Travel

Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025 – Top Picks Reviewed

The best credit cards for travel rewards can turn your everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, and exciting travel experiences. If you travel often or even just a few times a year, using the right credit card can save you money and unlock exclusive perks.

In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025. Whether you’re looking for luxury benefits, simple point systems, or low fees, there’s a card out there that fits your needs.

Why Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card?

Travel credit cards are designed to help you earn rewards on your spending, especially when you make travel-related purchases like booking flights, hotel rooms, or dining out. Many of these cards also come with travel perks such as insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.

Some key benefits include:

  • Earning points or miles on purchases
  • Redeeming points for flights, hotels, or car rentals
  • Travel protection and insurance
  • Free checked bags or upgrades
  • Airport lounge access
  • No foreign transaction fees

If you travel regularly or plan a big trip, the right card can help you save while enhancing your travel experience.

How Travel Rewards Work

Travel reward cards allow you to earn points or miles when you spend on your card. These rewards can often be redeemed through the card issuer’s travel portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Some cards have a flat reward rate on all purchases, while others offer higher points for specific categories like travel, dining, or groceries.

When you’re ready to redeem your rewards, options may include:

  • Booking flights or hotels through the issuer’s travel portal
  • Transferring points to airline or hotel loyalty programs
  • Getting statement credits or cash back (though this often offers lower value)

What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

Before choosing a travel rewards card, consider these key features:

Welcome bonus

Most travel cards offer a large sign-up bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. This can give you a big boost in points early on.

Rewards rate

Look for cards that offer higher rewards on travel categories. Some also reward other spending categories like dining, groceries, or gas.

Annual fee

Cards with higher annual fees often come with better perks. However, make sure the benefits you receive are worth the fee.

Redemption options

Choose a card with flexible redemption options. Cards that allow point transfers to airline and hotel partners can often provide more value.

Travel benefits

Features like travel insurance, Global Entry credits, and airport lounge access can make travel smoother and more comfortable.

No foreign transaction fees

If you travel internationally, avoid cards that charge foreign transaction fees, as those can add up quickly.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025

Here are some of the top-rated travel credit cards to consider this year:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

This card is a favorite among travelers for its strong rewards and flexible redemption options.

  • Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
  • Rewards: 5x on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Best for: Travelers who want a mix of value and flexibility

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

This card is great for those who want simple, flat-rate rewards and easy redemption.

  • Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
  • Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Best for: People who prefer a straightforward rewards system

American Express Gold Card

A strong option for people who spend a lot on food and domestic travel.

  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 6 months
  • Rewards: 4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights
  • Annual fee: $250
  • Best for: Foodies and domestic travelers

The Platinum Card from American Express

This card offers premium perks for frequent travelers, especially those who value luxury experiences.

  • Welcome bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in 6 months
  • Rewards: 5x on flights and hotels through Amex Travel
  • Annual fee: $695
  • Best for: Frequent flyers who value high-end travel benefits

Citi Premier Card

This card provides solid rewards across a wide range of spending categories.

  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
  • Rewards: 3x on air travel, hotels, dining, gas, and supermarkets
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Best for: Travelers looking for well-rounded reward categories

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

A good choice for beginners who want rewards without an annual fee.

  • Welcome bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months
  • Rewards: 3x on travel, dining, gas, streaming, and phone plans
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Best for: Budget travelers and first-time rewards card users

How to Maximize Travel Rewards

Once you’ve chosen the right card, here are a few tips to get the most out of your travel rewards:

Use your card for everyday purchases

Put your regular spending on your travel card to build up points faster. Just be sure to pay your balance in full each month.

Reach the sign-up bonus

Plan your spending to make sure you hit the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus.

Book travel through the issuer’s portal

Some cards offer bonus points when you book through their online travel booking portals.

Take advantage of point transfers

Transfer points to hotel or airline partners when it offers more value than redeeming through the issuer.

Combine rewards with loyalty programs

You can often double-dip rewards by using your credit card along with airline frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when using travel rewards cards:

  • Overspending just to earn points
  • Missing the welcome bonus requirement
  • Paying interest by not paying off your balance
  • Letting points expire
  • Redeeming points for low-value options like gift cards

Choosing the Right Card for You

The best travel credit card depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and travel goals. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred
  • Best for luxury perks: Amex Platinum
  • Best for flat-rate rewards: Capital One Venture
  • Best for food and groceries: Amex Gold
  • Best no-fee option: Wells Fargo Autograph
  • Best all-around value: Citi Premier

Final Thoughts

The best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025 offer something for everyone. Whether you want to earn free flights, book luxury hotel stays, or simply save on your next trip, there’s a card that can help. Take time to compare your options, understand the benefits, and use your card wisely to get the most out of every trip.

If you travel frequently or plan to start soon, now is a great time to choose a card that turns your spending into unforgettable travel experiences.

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