Travel More, Spend Less With The Top Travel Credit Cards - 15 Editor's Picks
Table of Contents
- 1. 15 Top Travel Credit Cards for Every Trip In 2025
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1.1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Best for Starters 7
Product Key Information - 1.2. The Platinum Card® from American Express - Best for Lounge Access
- 1.3. American Express® Gold Card - Best for Diners and Shoppers On The Move
- 1.4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Best for Practical Travel Perks
- 1.5. Chase Freedom Unlimited - Best for Pairing
- 1.6. Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Best for Point Values
- 1.7. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - Best for Flexible Reward Programs
- 1.8. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card - Best for Sky-High Rewards
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- 1.9. Bilt Mastercard - Best for High-Spending Renters
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1.10. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card - Best For Everyday Spending
- 1.11. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card - Best for Delta Flyers
- 1.12. Citi Double Cash Card - Best for Cash Back
- 1.13. World of Hyatt Credit Card - Best for Hotel Cards
- 1.14. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Best for Business Owners
- 1.15. Hilton Honors American Express Card - Best for Hotel Perks At No Cost
- 2. Start Your Travel Rewards Journey Now!
Travel season is here, and there's no better time to slip a travel credit card into your wallet. Top travel credit cards will not only bring your travel costs down but also make a once-in-a-lifetime dream trip a reality. Plus, they also come with expedited security clearance, lounge access, or free nights at your dream hotel.
But not every card is the same. Travel cards usually come with various annual fees, reward schemes and an entirely different lineup of transfer partners. That's why before you try to stash up your points or miles, it’s wise to know which card will suit you best.
There isn't the best travel card; there are only those that perfectly speak to its owner’s redemption needs and travel wishlist. Now, let's dive right in!
15 Top Travel Credit Cards for Every Trip In 2025
It's possible to travel the world with credit card points by getting the right card and knowing the right ways to stash up rewards. Here's a look at the top travel credit cards in the market today!
Top travel credit card to consider for your next trip. Photo by maya1313 - stock.adobe.com
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Best for Starters
The Chase Preferred has a winning combination of appealing reward rates, flexible redemption and a generous welcome bonus. If you're new to the world of reward credit cards and don't want a steep annual fee, then it is the card for you.
Standout Perks
- You get a $50 annual statement credit for stays booked via the issuer's portal. This helps you offset more than half the annual fee.
- Each account enjoys 10% bonus points to celebrate its anniversary.
- A 1:1 transfer rate with a long list of solid partners, including Marriott Bonvoy and Southwest Airlines.
- One of the most comprehensive packages of purchase and travel insurance for a travel card, including:
- Primary rental car coverage
- Insurances for delayed or interrupted trips (we think this makes it so worth it)
- Lost baggage coverage
- Extended warranty coverage.
- Free DashPass membership to enjoy $0 delivery fees if you sign up by December 31, 2027
How to Earn Points?
- 5 points for every dollar spent on travel booked through Chase
- 3 points for each dollar spent on dining, online grocery shopping, and eligible streaming services
- 2 points for every dollar spent on travel not booked via Chase.
- 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else.
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2. The Platinum Card® from American Express - Best for Lounge Access
Frequent travellers who want to feel like a VIP while travelling will love this card. While this card comes at a $695 annual fee, cardholders will be treated to elite hotel loyalty status during their holidays. It’s truly a high-end travel credit card for those who enjoy the best during their travel.
The card also offers comprehensive airport lounge access that you won't find in any other credit card. There are up to 1,400 airport lounges you’re entitled to with the Platinum. Check which lounges at which airports are eligible here to find some peace and quiet amidst your long, long layover.
Standout Perks
- If you stay in Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton, you're also entitled to automatic elite status.
- Enjoy up to $100 statement credit if you sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Up to $240 per year with digital entertainment credits for providers like Disney+ or The New York Times.
- Receive a $200 airline fee credit per year for charges like inflight drinks or checked bags.
How to Earn Points?
- 5 points per dollar for hotels and airfares booked via Amex Travel or directly with the airline (With a cap of $500,000 in purchases per year)
- 1 point per dollar for anything else
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Some travel credit cards provide free access to airport lounges. Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized.
Apply here
3. American Express® Gold Card - Best for Diners and Shoppers On The Move
We couldn't find any better choice for high-spending travellers and diners than this Amex Gold Card. Compared to The Platinum Card® from American Express, the annual fee is lower and the benefits are easier to use for most of us thanks to high rewards on dining and groceries (4x points). There is also a 3x points on booking airfares through amextravel.
Standout Perks
- Hotel Collection credit of $100 when you book your stays via American Express Travel for 2 consecutive nights or more
- $120 credit for dining at select restaurants, $100 credit for purchases at Resy restaurants, and $84 statement credit for Dunkin’ establishments
- Travel-related perks include rental car coverage, luggage and purchase protection.
