Best Travel Credit Cards
Updated May 19, 2025
Written by:
Paolo S.
Choosing the right travel credit card can make your trips more rewarding—literally. Whether you’re a casual vacationer or a frequent flyer, the best travel credit cards offer generous rewards, valuable perks, and flexible redemption options that can save you money and enhance your travel experience. Below, we’ve reviewed five of the top travel credit cards in 2025, highlighting their pros, cons, and what makes each one stand out.
Best Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
A perennial favorite for beginners and seasoned travelers alike, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers exceptional value through flexible travel rewards and strong point redemption options via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 60,000-point welcome bonus (after spending $4,000 in 3 months) | $95 annual fee (non-waived) |
| 2x points on travel and dining | No airport lounge access |
| Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase | No travel credits |
| Travel protections (trip delay, baggage delay, rental insurance) |
🔥 Why It Stands Out
Great for newcomers to travel rewards due to flexible redemption and a low annual fee. Points can be transferred to leading airline and hotel partners, making it extremely versatile.
Best For Earning Rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards
A simple, straightforward travel card with a strong flat-rate earning system and the ability to erase travel purchases or transfer miles to partners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 75,000 bonus miles (after $4,000 in 3 months) | $95 annual fee |
| 2x miles on every purchase | Transfers to partners not always 1:1 |
| Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners | Limited premium travel perks |
| TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit |
🔥 Why It Stands Out
Ideal for travelers who want to earn high rewards on every purchase and don’t want to worry about bonus categories. Also good for redeeming miles flexibly across travel purchases.
Best For Foodies
American Express® Gold
This card is built for foodies and frequent travelers who want generous rewards for both dining and flights, plus valuable credits that help offset the annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 60,000 points (after $6,000 in 6 months) | $250 annual fee |
| 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets (up to $25,000/year) | No lounge access |
| 3x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel | Travel portal redemptions not as valuable as Chase |
| Monthly dining credits ($10/month) and Uber Cash |
🔥 Why It Stands Out
One of the best cards for combining food and travel rewards—ideal for travelers who love to eat out or grocery shop and want high returns in those categories.
Best For Luxury Travelers
American Express Platinum Card®
A premium card packed with luxury travel perks, ideal for frequent flyers who want to elevate their travel experience with lounge access, elite status, and premium benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 80,000 points (after $8,000 in 6 months) | $695 annual fee |
| Extensive airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club) | Complex benefits require active use to justify fee |
| $200 airline credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 entertainment credit | High spend requirement for bonus |
| Uber, Walmart+, CLEAR®, and TSA/Global Entry credits |
🔥 Why It Stands Out
Unmatched luxury perks and travel benefits. Best for frequent, high-end travelers who want to maximize comfort, exclusivity, and travel protection.
Best For Frequent Flyers
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A premium upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred, this card blends top-tier travel rewards with lounge access and a higher point redemption rate through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 60,000 points (after $4,000 in 3 months) | $550 annual fee |
| 3x points on travel and dining | High approval criteria |
| $300 annual travel credit | Not as many luxury perks as Amex Platinum |
| Priority Pass lounge access, TSA/Global Entry credit |
🔥 Why It Stands Out
Perfect for people who travel frequently but don’t need the ultra-premium perks of the Amex Platinum. The $300 travel credit effectively reduces the fee, making it a high-value option.
Disclaimer: The product review provided is for informational purposes only and reflect the personal opinions and experiences of individual contributors. We strive to ensure accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any review. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Always perform your own research and consult with professionals when making purchasing decisions.
