In 2025, travel has made a major comeback, and with it, the demand for travel rewards credit cards is soaring. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a luxury hotel aficionado, or a digital nomad chasing sunsets, the right credit card can help you earn points, miles, and exclusive perks that make every trip more affordable and enjoyable.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve analyzed the best travel rewards credit cards in 2025 based on criteria like rewards rate, welcome bonuses, annual fees, travel perks, and flexibility.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Flexible Travel Redemptions
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate:
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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 other travel purchases
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1x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains a fan-favorite thanks to its excellent value, reasonable annual fee, and flexible point transfers to top airline and hotel partners. With 25% more value when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards, that 60,000-point bonus is worth $750 toward travel.
Ideal for: Travelers who want value without high fees, and who appreciate the flexibility of transferring points to loyalty programs like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and more.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Luxury Travel Perks
Annual Fee: $695
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
Rewards Rate:
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5x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
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5x on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
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1x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
The Platinum Card® offers a high-end travel experience with extensive lounge access (including Centurion Lounges), hotel elite status, airline fee credits, and more. While the annual fee is steep, the perks easily offset the cost for frequent travelers who take advantage of the benefits.
Ideal for: Jet-setters who want access to luxury perks, travel lounges, and premium hotel upgrades.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for: High Value and Simplicity
Annual Fee: $395
Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate:
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10x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
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5x on flights booked through Capital One Travel
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2x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
The Venture X card is one of the best newer entries into the travel credit card market, blending premium perks with straightforward earning potential. You get a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary year.
Ideal for: Travelers looking for premium benefits without the ultra-premium cost.
4. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (formerly Citi Premier® Card)
Best for: Everyday Spending with Travel Redemption
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 70,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate:
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3x on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets
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1x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
The Citi Strata Premier℠ offers strong rewards on categories that align with most people’s everyday spending, which can be redeemed for travel through Citi ThankYou® Rewards or transferred to airline partners.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers who want strong everyday earning potential with travel flexibility.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies Who Travel
Annual Fee: $250
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Rewards Rate:
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4x at restaurants
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4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000/year)
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3x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
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1x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
With one of the highest earning rates on dining and groceries, the Amex Gold is perfect for travelers who love to eat well both at home and abroad. Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, making it a strong travel companion.
Ideal for: Travelers who prioritize food, dining, and travel rewards over luxury perks.
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Best for: No Annual Fee Travelers
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Rewards Rate:
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1.5x on all purchases
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Up to 2.62x with Preferred Rewards
Why It Stands Out:
This card offers simplicity and no annual fee while still earning solid rewards. It’s especially valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can boost their earning rate by up to 75%.
Ideal for: Occasional travelers and Bank of America customers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
7. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for: Small Business Owners Who Travel
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate:
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3x on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising (up to $150,000/year)
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1x on all other purchases
Why It Stands Out:
Business owners who travel for work can reap serious rewards with this card. Points can be transferred to travel partners or used through Chase Ultimate Rewards for 25% more value.
Ideal for: Business travelers and entrepreneurs with high category spend.
How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card in 2025
When evaluating travel credit cards, consider the following factors:
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Annual Fee vs. Benefits: Do the travel perks, insurance, and point value offset the cost?
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Point Transfer Options: Can you transfer to major airline/hotel partners?
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Rewards Categories: Are your spending habits aligned with the bonus categories?
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Sign-Up Bonus: Is the spending threshold achievable?
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Foreign Transaction Fees: Most travel cards waive these, but always check.
Final Thoughts
The best travel rewards credit card in 2025 depends on your travel habits, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you prefer luxury airport lounges or saving on groceries to fund your next vacation, there’s a card that matches your goals. For flexible value, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains a top pick. If you crave premium perks, go for the Amex Platinum. On the other hand, the Capital One Venture X strikes an excellent balance between value and benefits.
Before applying, make sure your credit score meets the card’s requirements, and always pay off your balances in full to avoid interest charges.
With the right strategy, 2025 could be your most rewarding year of travel yet.