Travel rewards credit cards are one of the most effective ways to maximize the value of your everyday spending and turn it into exciting travel experiences. Whether you’re looking to earn miles, points, or cash back, the right travel rewards credit card can help you save on flights, hotel stays, and even rental cars. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top travel rewards credit cards, including their benefits, features, and why they stand out. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys the occasional vacation, there’s a card that can fit your needs.
Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best For: Beginners and frequent travelers who want flexible travel rewards and solid earning potential.
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program).
- Rewards Rate: 2x points on travel and dining; 1x point on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, and Hyatt.
Why It’s Great: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the best overall values for beginners. The generous sign-up bonus and strong point-earning categories make it ideal for those who want to earn travel rewards on everyday expenses like dining and travel. Additionally, the Ultimate Rewards® program offers excellent flexibility in redeeming rewards.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best For: High spenders who want premium travel perks and luxurious benefits.
- Sign-up Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com; 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com; 1x point on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $695
- APR: 22.99%–29.99% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- Access to airport lounges through Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs.
- Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits.
- Complimentary hotel elite status with Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
- $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
- 24/7 concierge service for travel planning and bookings.
Why It’s Great: For those who are willing to pay a premium annual fee, The Platinum Card® offers exceptional travel benefits, especially for frequent flyers. The ability to earn 5x points on travel purchases and the numerous luxury perks (such as lounge access and concierge service) make it perfect for those who travel often and prefer high-end experiences.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Simplicity and straightforward travel rewards, ideal for casual travelers who prefer easy redemption.
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel).
- Rewards Rate: 2x miles on every purchase.
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 20.99%–28.99% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense (flights, hotels, car rentals).
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
- Miles can be transferred to 15+ travel partners including airline partners like JetBlue and Emirates.
Why It’s Great: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is simple to use with its flat-rate earning of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it ideal for those who don’t want to track bonus categories. The sign-up bonus is great for those looking to save on their next big trip, and the flexibility of redeeming miles for virtually any travel expense is a huge bonus.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best For: Frequent travelers looking for a premium card with a high rewards rate and luxury travel benefits.
- Sign-up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program).
- Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit; 3x points on dining; 1x point on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $550
- APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit.
- 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 1:1 point transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners.
- Access to more than 1,000 airport lounges with Priority Pass Select.
- Complimentary travel insurance, including trip cancellation and delay coverage.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
Why It’s Great: Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a variety of premium benefits that cater to frequent travelers. The 3x points on travel and dining, plus the $300 annual travel credit, makes it an excellent choice for those who want to earn a lot of points while enjoying luxury perks like airport lounge access and superior travel protection.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Best For: Travelers who want high earning rates on travel and dining with a reasonable annual fee.
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel).
- Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel, including gas stations; 2x points on dining; 1x point on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- Points can be transferred to more than 15 travel partners, including airlines and hotels.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $100 annual hotel credit for qualifying hotel stays through the Citi ThankYou® program.
Why It’s Great: The Citi Premier® Card is great for those who want a high earning rate on travel-related expenses. The 3x points on travel and 2x points on dining make it an excellent all-around card for everyday spending, while the ability to transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel partners provides flexibility in redeeming rewards.
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Beginners looking for a no-annual-fee travel rewards card with a simple earning structure.
- Sign-up Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days (worth $250 in travel statement credits).
- Rewards Rate: 1.5x points on every purchase.
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 17.99%–25.99% variable APR.
- Key Benefits:
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Unlimited 1.5x points on every purchase.
- Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel purchases.
- No blackout dates when redeeming points.
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a travel rewards card with no annual fee and an easy-to-understand rewards structure, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option. It’s a straightforward card that earns 1.5 points on every purchase, making it perfect for those who prefer simplicity without complicated bonus categories.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. If you’re a frequent traveler looking for luxury benefits, a premium card like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will offer significant perks. However, if you prefer simplicity and no annual fees, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card are solid options.