With the longest day of the year now behind us, it is finally officially summer. For many, that also means it’s time for a vacation. As a result, lately I’ve encountered several articles sharing their lists of the top travel credit cards. Seeing as I like to think of myself both as a personal finance nerd and a blossoming travel enthusiast, I’ve reviewed these lists with gusto, hoping it will either point me towards a new revelation or highlight my personal favorite option. However, while these posts do include some strong contenders with their own benefits, I feel like my card of choice has been a bit underestimated. That’s why I’m declaring the Uber Visa the sleeper travel card of the summer.
Okay, technically this isn’t a travel rewards card in the traditional sense, which might be what’s hindering its appearance on such lists. At the same time travel is exactly the reason I was wooed by the card in the first place. Additionally, having embarked on many trips of late, I can say with confidence that having this card in my wallet definitely came in handy.
So what makes the Uber Visa perfect for jetsetters? First, it offers 3% cash back on hotel and airline bookings. On top of that, it also grants you 4% back on dining. I don’t know about you but, despite my best efforts, I end up eating out quite a bit when I’m traveling — making this 4% all the more important. Of course, with it being an Uber credit card, you can bet there are also some benefits when using the ridesharing app. In this case, not only will you earn 2% back on Uber rides but will also receive 2% back on any online purchases (which may even include Lyft, though I haven’t personally tried). As for everything else, that will fall into the 1% cash back category.
Now that we’ve covered the jetsetters, how about the globetrotters. Another star feature of the Uber Visa is that it doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. Because of this, I was able to save a ton on my recent trip to Paris where Visa was accepted nearly everywhere. And, yes, the same cash back reward categories apply while you’re abroad.
While all of those features are great, what also sets the Uber Visa apart from many of the other travel cards I’ve read about is that there’s no annual fee. So although the level of rewards might not be quite as high as some other frequently cited options, you won’t have to worry about paying money up front in order to earn. This was a huge selling point for me as the loyalty branded cards I had my eye all had sizeable annual fees that I feared just wouldn’t pay off in my situation.
Admittedly, from before I even got my own Uber Visa, I’ve been a big proponent of the card. But considering I’ve been able to rack up more than $425 in cash back over the past six months, I feel my enthusiasm is well justified. Plus, having successfully taken the Uber Visa along with me on my recent travels, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good overall cash back card with strong travel perks.