Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025: Maximize Your Trips!
Are you planning your next vacation? The best credit cards for travel rewards can help you earn free flights. They also offer hotel stays and cashback just by spending like you normally do.
Looking for the best credit cards for travel rewards? The best credit cards for travel rewards can help you earn free flights. You can also earn hotel stays and exclusive perks just by using it for everyday spending.
Top options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Amex Platinum® offer generous sign-up bonuses. They provide flexible point redemptions. These cards offer valuable travel benefits like lounge access and no foreign transaction fees.
You want simple flat-rate rewards, such as Capital One Venture. Or you might prefer luxury travel perks, like Chase Sapphire Reserve. Either way, there is an ideal travel rewards card. It can match your spending habits and vacation goals. Maximize your trips by choosing a card that aligns with how you travel!
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025. We will discuss their benefits and annual fees. We will also give redemption tips to help you pick the perfect one for your travel style.
Why Get Credit Cards for Travel Rewards?
Travel credit cards offer exclusive perks like:
Free flights (through airline miles)
Complimentary hotel stays
Airport lounge access (Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges)
No foreign transaction fees
Sign-up bonuses worth $500+
If you travel frequently, a premium travel card can save you thousands per year.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the best all-around travel card for beginners. With a low 95 annual fee,it offers, 60,000bonus points ( 95annual fee, it offers, 60,000 bonus points(750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
You earn 3x on dining, online groceries, and streaming, plus 2x on travel. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel. You can also transfer them to 13+ airline and hotel partners. However, it lacks lounge access, making it less ideal for best credit cards for travel rewards luxury travelers.
Best for Beginners
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points
- 750intravel after spending
- 750intravel)after spending 4,000 in 3 months
- Earn Rate: 3x on dining, 2x on travel
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: 25% more value when redeeming via Chase Travel, No foreign transaction fees
Best For: Travelers who want flexibility (transfers to airlines like United & hotels like Hyatt).
2. American Express Platinum Card®
The Amex Platinum® is the ultimate luxury travel card, packed with premium perks—but it comes with a 695annual fee. Youget, 80,000 Membership Rewards points(695annual fee∗∗.Youget∗∗80,000 Membership Rewards points(1,600+ value) after pending 8,000 in 6 months. Highlights include∗∗5x on flight sand hotels. Centurion Lounge access.
Best for Luxury Travelers
- Sign-up Bonus: 80,000 points (
- 1,600+invalue)afterspending
- 1,600+invalue) after spending 8,000 in 6 months
- Earn Rate: 5x on flights (direct/Amex Travel), 5x on prepaid hotels
- Annual Fee: $695
- Perks: $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 Uber Cash yearly
Best For: Frequent flyers who want first-class treatment.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards
If you prefer simple, flat-rate rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards card is a great pick. It earns 2x miles on every purchase, with **75,000 bonus miles (750+value)∗∗after spending 750+value)∗∗after spending 4,000 in 3 months.
There’s no foreign transaction fee, and miles can be redeemed for travel erasures or transfers to partners. However, it lacks premium perks like lounge access, making it less exciting for frequent flyers.
Best for Flat-Rate Rewards
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles
- 750+after spending
- 750+ after spending 4,000 in 3 months
- Earn Rate: 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, Transfer partners (Air Canada, Emirates, etc.)
Best For: Those who want simple, high-value redemptions.
4. Citi Premier® Card
95annual fee and solid rewards.It offers 60,000 ThankYou Points (600+ in travel) after spending $4,000 in 3 months, along with 3x points on dining, groceries, gas, airfare, and hotels. Points transfer to 16+ airline partners, including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, adding flexibility.
While it lacks luxury perks like lounge access, it offers high earning rates on everyday spending. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want strong value. They can enjoy this without a high annual fee.
Best for Flexible Points:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points
- 600 after4,000 spend in 3 months
- Earn Rate: 3x on travel, gas, dining, and supermarkets
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Transfer partners (JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, etc.)
Best For: Travelers who spend on gas & groceries.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card?
Ask yourself:
- Do you travel often? (If yes, a premium card like Amex Platinum may be worth it.)
- Do you prefer airline-specific or flexible rewards? (Chase Sapphire vs. Delta SkyMiles)
- Can you maximize the sign-up bonus? (Meet minimum spend requirements)
Pro Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards
- Stack bonuses (Use multiple cards for different spending categories)
- Transfer points to airline/hotel partners (Often better value than cash redemptions)
- Check for limited-time offers (Higher sign-up bonuses)
Which Card Should You Get?
- Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® (Great value, low fee)
- Best Luxury: Amex Platinum (Premium perks, high annual fee)
- Best for Simplicity: Capital One Venture Rewards (Flat 2x miles)
Ready to Travel for Free? Apply for one of these cards today and start earning rewards!
Pros and Cons
Choosing the best credit cards for travel rewards can be overwhelming. To help you decide here is the pros and cons of the top travel rewards cards in 2025.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Pros: Strong Sign-Up Bonus – 60,000 points (750intravel)after 750intravel)after4,000 spend in 3 months.
