18 Best Credit Cards That Offer Roadside Assistance

Earning Structure:

• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically around 19.24%–29.24%
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, extended warranty, travel accident insurance
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Roadside assistance included
• No foreign transaction fees
• Strong rewards on dining and entertainment
• Flexible redemption options
• Extended warranty protection

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or applied toward purchases.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants usually need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The highest rewards apply only to dining, entertainment, and groceries, so other purchases earn less.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple rewards categories and no foreign transaction fees, making it easy to manage and understand.

Earning Structure:

• 1.25x miles on every purchase
• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, extended warranty, travel accident insurance
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat-rate earning on all purchases
• Extra rewards through Capital One Travel
• Roadside assistance available
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, statement credits, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The base earning rate is lower than some other travel cards, which may limit rewards for frequent travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is easy to use, has no annual fee, and provides simple travel rewards without complex rules.

Earning Structure:

• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, around 19.24%–29.24%
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, extended warranty, travel accident insurance
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat-rate rewards on all spending
• Roadside assistance available when traveling
• No foreign transaction fees
• Simple redemption process

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or used for travel purchases.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of at least 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not offer higher reward rates for specific categories like dining or travel.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its flat-rate rewards and lack of annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to manage without worrying about complex reward structures.

Earning Structure:

• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $39
• APR: 29.74% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
• Access to roadside assistance services
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to monitor credit score for free
• Rewards do not expire

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need fair to average credit, often considered a FICO score of 580 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a relatively high APR and charges an annual fee, which may reduce overall value for some users.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It suits beginners because it offers simple rewards, helps build credit, and provides useful travel and roadside benefits.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• APR: Variable, typically around 20.24%–28.74%
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Priority Pass airport lounge access, travel credit

Key Benefits:

• Strong travel protections
• Primary rental car insurance
• Roadside assistance available
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to airport lounges

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back and gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need excellent credit with a FICO score of at least 740 to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel infrequently.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Beginners benefit from simple earning categories and flexible redemption options that are easy to understand.

Earning Structure:

• 6x points on eligible Marriott purchases
• 3x points on dining, airfare, and rental cars
• 2x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

The card isn’t open to new applicants, so no welcome bonus is offered.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $450
• APR: Variable, around 15.99% to 29.99%
• Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
• Network: Visa Infinite
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Roadside assistance services
• Primary rental car insurance
• Airport lounge access
• Annual travel credits
• Strong hotel rewards earning

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, travel packages, or transferred to airline partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants are recommended to have good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of at least 670 to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who do not travel often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers clear value through travel credits and rewards, making it easier for new cardholders to offset the annual fee.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart/Target)
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: Variable, typically 19.99%–28.24%
• Other benefits: Primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Strong travel and dining rewards
• Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners
• Travel protections like trip delay coverage
• No foreign transaction fees
• Pay-per-use roadside assistance through Visa, including towing up to five miles, flat tire service, jump-starts, winching, and lockout help

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to partners, or used for cash back, gift cards, and more.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants usually need good to excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score starting at 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card charges an annual fee, and roadside assistance is available only on a pay-per-use basis rather than complimentary.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and easy redemption options, making it beginner-friendly for travel rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a cash-back bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash-back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional perks: Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards portal

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Simple flat-rate rewards on all spending
• Bonus rewards on dining and travel
• Roadside assistance available when needed
• Ability to pair with premium Chase cards for more value

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Foreign transaction fees and variable APR may limit its usefulness for frequent international travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple rewards and no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (on up to a set limit, then 1%)
• 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery
• 3% on drugstore purchases
• 1% on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders may qualify for a cash back bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone protection
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional perks: Access to rotating categories announced quarterly

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Strong cash back categories for daily spending
• Roadside assistance services included
• Cell phone protection when paying with the card

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed as cash back, gift cards, travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards, or statement credits.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often with a FICO score starting at 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Rotating categories need activation every quarter, and foreign purchases have a fee.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning opportunities with no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on gas at Costco
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging (including at Costco)
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
• APR: 19.49%–27.49% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, purchase protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to keep the card (membership required)
• Strong cash back on gas, travel, and dining
• Roadside assistance included
• No foreign transaction fees
• Accepted worldwide where Visa is valid

Redemption Options:

