be less of an issue for you down the line.
Many credit cards also offer introductory interest rates perks, such as no interest charged for a certain number of months. Sometimes credit cards can offer this for more than a year, making their credit card stand out if you are worried about paying too much in interest.
One of the main issues with interest rates is that you won’t know your interest rate until after you have been approved for the credit card. This is something to keep in mind during the applying process.
Credit Limit
Another fact that you won’t know until after you’ve been approved for the credit card is how much you have been approved for. Your credit limit could be a deciding factor in your overall credit card usage and desire to apply.
While your credit limit is affected by your income and credit score, some credit cards offer much higher credit limits than others.This could be something to keep an eye on if you plan on using your credit card for any large purchases.
However, given that you won’t know your credit limit until after you’ve been approved, you may want to do your research and decide beforehand if the credit limit is something that matters to you.
If you plan on using your credit card for everyday purchases or for one specific things such as gasoline and groceries, you may be able to get away with a lower credit limit than others.
If you plan on using your credit card for large purchases, including purchases that often total over $1,000, you may want to keep an eye out for credit cards that have high credit limits. Even if you plan on paying off the card monthly, having a higher limit means you’re better safe than sorry.
Your Credit Score
One of the deciding factors to seeing if you qualify for a certain credit card or not is your credit score. If you don’t yet know your credit score, I recommend finding it out before you apply for credit cards.
Your credit score can determine if you qualify for the credit card in the first place, and it will determine your interest rate and credit limit. Researching your credit score and cards that you are likely to be approved for is a good idea before you start applying.
You can apply to as many credit cards as you want, but it is not recommended if you want to maintain your current credit score. How many credit card applications you have attached to your credit score records can alter your score, often in a negative way.
This is because all banks and major credit cards usually use hard inquiries. Hard inquiries are reported to all the major credit bureaus, and the more hard inquiries you have during a brief period of time, the more likely your credit score is to decrease.
My top recommendation for this process is to only choose one or two credit cards to apply for at a time. Hard inquiries will still linger on your credit score, whether or not you actually get approved for the credit card!
How Often You Plan on Using Your Credit Card
It is important to get a credit card with your expected usage in mind before applying. For example, if you plan on using your credit card to make a big purchase, such as an RV generator for your AC, that may influence what card you choose.
If you plan on using your credit card for weekly or even daily purchases, this should be something you keep in mind when making your final decision. Many credit cards offer cash back rewards on everyday purchases, so this is something to keep in mind.
How often you plan on using your credit card also matters in terms of your interest rate and annual fee. If you aren’t regularly using your credit card, an annual fee may seem excessive, and high interest rates may make you even less likely to use your card.
What You Plan On Using Your Credit Card For
Knowing ahead of time what you plan on using your credit card for is a good idea when you are shopping for a credit card for your RV.
For example, if you go into your credit card search knowing that you only want to use your credit card for gasoline purchases, you are more likely to find a credit card that suits this purchase strategy.
Cash back and rewards programs are huge in determining what you plan on using your credit card for. It doesn’t make sense to apply for a credit card that offers 1% cash back on all purchases when you plan on only using that card for gas!
What you plan on using your credit card for it’s also important to know when you consider your Annual fees and interest rates. If you plan on using your credit card for a large upfront purchase, you should keep an eye out for low interest rate offers if you can’t pay off the purchase all at once.
Reasons to Get a Credit Card for RVing
Now that you know what to consider in a credit card for RVers, let’s take a look at some of the many reasons to apply for a card that is made to enhance your RV experience. You may not have thought of all of these reasons yet!
Gas Perks for Your Motorhome
Filling up the average RV gas tank is never a cheap transaction. This is why gas perks or fuel cash back rewards are huge benefits for many RVers shopping for a new credit card.
Whether you have a small and lightweight toy hauler or a large Class A rig, having a card that helps you pay for gas (or gives you cash back rewards for doing so) is a huge perk. If you’re RVing, you’re travelling by car, after all!
Gas perks are also a very common reward program for credit cards to offer. Many major credit cards offer gas cash back rewards along with everyday purchase rewards, something that would be an added bonus to your camping experience.
You can continue debating whether diesel RVs are better than gasoline RVs– either way, your gas perks credit card will give you a reward for filling up!
Maintenance and Repairs for the Vintage RV
Take it from me, a full-time RVer constantly renovating and repairing a vintage travel trailer: you may want a credit card for your RV maintenance and repair costs.
Having a credit card in case of emergencies or for regularly scheduled repairs or maintenance costs is not a bad idea if you are an RVer. It could come in handy whether you choose to live full-time in your rig, or simply choose to take it out during the summer months.
You can even find a credit card that best supports your repairs, whether it be through a store credit card or simply a card with a high credit limit. Having a higher credit limit no matter the emergency may give you more peace of mind while traveling on the road.
