Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for 2025: Top Picks for Maximizing Value and Perks

In 2025, the world of travel is back in full swing, and with it, the search for the best credit cards to maximize travel rewards. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who only travels occasionally, finding the right credit card can significantly enhance your travel experiences. From earning miles on every purchase to receiving luxurious perks at airports, the right travel card can offer exceptional value.

In this article, we will explore the top credit cards for travel rewards in 2025, analyze their key benefits, and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your needs. Our rankings consider factors like reward points, welcome bonuses, redemption flexibility, annual fees, and more.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Overview

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to be a favorite among travelers in 2025, thanks to its flexible rewards and valuable points transfer partners. With an impressive array of features, this card is perfect for both casual and seasoned travelers.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 5X points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 2X points on all other travel, and 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases.
• Point Value: Points can be redeemed for 25% more value when used through Chase Ultimate Rewards (1.25 cents per point).
• Transfer Partners: Transfer points to 10+ airline and hotel loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Airlines, and World of Hyatt.
• Annual Fee: $95.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is ideal for travelers who value flexibility. With a wide range of transfer partners and generous earning rates on dining and travel, it’s a well-rounded card that offers significant value without a high annual fee.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Overview

For luxury travelers, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium option. With access to high-end perks and premium travel benefits, it’s the go-to card for those looking to elevate their travel experience.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
• Earning Potential: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per year), and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
• Airport Lounge Access: Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs.
• Travel Credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, and $189 CLEAR® membership credit.
• Annual Fee: $695.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Platinum Card® is ideal for frequent flyers who value luxury and convenience. With its extensive lounge network and premium perks, it’s perfect for those who want to travel in style. However, the high annual fee may not make sense for occasional travelers.

3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Overview

A relative newcomer to the travel rewards scene, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has made waves with its excellent earning potential and high-value rewards. It offers a great balance between premium perks and everyday usability.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases.
• Travel Credits: $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel.
• Airport Lounge Access: Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
• Annual Fee: $395.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is great for those looking for premium perks without the high annual fee of cards like The Platinum Card®. It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to maximize rewards on travel bookings while enjoying valuable credits and lounge access.

4. Citi Premier® Card

Overview

The Citi Premier® Card offers impressive rewards for everyday spending, making it one of the most versatile travel rewards cards. With its high earning rate on travel and dining, it’s a solid choice for frequent travelers who want a card with great flexibility.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 3X points on air travel, hotels, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
• Point Value: Points can be redeemed through the Citi ThankYou® Travel Center or transferred to Citi’s airline partners, including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic.
• Annual Fee: $95.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Citi Premier® Card is ideal for travelers who want a straightforward rewards program with solid earning rates on everyday purchases. It’s especially valuable for those who spend a lot on dining, gas, and groceries, in addition to travel.

5. United℠ Explorer Card

Overview

The United℠ Explorer Card is a great option for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. It offers a generous welcome bonus and benefits tailored to United travelers, including free checked bags and priority boarding.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1X mile on all other purchases.
• United Benefits: Free checked bags for you and a companion, priority boarding, and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
• Airport Lounge Access: Two United Club passes per year.
• Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year).

Who Should Get This Card:

Frequent United flyers will get the most value from the United℠ Explorer Card. The free checked bags and priority boarding can save you money and time, and the annual fee is relatively low compared to other airline-branded cards.

6. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Overview

For those who prefer staying in Hilton hotels, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is packed with rewards and perks that can significantly enhance your hotel stays. It’s a top-tier card for hotel rewards enthusiasts.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 14X points on Hilton purchases, 7X points on flights, car rentals, and restaurants, and 3X points on all other purchases.
• Hilton Honors Elite Status: Complimentary Diamond status, which includes room upgrades, free breakfast, and late check-out.
• Travel Credits: $250 Hilton resort credit, $250 airline fee credit.
• Annual Fee: $450.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is ideal for Hilton loyalists who want to maximize their stays at Hilton properties. With automatic Diamond status and high earning rates, this card offers tremendous value, particularly if you frequently stay at Hilton hotels.

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Overview

For fans of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an excellent choice. With unique Southwest-specific benefits and competitive rewards, this card is a must-have for those who regularly fly with the airline.

Key Benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning Potential: 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, and 1X point on all other purchases.
• Southwest Benefits: $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 4 upgraded boardings per year, and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
• Annual Fee: $149.

Who Should Get This Card:

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is perfect for loyal Southwest customers who want to earn points quickly and enjoy Southwest-specific perks, like upgraded boardings and travel credits.

Choosing the Best Credit Card for You

Selecting the best travel rewards credit card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and preferences. Here’s how to determine which card is right for you:

• Frequent Flyers: If you often fly for work or leisure, a card with strong airline partnerships, like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the United℠ Explorer Card, will help you maximize airline miles and travel benefits.
• Luxury Travelers: If you prioritize comfort and convenience at airports and hotels, The Platinum Card® or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card will offer the premium perks you need.
• Everyday Travelers: For those who want to earn travel rewards on everyday purchases like groceries and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Citi Premier® Card will provide excellent value without a hefty annual fee.
• Hotel Loyalists: If you stay at Hilton properties regularly, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is unmatched in terms of hotel-related perks and rewards.

Final Thoughts

The top travel rewards credit cards for 2025 offer a wide range of benefits tailored to different types of travelers. From luxurious perks like airport lounge access to earning points on everyday purchases, there’s a card out there for every traveler. Take time to evaluate your travel needs and spending habits to choose the card that offers the best value for you.

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or dreaming of luxurious upgrades, the right credit card can make all the difference in turning your travel

dreams into reality.