Here’s a guide to the best travel rewards credit cards of 2025, along with tips on how to choose the best one for your travel needs.
Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2025
Here are some of the best credit cards for travel rewards based on earning potential, benefits, and flexibility.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Overall travel rewards and flexible redemptions
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- 2X points on all other travel purchases
- 1X point on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase).
Redemption Perks:
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel℠
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest, and Marriott
Extra Perks:
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision coverage
Why it’s great: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most versatile travel rewards cards, offering flexible point transfers and increased value when redeeming through Chase.
Downside: It lacks premium perks like airport lounge access.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Luxury travel perks and premium rewards
Annual Fee: $695
Rewards:
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points (varies by offer)
Travel Perks:
- $200 airline fee credit for baggage fees and more
- $200 Uber Cash annually
- $200 hotel credit for select hotel bookings
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
Why it’s great: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers luxury travel benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers who want VIP perks.
Downside: The high annual fee makes sense only if you use the perks regularly.
American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Dining and travel rewards
Annual Fee: $325
Rewards:
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com
- 1X point on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Extra Perks:
- $120 Uber Cash per year ($10/month for rides or food)
- $120 dining credit for select restaurants and food delivery services
Why it’s great: The Amex Gold Card is perfect for food lovers and travelers, offering high rewards on dining and groceries.
Downside: No airport lounge access or hotel perks.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Simple rewards and flexible redemptions
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
Redemption Perks:
- Use miles to cover travel purchases or book through Capital One Travel
- Transfer miles to 15+ airline and hotel partners
Extra Perks:
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- No blackout dates when using miles for travel
Why it’s great: The Capital One Venture Rewards card is easy to use—you earn 2X miles on everything and can redeem miles for any travel purchase.
Downside: You don’t get premium travel perks like lounge access.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Premium travel benefits at a lower annual fee
Annual Fee: $395
Rewards:
- 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
Perks:
- $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel
- 10,000-mile anniversary bonus
- Unlimited access to 1,300+ airport lounges
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Why it’s great: Capital One Venture X offers premium benefits like lounge access at a lower annual fee than competitors like Amex Platinum.
Downside: You get the best value only when booking through Capital One Travel.
How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
The right travel credit card depends on your travel habits and spending style:
- For general travel rewards → Chase Sapphire Preferred (flexible points and great redemptions)
- For simple earning and redemptions → Capital One Venture Rewards (2X miles on everything)
- For premium perks and luxury travel → Amex Platinum (lounge access and VIP benefits)
- For dining and everyday spending → Amex Gold (4X points on restaurants and groceries)
- For premium travel perks at a lower fee → Capital One Venture X (lounge access + annual credits)
Final Thoughts
The best credit card for rewards for travel should help you earn and redeem points easily while offering perks that fit your travel style. If you want flexibility, go with Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards. If you’re after luxury perks, Amex Platinum or Venture X may be better choices.
No matter which card you choose, using a travel rewards credit card wisely can make every trip more rewarding and affordable!