How to Earn Points?
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants around the world, with a cap of $50,000 in purchases per year. After this, you’re still eligible for 1 point per dollar.
- 4 points per dollar for delivery and takeout in the US.
- 4 points per dollar spent on groceries in supermarkets in the US ($25,000 in purchases per year maximum, then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar for pre-paid flights booked on amextravel.com or directly with airlines.
- 2 points per dollar on eligible spending on amextravel.com
- 1 point for spending on other eligible purchases
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4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Best for Practical Travel Perks
Why Do We Love It?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a standout choice for frequent travellers who value both luxury and rewards. The card ranks high among the top travel credit cards list for its complimentary lounge access and $300 statement credits. The Venture X has what it takes to compete against travel perks from big names like Amex or Chase, minus the steep annual fee. You could even earn 10x miles from booking hotels and rental cars via their portal.
Standout Perks
- $300 annual travel credit for eligible bookings made with Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles each year in the account anniversary
- You and two companions can get free access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
- $100 credit to reimburse TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications
- Flexible point transfer with 15 partners at a 1:1 rate.
How to Earn Points?
- 10 miles per dollar on rental cars or hotel stays booked via Capital One Travel
- 5 miles per dollar on flight tickets booked via Capital One Travel
- 2 miles per dollar on any purchase not booked via the issuer's portal
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Always travel with at least two credit cards. Photo by CandyRetriever - stock.adobe.com
5. Chase Freedom Unlimited - Best for Pairing
Chase Freedom Unlimited is a wonderful cash-back card and should be your top-of-wallet card for every purchase. Cardholders can earn lucrative cashback rates (5%) on travel purchased through Chase Travel. There are also rewarding earnings on dining and drugstores for you to pile up the cash back.
Although it’s a great all-rounder, it works best when paired with another travel credit card. Paring Chase Freedom Unlimited with another Chase card like Sapphire helps you pool your points to get travel redemption values. On its own, travel-related benefits include Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
Standout Perks
For such a zero-annual-fee card, Chase Freedom Unlimited is not competitive on perks. However, cardholders can still sign up for a free DashPass subscription. It also shines as a travel card for reimbursements when your trip is cancelled or shortened.
How to Earn Points?
- 5 per cent back on travel purchased via Chase Travel℠.
- 3 per cent back for spending on dining.
- 3 per cent back for purchases at drugstores.
- 1.5 per cent cash back on the rest.
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6. Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Best for Point Values
Why Do We Love It?
If you're someone after great perks, comfort and peace of mind when travelling, then Chase Sapphire Reserve is ready-made for you. The biggest perk of this card is the $300 credits you can enjoy each year for travel expenses. Owners can use it for airline tickets, hotel reservations or taxi rides. You can also earn 10 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠. That means you will soon earn enough rewards to justify the high annual fee!
Standout Perks
- This card offers Priority Pass airport lounge access to 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. Your next layover will be more enjoyable.
- Making reservations at popular restaurants is never easier with Reserved by Sapphire
- You can transfer your points on a 1:1 basis with big airline and hotel partners like British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards or Marriott Bonvoy.
How to Earn Points?
- 10 Chase Ultimate Reward points for each dollar spent on Chase Dining purchases.
- 10 points for each dollar spent on direct booking for hotels and car rentals via the issuer's platform.
- 5 points for each dollar paid for flight tickets booked via Chase.
- 3 points for each dollar spent on travel purchases when you're not booking through Chase.
- 3 points for each dollar spent on delivery services and dining
- 1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Tip: Invest in a hip pack or money belt to safekeep your travel credit cards on the go.
7. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - Best for Flexible Reward Programs
Thanks to its flexible reward program, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the No. 1 choice for travellers who don't regularly spend on certain categories. The rule is you will earn a flat rate of 2x miles on any purchase. The highlight here is the generous welcome bonuses: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months.
The redemption policy is straightforward, too. Cardholders can use the miles for any travel expenses, such as hotels, cruises, rental cars, etc. Unlike other co-branded cards, this low-hassle card doesn't have any restrictions on certain hotel brands or airlines.
Standout Perks
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Free auto rental collision insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- 24/7 assistant service
- Up to $120 reimbursement applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Various airlines and hotels transfer partner, including British Airways and Wyndham
- This card is not dedicated to airline or hotel perks. So it's not the best option if you want free checked bags or seat upgrades.
How To Earn Points:
- 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays and car rentals booked via the issuer's portal.
- 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases (no limitation)
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8. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card - Best for Sky-High Rewards
Why Do We Love It?
