Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank—especially when you're using the right travel rewards credit card. These cards help you earn points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a casual vacationer, choosing the right travel credit card in 2025 can lead to significant savings and luxury perks.
In this guide, we break down the top 10 travel rewards credit cards of 2025, highlighting their benefits, annual fees, welcome bonuses, and best use cases.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It's a Top Pick
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains a go-to for beginners and seasoned travelers alike due to its flexible rewards and generous welcome bonus.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
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Earning Structure:
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5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
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3x on dining
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2x on all other travel
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1x on everything else
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Annual Fee: $95
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Redemption: Points worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Pros
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Great value for low annual fee
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Points transferable to airline and hotel partners
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Comprehensive travel insurance
Best For:
Entry-level travelers looking for maximum value and flexibility.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why It's a Top Pick
Luxury travelers love this card for its elite perks and lounge access.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 120,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in 6 months
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Earning Structure:
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5x on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines
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5x on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
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1x on other purchases
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Annual Fee: $695
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Travel Perks: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Hilton and Marriott elite status, and more.
Pros
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Extensive travel protections
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Premium airport lounge access
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Strong travel credits (airline fees, Uber, CLEAR®, etc.)
Best For:
Frequent luxury travelers who maximize lounge access and travel credits.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why It's a Top Pick
Combines premium benefits with a competitive rewards rate, all for a reasonable annual fee.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
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Earning Structure:
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10x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
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5x on flights through Capital One Travel
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2x on all other purchases
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Annual Fee: $395
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Travel Perks: Priority Pass access, $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles annually.
Pros
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Strong return on everyday spending
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Easy-to-use rewards program
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No foreign transaction fees
Best For:
Globetrotters seeking simplicity, value, and premium perks.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why It's a Top Pick
A premium card with superior point value and top-tier travel benefits.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
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Earning Structure:
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10x on hotels and car rentals via Chase Ultimate Rewards
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5x on flights through Chase
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3x on other travel and dining
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1x on everything else
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Annual Fee: $550
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Travel Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass, travel insurance
Pros
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Points worth 50% more through Chase
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Transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners
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Strong insurance and purchase protections
Best For:
Frequent travelers who maximize point redemptions and value airport perks.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Why It's a Top Pick
Ideal for foodies who also enjoy travel—earn high points on dining and groceries.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after $6,000 in 6 months
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Earning Structure:
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4x at restaurants, including takeout
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4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
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3x on flights booked through Amex Travel
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1x on other purchases
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Annual Fee: $250
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Perks: $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash
Pros
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High earnings on daily expenses
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Strong airline partners
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Points transferable to travel programs
Best For:
Frequent diners and domestic travelers who want daily value.
6. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why It's a Top Pick
A flat-rate travel card perfect for beginners and casual travelers.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months
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Earning Structure: 2x on every purchase
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Annual Fee: $95
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Redemption: Book through Capital One Travel or transfer to 15+ partners
Pros
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Straightforward earning system
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Transfer to airline/hotel partners
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Great for all purchases
Best For:
Those who want no-hassle travel rewards with strong redemption options.
7. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Why It's a Top Pick
Excellent for international travelers who spend broadly across categories.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 70,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
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Earning Structure:
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3x on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
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1x on other purchases
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Annual Fee: $95
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Redemption: Book travel or transfer to partners like Turkish Airlines, Avianca, and more.
Pros
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Great for broad spending categories
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Generous point multipliers
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Flexible redemptions
Best For:
International travelers and families who value point diversity.
8. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why It's a Top Pick
No annual fee and decent rewards—great for beginners or occasional travelers.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months
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Earning Structure: 1.5x on all purchases
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Annual Fee: $0
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Redemption: Statement credits toward travel and dining
Pros
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No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
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Simple earning structure
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Bonus boosts for Preferred Rewards clients
Best For:
New travelers or Bank of America customers looking for no-fee travel rewards.
9. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Why It's a Top Pick
A newcomer with strong category bonuses and travel flexibility.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months
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Earning Structure:
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5x on hotels
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4x on airlines
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3x on dining and other travel
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1x on everything else
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Annual Fee: $95
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Redemption: Travel, gift cards, or statement credits
Pros
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Strong travel-specific bonus categories
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Good redemption flexibility
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No foreign transaction fees
Best For:
Travelers seeking a modern alternative to legacy cards with robust earnings.
10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Why It's a Top Pick
Earn solid travel rewards without an excessive fee—and get streaming benefits.
Key Features
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Welcome Bonus: 50,000 points after $2,000 spend in 120 days
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Earning Structure:
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4x on travel and gas
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2x on dining, streaming, and grocery stores
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1x on other purchases
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Annual Fee: $95 (waived first year)
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Perks: $30 annual streaming credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
Pros
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Useful bonus categories
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Strong value in the first year
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Practical perks for modern travelers
Best For:
Travelers who spend heavily on gas, streaming, and groceries.
How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Card
1. Consider Your Travel Habits
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Do you fly often or only take one trip a year?
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Are you loyal to one airline or flexible?
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Do you travel domestically or internationally?
2. Calculate the Real Value
Consider not just the rewards, but:
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Annual fees
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Redemption options
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Lounge access
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Travel protections
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Extra perks like insurance or credits
3. Look at Transfer Partners
Cards like Chase, Amex, and Citi allow you to transfer points to partners. This can significantly increase the value of your rewards.
Tips to Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards
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Pay Off Balances Monthly – Interest charges kill reward value.
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Stack Welcome Bonuses – Apply strategically and hit minimum spends.
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Utilize Travel Portals – Platforms like Chase Ultimate Rewards boost redemption value.
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Track Bonus Categories – Focus your spending on high-earning categories.
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Combine with Other Cards – Create a "travel trifecta" to cover all spending.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the best travel credit card for you depends on your personal habits, loyalty programs, and spending behavior. Whether you’re after first-class flights, five-star hotels, or simple cash back on your road trips, the right travel card can turn everyday spending into unforgettable experiences.
From premium cards like the Amex Platinum to no-fee options like the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card, there's a travel credit card tailored for every type of traveler.
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