Store Reward Programs (For Your Favorite RV Shops)
What’s one other major perk of applying for and owning a credit card? Having a store credit card with a robust rewards program.
Depending on the store you are interested in, many store reward programs offer a certain percentage off your entire purchase, extra coupons and offerings depending on the season, and simply peace of mind when making large purchases from a particular store.
Planning on remodeling your RV, including the subfloor? Choosing a hardware store rewards credit card should be in your favor. Looking for RV interior design purchases, such as RV curtains? Consider a home goods store reward program.
Applying for a store credit card can make your money and budget go farther based on the amount of money you can save. Store reward programs differ from store to store, so always research the store credit card that you are interested in applying for before applying.
In Case of RV Emergencies
Many consumers apply for credit cards not only to increase their spending power on day-to-day purchases, but also in case of emergencies.
Just like it is important to have roadside assistance that covers your RV, having a credit card in case of emergencies can be a huge weight off the shoulders of anyone who owns an RV. You never know when things could go wrong, which is why it’s always best to be prepared.
Credit Card Limit= RV Budget
As a full-time RVer who has a large budget for gasoline and fuel, having a credit card limit that equals my monthly gas budget helps me plan my expenses. I don’t use my fuel rewards card for any other purchases, and you can plan your budget accordingly too.
Many consumers have specific credit cards for certain purchases, such as gasoline or groceries. Treating your credit card limit as your budget for the month or every three months depending on the limit can help you save money and track your expenses.
Interest Rate Offers for the Conscious RVer
Many credit cards offer low or zero interest rate programs for new applicants. This can be extremely useful for those of you planning on making large purchases that you don’t intend to pay off right away.
Finding a credit card with low interest rates or introductory offers can make bigger RV purchases more possible, and you won’t have to worry about paying any interest for a set period of time. This allows you to plan and repay overtime without worrying about what you can’t afford.
Travel Rewards for Campgrounds and RV Parks
Did you know that you can get campground or RV park travel rewards with certain credit cards? While most credit cards offer cash back or extra travel points for airline flights or hotel stays, you can find some cards that offer cash back for campgrounds too.
If you are a full-time RVer, having the option to get some cash back from your long RV park stays can be a huge bonus. You can either receive a check of your cash back, or apply the cash back to your credit card payments.
Travel rewards can be beneficial for anyone, not just people living full-time in their RV. If you can’t and travel often, travel reward credit cards are some of the most generous and comprehensive reward programs available for consumers today.
Credit Score Boost for the Smart RVer
More often than not, getting approved for a credit card and increasing your overall credit limit will result in a boost to your credit score. While this may not be true for everyone and depends on your individual credit situation, getting a credit card for RVing can help.
Many consumers appreciate the credit score boost that can occur from an increased credit limit or additional credit line attached to your records. Credit scores are useful when it comes time to buy a home, and can even help you lower your interest rates should you choose to buy a new RV.
The 8 Best Credit Cards for RVers
Whether you’re a full-timer or a new RVer, having a credit card can be a serious boost to your travels. Let’s check out our list of the 8 best credit cards for RVers now!
Best Overall: Costco Anywhere Visa Card
By and large, many RVers utilize the Costco Anywhere Visa Card because of its robust reward system and reliable Citibank customer service. This card can be beneficial for full-time RVers and casual weekend warriors alike.
The Costco Anywhere Visa offers its applicants 4% cash back on eligible gas, for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter. Eligible gas no doubt includes Costco pumps, But be sure to check with the card to see if you can use it elsewhere.
Given that there are many Costco locations and gas stations throughout the US, having a new Costco Visa card may not entirely limit your purchasing power. However, if you are traveling to more remote locations, you are less likely to find an eligible gas station.
The rewards don’t stop there. This credit card offers RVers 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. That’s a lot of reward offers to be had in a single card!
Your Costco membership will be built into your credit card so that you don’t have to worry about a second card during your checkout process. This card also comes with zero annual fees, extended warranty options on certain products, and no foreign transaction fees.
I know many full-time rvers that utilize Costco for it’s affordable bulk purchasing options, unique membership discounts, and even the option to have prescriptions sent to Costco pharmacies. The Costco credit card can greatly benefit you if you are already a Costco shopper.
However, not every RVer finds a Costco membership useful. If you do live full-time in a small RV, like me, purchasing food or supplies in bulk from Costco does not help with your storage solutions. I personally don’t have a Costco membership because of this.
If you only RV part time and are looking for a credit card that can benefit you when you hit the road and when you return home, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card could be a great choice for you. If you already have a Costco membership, it’s kind of a no-brainer!