Low Annual Fee (95)∗∗–Greatvalueforapremiumtravelcard.
Flexible Rewards∗∗–Points transfer to∗∗13+airlines/hotels∗∗(United,Hyatt,Southwest)∗∗2595)∗∗–Great value for a premium travel card. Flexible Rewards∗∗–Points transfer to∗∗13+airlines/hotels∗∗(United,Hyatt,Southwest). ∗∗25750 (vs. $600 cash).
No Foreign Transaction Fees – Perfect for international travel.
Cons: No Airport Lounge Access (Unlike Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum).
Lower Earning Rate on Non-Travel/Dining (Just 1x on regular purchases).
Best For: Beginners who want flexibility without a high annual fee.
2. American Express Platinum Card®
Pros: Luxury Travel Perks – $1,400+ in annual credits (Uber, airline fees, Saks Fifth Ave).
5x Points on Flights & Hotels – Best earning rate for frequent travelers.
Premium Lounge Access – Includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs.
Elite Hotel Benefits – Free upgrades, late checkout, and dining credits via Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Cons: High Annual Fee ($695) – Only worth it if you maximize credits.
Limited Bonus Categories – Only 5x on flights & prepaid hotels (1x on everything else).
Best For: Frequent travelers who value luxury perks and can use all credits.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards
Pros: Simple Flat-Rate Rewards – 2x miles on every purchase (no bonus categories to track).
Good Sign-Up Bonus – 75,000 miles (750+)after 750+)after4,000 spend in 3 months.
No Foreign Transaction Fees – Great for international use.
Flexible Redemption – Use miles to erase travel purchases or transfer to partners.
Cons: No Airport Lounge Access (Unlike Venture X).
Lower Point Value Than Chase/Amex – Transfers aren’t as valuable.
Best For: Those who want easy, flat-rate rewards without complex categories.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex Card
Pros: Free Checked Bag & Priority Boarding – Saves $60+ per round-trip flight.
Companion Certificate – Buy one ticket, get one free (domestic flights).
20% Back on In-Flight Purchases – Discounts on Delta food & Wi-Fi.
Cons: Limited to Delta – Not ideal if you fly other airlines.
$250 Annual Fee – Only worth it if you fly Delta frequently.
Best For: Delta loyalists who want perks like free checked bags.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Pros: 300Annual Travel Credit∗∗–Effectively lowers the annual fee to, 300Annual Travel Credit∗∗–Effectively lowers the annual feeto250.
Priority Pass Lounge Access – Free entry to 1,300+ lounges worldwide. 3x Points on Travel & Dining – Strong earning for big spenders.
Cons: High Annual Fee ($550) – Not ideal for casual travelers.
Less Valuable for Non-Travelers – Points are best used for flights/hotels.
Best For: Frequent travelers who want premium perks and high rewards best credit cards for travel rewards.
Comparison Table: Best Travel Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Best For | Biggest Drawback |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 60,000 pts ($750) | Beginners, flexibility | No lounge access |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | 80,000 pts ($1,600) | Luxury travel, lounge access | High annual fee |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | 75,000 miles ($750) | Simple flat-rate rewards | No premium perks |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum | $250 | 50,000 miles | Delta frequent flyers | Limited to Delta |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 60,000 pts ($900) | Premium travel perks | Expensive annual fee |
Final Verdict: Which Card Should You Pick?
- Best for Beginners → Chase Sapphire Preferred (Low fee, high value).
- Best for Luxury Travel → Amex Platinum (Best perks, but expensive).
- Best for Simple Rewards → Capital One Venture (2x on everything).
- Best for Delta Flyers → Delta SkyMiles Platinum.
- Best for Premium Perks → Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Pro Tip: Always compare your spending habits to the card’s rewards structure. Do this before applying for the best credit cards for travel rewards!
Key Takeaways
Chase Sapphire Preferred = Best all-around value.
Amex Platinum = Best for luxury perks (if you can justify the fee).
Capital One Venture = Best for simple, flat-rate rewards.
FAQ: Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Do travel credit cards have foreign transaction fees?
Most premium cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) have no foreign fees, but always check
Can I use points for cashback instead of travel?
Yes, but you’ll usually get less value (e.g., 1 cent per point vs. 1.5+ cents for flights)
How do I avoid annual fees?
Some cards waive the first year’s fee, or you can downgrade to a no-fee version later
Is the Amex Platinum worth the $695 annual fee?
Yes, if you use all credits (Uber, airline fees, Saks, etc.). Otherwise, no.
Which card has the best lounge access?
Amex Platinum (Centurion Lounges + Priority Pass).
Can I have multiple travel cards?
Yes! Many travelers use one for flights and another for hotels.
Final Thoughts
The best travel rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and travel goals. Whether you want luxury perks (Amex Platinum) or simple flat-rate rewards (Capital One Venture), there’s a perfect card for you. Pro Tip: Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges that outweigh rewards!
