If you’re a frequent traveler or someone planning to explore the world in 2025, having the right credit card can make your trips more rewarding. Travel reward credit cards offer perks like free flights, hotel stays, airport lounge access, and cashback on travel expenses. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025, tailored to suit different types of travelers.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $1,000 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Rewards Rate: 5x on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
Annual Fee: $95
Perks: Points are flexible and transferable to leading airline and hotel partners. No foreign transaction fees.
Best For: Travelers who want flexibility in redeeming points across airlines and hotels.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate: 5x on flights and hotels booked through AmEx Travel.
Annual Fee: $695
Perks: Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, $200 airline fee credit, and elite hotel status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Best For: Luxury travelers who value premium perks and exclusive benefits.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 10x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $395
Perks: $300 annual travel credit, unlimited lounge access, and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
Best For: Frequent flyers looking for a mix of affordability and premium benefits.
- Citi Premier® Card
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $600 in travel).
Rewards Rate: 3x on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Annual Fee: $95
Perks: Points transferable to over a dozen airline loyalty programs. No foreign transaction fees.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want diverse reward categories.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days (worth $250 in travel).
Rewards Rate: Unlimited 1.5x points on every purchase.
Annual Fee: $0
Perks: Flexible redemption with no blackout dates and no foreign transaction fees.
Best For: Casual travelers who want a no-fee card with simple rewards.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Why It’s Great:
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 95,000 SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate: 3x on Delta purchases and 1x on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $550
Perks: Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges, first-class upgrades, and companion certificate each year.
Best For: Loyal Delta flyers who frequently travel domestically or internationally.
How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Card for You
- Consider Your Travel Habits:
If you frequently fly with one airline, choose co-branded airline cards like Delta or American Airlines cards.
For flexibility, go for general travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X.
- Evaluate the Annual Fee:
Premium cards with high fees (e.g., AmEx Platinum) offer luxury perks.
No-fee cards (e.g., Bank of America Travel Rewards) are great for occasional travelers.
- Check for Transfer Partners:
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Premier offer point transfers to airline and hotel loyalty programs, maximizing rewards.
- Consider Foreign Transaction Fees:
Most travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, essential for international travel.
Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards
Use Cards Strategically: Use the right card for specific purchases to earn the highest points.
Pay Balances in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying off your card each month.
Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses: Meet spending requirements for sign-up bonuses, but avoid unnecessary spending.
Track Your Points: Use tools like apps or loyalty program dashboards to monitor and redeem points efficiently.
With these top travel rewards credit cards, you can make your 2025 adventures more affordable and luxurious. Choose the one that aligns with your travel goals and financial habits to get the most out of your journeys.