Let’s be real travel isn’t getting any cheaper. This article will cover the “10 Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2025”
Whether you’re booking flights, snagging hotel rooms or even just grabbing coffee in a new city, the costs add up fast.
That’s where travel credit cards come in not just as a payment method, but as your ticket to travel smarter, not more expensively.
The right credit card can earn you free flights, upgraded hotel stays, priority boarding, and even lounge access.
But with hundreds of options out there, how do you choose the one that’s worth the space in your wallet?
Good news is that, I’ve done the research for you.
Here’s a comparison of the “10 best travel credit cards in 2025”, handpicked for different kinds of travelers from budget explorers to luxury jet setters.
Before we go any further, let us know, why Travel Credit Cards matter (Especially Now).
In 2025, travel is back in full swing and it’s more competitive than ever.
Airlines are packed, hotels are charging premium rates and every traveler is looking for a leg up.
A solid travel card won’t just help you earn rewards, it’ll help you travel better. The benefits that it gets for you are given below,
- Fast-track security
- Free checked bags
- Travel insurance
- Perks that make you feel like you’re not traveling economy
So, let’s dive into the best cards available right now.
10 Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2025
We’re comparing these based on what actually matters,
- Rewards & points
- Perks
- Annual fees
- How they fit real life travel
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred – The Classic All Rounder
- Annual Fee: $95
- Bonus: Approximately, 75,000 points
- Best For: Beginners & general travelers
Why it’s great : This card is the one everyone talks about and for good reason. It hits the sweet spot between value and perks. You earn 5x points on travel (booked through Chase), 3x on dining and groceries and it’s super easy to redeem your points for flights, hotels or cash back.
In real life, it’s perfect if you travel a few times a year and want solid rewards without a hefty fee.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards – The “No Fuss” Travel Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Bonus: 75,000 miles
- Best For: Simplicity lovers
Why it’s great : Flat-rate rewards. 2x miles on everything, no matter where or how you spend. Book a flight? Swipe. Buy groceries? Swipe. It all earns miles. You get a bonus of about 5x on hotels and rental cars if you book through their travel portal.
In real life, if you don’t want to think too much about “bonus categories”, this is your card.
3. Amex Gold – The Foodie’s Favorite
- Annual Fee: $325
- Bonus: Approximately, 100,000
- Best For: Dining out & grocery runs
Why it’s great : 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets (in the U.S.). It also gives you 3x on flights and solid perks like monthly dining credits.
In real life, if you spend big on food (at home or while traveling), this card turns meals into mileage.
4. Citi Strata Premier – The Everyday Hero
- Annual Fee: $95
- Bonus: Up to 70,000 points
- Best For: Broad spending categories
Why it’s great : This card is the quiet MVP, 3x points on travel, dining, groceries, gas. Basically all the things you already buy. It also has flexible redemption options, making it great for casual travelers.
In real life, it’s a versatile card for people who want to earn on both daily spending and occasional trips.
5. Capital One Venture X – Premium Without The Pretension
- Annual Fee: $395
- Bonus: 75,000 miles
- Best For: Frequent travelers
Why it’s great : You get luxury perks (Priority Pass lounges, $300 travel credit, anniversary miles) without the ultra high fees of other premium cards. The 10x rewards on hotels and 5x on flights? Chef’s kiss.
In real life, think of this as “entry level luxury”. Great value if you travel a few times a year.
6. Chase Sapphire Reserve – The VIP Experience
- Annual Fee: $550–$795
- Bonus: 60,000 to 100,000 points
- Best For: Globetrotters & luxury lovers
Why it’s great : This is the bougie version of Sapphire Preferred. You get full blown travel insurance, airport lounges, a $300 annual travel credit and 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel, including The Edit, 4x points on flights booked direct, 4x points on hotels booked direct & 3x points on dining worldwide. It’s packed with perks that justify the high fee if you travel frequently.
In real life, it’s for travelers who hate compromise and love premium perks.
7. Amex Platinum – The Lounge Lover’s Dream
- Annual Fee: $695
- Bonus: As high as 175,000 points
- Best For: Luxury international travels
Why it’s great : This card is stacked with benefits: access to Centurion Lounges, hotel elite status, Uber credits, airline fee credits and the list goes on. It’s not cheap, but if you use the perks, it’s worth every penny.
In real life, the Platinum card is for serious travelers who treat the airport like a second home.
8. Hilton Honors Amex Surpass – For the Hotel Loyalist
- Annual Fee: $150
- Bonus: Up to 130,000 Hilton points
- Best For: Hilton fans
Why it’s great : You get Hilton Gold status (free breakfast, room upgrades), and you earn big at Hilton properties, 12x points. Also earns 6x at restaurants, gas, and groceries.
In real life, if Hilton is your go-to brand, this card pays for itself quickly.
9. United Explorer Card – For the Airline Loyalist
- Annual Fee: $0 first year, then $95
- Bonus: 70,000 miles
- Best For: United Airlines regulars
Why it’s great : Fly United often? Get free checked bags, priority boarding, and two lounge passes each year. Not bad for a mid tier card.
In real life, this card’s perks start working for you the moment you book a flight.
10. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex – The SkyMiles Booster
- Annual Fee: $250
- Bonus: Approximately, 50,000 miles
- Best For: Delta flyers aiming for status
Why it’s great : 3x on Delta and hotel purchases, 2x on groceries and dining. You’ll also earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward Delta status, plus get your first checked bag free.
In real life, it’s a solid companion for anyone committed to the Delta ecosystem.
Conclusion
So which one should you pick? Here’s how to figure it out.
- If you’re new to travel cards, start with Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, great value, low fees and flexible rewards.
- If you eat out more than you fly, then grab the Amex Gold. It rewards your lifestyle and helps you save for your next trip.
- If you travel for work or frequently, you’ll probably love Venture X, Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum. The perks more than make up for the high fees.
- If you are loyal to an airline or hotel, then go co-branded. United, Delta, Hilton are the cards that are built with fans in mind.
Travel credit cards aren’t one size fits all. The best one depends on your habits, your travel frequency, and what perks you value most.
But the good news in 2025 is that the options are better than ever.
So whether you want to rack up points on takeout, score a business class upgrade or just never pay for baggage again, there’s a card that can help you get there, I mean literally.
You May Also Like,
Passionate about empowering others to make smart financial choices while embracing a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. Join me as we navigate the world of finance and living a purposeful life.