Best Credit Cards With Travel Rewards Programs in 2025
Travel rewards credit cards offer a compelling way to offset the costs of vacations and business trips, turning everyday spending into valuable travel benefits. These cards provide various features, from earning points or miles on purchases to perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance. The market is diverse, with different cards catering to various spending habits and travel styles. Some cards focus on earning rewards, while others emphasize premium benefits. These cards offer a multitude of options, which can include earning specific airline miles, general travel rewards, or cash back that can be used for travel.
What's In This Guide
- •Our Selection Methodology
- •Selection Criteria
- •Chase Sapphire Reserve - Best Overall for Premium Travel Rewards
- •Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Best Value for Premium Benefits
- •Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - Best for Simple Travel Rewards
- •American Express® Gold Card - Best for Dining and Groceries
- •Discover it® Miles - Best No-Fee Travel Card
- •Conclusion & Recommendations
- •Frequently Asked Questions
Our Selection Methodology
Our analysis began by gathering information from various sources, including financial websites, card issuer websites, and expert reviews. Data points such as rewards rates, annual fees, redemption options, sign-up bonuses, and additional perks were collected for each card. Our AI algorithms were used to assess the data, considering the importance of each criterion based on a weighted scoring model. For example, rewards rates in travel categories were weighted more heavily than rewards in general spending categories. Each card was then scored based on its performance in each category, and AI ranked the options to help produce a comparative analysis. The results of the AI-driven analysis were reviewed, refined, and compiled to produce this buying guide.
Selection Criteria
Rewards Rates
The percentage of spending returned in rewards, particularly in travel or related categories (e.g., airfare, hotels, dining).
Annual Fee
The yearly cost of owning the card. Lower fees are often better, but higher fees can be justified for cards with significant perks and rewards.
Redemption Options
The flexibility in how rewards (points, miles, or cash back) can be used, such as booking travel through the issuer’s portal, transferring points to partners, or receiving statement credits.
Additional Perks
Extra benefits that enhance the travel experience, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, or statement credits for travel-related purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus
The one-time bonus rewards offered for meeting a spending threshold within a certain period after opening the account.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Fees charged on purchases made outside of the United States. Eliminating these fees can save money while traveling internationally.
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Top 5 Credit Cards With Travel Rewards Programs in 2025
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best Overall for Premium Travel Rewards
https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reservePros
- High rewards rate on travel and dining.
- Valuable travel credits.
- Access to airport lounges.
- Transferable points to various airline and hotel partners.
- Excellent travel and purchase protection.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Requires excellent credit.
Key Specifications
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is often considered one of the top travel rewards credit cards due to its suite of benefits and high rewards potential. It offers a strong rewards structure, especially on travel and dining, along with a valuable sign-up bonus. The card provides a $300 annual travel credit, helping offset the annual fee, and offers access to airport lounges through Priority Pass. Points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at an enhanced value or transferred to airline and hotel partners. Those who travel frequently and spend a lot can maximize its reward potential as their primary card. It is designed for those who seek premium travel benefits and are willing to pay above average annual fees.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best Value for Premium Benefits
https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture-x/Pros
- Great rewards on travel and everyday spending.
- Affordable annual fee.
- Access to airport lounges.
- Travel credits and statement credits.
- Transferable miles to airline and hotel partners.
Cons
- Limited number of transfer partners, compared to other premium cards.
- Rewards redemption may provide less potential value than some of the other premium cards.
Key Specifications
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is designed as a more affordable premium travel card, offering strong rewards and generous travel perks at a moderate annual fee. It provides a high rewards rate on travel bookings made through Capital One Travel and other spending categories. This card offers an annual travel credit, helping to offset the annual fee, and provides access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges. Miles can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or transferred to Capital One's transfer partners, offering flexibility. Its more affordable annual fee makes it appealing for individuals seeking high rewards and premium benefits without the expense of top-tier cards.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for Simple Travel Rewards
https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/Pros
- High rewards rate on all purchases.
- Simple rewards structure.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Flexible redemption options.
Cons
- Limited redemption options.
- Rewards are less valuable than transferrable points.
Key Specifications
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for those seeking simple, straightforward travel rewards. It offers a high rewards rate on all purchases, making it easy to earn miles without having to track spending in various categories. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars, either as a statement credit or through the Capital One portal. This card features no foreign transaction fees making it a great selection for international travel. It is well-suited for individuals who travel occasionally and want a simple card to earn travel rewards without the complexity of bonus categories or annual fees as a requirement to get started.
American Express® Gold Card
Best for Dining and Groceries
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/gold-cardPros
- High rewards on dining and groceries.
- Dining and other statement credits.
- Transferable points to airline and hotel partners.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Rewards earning requires significant spending.
- Redemption can be complex.
Key Specifications
The American Express® Gold Card is a great card for those who spend a lot on dining and groceries. It earns high rewards on those purchases, and also features valuable rewards on airfare purchases. The card offers a statement credit for dining and other credits, which can offset the high annual fee. Points can be transferred to partnering airline and hotel programs. Well-suited to those who spend a lot on dining and groceries or can leverage its many benefits to maximize reward earnings.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earns miles on every purchase.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Simple rewards program.
Cons
- Rewards redemption may offer less value for everyday usage.
- Potentially limited transfer partners for some users.
Key Specifications
The Discover it® Miles credit card is a great choice for individuals seeking a no-annual-fee card that offers straightforward travel rewards. All purchases earn miles that can be very easily redeemed for travel expenses with no redemption restrictions. It also offers the benefit of no foreign transaction fees. The Discover it® Miles card is suitable for those who want to earn travel rewards without the complexity of bonus categories and annual fees as a requirement.
Conclusion
Selecting the right travel rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. Consider factors like annual fees, rewards structures, redemption options, and additional perks. Always read the card's terms and conditions carefully before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do travel rewards credit cards work?
Rewards are typically earned on every dollar spent, with bonus rewards offered in specific categories like travel, dining, or gas. These rewards can be points, miles, or cash back, redeemable for flights, hotels, statement credits, or merchandise.
Which travel rewards credit card is 'best' for me?
The best card depends on your spending and travel habits. Those who travel frequently may benefit from cards with high rewards rates on travel and valuable perks. If you prefer flexibility, consider cards offering transferable points. If you're focused on simplicity, a cash-back card may be better.
Are annual fees worth it?
Most travel rewards credit cards charge an annual fee. However, these fees are often offset by the value of the rewards earned, including travel credits, airport lounge access, and other perks. If you don't travel much or spend a lot, you may find a card with no annual fee to be a better choice.
How do I compare travel rewards credit cards?
Carefully compare the rewards rates, redemption options, annual fees, and any other benefits that come with the card. Look for cards offering bonus rewards on spending categories you use frequently. Calculate the potential value of these rewards compared to the annual fee, and consider how easy the rewards are to redeem.
How do I redeem travel rewards?
Travel rewards are generally redeemed in three main ways: as statement credits, for booking travel directly through the card issuer's portal, or by transferring points to partnering airline or hotel loyalty programs. The best redemption method depends on the card and your specific travel goals and availability.