Cards for Iceland

The best credit cards for a trip to Iceland.

Iceland is a JetBlue and Icelandair market — no-fee no-FX cards matter here because everything else is expensive.

Reviewed by destination.com editorial·Updated August 3, 2026·How we rate cards

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Iceland travel is dominated by two things: weather-related trip disruptions and famously high cash prices. That elevates trip protection insurance and no foreign transaction fees above everything else.

Icelandair operates independently, limiting mileage redemptions. JetBlue is the alternative from JFK, BOS, and MCO — TrueBlue points are transferable from Amex MR and Chase UR.

Regional context: Iceland is served by Icelandair (independent) and JetBlue (Mint-eligible from JFK/BOS to KEF).

The three cards we'd take to Iceland

Best for Iceland

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Trip cancellation + delay for Iceland weather risk

Fee

$795/yr

Trip protection is #1 need — winter weather and volcanic activity create real cancellation risk. Up to $10,000 per person for trip cancellation.

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Pick #2

Chase Sapphire Preferred

$95 fee with full trip protection · no FX

Fee

$95/yr

Same trip protection stack as the Reserve at a fraction of the fee. Iceland doesn't need premium lounge access from the U.S. side.

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Pick #3

Bilt Rewards Mastercard

Zero-fee no-FX · cell phone protection

Fee

$0/yr

No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee for pricey Reykjavik dining and Icelandair booking. Cell phone protection too.

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Sweet spots we'd target

JFK-Reykjavik on JetBlue Mint: ~55,000 TrueBlue points one-way
Retreat at Blue Lagoon via Amex FHR: $100 credit + upgrade
Deplar Farm via Amex FHR: $100 credit + upgrade

Tips for maximizing points in Iceland

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe — a bowl of soup runs $20-25. FX fees compound quickly.
Icelandair Saga Points is not transferable from any major U.S. issuer. Book paid economy and use trip protection to hedge weather.
JetBlue Mint from JFK to Reykjavik: ~55,000 TrueBlue points one-way — the sweet spot for business-class Iceland.