Golf is a chic game that comes with its cost. You might fare well with a card that offers valuable perks like complimentary green fees, exclusive access to top courses, and discounts on gear. However, searching for the right card can exhaust you.
Therefore, we dug out the best credit cards for golfers. Choose one today to make your pursuit of this beloved sport more rewarding.
Our Top Credit Card Reviews for Golfers
Golfers have limited options for choosing the best credit card. Our compiled list consists of detailed reviews of the potential perks you might expect.
- Best Overall: Amex Platinum
- Best for Hotel: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by Amex
- Best for a National Event: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Best Overall Card for Golfers: American Express Platinum
It is considered the most premium card in the sea of publicly available credit cards. American Express Platinum is famous for its high-end travel benefits and luxury perks.
Golf-Specific Benefits
Platinum cardmembers can access international golf courses with its Preferred Golf Membership program. It is a unique perk, as some golf-specific cards are no longer available for new members. You get:
- Availability-based complimentary room upgrade upon arrival
- Availability-based late checkout
- One complimentary round of golf every night of your stay
- Discount on more golf rounds for two people after the complimentary round each night
Like many other cards, you earn Amex points every night you spend at partner destinations.
Regular Features
You can not ignore Amex Platinum’s luxury benefits besides golf course access. You get reward points and a host of statement credits on purchasing from top-tier brands. Although you pay a $695 annual fee, the highest in this list, you can offset it by the credits you receive.
You get 5x points for booking flights with airlines directly or through the Amex Travel portal. You also earn credits for booking partner hotels and airlines. Like most travel cards, you also get reimbursed for your Global Entry fee.
Additionally, you get a lucrative welcome offer. You earn 80,000 reward points if you spend $8,000 within the first six months. It is a straightforward offer if you are a frequent traveler and like to shop by brands.
Pros
- You get complimentary golf rounds every night of your stay in Amex Platinum’s partner destinations. It is significant as golfing is an expensive hobby in the US.
- You get discounts on golf rounds for two people at Amex Platinum’s partner destinations.
- You earn statement credits that can offset the high annual fee this card incurs.
- You get 5x points on booking flights and hotels, the average reward for most travel cards.
Cons
- This card may be expensive if you do not shop with Platinum-specific brands.
- You incur a maximum APR on purchases and balance transfers. Again, it can be too expensive if you carry a monthly balance.
Best Hotel Card for Traveling Golfers: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by Amex
You can open a floodgate to exclusive Marriott benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by Amex. It differs from other Marriott cards by the card charges and reward opportunities.
Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program that rewards staunch customers with unique perks.
Golf-Specific Benefits
You can redeem your reward points to purchase with Marriott Golf Links. The process goes like this:
- You make purchases at Marriott Golf Clubs.
- You get points per dollar for every purchase, 10 x points, to be exact.
- You redeem those accumulated points towards gift cards to play more golf. You can book golf lessons or buy equipment, too.
You have to spend a lot to get enough points if you only use this card for golfing. You should use this card’s other reward opportunities to increase your points pool.
Regular Features
You get generous travel rewards here through points and statement credits. You get:
- 6x points for spending at the participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
- 3x points each on flight and hotel bookings.
- 2x points on all other purchases. This point percentage is the highest flat rate reward for rewards cards.
- $300 dining credit for spending on global restaurants with this card.
- $100 credit for staying at the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis.
- $100 reimbursement for Global Entry and TSA Precheck
Moreover, you can access airport lounges worldwide by enrolling in the Priority Pass Select. You get complimentary services at the lounges regardless of the class you are flying.
You get an extra 95,000 points for spending $6,000 within six months on purchases. It is the highest bonus among the Amex cards with a similar spending limit.
Pros
- You can buy golf rounds, lessons, and equipment by redeeming reward points towards golf-specific gift cards.
- You get a hefty welcome bonus that can be used towards travel, dining, golfing, and Amex Offers.
