In 2025, as the travel industry continues to rebound and grow, many people are looking for ways to make their travel experiences more affordable and rewarding. Travel rewards credit cards offer a way to do just that, providing cardholders with points, miles, and other perks that can help them save money, gain access to exclusive benefits, and elevate their travel experiences. With so many travel rewards credit cards available, it can be challenging to decide which one is best for your needs. This article will explore the best travel rewards credit cards for 2025, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision..
Key Takeaway
The best travel rewards credit card for you in 2025 depends on your personal preferences, travel habits, and financial goals. Whether you value flexibility, premium travel benefits, or simplicity, there’s a card that offers substantial value for your travel needs. Always remember to evaluate the annual fee, rewards structure, and redemption options to ensure you choose a card that offers the most benefits for your travel lifestyle.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
One of the most well-known travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, continues to be a strong contender in 2025. This card offers a variety of valuable perks that make it a top choice for frequent travelers.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 2x points on travel and dining; 1x points on all other purchases
- Point Redemption: Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back
- Annual Fee: $95
The card’s most significant advantage is its points transferability. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to over 10 airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt. This makes it a great option for travelers who prefer flexibility in redeeming their points.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The generous sign-up bonus and ability to transfer points to travel partners make this card a favorite for both casual and frequent travelers.
- The card’s annual fee is relatively low compared to other high-end travel cards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express has long been a luxury travel rewards card, and in 2025, it remains one of the best cards for travelers looking for premium perks.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Points Earning: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel; 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 1x point on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $695
The Platinum Card® is known for its top-tier travel perks, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, a $200 annual airline fee credit, and concierge services. Additionally, the 5x points on travel bookings through AmEx Travel makes this card particularly valuable for frequent flyers.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- If you are a high spender on travel and dining, the Platinum Card®’s rewards program is exceptional.
- The luxury benefits, including airport lounge access, concierge service, and hotel benefits, cater to those who want an elevated travel experience.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward and easy-to-use option for travelers who want to earn travel rewards without the need for complicated point categories.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $95
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is ideal for people who don’t want to think too hard about which purchases earn the most rewards. With a simple 2x miles on every purchase, this card offers a consistent rewards structure. Additionally, miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The simple, flat-rate rewards system appeals to those who value ease of use over complicated point structures.
- The sign-up bonus is significant, and the $95 annual fee is quite reasonable for the benefits provided.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers an array of benefits suited for frequent travelers. While it carries a higher annual fee than some other cards, its rewards and benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who travel often.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit; 3x points on dining; 1x points on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $550
Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a variety of travel-related perks, including access to airport lounges, 1.5 cents per point in value when booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and a $300 annual travel credit. It also offers strong protection benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay insurance.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The 3x points on travel and dining is one of the best earning rates for travelers.
- If you often book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, the redemption rate of 1.5 cents per point increases the value of your points.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option for those who want to earn travel rewards without an annual fee.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Points Earning: 1.5x points on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
This card offers straightforward rewards with 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase. Points can be redeemed for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals. The absence of an annual fee makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- This card is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to deal with complicated point systems and values simplicity.
- The absence of an annual fee makes it more accessible than many premium travel cards.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card offers an attractive earning structure for those who spend in specific categories.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 3x points on travel (including gas stations), 2x points on dining and entertainment, 1x points on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $95
With 3x points on travel and 2x points on dining, the Citi Premier® Card provides excellent rewards for those who travel and dine out frequently. Points earned can be transferred to Citi’s airline partners or redeemed through the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The earning rate on travel and dining purchases makes it ideal for people who spend in those categories.
- The relatively low annual fee, combined with the attractive sign-up bonus, makes this card a great choice for travelers.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card continues to stand out in 2025 for its exceptional dining rewards. If you love dining out or ordering in, this card will quickly become a go-to option for earning travel rewards.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
- Points Earning: 4x points on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery); 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1x points on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $250
- Travel Perks: The card offers several travel benefits, including up to $120 in dining credits annually (enrollment required) and no foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The 4x points on dining is unmatched for food lovers, and the 3x points on travel make it a great overall card.
