When it comes to traveling smarter, not harder, credit cards designed for travel perks are among the most powerful tools available. With the right card in your wallet, you can enjoy free flights, luxury hotel stays, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and a host of other benefits that make every journey smoother and more affordable.
As we head into 2025, the competition among credit card issuers is fierce—and that means better offers for savvy travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best credit cards for travel perks in 2025, tailored to different travel styles and goals, from budget adventurers to frequent flyers.
Why Travel Credit Cards Are Worth It in 2025
Before diving into the top options, let’s clarify why travel rewards cards matter more than ever:
- Rising airfare and hotel costs: Offsetting travel expenses with points and miles can result in thousands saved annually.
- Added protections: Most travel cards offer trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency assistance—all essential in uncertain times.
- Airport benefits: Premium cards grant access to VIP lounges, priority boarding, and free checked bags.
- Global acceptance: Travel cards typically waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international use.
Now let’s explore the top travel credit cards available in 2025.
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1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: First-time travel cardholders and flexible redemptions
- Annual Fee: $95
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $937 when redeemed through Chase Travel)
- Rewards:
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase
- 3x on dining, online grocery, and streaming
- 2x on all other travel
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase
- Perks:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Primary rental car insurance
- Points transfer to partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest at a 1:1 ratio
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Why it’s great: This card delivers incredible value for its low annual fee. With broad earning categories and strong travel protection, it’s perfect for those beginning their points journey.
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2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Frequent luxury travelers
- Annual Fee: $695
- Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
- Rewards:
- 5x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
- 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- 5x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
- Perks:
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs)
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit at Fine Hotels + Resorts
- $189 CLEAR® Plus credit and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs)
Why it’s great: If you value premium airport experiences and elite travel benefits, the Platinum Card is unmatched, especially for those flying multiple times per year.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for: High-end benefits at a mid-range fee
- Annual Fee: $395
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Rewards:
- 10x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- 5x on flights through Capital One Travel
- 2x on all other purchases
- 10x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Perks:
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass
- $300 annual travel credit
- 10,000 anniversary miles (worth $100) each year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cell phone protection and travel insurance
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass
Why it’s great: The net cost of ownership is very low thanks to its annual credits and anniversary miles, and the card offers lounge access and strong rewards on everyday purchases.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best for: Frequent travelers who want premium perks with flexible rewards
- Annual Fee: $550
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Rewards:
- 10x on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel
- 5x on flights through Chase Travel
- 3x on all other travel and dining
- 10x on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel
- Perks:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
- Strong trip delay and cancellation coverage
- Points are worth 50 percent more when redeemed through Chase Travel
- $300 annual travel credit
Why it’s great: One of the most comprehensive travel cards, the Sapphire Reserve combines luxury-level benefits with excellent points redemption value.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Straightforward travel rewards
- Annual Fee: $95
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- Rewards:
- 2x miles on all purchases
- 2x miles on all purchases
- Perks:
- Miles can be used to erase any travel purchase
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel partners
- Miles can be used to erase any travel purchase
Why it’s great: With flat-rate earning and simple redemption, the Venture card is a top pick for travelers who don’t want to track bonus categories.
6. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies and frequent domestic travelers
- Annual Fee: $250
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $4,000 in spending
- Rewards:
- 4x at restaurants (worldwide)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
- 3x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
- 4x at restaurants (worldwide)
- Perks:
- $120 dining credit
- $120 Uber Cash annually
- Trip delay and baggage insurance
- $120 dining credit
Why it’s great: A favorite for food lovers and domestic travelers who want high everyday earning power and valuable Amex perks.
How to Choose the Right Travel Card in 2025
Not all travel cards are created equal. The right one depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and the kind of perks you value.
Questions to Ask Before Applying:
- Do you want premium benefits like lounges and upgrades or just solid travel rewards?
- Will you spend enough to justify a higher annual fee?
- Do you prefer simple redemptions or maximizing value through transfer partners?
- Are you looking for domestic rewards or international flexibility?
Maximizing Value from Your Travel Credit Card
To truly benefit from any travel card in 2025, follow these tips:
1. Take Full Advantage of Welcome Bonuses
Most bonuses are worth $750 to $1,200 in travel, making them a huge value. Make sure you can meet the minimum spend requirement without overspending.
2. Use Travel Portals or Transfer Points
Redeem points through Chase Travel, Amex Travel, or Capital One Travel for boosted value. Learn how to transfer points to airline or hotel partners to unlock even more value.
3. Stack Credits and Benefits
Don’t leave money on the table. Use credits like airline fee reimbursement, hotel credits, and dining perks before they expire.
4. Pair Cards Strategically
For example, pairing the Amex Gold for daily spending with the Amex Platinum for lounges and flight perks allows you to earn more while enjoying luxury benefits.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter with the Right Card
With travel back in full swing in 2025, having the right credit card can unlock thousands in value each year. Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking for lounge access and elite benefits, or a casual traveler who wants to save money on every trip, there’s a card out there for you.
Evaluate your spending habits, compare annual fees to the value of perks, and apply wisely. Over time, the right card combination will help you travel more comfortably, affordably, and rewardingly.
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