Best Gas Rewards: Chevron Techron Advantage Credit Card
Most all of the credit cards on this list offer some type of cash back reward for gasoline and steel. But choosing a gas rewards card for a specific gas station is always a good idea for extra savings! Check out the Chevron Techron Advantage for gas savings at Chevron fuel centers.
This Chevron Techron Advantage Credit Card offers new card holders a special 90 day introductory rate of 37 cents back for each gallon of gasoline you purchase. That’s a huge amount of savings if you’re driving around a large motorhome or pick up truck!
After the first 90 days, that number drastically decreases to 3 cents per gallon of regular fuel, and up to 8 cents per gallon of premium, but that is still more than you are getting back without a credit card!
You can also use your Techron Advantage Visa Card anywhere it’s accepted outside of fuel merchants and earn up to 10¢/gal. in Fuel Credits during your billing period. This card is also accepted at Texaco stations too, doubling your fuel options.
You also receive Synchrony Car Care Acceptance should you be approved for this card. This essentially means you can use your car to pay for auto repairs at over 1 million locations nationwide. This can be extremely useful should your RV or truck break down.
Plus, this card allows you to offset your payments with 6 months of promotional financing on any purchases over $200. If you need more time or assistance paying back a large auto or RV purchase, this card has you covered.
This card has no annual fee, and given its usability anywhere, it could be a good credit card for you to consider whether you are a full-time RVer or not. If you’re a fan of Chevron or Texaco gas stations, check out this fuel card for your upcoming camping trip!
Card with Travel Rewards: Good Sam Rewards Visa Card
If you haven’t looked into Good Sam and their many camping programs yet, it could be a great idea for you to check out. Not only does Good Sam offer a useful discount membership programs for RV parks and campgrounds, they have a rewards Visa card with many perks.
The Good Sam Rewards Visa Card offers its members a unique (and slightly complicated) points rewards program. This program includes 5 points per $1 at Good Sam’s family of brands. These brands include Camping World and Gander RV, among others.
This card doesn’t stop there for RV perks. It also offers 3 points per $1 at private campgrounds and gas stations, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else Visa® is accepted. If you have a Good Sam membership, you’ll even save an additional amount if you fuel up at Pilot J stations.
You’ll get 2,000 bonus points the first time you use your card for a purchase within 90 days of account opening, and another double amount of points on purchases outside Good Sam’s family of brands for the first 90 days when you use your card.
This means you aren’t entirely limited to where you use your card- you’ll still get rewarded handsomely for the first 90 days by simply using your card. And you can get your points for cash back as a statement credit, Good Sam memberships, restaurant, retail and gas gift cards and more.
Redemptions start as low as 1,500 points, and there’s no annual fee to the card. Having a Good Sam membership also has many perks for RVers, especially full timers. You can get campground discounts, a campground coupon book, propane discounts, and Camping World retail discounts too.
While this card is best used in conjunction with a Good Sam membership, much like the Costco card, it may still have value to you as a frequent camper and RVer. If you make any purchases at Camping World, this is definitely a card to consider!
No Annual Fee: Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card
This credit card may look familiar to you whether or not you RV. The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card is a perfect credit card for consumers at many levels of credit, income limits, and rewards card needs. The most important part of this card? It doesn’t have an annual fee!
I personally use the Quicksilver Rewards Card for many day-to-day purchases, given that it allows you to get 1.5% cashback on any purchase, anywhere. Depending on the season, Capital One often offers impressive first time card member rewards as well.
One of the major perks about Capital One Rewards is that they never expire. And you can receive your rewards as cash directly into your debit account, a statement credit toward your next credit card payment, or even receive it in the form of a gift card.
You can also use this card directly with PayPal and use your rewards with your Amazon account. I know many RVers and consumers enjoy having their credit card cash back linked directly to their Amazon accounts!
This card also offers a fairly low APR interest rate. This can be beneficial for those of you who are worried about paying off your credit card month to month. Having a lower interest rate means that you will be paying less should your balance carry over and interest is applied to your account.
While this credit card doesn’t offer much more than a 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this can make it a universal card for people who want cashback on their RV adventures, but also for those of you that plan on using a credit card when you aren’t traveling.
However, I know that there are many more cards that offer higher rewards as well as more perks tailored for RVers. If you want something with no annual fee, a high credit limit, and a low interest rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card may be right for you.
Low Interest Rate: American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
Speaking of low interest rates, have you checked out the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card yet? This card is currently offering card members 12 months without any need for interest payments, and this card will continue to offer a unique payment plan option too.
Enjoy a low Intro APR and reduced plan fees when you split up large purchases into monthly installments with Plan It by American Express. This could be ideal for those of you looking to make a very large purchase with your credit card, but want the best way of paying it back as well.