- Its generous sign-up bonus and travel credits add more value for travelers who frequently dine out.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
For frequent American Airlines flyers, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is one of the best cards in 2025. It provides valuable miles and exclusive airline perks, especially for those who prefer to travel with one carrier.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations; 1x mile on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first year)
- Travel Perks: First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The airline-specific perks, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, offer significant savings for frequent American Airlines travelers.
- The card offers a generous sign-up bonus that can be used for free flights, making it a valuable addition for those who travel frequently with American Airlines.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
For those who want premium travel rewards and benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains an unbeatable choice in 2025. It’s designed for travelers who want maximum flexibility and value for their travel rewards points.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit; 3x points on dining; 1x on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $550
- Travel Perks: A $300 annual travel credit, access to over 1,000 airport lounges, and 50% more value when points are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- The 3x points on travel and dining is perfect for frequent travelers and foodies alike.
- The $300 travel credit helps offset the card’s high annual fee, making it a worthy investment for those who use it regularly.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a flagship credit card for travelers who want luxury, exclusivity, and high-end rewards. It continues to offer one of the most impressive perk packages in 2025.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Points Earning: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel; 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 1x on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $695
- Travel Perks: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, concierge services, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, and hotel status upgrades.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- If you prioritize premium travel experiences, the Platinum Card® delivers top-tier benefits like lounge access and hotel upgrades.
- The 5x points on travel bookings through AmEx Travel makes it perfect for those who travel extensively and book through the platform.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for people who want to earn rewards effortlessly and redeem them flexibly without worrying about complex reward categories.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Points Earning: 1.25x miles on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $0
- Redemption Options: Miles can be used to erase travel purchases or be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- Its simplicity is perfect for people who want to earn travel rewards without tracking bonus categories.
- With no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want to earn valuable rewards.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Another great option for cost-conscious travelers is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card. This card is perfect for those who don’t want the headache of managing rotating categories or complicated point systems.
Key Features:
- Sign-up Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Points Earning: 1.5x points on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $0
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Why It’s Great for 2025:
- Its flat-rate rewards system makes it an excellent choice for those who want to earn travel points without worrying about where they spend their money.
- The absence of an annual fee is a huge plus for travelers who want simplicity and Flexibility at no extra cost.
Read More :- Which Cash Back Credit Card Offers The Highest Rewards?
Conclusion
In 2025, the best travel rewards credit cards offer a range of features and benefits designed to cater to various travel preferences. From the premium perks of the Platinum Card® from American Express to the straightforward rewards of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card, there is a card for every type of traveler. When choosing a travel rewards credit card, it’s essential to consider your spending habits, travel goals, and the specific benefits that align with your lifestyle.
FAQs
What’s the difference between travel points and travel miles?
Travel points and travel miles are both types of travel rewards, but they may be earned and redeemed differently depending on the credit card issuer. Points are typically earned through purchases and can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses. Miles are more commonly associated with airlines and are typically redeemed for flights.
Do travel rewards expire?
Travel rewards generally do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, some credit cards may impose expiration dates on rewards if the account is closed or inactive for a certain period.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a travel rewards credit card?
Whether it’s worth paying an annual fee depends on your travel habits. If you travel frequently and can take advantage of the card’s benefits, such as earning high rewards and receiving travel perks (like lounge access and free checked bags), the benefits often outweigh the fee.
Can I transfer my travel rewards to other programs?
Many travel rewards credit cards allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel partners. This can often enhance the value of your rewards, as you can use them for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses with a variety of brands.
Can I use my travel rewards for non-travel purchases?
In many cases, yes. Some travel rewards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or statement credits for non-travel purchases. However, the value of your rewards may be higher when redeemed for travel expenses.
Are there any travel credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes, several travel credit cards offer rewards with no annual fee. Examples include the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. These cards typically have fewer perks than premium cards but still offer valuable rewards.
How do I maximize the value of my travel rewards?
To maximize the value of your travel rewards, consider using a card with higher rewards in the categories you spend the most on (such as dining, travel, or groceries). Also, look for opportunities to transfer points to airline or hotel partners to increase the value of your rewards.