Cash back is issued annually in the form of a reward certificate, which can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, often a score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The cash back reward certificate can only be redeemed at Costco, limiting flexibility.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides simple cash back categories and no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points on dining, takeout, and delivery
• 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and streaming services
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside dispatch, cell phone protection, streaming credit
• Network: Visa Signature
• Type: Rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Bonus rewards on dining and streaming
• Roadside assistance available through Visa Signature
• Cell phone protection when paying the bill with the card
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, starting around a 740 FICO score.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not offer higher rewards for travel purchases beyond the standard rate.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It works well for beginners because it has no annual fee, simple earning categories, and flexible redemption choices.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on two categories of the cardholder’s choice each quarter (up to a set limit)
• 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations or restaurants
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders may qualify for a cash bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.49%–28.74% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty
• Network: Visa Signature
• Type: Cash-back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: May apply
• Additional perks: Access to Visa Signature benefits

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flexible bonus categories each quarter
• Roadside assistance access when needed
• Strong cash-back rates on select spending
• Visa Signature benefits package

Redemption Options:

Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The 5% categories require activation each quarter, and rewards are capped at a spending limit.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is beginner-friendly because it has no annual fee and offers simple ways to redeem cash-back rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4 points per dollar on travel and at gas and EV charging stations on the first $1,000 spent each quarter
• 2 points per dollar on streaming services
• 2 points per dollar at grocery stores and dining (excluding discount stores, supercenters, and wholesale clubs)
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, travel protections, purchase security
• Network: Visa Signature
• Type: Rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Streaming credit after meeting spending requirements

Key Benefits:

• Roadside assistance through Visa Signature
• High rewards on travel and gas purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee
• Extra protections for travel and purchases

Redemption Options:

Cardholders can redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits through the U.S. Bank rewards portal.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel partners.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and built-in travel protections, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on $2,000 in combined quarterly purchases in two chosen categories
• 5% cash back on prepaid hotels, cars, or air booked through Rewards Travel Center
• 2% cash back in one everyday category (gas, groceries, or restaurants; exclusions apply)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside Dispatch service, fraud protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Secured credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
• Credit line: Equal to the deposit, typically $300–$5,000

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Roadside assistance available through Visa
• Flexible deposit range for different budgets

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, or rewards through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants need good credit, with a FICO score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The credit limit is tied directly to the deposit, which may restrict spending power.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a simple way to establish credit history while providing access to basic cardholder benefits like roadside assistance.

Earning Structure:

• 3x points on dining
• 3x points on travel
• 3x points on gas, transit, and streaming services
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, cell phone protection, travel and purchase protections
• Network: Visa
• Type: Rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Strong earning categories for dining and travel
• Roadside dispatch service available
• Points do not expire as long as the account stays open

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise through Wells Fargo Rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit with a FICO score of 670 or higher to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not offer elevated rewards on every purchase, so general spending earns only 1x points.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple rewards, no annual fee, and useful travel perks, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 2% cash rewards on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a cash rewards bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside dispatch, cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks
• Network: Visa
• Type: Cash back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional features: Access to Visa Signature Concierge

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat 2% cash rewards on all purchases
• Roadside assistance available when needed
• Cell phone protection when paying the bill with the card
• Visa Signature travel and shopping benefits

Redemption Options:

Cash rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or used at select merchants for purchases.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit for approval, with a FICO score of at least 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card charges foreign transaction fees, which makes it less useful for international travel.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its flat rewards rate and no annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to manage without worrying about complex reward categories.

Earning Structure:

• This card does not offer points, miles, or cash back.

Welcome Bonus:

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro APR for up to 21 months, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside dispatch, cell phone protection, fraud protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• Additional info: Best suited for balance transfers and financing purchases

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Extended 0% intro APR period
• Roadside dispatch available through Visa
• Cell phone protection with qualifying payments
• Fraud monitoring for added security

Redemption Options:

Since the card does not earn rewards, there are no redemption options.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score starting at 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The lack of rewards and foreign transaction fees make it less appealing for everyday spending or travel.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides a straightforward way to manage debt without the complexity of rewards programs.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on hotels
• 4x points on airlines
• 3x points on dining
• 3x points on other travel
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Roadside assistance, cell phone protection, travel coverage
• Network: Visa Signature
• Type: Rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Strong rewards on travel categories
• Roadside assistance available
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel and purchase protections
• Flexible redemption options

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, or other available options through Wells Fargo Rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 670.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card charges an annual fee and may not provide high rewards on everyday non-travel purchases.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card is simple to use, offers clear travel rewards, and includes helpful protections that support new travelers.