Top 13 Travel Credit Cards for 2025
In today’s world of savvy travel planning, having the right credit card can make all the difference. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a luxury traveler, or someone who simply wants to stretch your travel budget further, the best travel credit cards offer powerful combinations of rewards, lounge access, travel credits, and elite status benefits.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the 13 best travel credit cards in 2025, covering everything from premium airline cards to all-around travel rewards powerhouses. Whether you're flying cross-country or jetting overseas, these cards can help you earn more, pay less, and travel better.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Simplicity and flexibility in travel rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards structure: earn 2X miles on every purchase , and redeem them for travel at 1 cent per mile . You can also transfer miles to over a dozen airline and hotel partners.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
This card is ideal for travelers who want a simple, no-frills way to earn travel rewards.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Beginners in the world of travel rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards, offering a generous sign-up bonus and strong transfer partners through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: Up to 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining and select streaming services
- Transfer points to over a dozen airline and hotel partners
- Travel and purchase protections included
It’s a great entry point into the world of travel hacking.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Premium travel experiences and lounge access
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a step up from the standard Venture card, offering a premium experience with Priority Pass lounge access , statement credits for travel, and enhanced rewards.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $395
- Intro Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 in travel)
- Earn 2X miles on all purchases; 5X on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select
Perfect for frequent travelers who want luxury and convenience.
4. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Dining and airfare-focused travelers
The Amex Gold Card is ideal for travelers who love to dine out and fly often. It offers strong dining and airfare credits , along with solid rewards in those categories.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $250
- Intro Bonus: 70,000 Membership Rewards® Points
- Earn 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines
- $120 annual dining credit (via Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
- $100 airline fee credit (once per year, with select airlines)
Great for foodies and frequent flyers.
5. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Best for: Flexible travel redemption and no annual fee
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers a no annual fee option with strong travel rewards and flexible redemption options.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro Bonus: 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Earn 3X points on travel, dining, and entertainment
- Points can be transferred to 15+ airline and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
A solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
6. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Best for: High spenders in travel and entertainment
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers strong rewards in key travel categories and a generous welcome bonus.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and EV charging stations
- Annual hotel elite status after spending $50,000
- No foreign transaction fees
Great for those who spend heavily in travel categories.
7. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Best for: Cash-back travelers with BofA banking relationships
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card offers a flexible points system with the potential for bonus value if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days
- Earn 2X points on travel and dining; 1.5X on all other purchases
- Redeem points for travel, gift cards, or cash back
- Potential 25%–75% point bonus when redeeming through BofA Travel Center
Perfect for BofA loyalists and travelers who like flexibility.
8. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card
Best for: Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers and Pacific Northwest travelers
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card is a top pick for travelers who fly Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $75
- Intro Bonus: 40,000 bonus miles
- Earn 3X miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2X miles on dining and groceries
- Companion Fare discount
- Free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights
Ideal for frequent Alaska flyers and those in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: Travelers flying to and from Hawaii
The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard is perfect for travelers who fly Hawaiian Airlines regularly or vacation in Hawaii.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $75
- Intro Bonus: 50,000 miles
- Earn 3X miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 2X miles on dining and groceries
- 20% discount on in-flight purchases
- Discounted checked bags
Great for Hawaii-bound travelers.
10. The New United Quest℠ Card
Best for: United Airlines flyers and elite status seekers
The United Quest Card is designed for serious United flyers, offering unlimited access to United Club lounges and elite status benefits.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $250
- Intro Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles
- Earn 2X miles on United purchases; 1.5X on all other purchases
- United Club℠ membership included
- Premier Access benefits
- Priority boarding and free checked bag
A must-have for United loyalists.
11. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Best for: Hotel lovers and IHG frequent guests
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who stay at IHG properties like Holiday Inn, Kimpton, and EVEN Hotels.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $89
- Intro Bonus: 100,000 bonus points
- Earn 6X points at IHG hotels; 2X on dining, grocery stores, and streaming services
- Free Night Certificate each year
- IHG Platinum Elite status
Great for hotel loyalists.
12. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members and luxury travelers
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is ideal for travelers who stay at Marriott properties regularly.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: 100,000 Bonvoy points
- Earn 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy properties; 2X points on all other purchases
- $75 annual hotel credit
- Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Perfect for Marriott loyalists looking to elevate their stays.
13. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Best for: Business travelers who stay at Hyatt properties
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is tailored for entrepreneurs and frequent business travelers who love Hyatt hotels.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Intro Bonus: 50,000 bonus points
- Earn 5X points on Hyatt stays; 3X on dining, cloud software services, and advertising purchases
- Free Night Award (15,000–40,000 points)
- Elite Night Credits (up to 10 per year)
A top pick for small business owners and Hyatt loyalists.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card
Each of these 13 travel credit cards offers unique benefits tailored to different travel styles and spending habits. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a luxury traveler, or a budget-conscious adventurer, there's a card that fits your lifestyle.
When choosing a travel credit card, consider:
- Your annual spending habits
- Your preferred airlines and hotels
- Whether you value flexibility or brand loyalty
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee for premium benefits
By matching your spending to the right card, you can unlock significant value, travel more comfortably, and even enjoy elite status perks—all while earning rewards along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
✈️ What is the best overall travel credit card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often considered the best due to its generous sign-up bonus, flexible redemption options, and excellent travel protections.
💳 Do I need excellent credit to qualify for these cards?
Most premium travel credit cards require good to excellent credit (typically 670+). Always check your credit score before applying.
🌍 Do these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Most of the cards listed do not charge foreign transaction fees , making them ideal for international travel.
🏨 Can I earn elite hotel status with these cards?
Yes, several cards offer elite status , such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card .
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you apply for a card through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Always read the terms and conditions before applying.
Ready to start earning more with your spending? Choose the card that best aligns with your travel goals and lifestyle, and begin maximizing your rewards today!