Best Credit Card for Parking in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Parking

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Finding the best credit card for parking isn't always straightforward, as not all cards treat this spending category the same way.

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A common mistake is assuming that a card's 'travel' or 'transit' bonus category automatically covers parking fees, as this can vary by issuer. Additionally, it's crucial to look beyond just the rewards rate and consider factors like annual fees and spending caps, which could diminish your overall earnings.

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Key Factors

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• Bonus Category Definitions: Check the card's terms to confirm that parking is explicitly included in high-earning categories like travel or transit, as definitions vary between issuers.
• Rewards Rate: Compare how many points, miles, or the percentage of cash back you'll earn specifically on parking expenditures to maximize your return.
• Annual Fee: Consider whether the rewards you'll gain from parking and other spending will be enough to justify the card's annual fee.
• Spending Caps: Be aware of any quarterly or annual limits on the amount of spending that qualifies for a bonus rewards rate, as this can cap your total earnings.

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What to Watch Out For

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Be wary of cards that offer high rewards on broad categories like 'travel' without confirming that parking is included, as the specifics can be buried in the fine print. It's also a common misstep to fixate on a high rewards rate for parking while ignoring an annual fee that could wipe out your earnings. Ultimately, the best card should align with your total spending habits, not just a single expense category.

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Decision Flow

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• If you prioritize simplicity and predictable rewards, choose a flat-rate cash back card that earns the same rate on all purchases, including parking, without you having to track bonus categories.
• If you spend a significant amount on daily or monthly parking, seek out a card with a dedicated transit category that explicitly includes parking garages and meters to maximize your earnings on those specific expenses.
• If you frequently book parking through apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile, consider a card that offers elevated rewards on general travel or online purchases, as these transactions may code differently than paying at a garage.
• If you are a frequent traveler who also pays for parking, a premium travel card might be your best bet. Parking fees can contribute to earning valuable points and help you take advantage of lucrative travel credits that offset the annual fee.
• If you only park occasionally, opt for a no-annual-fee card that offers a modest bonus on transit or general spending. This ensures you're earning something back without the pressure of justifying a yearly cost.

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Maximize Your Return with Parking

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To get the most value from every dollar you spend on parking, here are a few key strategies to keep in mind.

• Choose the right card: Select a credit card that categorizes parking as travel or transit to earn bonus rewards on those expenses.
• Stack with parking apps: Use your rewards card through parking reservation apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to earn rewards from both the app and your card.
• Activate quarterly bonuses: Some cards feature rotating bonus categories that may include transit or ground transportation, so be sure to activate these offers to maximize your earnings.
• Utilize travel credits: Premium travel cards often provide annual statement credits for travel purchases, which can be applied directly to your parking charges.
• Redeem for maximum value: When it's time to use your rewards, consider transferring points to airline or hotel partners, as this often yields a higher value per point than cash back or gift cards.

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Other Things to Consider

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While general travel or gas cards offer broad utility, a store-specific card might be worthwhile if you frequently use a single parking company or garage network that offers one. Regardless of your choice, disciplined financial management is paramount to making a rewards card work for you. Always aim to pay your balance in full each month, as interest charges can quickly negate any rewards you've earned from parking fees. While options like cash or "buy now, pay later" plans exist, a well-managed credit card is a superior tool for earning rewards and building credit, so long as you avoid carrying debt.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What counts as a parking purchase for credit card rewards?

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A parking purchase typically includes charges from parking lots, garages, and sometimes street meters, depending on how the merchant is categorized. It's always best to check your card's terms to see which specific merchant category codes (MCCs) are included for bonus rewards.

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Do parking apps code as travel or parking?

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Parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile are often coded as "travel" or "transit" by credit card networks, which can be beneficial for cards that offer broad travel rewards. However, this can vary, so it's wise to check a small transaction first to see how it's categorized on your statement.

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How can I maximize my rewards on parking expenses?

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To maximize rewards, use a credit card that offers a high rewards rate on general travel, transit, or has a specific parking category. Also, consider pre-booking parking through apps that may offer additional discounts or be part of a card's bonus category.

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