Get Incredible Rewards with Travel Credit Cards
Selecting the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your travel experiences by offering rewards, perks and protections tailored to your lifestyle. Here’s a curated list of the top five travel credit cards available in 2025. Find your perfect match and start collecting rewards to travel in style.
1. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
For loyal Southwest Airlines travelers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers substantial benefits:
- Earning potential. Earn three points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, two points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit (including rideshares), internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services. All other purchases earn one point per $1.
- Anniversary bonus. Receive 7,500 bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
- Travel perks. Enjoy a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year (when available), 25% back on inflight purchases and 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent.
- Fees. $149 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees.
If you frequently fly with Southwest, this card’s rewards structure and travel perks can offset the annual fee, making it a valuable addition to your wallet.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a versatile choice for travelers seeking flexibility and value:
- Earning potential. Earn five points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, three points per $1 on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases, two points per $1 on other travel purchases and one point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus. Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Travel perks. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase, and you can transfer points to various airline and hotel partners.
- Fees. $95 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees.
Its robust rewards program and flexible redemption options make it ideal for travelers who want to maximize their points across different airlines and hotels.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A straightforward card offering flat-rate rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is great for the following benefits:
- Earning potential. Earn five miles per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and two miles per $1 on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus. Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Travel perks. Miles can be redeemed for any travel purchase without blackout dates, and you can transfer miles to various travel loyalty programs.
- Fees. $95 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees.
Its simple rewards structure and flexible redemption options make it suitable for travelers who prefer ease of use without worrying about spending categories.
4. The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express's Platinum Card offers premium luxury travel benefits:
- Earning potential. Earn five points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year), five points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and one point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome offer. Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
- Travel perks. Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, up to $200 airline fee credit annually, up to $200 Uber Cash annually and elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Fees. $695 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees.
For frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and comprehensive travel benefits, this card offers substantial value despite its high annual fee.
5. Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a unique card that rewards rent payments and more:
- Earning potential. Earn one point per $1 on rent payments without transaction fees (up to 100,000 points per year), two points per $1 on travel, three points per $1 on dining and one point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome offer. No traditional welcome bonus, but offers periodic promotions and incentives.
- Travel perks. Points can be transferred to travel partners including American Airlines AAdvantage, World of Hyatt and more.
- Fees. No annual fee; no foreign transaction fees.
Ideal for renters looking to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense, with valuable transfer partners enhancing its appeal for travelers.
Get Ready for Your Dream Vacation
When you're looking at travel credit cards, consider factors such as your spending habits, preferred airlines or hotels and the value of the card’s rewards and perks relative to its annual fee. Each of these cards offers unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers, ensuring that you can find one that aligns with your travel goals and financial preferences.
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