This American Express card not only has a fantastic introductory APR offer, but it also has additional rewards for any RVer to enjoy as well. You can get 6% back on both groceries and select streaming services, making this a great card for RVing and home entertainment.
You will also be rewarded for your gasoline purchases as well. Both fuel and public transit earns you 3% cash back, and 1% cash back on everything else, making this card a robust rewards card too.
Given the many reward options and the low introductory APR offer, what is the drawback, you might be asking? American Express cards aren’t accepted everywhere, making remote location spending more difficult. This card also comes with a $95 annual fee.
However, this annual fee is waived for your first year, and $95 is a fairly low fee to pay in exchange for fair interest rates, a large credit limit, and ample rewards. This credit card has a lot to offer both RVers and the average consumer, especially when you consider 6% back on groceries!
You will also benefit from the fuel rewards, especially if you have a large motorhome or tow vehicle. If you travel to places that accept American Express, put this credit card on your shortlist.
Best for RV and Daily Life: Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
If you are an RVer that shops often on amazon.com, you may want to consider the Amazon Rewards Visa signature card as your next credit card application. This credit card is useful on everyday purchases, such as gasoline, but it also gives you perks for shopping online.
The basic Amazon Rewards card offers you 3% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% cashback on gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores, and 1% cashback on everything else. That just about covers all of my RV purchases!
Chase Bank also offers an Amazon Prime Rewards Card, with an included Prime Membership as well as 5% cash back on all of your Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. Getting that additional 2% back may be beneficial to many of you.
Amazon of course has nearly everything you might need as an RVer or simply an average consumer. You can get things shipped to your door in two days if you have a Prime membership, and I’ve gone through many RV emergencies where Amazon shipping has been necessary!
Neither of these credit cards have annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and there is no spending cap to the rewards offered. You can use your cashback rewards directly on amazon.com, or put them toward your monthly payments.
Chase Bank is also a popular bank for credit cards, and their customer service and overall card member security department has been highly rated for many years. You can feel confident and safe making purchases with this credit card, whether you are on the road or not.
While I wish this card offered more introductory interest rates deals or cash back opportunities, this card suits many RVers’ lifestyles, as well as more casual camping consumers. Definitely a contender for your everyday Amazon purchases!
Best for Making Repairs: Lowe’s Advantage Card
My first year of RV living involved an insane amount of repairs. While I have grown to love my 1976 Terry travel trailer, it definitely needed a lot of loving right off the bat. This is why I highly recommend applying for a hardware store credit card if you plan on doing many RV repairs.
The Lowe’s Advantage Card has a lot to offer the average hardware store shopper. If you are a full-time rver, you know how much it costs to both maintain and repair your RV. Lowe’s offers many common RV accessories and hardware needs.
With the Lowe’s Advantage Card, you’ll save each time you spend when you use the everyday discount of 5% off your eligible purchase or order charged to your Lowe’s account. This can make even the most average RV hardware store run a bit better.
As far as special financing goes, the Lowe’s Advantage Card offers the option to pay over a period of time for purchases of $299 or more. This is a great benefit when making a big investment like an appliance suite or new flooring.
Plus, the card also offers the option of fixed monthly payments for purchases of $2,000 or more. This way, you can tackle your project with fixed payments at lower APR financing rates. If your RV needs a lot of repairs, this can be a helpful offer.
While Lowe’s are not often prominent in more rural areas, there are many Lowe’s hardware stores throughout the US. Depending on your location and budget, this store credit card may be a good choice for your RV adventures. Plus, no annual fee is always a win!
Best for Emergencies: Chase Freedom Unlimited
I already mentioned Chase Bank’s reliability in terms of credit cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is perfect for both the experienced or newbie credit card user, especially when it comes to emergencies. Let’s dive into this fan favorite card now.
You have the ability to earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase (including campgrounds and RV parks as well as hotel and airfare), 3% on dining including takeout and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
Chase also usually offers high credit limits so that you can feel like you have an adequate amount of emergency spending money. RV breakdowns are never cheap, and it is always a good idea to reserve some emergency funds before you hit the road.
The Freedom Unlimited also offers 0% intro APR for 15 months from your account opening date on purchases and balance transfers. Having the option to not accrue interest for such a long time, especially on balance transfers, can be extremely useful in an emergency.
Plus, with this card, you have no annual fee, and your rewards never expire. While this credit card isn’t particularly tailor-made for RVers, it can be an extremely good card for any situation or lifestyle.
Having the option to earn so much cash back on both travel and dining can be a wonderful day-to-day perk. And you will have the peace of mind you need with this card in your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Having a credit card before you hit the road can be a great thing for peace of mind and cash back rewards. Not only do you get to enjoy your travels- you can reap the rewards too! Consider any of these credit cards before you set off on your next RV adventure.