Credit One Credit Card for Travel: Is It Good?

Traveling has become more than just a leisure activity—it’s a necessity for many, whether for work, family, or exploration. With rising fuel costs, inflation, and the increasing demand for flexible payment options, choosing the right credit card for travel is more critical than ever. One card that often pops up in discussions is the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card. But is it actually a good choice for travelers? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card

Before diving into its travel benefits, it’s essential to understand what this card offers. Unlike premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or the American Express® Gold Card, the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card is designed for individuals looking to rebuild or establish credit. However, it does come with some travel-related perks that might appeal to certain users.

Key Features of the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card

• No Annual Fee (for some versions): Some variants of this card have no annual fee, while others charge up to $95.
• 1% Cash Back Rewards: Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, including travel expenses.
• Fraud Protection: Zero liability for unauthorized charges.
• Free Online Access: Manage your account and track rewards via Credit One’s online portal.
• Pre-Qualification Available: Check eligibility without a hard credit pull.

How Does It Stack Up for Travel?

Pros for Travelers

1. No Foreign Transaction Fees

One of the biggest advantages for travelers is that this card does not charge foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards impose a 3% fee on international purchases, which can add up quickly. If you’re traveling abroad frequently, this feature alone could save you a significant amount.

2. Cash Back on Travel Purchases

While 1% cash back isn’t groundbreaking, it’s better than nothing. If you use this card for flights, hotels, or rental cars, you’ll earn a small return on your spending.

3. Credit Building While Traveling

If you’re rebuilding your credit, using this card responsibly (paying on time, keeping utilization low) can help improve your score while still allowing you to travel.

Cons for Travelers

1. Limited Travel Protections

Unlike premium travel cards, the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card lacks:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Baggage delay coverage
- Rental car insurance
If these protections are important to you, this card falls short.

2. Low Rewards Rate

1% cash back is minimal compared to cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards (2X miles) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® (2X points on travel).

3. Potential Annual Fee

Some versions of this card charge an annual fee (up to $95), which could negate the value of your rewards if you don’t spend enough.

Comparing to Other Travel Credit Cards

To put things in perspective, let’s compare the Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card to other popular travel cards:

Credit One vs. Capital One VentureOne

| Feature | Credit One Visa | Capital One VentureOne |
|---------|----------------|-----------------------|
| Annual Fee | $0 - $95 | $0 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Rewards Rate | 1% cash back | 1.25X miles on all purchases |
| Travel Protections | None | Rental car insurance, travel accident insurance |

Credit One vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

| Feature | Credit One Visa | Chase Sapphire Preferred® |
|---------|----------------|--------------------------|
| Annual Fee | $0 - $95 | $95 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Rewards Rate | 1% cash back | 2X points on travel & dining |
| Travel Protections | None | Trip cancellation, baggage delay, rental car insurance |

Who Should Consider This Card for Travel?

Best For:

• Travelers with fair/bad credit who need a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.
• Those who want to build credit while earning minimal rewards.
• Occasional travelers who don’t need premium travel perks.

Not Ideal For:

• Frequent travelers who want lounge access, travel insurance, and higher rewards.
• Those with good/excellent credit who can qualify for better travel cards.

Final Thoughts

The Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card is a decent option for travelers with limited credit options, thanks to its no foreign transaction fees and cash back rewards. However, it lacks the premium travel benefits that frequent flyers expect. If you’re serious about travel rewards, consider upgrading to a card with better perks once your credit improves.

For now, if you’re rebuilding credit and need a simple travel-friendly card, this could be a reasonable choice—just don’t expect it to compete with the big players in the travel rewards space.