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Best Credit Card for Carnival Cruise Line in 2026

We ranked every major cash back credit card by what you actually earn at Carnival Cruise Line. The top pick earns 10% — here's the full breakdown.

8 cards earning 2%+ at Carnival Cruise Line · sorted by highest cash back · updated Q1 2026

1
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Capital One
10x miles on hotels & rental cars via Capital One Travel
Annual fee: $395/yr
10%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 10% at This Store →

Why #1: Top pick: earns 10% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. Annual fee of $395/yr is easily offset by heavy use.

2
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Capital One
8% via Capital One Entertainment portal; 4% purchased directly at Carnival.com. Year-round permanent rate.
Annual fee: No annual fee
8%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 8% at This Store →

Why #2: Top pick: earns 8% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. No annual fee required.

3
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
8x on hotels & rental cars via Chase Travel portal; 4x on flights/hotels booked directly with airlines/hotels
Annual fee: $795/yr
8%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 8% at This Store →

Why #3: Top pick: earns 8% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. Annual fee of $795/yr is easily offset by heavy use.

4
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
5% on Chase Travel purchases
Annual fee: No annual fee
5%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 5% at This Store →

Why #4: Top pick: earns 5% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. No annual fee required.

5
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Capital One
5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel portal
Annual fee: No annual fee
5%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 5% at This Store →

Why #5: Top pick: earns 5% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. No annual fee required.

6
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi
5% on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via Citi Travel portal
Annual fee: No annual fee
5%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 5% at This Store →

Why #6: Top pick: earns 5% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. No annual fee required.

7
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi
5% auto-detects your top spend category (up to $500/mo) — cruise lines (MCC 4411) may qualify. ⚠️ A single cruise booking typically far exceeds the $500/mo cap — this card is best for smaller travel purchases.
Annual fee: No annual fee
5%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 5% at This Store →

Why #7: Top pick: earns 5% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. No annual fee required.

8
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase
5x on Chase Travel; 2x other travel
Annual fee: $95/yr
5%
cash back
Apply Now — Earn 5% at This Store →

Why #8: Top pick: earns 5% cash back at Carnival Cruise Line — the highest rate available. Annual fee of $95/yr is easily offset by heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best credit card to use at Carnival Cruise Line?

The best card at Carnival Cruise Line right now is the Capital One Venture X Rewards, earning 10% cash back. 10x miles on hotels & rental cars via Capital One Travel

Does any credit card offer more than 2% at Carnival Cruise Line?

Yes — the Capital One Venture X Rewards at 10%, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards at 8%, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® at 8% all earn above 2% at Carnival Cruise Line.

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Cash back rates are estimates and may vary. Rotating category cards require quarterly activation. Always verify rates with your card issuer before applying. Links on this page may be affiliate links — PennySwiper may earn a commission at no cost to you.