Here’s a list of some of the best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025. These cards are designed for travelers who want to maximize points, miles, and perks for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards:
3x points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries.
2x points on other travel purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
- Other Perks:
No foreign transaction fees.
Primary rental car insurance.
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $395
- Rewards:
5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2x miles on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Other Perks:
Access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit.
3. American Express® Gold Card
- Annual Fee: $250
- Rewards:
3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Other Perks:
Flexible redemption options for flights and hotels.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Annual Fee: $695
- Rewards:
5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Other Perks:
$200 annual airline fee credit.
$189 CLEAR credit and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
5. Citi Premier® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards:
1x point on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Other Perks:
No foreign transaction fees.
6. Discover it® Miles
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards:
Miles can be redeemed for travel or cashback at the same value.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Discover matches all miles earned in the first year.
- Other Perks:
Straightforward redemption with no blackout dates.
7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 points (worth $250 in travel) after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Other Perks:
No foreign transaction fees.
8. United℠ Explorer Card
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95
- Rewards:
1x mile on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Other Perks:
Priority boarding on United flights.
Two United Club passes per year.
Tips for Choosing the Best Card for You
1. Travel Preferences:
If you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider co-branded cards for additional perks.
2. Spending Habits:
Choose a card that rewards your highest spending categories, like dining, travel, or groceries.
3. Perks vs. Fees:
Higher annual fees often come with premium benefits like lounge access and travel credits. Make sure the perks outweigh the cost.
4. Foreign Transaction Fees:
If you travel internationally, pick a card with no foreign transaction fees.