Best Credit Cards For Wedding Expenses

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Enter the credit card — a modern knight in shining plastic. The right credit card can help you manage those steep wedding costs, earn rewards and maybe even score a dreamy honeymoon without maxing out your savings. 

However, not all credit cards are created equal, and some may not be the right fit. So, let’s dive into some of the best credit cards for wedding expenses.

1. Best for Big Spenders: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is like the Rolls-Royce of credit cards regarding wedding expenses. With a killer rewards program and generous welcome bonus, it’s perfect for those planning to spend big.

Pros

• High welcome bonus

• Strong rewards on travel and dining

• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• Annual fee

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• High balance transfer fee

2. Best for Rewards: American Express® Gold Card

If you’re all about the rewards, the American Express® Gold Card should be your go-to. It offers fantastic points on dining and groceries — perfect for those pre-wedding feasts and post-wedding brunches.

Pros

• Excellent rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets

• No foreign transaction fees

• Earns valuable Amex Membership Rewards points

Cons

• High annual fee

• No intro APR promotion on purchases

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

3. Best for Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card

Keep it simple and profitable with the Citi® Double Cash Card. With this card, you earn cash back on everything, making it an excellent option for wedding expenses.

Pros

• No annual fee

• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable)

• Simple cash back rewards

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

4. Best for Travel Perks: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

For those dreaming of a honeymoon abroad, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your best bet. It offers stellar travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros

• Great travel rewards

• No foreign transaction fees

• Miles transfer to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners

Cons

• Annual fee

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• No introductory APR

5. Best for Flexible Rewards: Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles card is perfect for those who want flexibility in using their rewards. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can then use for travel or as a statement credit.

Pros

• No annual fee

• Flexible rewards redemption

• 0% Intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months, then 17.49% – 26.49% Variable APR

Cons

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• No travel or purchase protections

6. Best for Balance Transfers: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

If you’re looking to transfer a balance and avoid interest on new purchases, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a solid choice.

Pros

• No annual fee

• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR

• Cell phone protection

Cons

• No rewards program

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• Foreign transaction fee

7. Best for Low Interest: U.S. Bank Shield Visa® Card

The U.S. Bank Shield Visa® Card offers one of the longest 0% APR periods, making it ideal for paying off large wedding expenses over time.

Pros

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 16.99%-27.99%.

• No annual fee

Cons

• No rewards program

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• Foreign transaction fee

8. Best for Everyday Spending: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

If you’re looking for a card that offers fantastic rewards on everyday spending, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is your best bet.

Pros

• High rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions

• $0 intro annual fee the first year (then $95)

• 0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then 19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

Cons

• Annual fee after first year

• Requires good-to-excellent credit

• Foreign transaction fee

Should You Get a Credit Card for Your Wedding?

Using a credit card for your wedding is only a good idea if:

• You get an introductory APR that allows you to pay off your wedding expenses without interest

• You're able to pay off your balance each month and take advantage of rewards programs

Otherwise, you can get stuck in a debt cycle that's difficult to get out of.

How To Choose the Best Credit Card for Wedding Expenses

Finding the best credit card for your wedding expenses isn’t just about picking the first card that promises the moon. It’s about strategic decision-making. Here are the key factors you need to consider to ensure you get the most bang for your buck:

• Compare rewards programs: Look at what each card offers regarding points, miles, or cashback. Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and will give you the maximum return on your wedding purchases. Learn more about comparing credit cards.

• Consider welcome bonuses: Many credit cards offer lucrative ones if you meet a certain spending threshold within the first few months. This can be a huge boost, especially when you spend much on wedding expenses.

• Check interest rates: Pay attention to the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Some cards offer 0% introductory rates for a set period, which can be beneficial if you need to carry a balance for a few months.

• Evaluate annual fees: Some of the best credit cards have annual fees, but they can be worth it if the rewards and perks outweigh the cost. Make sure to calculate whether the benefits justify the fee.

• Assess travel perks: If you’re planning a honeymoon, look for cards that offer travel rewards, no foreign transaction fees, and other travel-related benefits. This can make your post-wedding vacation more affordable and enjoyable.

FAQs 

Are there credit cards specifically designed for wedding costs?

While there aren’t cards exclusively for wedding expenses, many offer benefits that can be highly advantageous when planning a wedding, such as rewards on large purchases, 0% APR intro periods and significant welcome bonuses.

Which credit cards offer the best rewards for wedding-related purchases?

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and American Express® Gold Card offer excellent rewards on dining and travel, making them great choices for wedding-related spending.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the best wedding expense cards?

Most top cards require a good-to-excellent credit score, typically 670 and above on FICO’s scale. It’s essential to check your credit score and review the card’s requirements before applying.

Key Terms

• Annual percentage rate (APR): APR is the yearly cost of borrowing on a credit card, including interest and certain fees. It helps you compare cards on the same scale.

• Annual fee: An annual fee is the amount a card issuer charges each year to keep your account open, whether you use the card or not.

• Balance transfer: A balance transfer moves debt from one credit card to another, often to save on interest during a low or 0% intro APR period.

• Credit score: A credit score is a number that estimates how likely you are to repay debt on time. Card issuers use it to help decide approval and pricing.

• Introductory rate: An introductory rate is a temporary lower APR a card offers for purchases or balance transfers for a set time before the regular APR begins.

Sources:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a credit card interest rate? What does APR mean?

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit card key terms

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a credit score?

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: How long can I keep a low rate on a balance transfer or other introductory rate?

• Northwestern University: How to Find the Best Credit Card