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Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025
Traveling in 2025 is back in full swing, and savvy travelers are using credit cards to unlock massive savings and perks. From free flights and hotel stays to lounge access and zero foreign transaction fees, the best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025 offer a lot more than just points.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top travel credit cards, how they stack up, who they’re best for, and how to maximize your travel rewards this year.
✈️ Why Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
A travel rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cashback when you spend, especially on travel-related purchases. Benefits often include:
- Free flights or hotel nights
- Airport lounge access
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding & upgrades
Whether you’re a casual traveler or a globe-trotter, using the right card can save thousands each year.
🥇 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best Overall Travel Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points (worth $937.50 in travel) after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x on dining, streaming, and online groceries
- 2x on other travel purchases
- 1x on everything else
- Key Benefits:
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay & cancellation protection
- No foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great:
It strikes the perfect balance of rewards, travel protections, and a modest annual fee. Ideal for beginners and seasoned travelers alike.
🥈 2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best for Premium Travel Perks
- Annual Fee: $395
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles (worth $750+) after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 10x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- 5x on flights
- 2x on all other purchases
- Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass & Capital One Lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Cell phone protection
Why It’s Great:
Luxury benefits at a lower fee than most premium cards. Great for frequent flyers who want comfort and value.
🥉 3. The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best for Luxury Travel
- Annual Fee: $695
- Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in 6 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines
- 5x on hotels booked through Amex Travel
- 1x on other purchases
- Key Benefits:
- Centurion Lounge & Delta Sky Club access
- $200 airline fee credit
- $189 CLEAR® Plus credit
- $200 hotel credit
- Concierge services
Why It’s Great:
The ultimate travel companion for high-end experiences. Pays for itself if you travel frequently and take advantage of all perks.
⭐ 4. Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best for Ultimate Rewards Travelers
- Annual Fee: $550
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 10x on hotels and rental cars through Chase
- 5x on flights through Chase
- 3x on dining and other travel
- 1x on all else
- Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- Excellent travel protections
Why It’s Great:
Powerful point earning and best-in-class travel insurance benefits. Ideal for frequent Chase users.
⭐ 5. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card – Best for Flexible Travel Points
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 70,000 ThankYou® Points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 3x on air travel, hotels, restaurants, gas
- 1x on everything else
- Key Benefits:
- Transfer points to multiple travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Strong earning potential on travel and dining
Why It’s Great:
Solid low-fee card with flexible point transfers to top airlines.
⭐ 6. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ – Best New Travel Card in 2025
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x on hotels
- 4x on airfare
- 3x on dining and travel
- 1x on other purchases
- Key Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cell phone protection
- New-to-market issuer with global partnerships
Why It’s Great:
Fresh, flexible card with powerful travel earnings for under $100 a year.
🧳 7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best for No Annual Fee
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points (worth $250 travel) after $1,000 spend
- Rewards Rate: 1.5x on all purchases
- Key Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Simple flat-rate structure
- Boosted earnings with Preferred Rewards Program
Why It’s Great:
Best for casual travelers who don’t want to worry about categories or annual fees.
📊 Comparison Table – Top Travel Credit Cards 2025
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Bonus | Lounge Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 5x travel, 3x dining, 2x travel, 1x all else | 75,000 points | No |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 10x hotel, 5x flights, 2x all else | 75,000 miles | Yes (Priority Pass) |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | 5x flights/hotels, 1x all else | 100,000 points | Yes (Centurion/Delta) |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 10x hotel, 5x flights, 3x dining/travel | 75,000 points | Yes (Priority Pass) |
| Citi Strata Premier | $95 | 3x air, hotels, gas, dining | 70,000 points | No |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey | $95 | 5x hotels, 4x airfare, 3x travel/dining | 60,000 points | No |
| BofA Travel Rewards | $0 | 1.5x flat | 25,000 points | No |
🧠 How to Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards
Here’s how to get the most value out of your card:
✈️ 1. Always Use for Travel & Dining
Use your card on categories that earn bonus points like flights, hotels, rideshares, and dining.
💱 2. Redeem Through Travel Portals or Transfer Partners
Some cards (like Chase and Amex) offer more value when redeeming points via their portals or transferring to airline/hotel partners.
💰 3. Take Advantage of Statement Credits
Use your TSA PreCheck, hotel, airline, and dining credits every year—they’re essentially free money.
📆 4. Plan Large Purchases Around Welcome Bonuses
Timing big expenses like vacations or electronics around your new card spend requirement can unlock 50k–100k points fast.
📲 5. Track Your Benefits
Use apps like AwardWallet or PointsGuy to track point values, expirations, and perks.
🔄 When Should You Switch Travel Cards?
You might consider switching cards if:
- You’re not using the benefits enough to justify the annual fee
- Your travel habits have changed (e.g., fewer flights, more road trips)
- You’re looking for a better welcome bonus
- You want a card with better airline/hotel partners
Tip: Downgrade instead of canceling to maintain your credit history and avoid hard inquiries.
🛫 Final Thoughts: Which Travel Card is Best for You in 2025?
Choosing the best travel credit card depends on how often you travel, your budget, and which perks matter most to you.
👉 Choose This If You Want…
- Best All-Around: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Premium Perks: Capital One Venture X or Amex Platinum
- No Annual Fee Simplicity: Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Hotel & Flight Earners: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
Remember: the right card can help you travel for free, enjoy luxury upgrades, and unlock exclusive experiences. Always compare rewards, fees, and bonuses before applying.
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