Best Credit Cards for Travel Nurses & Clinicians 2025
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- •September 09, 2025
Maximize rewards, simplify expenses, and get more out of every assignment.
Editor’s Note: This is our 2025 edition of the travel credit card guide, focused on the most current offers, rewards structures, and annual fees available to healthcare travelers right now. For a more evergreen overview, check out our original 2023 travel credit card guide.
When your job sends you coast to coast, your credit card shouldn’t just tag along – it should work for you. Travel nurses, therapists, and allied health travelers rack up miles, meals, and expenses fast, which makes the right credit card a powerful tool for turning everyday spending into serious benefits.
Let’s break down the best credit cards for healthcare travelers in 2025, with perks tailored for those living the travel-as-therapy lifestyle.
What Do Travel Nurses Need in a Credit Card?
Your financial life on the road doesn’t look like anyone else's. The best cards for clinicians on assignment typically include:
- Travel rewards like airline miles, hotel points, and travel insurance
- Flexible redemption options that work around changing schedules
- Low fees and variable income support to weather slow periods
Your card should keep up with you whether you're managing nurse housing, booking last-minute flights, or picking up dinner after a night shift.
Top Credit Cards for Travel Nurses in 2025
Best for Big Sign-Up Bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining, streaming, and online grocery purchases
- 2x on all other travel, 1x on everything else
- Trip delay insurance, primary rental coverage, baggage insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual Fee: $95
Perfect for travelers who want to start strong and love booking through multiple platforms.
Best for Foodies on the Go: American Express® Gold Card
- 4x points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel
- Up to $120 dining credits annually with select partners
- Competitive welcome bonus
- Annual Fee: $250
If your shift meal prep always turns into takeout, this one pays off fast.
Best for Simplicity: Capital One Venture Rewards Card
- Unlimited 2x miles on all purchases
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- Points easily redeemable for travel or statement credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit included
- Annual Fee: $95
A great fit if you want flat-rate earning without tracking categories.
New for 2025: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
- 5x points on travel booked directly with hotels, airlines, and car rental agencies
- 3x points on restaurants, streaming, and other categories
- Cell phone protection and travel accident insurance
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards
- Annual Fee: $95
An up-and-comer with excellent travel perks and growing popularity among healthcare travelers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Card Name | Top Perks | Best For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 5x travel, 3x dining/streaming, primary insurance, no FX fees | All-around travel value | $95 |
| Amex Gold | 4x dining, 3x flights, dining credits | Foodie travelers | $250 |
| Capital One Venture | 2x all purchases, 5x hotels/cars on portal, PreCheck credit | Simplicity and flexibility | $95 |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey | 5x direct travel, 3x lifestyle categories, phone protection | Rising-star travel card | $95 |
Tips for Managing Finances While on Assignment
Set a Mobile Budget:
- Expect variable income—build a flexible monthly budget
- Use budgeting apps that link directly to your card(s)
Track Deductions:
- Keep records of meals, mileage, and temporary housing for tax season
- Choose cards with itemized statements and export features
Protect Your Credit Health:
- Automate payments to avoid late fees
- Keep utilization below 30% to maintain a strong score
Travel Nurse Benefits That Go Beyond the Card
The right credit card can stretch your paycheck further, but it’s just one piece of the financial puzzle. Combine these tools with:
- Travel nurse accommodations support from your agency
- Budgeting tips in our Traveler Resource Center
- Visit the Finance & Tax section for expert tips on budgeting, taxes, and financial planning
- Tax advice from our Healthcare Traveler Tax Blog
Your lifestyle is mobile, but your money can stay steady.
Choose a Card That Moves With You
Whether you’re booking a rental in between contracts or earning points on your hospital cafeteria lunch, the best credit cards for travel nurses help you turn everyday spending into travel perks, savings, and peace of mind.
Ready to level up your financial game? Check out our FlexCare Traveler Resource Center for more guides like this — and make every mile count.