Best Credit Card for Travel Rewards in the USA (2025 Guide)

 

Best Credit Card for Travel Rewards in the USA (2025 Guide)

Best travel rewards credit card USA 2025

If you’re someone who loves to travel, having the right credit card can make your trips more affordable, luxurious, and rewarding. The best travel rewards credit cards in the USA not only help you earn points and miles but also offer perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. In 2025, there are plenty of great options to choose from, but selecting the right one depends on your travel style and spending habits.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top travel rewards credit cards in the USA, their benefits, fees, and which type of traveler they’re best suited for.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for: All-round travel rewards beginners

• Annual Fee: $95

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).

• Rewards:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Why It’s Great:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is perfect for beginners who want high-value travel rewards without paying a huge annual fee. Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt for maximum value.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Simple flat-rate rewards

• Annual Fee: $95

• Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months.

• Rewards:

• 2x miles on every purchase
• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Why It’s Great:
The Venture Rewards Card is straightforward—no complicated bonus categories, just a solid 2x miles on everything. You can redeem miles for travel statement credits or transfer to over 15 travel partners.

3. American Express® Gold Card

Best for: Foodies who travel

• Annual Fee: $250

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

• Rewards:

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide
• 4x points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year)
• 3x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel

Why It’s Great:
If you spend a lot on dining and groceries, this card offers incredible earning potential while also providing solid travel benefits. Points can be transferred to 20+ airline and hotel partners.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for: Luxury travelers

• Annual Fee: $695

• Welcome Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

• Rewards:

• 5x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel
• 5x points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel

Luxury Perks:

• Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges
• $200 airline fee credit per year
• $200 hotel credit per year

Why It’s Great:
If you travel frequently and want VIP treatment, the Amex Platinum is unbeatable. The lounge access alone can make it worth the high annual fee.

5. Citi Premier® Card

Best for: Flexible travel redemptions

• Annual Fee: $95

• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

• Rewards:

• 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets

Why It’s Great:
Citi ThankYou® points are highly flexible and can be transferred to multiple airline partners or redeemed for travel through the Citi portal.

High rewards credit card USA 2025

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Credit Card

1. Annual Fee vs. Rewards – Make sure the value of perks and points outweighs the annual cost.

2. Travel Partners – Choose a card that partners with airlines and hotels you frequently use.

3. Foreign Transaction Fees – Pick a card with zero foreign transaction fees for international trips.

4. Sign-Up Bonus – Maximize the welcome offer by timing your application before big purchases.

5. Extra Perks – Lounge access, free bags, trip insurance, and purchase protection can add huge value.

Conclusion

The best travel rewards credit card for you depends on your travel style, spending habits, and how much you value luxury perks. If you want simplicity, Capital One Venture Rewards is a great choice. For maximum value on points transfers, go with Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold. And if you want first-class luxury every time you fly, the Amex Platinum is the gold standard.

Whichever you choose, using your travel rewards card strategically can make your trips cheaper, more comfortable, and more exciting.