Best Travel Credit Cards for 2025
Travel credit cards help you save money and make trips more fun. The right card gives you points, perks, and bonuses that make traveling easier.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an occasional traveler, or someone looking to maximize everyday spending, there’s a travel credit card for you. In this guide, we’ll look at the best travel credit cards for 2025 and how to get the most out of them.
What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Choosing the right card depends on your travel style. Here are the most important things to consider:
- Rewards: Earn points or miles when you spend money on travel, dining, and everyday purchases. Look for cards that offer extra points on travel-related expenses.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Many cards give you extra points if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars in travel credits.
- Annual Fees: Some cards charge a yearly fee, but the perks may make it worth it. Weigh the benefits against the cost to decide if it’s a good deal for you.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel outside the country, choose a card with no extra charges for international purchases.
- Extra Perks: Look for benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, travel insurance, and statement credits for travel expenses.
Top Travel Credit Cards for 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Earn: 5X points on travel booked through Chase, 3X on dining, 2X on other travel
- Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Trip insurance, no foreign fees, extra value when redeeming through Chase
- Best For: Travelers who want strong rewards and flexible redemptions without a high annual fee.
2. American Express Platinum®
- Earn: 5X points on flights and hotels booked through Amex
- Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
- Annual Fee: $695
- Perks: Access to airport lounges, $200 airline credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, hotel elite status
- Best For: Luxury travelers who value lounge access and premium benefits.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards
- Earn: 2X miles on all purchases
- Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Transfer miles to travel partners, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, no foreign fees
- Best For: Travelers who want a simple, flexible rewards program.
4. Citi Premier®
- Earn: 3X points on travel, dining, groceries, and gas
- Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: No foreign fees, flexible point transfers to airlines
- Best For: Those who want to earn high rewards on everyday spending, not just travel.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards
- Earn: 1.5X points on all purchases
- Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in 90 days
- Annual Fee: $0
- Perks: No blackout dates, no foreign fees, easy redemption
- Best For: Casual travelers looking for a no-fee travel card with steady rewards.
How to Make the Most of Your Travel Card
Here’s how to maximize your card’s value:
- Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase: Some cards earn more points on travel, while others give more for dining or everyday spending. Match your purchases to the best-earning categories.
- Get the Sign-Up Bonus: Spend the required amount early to earn extra points or miles. If needed, plan larger purchases within the time frame to qualify.
- Take Advantage of Perks: Use lounge access, free checked bags, and travel credits to save money. Even perks like travel insurance can come in handy.
- Redeem Smartly: Transfer points to airlines or hotels to get the best value. Some programs offer better redemptions when used with specific travel partners.
- Pay Off Your Balance: Avoid interest charges by paying your bill in full every month. Carrying a balance can quickly cancel out any rewards you earn.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Card
- Consider Your Travel Habits: If you mostly book budget flights and don’t need luxury perks, a card with no annual fee might be best.
- Look at Transfer Partners: Some cards let you transfer points to airlines and hotels, while others work better for cashback or statement credits.
- Compare Redemption Options: Points can be worth more when used for travel rather than gift cards or merchandise.
- Check for Limited-Time Offers: Some cards have increased sign-up bonuses for a short period, which can be a great way to boost your rewards.
The best travel credit card depends on your travel habits. Some cards offer luxury perks, while others are better for everyday travelers. Consider what matters most to you—whether it’s earning points, saving on fees, or getting premium perks. Choosing the right card can help you travel more and spend less.