Among the mid-tier travel credit cards, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a strong competitor for its high hotel and airline reward rates. With 5X bonus points on hotel stays and 4X bonus points on air tickets, frequent travellers can rake in rewards quickly to recoup the annual fee.
There's no need for holidayers to book through a specific site or issuer portal to get such strong earning rates. You can freely choose your favourite airlines and hotels with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card.
Standout Perks
- Up to $1,000 coverage for cellphone theft or damage (with a $25 deductible).
- With a minimum of $50 eligible airline purchases, cardholders get $50 annual airline credit. Use it to cover anything from airline tickets to checked baggage fees.
- Travel insurance including auto rental collision insurance, and reimbursement for lost luggage.
- $15,000 reimbursement for trip cancellation and interruption is impressive. This is even higher than coverage you will get in a premium card like Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
How To Earn Points:
- 5 points for each dollar spent on hotel
- 4 points for each dollar spent on airfares
- 3 points for each dollar spent on restaurants
- 3 points for each dollar spent in other travel categories
- 1 point on the rest
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Another tip: RFID-blocking pocket can deter thefts, both physically and digitally.
9. Bilt Mastercard - Best for High-Spending Renters
Bilt Mastercard is a game-changer for those frequently paying a large amount of rent each month. Without an annual fee, there is virtually zero barrier when adding this card to your wallet. Plus, you’re earning rewards for paying your rent without any extra processing fees.
You’ll earn 2 reward points (1 base point + 1 bonus point) for every dollar when you buy directly from retailers qualifies as travel-related: airlines, hotels, motels, resorts, cruise lines, and car rental agencies. Note that vacation rental platforms, public transportation, online travel sites, etc. does not fall under such ‘travel’ category.
Standout Perks
- A $5,000 reimbursement is applied for nonrefundable travel expenses on a cancelled or interrupted trip
- A collision damage waiver to rental cars, which is a rare bonus for such a zero-annual-fee card.
- $800 coverage for phone protection
- On the first day of each month (also called “Rent Day"), you can double your rewards by spending on non-rent categories. Rewards for rental payments remain 1 point per dollar.
How To Earn Points:
- 1 point for each dollar on rental payments (there's a cap of 100,000 points per year)
- 5 points for each dollar spent on Lyft (if your account is linked)
- 3 points for each dollar spent at restaurants
- 2 points for each dollar spent on travel
- 1 point for each dollar spent on other purchases
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10. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card - Best For Everyday Spending
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is one of the best top $95 travel credit card. Besides restaurants, supermarkets, or gas stations, you can also generate points from your daily habits. The card will make a great default card if you're spending close to home or a great travel credit card on the road. It's also super flexible to use your points with a lineup of 20 hotel and airline partners, usually at a 1:1 conversion ratio.
Standout Perks
- Cardholders can enjoy $100 off their single-stay hotel reservation that is over $500 or more (excluding fees and taxes).
- Claim benefits twice yearly for damaged or lost checked bags and carry-on luggage for a covered reason. Up to $3000 for each trip.
- You’re eligible for $500 reimbursements for a delayed trip (>12 hours or requires an overnight hotel stay), and up to 2 claims for this benefit per calendar year.
- Cardholders can also make two claims for trip cancellation and interruption to get $5,000 to cover non-refundable travel expenses.
- Secondary rental car coverage in your country and primary coverage if you travel somewhere abroad.
How To Earn Points
- 10 points per dollar spent on booking hotels, cars and tourist attractions through CitiTravel.com
- 3 points per dollar spent for dining at restaurants or groceries in supermarkets
- 3 points per dollar spent on purchases at EV and gas stations
- 3 points per dollar spent on hotel and air travel
- 1 point per dollar when you spend on everything else
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An airline-branded card would be good if you are loyal to a specific airline.
Apply here
11. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card - Best for Delta Flyers
Why Do We Love It?
Signing up for a co-branded credit card makes a lot of sense for Delta loyalists. You can get Priority boarding, which means it's time-saving to settle into your seat. When you're in the cabin, you can also get 20% off all in-flight purchases, including beverages, food, and headsets.
Standout Perks
- The first checked bag is free of charge for owners and up to 8 passengers in the same booking.
- Zone 5 Priority Boarding means you can settle in your seat sooner
- $150 statement credit each year for hotel and vacations booked via the airline portal
- If you pay $10,000 or more using this credit card in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta flight credit.
How To Earn Points:
- 2 miles for each dollar spent on purchases with Delta
- 2 miles for each dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 2 miles for each dollar spent at restaurants, on delivery and takeout in the US
- 2 miles for each dollar spent at supermarkets in the US
- 1 mile for each dollar spent on anything else
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12. Citi Double Cash Card - Best for Cash Back
We love the low-hassle rewards of this travel credit card. You'll earn 1% cash back when you buy and another 1% when you pay off that purchase Better yet, from now until December 31, 2025, you can earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions when booking via the Citi Travel portal.
