Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul overseas flight, a great travel rewards credit card can make the difference in how you see the world.
These cards earn points, miles, or cashback that can be used for flights, hotels, rental cars, upgrades, and so much more, turning your day-to-day spending into free or cheap travel.
In 2025, the best travel credit cards will have enormous welcome offers, strong earning rates, lounge access, solid travel protections, and no foreign transaction fees. Below, we’ll dive into the top travel cards of 2025, their benefits, and how you can maximize rewards toward epic travel experiences.
What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?
Before selecting which card is the best, it’s beneficial to outline what would make a travel card worth your while. Generally, an enormous welcome bonus is one of the biggest draws: In 2025, most cards offer anywhere between 50,000–75,000 bonus points for meeting minimum spend within a few months. Those points may be worth $500 to more than $1,000 depending on how you redeem them – and even more when transferred to airline or hotel partners, where points can double or even triple in value.
A great travel card also earns bonus rewards in categories that travelers use most: many give 3X points on dining, 2X or 3X on travel, and 1X on everyday purchases. Cards that reward dining, gas, and groceries are especially helpful, because you can rack up more points through everyday spending-not just when you travel.
The other hallmark characteristic of the best travel credit cards is the suite of benefits that come with them. You can very often find airport lounge access, such as Priority Pass, annual travel credits, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursements, baggage insurance, trip delay or cancellation coverage, and rental car collision waivers on premium cards. These perks can save you time and money, helping to turn potentially stressful travel days into smoother journeys.
Most of the travel cards also don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which is key on international trips. You don’t have the usual 3% charge on foreign purchases; you get to enjoy your trip.
For those loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, co-branded cards-from the likes of Delta SkyMiles or Marriott Bonvoy-can be extremely valuable. These cards carry brand-specific perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, elite status, and free hotel night certificates.
Best Travel Credit Cards of 2025
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
This remains a favorite of frequent travelers and beginners alike. Better known for its very generous welcome bonus, which is generally in the vicinity of 60,000 points, Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2X on travel and 3X on dining. The points earned are part of Chase Ultimate Rewards, one of the most valuable point systems in the world.
You can transfer these points to major partners like United Airlines, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott, or redeem them through Chase’s travel portal for 25% more value. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, primary rental car insurance, trip interruption coverage, and no foreign transaction fees make it one of the best overall travel cards available.
Its more premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offers airport lounge access and up to $300 in travel credit but brings in a higher annual fee.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Venture card is ideal for those seeking straightforward rewards that require no juggling of categories. It earns an easy 2X miles on every purchase, which means you never have to remember the bonus categories. Its welcome bonus is often around 75,000 miles, making it one of the most generous mid-tier offers.
The Capital One miles can be transferred to one of many airline partners or redeemed to offset travel purchases directly against your statement. You also get Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, travel accident insurance, and no foreign transaction fees for an annual fee of $95. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone seeking hassle-free rewards.
3. American Express Gold Card
Many people, especially those who enjoy trying food and traveling, prefer the Amex Gold for its fantastic earning potential: 4X points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines. These earning rates make it one of the fastest ways to accumulate valuable Amex Membership Rewards points.
Though charging a higher $250 annual fee, the card has up to $120 in dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash annually, which offset the cost when used strategically. The Amex points are particularly useful because of their transferability to a wide range of airlines and hotels. That makes this ideal for travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries.
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier is among the most rewarding options for everyday spending, with 3X points on wide-reaching categories that include travel (with gas stations), dining, and groceries. It also has a $95 annual charge and no foreign transaction fee.
Its points, called Citi ThankYou Points, can be transferred to airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines or redeemed through Citi’s travel portal. One of the biggest perks that makes the card stand out is the annual $100 hotel credit on bookings of $500 or over, which by itself covers the annual fee. The Citi Premier is ideal for travelers looking for large bonus categories with no premium pricing.
5. Co-Branded Airline & Hotel Cards
Co-branded cards can make a big difference for you if you are loyal to an airline or a hotel chain:
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex provides one free checked bag, priority boarding, 3X on Delta purchases, and, most importantly, an annual companion certificate that could offset the annual fee.
- United Explorer Card: Includes a free checked bag, 2 United Club passes annually, and strong travel protections.
- Southwest Priority Card: Accelerates the earning of Companion Pass; travel credits, upgraded boardings, and many more.
- World of Hyatt Visa: Largely praised for annual free night certificate and generous elite night credits.
- Marriott Bonvoy Cards: Great for earning elite status and free night awards.
If you frequently fly or stay with the same brand, these cards carry great value.
How to Maximize Your Travel Rewards
Having a great card is but half the strategy; maximizing those benefits is where the magic is.
1. Hit Your Sign-Up Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to rack up thousands of points. Time your card application around big expenses so you’ll be able to meet minimum spending requirements without overspending.
2. Use Your Card for Bonus Categories
If your card earns 3X on dining, then always use that card at restaurants. Only split your everyday spending across multiple cards when it truly increases your points.
3. Redeem Points Wisely
The value of your points can vary quite wildly. The best value, particularly for long-haul business class flights, often comes by transferring your points to airline partners. Don’t cash out points for gift cards or other low-value redemptions unless absolutely needed.
4. Utilize Travel Benefits
Lounge access, travel credits, and travel insurance benefits can be very valuable and are sometimes worth hundreds per trip. Don’t forget to activate perks such as Priority Pass or travel credits.
5. Avoid Interest and Fees
This is the key: paying interest negates the value of your rewards. Only charge what you can pay off in full each month.
How to Choose the Best Card for Your Travel Style
Your best card depends on how you travel:
- Casual travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture.
- Airline loyalists: Delta, United, or Southwest co-branded card
- Hotel aficionados: Free nights and elite benefits with the Hyatt or Marriott card
- Those desiring luxury: high-end cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire
- Reserve International adventurers: Any card with no foreign transaction fees
In fact, all of the above qualify for that The right travel credit card doesn’t just help you earn rewards; it transforms your travel experience.
Spend smartly, make strategic redemptions, utilize every perk your card offers, and you can take unforgettable trips for a fraction of the cost.
