Travel can get expensive. But with the right credit card, you can earn rewards, save money, and even travel more often.
Some cards give you free flights. Others offer hotel deals or no fees when you travel abroad. The good news? There’s a perfect card out there for every kind of traveler.
Here’s a simple guide to the best travel credit cards in 2025—all easy to understand and full of real value.
Contents
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Great for: New travelers and anyone who likes to eat out
Why it’s a good pick:
-
Earn 2x points on travel and restaurants
-
Big bonus when you sign up
-
Points are easy to use for trips
Annual Fee: $95
Bonus: 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months
Simple Takeaway: A smart card with solid rewards and a low fee. Great for everyday use too.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Great for: People who want easy rewards on all purchases
Why it’s a good pick:
-
Earn 2x miles on everything you buy
-
Use miles to pay for any travel
-
No foreign fees when traveling abroad
Annual Fee: $95
Bonus: 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in 3 months
Simple Takeaway: Easy to use and great for frequent fliers or anyone who doesn’t want to track categories.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Great for: Luxury travelers who want VIP perks
Why it’s a good pick:
-
Free access to over 1,300 airport lounges
-
Get money back for airline fees and hotels
-
Earn 5x points on flights and hotels through Amex Travel
Annual Fee: $695
Bonus: 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 in 6 months
Simple Takeaway: Expensive card, but packed with travel benefits. Perfect if you travel often and enjoy first-class service.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Great for: Frequent travelers who want premium features
Why it’s a good pick:
-
$300 travel credit each year
-
Earn 3x points on travel and dining
-
Free airport lounge access with Priority Pass
Annual Fee: $550
Bonus: 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months
Simple Takeaway: Best for people who travel a lot and want extra comfort and value.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Great for: People who want to earn points on daily spending
Why it’s a good pick:
-
3x points on gas, groceries, and dining
-
Big bonus when you sign up
-
Points can transfer to travel partners
Annual Fee: $95
Bonus: 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months
Simple Takeaway: A good all-around card that rewards both travel and everyday purchases.
What Makes a Travel Credit Card Good?
When choosing a card, here’s what you should look for:
-
How you earn points: Do you get more for travel, food, or everyday spending?
-
How you use rewards: Can you use points for any airline or hotel?
-
Fees: Does the value you get make up for the yearly fee?
-
Travel extras: Look for things like free bags, trip insurance, or airport lounge access.
-
No foreign fees: If you leave the country, make sure your card won’t charge extra.
Easy Tips to Use Travel Cards Wisely
-
Pay your balance in full each month. This helps avoid interest charges.
-
Use your card for things that earn the most points.
-
Book travel through the card’s website when possible—it can boost your rewards.
-
Don’t forget the perks. Free TSA PreCheck or travel insurance can save money and time.
-
Keep track of your points so you don’t let them expire.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best travel credit card with no annual fee?
A: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards card is a great pick. You get 1.5 points for every dollar and no yearly fee.
Q: Do travel cards give free insurance?
A: Some do! Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred offer trip delay, cancellation, and rental car insurance.
Q: Can I use travel points on any airline?
A: Some cards give flexible points that work with many airlines. Chase and Amex are great for this.
Q: Are travel cards safe to use abroad?
A: Yes! Many don’t charge foreign fees and offer fraud protection. Just let your bank know before you travel.
Final Thoughts
The best travel credit cards of 2025 help you do more, save more, and travel better. Whether you want simple rewards or luxury perks, there’s a card that fits your life.
Think about how you spend money and how often you travel. Then pick the card that gives you the most back. With smart use, your card can turn everyday spending into your next vacation.