If you seek a solid cash-back rate, this is the card for you. On a side note, if you want to turn your rewards into travel benefits, you will need to pair it with a second card.
Standout Perks
- The card offers Citi Entertainment, which gives you access to presale tickets for events, shows, dining, concerts, and more.
- The card is also a great choice for those looking to consolidate their high-APR debts.
- The $200 cashback as a welcome bonus is also noteworthy. You’ll only need to splash out $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months after opening your account.
How To Earn Points
- 2% cash back on all spending categories. This reward is divided into two parts: 1% cash back for each dollar you buy and another 1% for each dollar you pay off the purchase.
- 5% total cash back on booking hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel℠ Portal by Dec 25th 2025.
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Stay at a hotel chain often? A co-branded hotel credit card will be your best bet. Photo by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com
13. World of Hyatt Credit Card - Best for Hotel Cards
This is among the best value cards for Hyatt enthusiasts. A winning mix of generous welcome bonuses, free elite status, and high redemption values can easily offset the annual fee of $95. Not to mention a free night at one of select Hyatt property after your cardmember anniversary. It’s a great choice if you plan to stay at Hyatt on a family holiday with the kids.
Standout Perks:
- Discoverist elite status is automatic and complimentary. Frequent guests will appreciate perks like late checkout (2 P.M.), 10% points rewards for qualified purchases and preferred room selection.
- Cardholders receive a free night certificate for each anniversary year. No strings attached.
- Another free night is available after you spend $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
- Full package of travel protection you can get from a Chase credit card. This includes coverage for auto rental damage and collision, coverage for delayed or interrupted trips, reimbursement for lost luggage and more.
How To Earn Points:
- 4 points for each dollar spent on purchases with Hyatt
- 2 points for each dollar spent at restaurants
- 2 points for each dollar paid for airfares booked directly with the airline.
- 2 points for each dollar paid for membership cards at gym and fitness clubs
- 2 points for each dollar spent on commuting and local transit
- 1 point for each dollar spent on other categories
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14. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Best for Business Owners
Small business owners who want to make the most of their transactions can find the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card a perfect fit. It’s also the top travel credit card when you travel on a business trip.
As you pay for common business expenses like shipping, advertising or travel, you're also earning valuable Ultimate Rewards® points. Once you're ready for your trip, each point can convert to a flat rate of 1.25 cents to cover your hotel bookings, car rental, or flight tickets.
Standout Perks:
- The card offers the best-ever welcome bonus (120,000 points).
- Up to 3 claims each year for cellphone protection, each worth $1,000
- Reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses of up to $10,000 per trip.
- Roadside dispatch
- Primary collision insurance for rental cars within the US and other countries.
How To Earn Points:
- Cardholders receive 3 points per dollar on spending in 4 categories: telecommunications, shipping, advertisements, and travelling.
- All other purchases you make will get you 1 point.
Note: There's a cap of $150,000 for combined purchases across 4 categories in each year. If you spend more than this, you’ll get 1 point per dollar for the rest of the year.
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15. Hilton Honors American Express Card - Best for Hotel Perks At No Cost
Why Do We Love It?
Huge Hilton fans can pay $550 to enjoy all the luxury perks that come with Hilton Honors American Express Aspire. Yet, for casual guests who want to try out the chain experiences, this card might be a better place to start.
Lucrative points are not only on offer through purchases with the hotel. You can save up points pretty fast by spending at supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations as well.
Standout Perks:
- This card comes along with the Silver status which rewards you a 20% points bonus on hotel stays. Your fifth night is also free when you use points to reserve 5+ nights.
- You come closer to the Gold Status. Upgrade is easier than ever by spending just $20,000 on eligible purchases in a year.
- Secondary coverage for car rental damage and loss.
How To Earn Points:
- 7 points per $1 if you eligibly spend at any resort or hotel under the Hilton portfolio.
- 5 points per $1 for any purchases made at gas stations, restaurants and hotels within the US.
- 3 points per $1 spent on qualified purchases with the Card.
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The top travel credit card is the one the fits your needs and spending habits.
Start Your Travel Rewards Journey Now!
With the top travel credit cards, you can easily turn your every purchase into travel rewards. This can help you save significant out-of-pocket travel costs, bringing you closer to your dream vacation.
It's best to figure out what suits your spending habits, and whether the perks on offer align with your travel goals. We've already done the research to narrow things down for you. Now is your turn to pick out your perfect fit.
Don't forget to like and share this article to help others discover the best travel credit cards! See you in our next posts!
KELSEY
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