Travel smarter in 2025 with the top travel credit cards that help you explore the world with more rewards, more comfort—and often, for free. I’ve used these cards myself to travel to places like Hawaii and Europe with a family of five—and saved thousands along the way. Whether you’re just starting or want premium perks, this guide will help you find the right travel credit card for your lifestyle.
✈️ 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best for Beginners
- Annual Fee: $95
- Signup Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Earning Rate:
- 3X on dining, online groceries, select streaming
- 2X on travel
- 1X on everything else
- Redemption Options:
- 1.25x value through Chase Travel Portal
- Transfer to top travel partners (Hyatt, Southwest, etc.)
Why it’s great: Low fee, strong transfer partners, and beginner-friendly redemption options.
💼 2. Capital One Venture X – Best Premium Travel Card
- Annual Fee: $395
- Signup Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Earning Rate:
- 2X on all purchases
- 10X on hotels, 5X on flights through Capital One Travel
- Perks:
- $300 annual travel credit
- 10,000 anniversary miles
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Unlimited lounge access (for 3 people)
Effective net cost: You actually come out ahead when you use the credits.
🌍 3. Capital One Venture – Simple, Straightforward Travel Rewards
- Annual Fee: $95
- Signup Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Earning Rate: 2X on all purchases
- Perks:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Travel partner transfers
Why it’s great: Simpler than the Venture X, but still powerful for travelers not seeking lounge access.
🥂 4. Amex Platinum Card – Luxury Travel at Its Best
- Annual Fee: $695
- Signup Bonus: Typically 80,000+ points (check CardMatch for better offers)
- Earning Rate:
- 5X on flights/hotels booked through Amex
- 1X on everything else
- Perks:
- $200 hotel credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit
- $200 Uber credit
- Lounge access (more lounges than any other card)
- Elite travel partners
Worth it if: You can maximize $1,500+ in credits and use premium travel perks.
🏖️ 5. US Bank Altitude Connect – Best No Annual Fee Travel Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Signup Bonus: 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 90 days
- Earning Rate:
- 5X on hotels/car rentals via Altitude Rewards
- 4X on travel, gas, EV charging
- 2X on dining, grocery, streaming
- Perks:
- 4 free Priority Pass lounge visits
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Drawback: No transfer partners, but great starter card with lounge access.
🧳 6. Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Premium Travel Power
- Annual Fee: $550
- Signup Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Earning Rate:
- 3X on travel and dining
- 1X on other purchases
- Perks:
- $300 flexible travel credit
- 1.5x point value on travel redemptions
- Lounge access
- Best-in-class travel protections
Why it’s elite: Combines value, flexibility, and travel protections.
⛽ 7. Citi Strata Premier℠ – Highest Everyday Earnings
- Annual Fee: $95
- Signup Bonus: 75,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months
- Earning Rate:
- 3X on travel, dining, gas, groceries, EV charging
- 1X on everything else
- Perk:
- $100 off hotel stays over $500 via Citi Travel (limited use)
Why it stands out: Most generous earning across major spending categories.
🏠 8. Bilt Mastercard® – Earn Points on Rent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Earning Rate:
- 3X on dining
- 2X on travel
- 1X on rent and everything else
- Perks:
- Earn points on rent (no fees)
- Hyatt & top airline partners
- No annual fee
Best for renters: Exclusive rent rewards + solid travel transfer partners.
✨ Final Thoughts
Picking the best travel card depends on your travel habits, spending, and lifestyle. For beginners, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is hard to beat. For luxury travel, the Amex Platinum or Venture X can unlock next-level experiences. And if you’re renting? Don’t ignore the value of the Bilt Mastercard.