Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank, and finding the best credit card for travel rewards can make your adventures more affordable and exciting. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway, a European city tour, or a cross-country road trip, the right travel rewards credit card can help you earn points or miles to cover flights, hotels, and more. In this guide, we’ll break down the top credit cards for travelers, explain their perks, and help you pick the one that fits your travel style.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
Travel rewards credit cards let you earn points or miles on your everyday spending, which you can redeem for travel expenses like flights, hotels, or car rentals. Unlike cash-back cards, these cards often come with extra perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or free checked bags. The best credit card for travel rewards will align with how often you travel, where you go, and how you spend.
Top Credit Cards for Travelers in 2025
Here are our top picks for travel rewards credit cards, each with unique benefits to suit different types of travelers. Let’s dive into the details.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favorite among beginners and seasoned travelers alike. It offers flexible rewards and a reasonable annual fee, making it a great starting point for earning travel perks.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠).
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2x points on other travel, and 1x point on everything else.
- Annual Fee: $95.
Travel Benefits:
- 25% bonus when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest, or Marriott.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car insurance.
Who It’s Best For
This card is ideal for beginners or casual travelers who want flexibility without a high annual fee. If you love dining out or booking travel through Chase’s portal, you’ll rack up points quickly.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Overview
The Amex Platinum is a premium card packed with luxury travel perks. While it has a steep annual fee, frequent flyers can easily offset the cost with its benefits.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months (worth about $1,600 when transferred to travel partners, per The Points Guy’s May 2025 valuations).
- Rewards Rate: 5x 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, and 1x point on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $695.
Travel Benefits:
- Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Amex Centurion Lounges.
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, and $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
Who It’s Best For
Luxury travelers and frequent flyers who value airport lounge access and premium perks. If you travel often and can use the credits, this card’s benefits outweigh the fee.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Overview
The Capital One Venture is perfect for travelers who want simplicity. With a flat rewards rate and flexible redemption options, it’s a low-maintenance choice for earning miles.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
- Rewards Rate: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95.
Travel Benefits:
- Redeem miles for any travel purchase at 1 cent per mile or transfer to 15+ travel partners.
- Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Who It’s Best For
Travelers who want a straightforward rewards program without tracking bonus categories. It’s great for those who book travel outside of specific portals or loyalty programs.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium card with robust rewards and travel benefits. It’s a step up from the Preferred, designed for frequent travelers.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months (worth $1,125 when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠).
- Rewards Rate: 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining and other travel, and 1x point on everything else.
- Annual Fee: $550.
Travel Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit that applies to a wide range of travel purchases.
- Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
- 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
Who It’s Best For
Frequent travelers who book through Chase’s portal and want premium perks like lounge access. The $300 travel credit makes the effective annual fee just $250.
5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Overview
If you’re loyal to Delta Air Lines, this card offers airline-specific perks and rewards to enhance your flying experience.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months (worth about $960, depending on redemption).
- Rewards Rate: 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, 1x mile on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $150.
Travel Benefits:
- Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions.
- Priority boarding and 20% back on in-flight purchases.
- $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a year.
Who It’s Best For
Delta flyers who want airline miles credit cards with practical perks like free checked bags. It’s a solid choice for occasional travelers loyal to one airline.
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How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Travel Rewards
Picking the right card depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. Here are some tips to narrow it down:
- Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers might justify high annual fees with cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Casual travelers can stick with lower-fee options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
- Loyalty Preferences: If you prefer a specific airline or hotel chain, consider co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles Gold or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
- Spending Habits: Look for cards that reward your biggest spending categories, like dining, groceries, or travel.
- Redemption Flexibility: General travel cards (e.g., Capital One Venture) offer more freedom than airline or hotel rewards cards.
FAQs About Travel Rewards Credit Cards
How do I redeem travel rewards?
Most cards let you redeem points or miles through the issuer’s travel portal, where you can book flights, hotels, or car rentals. Some cards, like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum, allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners for potentially higher value. Always check redemption options to maximize your rewards.
What counts as “travel” for rewards?
“Travel” varies by card but typically includes flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and public transit like trains or buses. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have broad definitions, covering even parking fees or tolls. Check your card’s terms to confirm eligible purchases.
Are annual fees worth it?
It depends on your travel habits. High-fee cards like the Amex Platinum offer perks like lounge access and credits that can offset the cost if you use them. For occasional travelers, lower-fee cards like the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred provide great value without a big upfront cost.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for travel rewards comes down to how you travel and spend. If you’re new to rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers flexibility and a low annual fee. For luxury perks, the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve can elevate your trips with lounge access and credits. Prefer simplicity? The Capital One Venture keeps things easy with flat-rate rewards. And if you’re loyal to an airline like Delta, their co-branded card can save you money on flights.
Think about your travel goals—whether it’s free flights, hotel stays, or stress-free airport experiences—and pick a card that matches your lifestyle. With the right travel rewards credit card, your next adventure could be closer than you think. Happy travels!