- You get higher points in the travel category than what most travel cards offer.
- You get complimentary nights at top-tier hotels each card anniversary. It is an offer few cards can provide.
Cons
- You have to pay a $650 annual fee, which is relatively high, preceded by Amex Platinum only.
- This card can be expensive if you don’t plan to maximize all of its benefits.
Best Golf Event Card for Golfers: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is a goldmine for travelers. It offers different bonus points and is an excellent option for the Chase Trifecta.
Golf-Specific Benefits
Chase is also continuing its partnership streak with the PGA Championship in 2024. Last year proved to be a hit where Chase was the official credit card for the championship. You can anticipate this year to be the same, if not more.
Chase will sponsor the shops at the event held at the Valhalla Golf Club. If you are a Sapphire cardmember, you can get:
- Discounted PGA merchandise
- Complimentary merchandise sponsored by Chase
- Priority seating
- Time to relax at the Chase Sapphire Lounge
- VIP tickets to hotel accommodations and access to the event
- Food and drinks
You can apply for tickets now because they are selling fast! You can even get tickets to practice rounds with both Sapphire cards.
Regular Features
I like this card’s reward tiers. You get:
- 5x points on booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining out
- 3x points on buying online groceries
- 3x points on subscribing to streaming services
- 2x points on transit and commute. Few cards offer this reward category.
This card is highly convenient in terms of travel. You earn points on buses, trains, subways, taxis, camping spaces, parking, ferries, tolls, etc.
You also get an annual hotel credit for booking hotels through the Ultimate Rewards. You can also redeem points through it on a 25% increased value, i.e., 1: 1.25
Pros
- You get VIP status at the PGA Championship 2024 if you own this or the other Sapphire card.
- You can offset almost half the $95 annual fee by the yearly hotel credit.
- You get maximum rewards on travel and different functional categories, which can upscale your reward bank.
Cons
- You can consider the Sapphire Reserve for more benefits at the Championship event.
- You can get more points on travel with several other cards.
| Cards | Golfing Perks | Annual Fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum | Complimentary round of golf with Preferred Golf Membership | $695 | 5x points for booking flights and hotels with Amex Travel or directly (flights only) |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by Amex | Earn Marriott Bonvoy points on Marriott Golf Clubs purchases | $650 | 6x points on purchases from participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Premium treatment at PGA Championship 2024 | $95 | 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards |
Features to Consider for the Credit Cards for Golfers
You might get a card to avail of golfing amenities only. However, it would be wise to consider all these aspects before concluding.
Golfing Perks
It depends on your priorities. You can get a loyalist card like Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant if you are a Marriott frequenter. Otherwise, you can go for a global exposure like the Amex Platinum.
Card Fees
You’ll want the rewards and benefits to outweigh the annual fee of the card. If they won’t, you may want to consider a card with a lower fee like Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Other Perks
Remember to maximize every benefit and perk your selected card offers. So, you should get one that aligns with your regular preferences and golfing. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one such card.
Related Questions
Do Credit Cards for Golfers Have Higher Interest Rates or Fees Than Other Credit Cards?
Cards for golfers do not necessarily have higher interest rates or fees than others. However, they tend to have a good rewards and perks structure.
Can Non-Golfers Also Benefit From Using a Credit Card for Golfers?
Yes, non-golfers also benefit from using a card for golfers. You can avail of the card’s regular reward offers. Rotating categories, fixed and flat rate rewards for groceries, travel, etc., can benefit a non-golfer.
Is There a Golf Rewards Credit Card?
While there are no specific golf cards, rewards cards can be used for golf. Amex and Chase have the most perks for golfers. They range from free golf rounds to complimentary stays at golf-friendly destinations.
Conclusion
I think Amex Platinum is the best card for golfers because you can access several locations with it. You get access to international golf courses. You also get complimentary and discounted golf rounds along with availability-based room upgrades.