best travel rewards credit cards 2025: Stop leaving value on the table. This expert Finance guide breaks down the top cards to maximize your travel rewards and make your dream trip a reality
Did you know the average traveller can earn enough rewards for at least one round-trip domestic flight each year, simply by using the right credit card for their everyday purchases? Yet, many people miss out because they’re overwhelmed by options or stuck with a card that doesn’t fit their spending habits.
This guide is designed to fix that. We’ve analysed dozens of options to bring you thebest travel rewards credit cards 2025 has to offer. As travel continues to evolve with new loyalty program rules and economic shifts, choosing the right card is more critical than ever. In this post, you’ll discover how to identify the perfect card for your goals, compare top-tier offers side-by-side, and start turning your daily spend into your next great adventure.
What Makes a Great Travel Rewards Card in 2025?
Before we dive into the list, it’s crucial to understand what sets the best cards apart. We evaluated cards based on four key criteria relevant for 2025:
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High Value Welcome Bonus: A strong upfront bonus can jump-start your travel fund, often worth $750 or more.
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Flexible Redemption Options: The best programs allow you to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, giving you maximum flexibility.
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Strong Earning Rates: Look for cards that reward your most frequent spending categories, like dining, travel, or groceries.
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Valuable Perks: Benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and annual credits can easily offset an annual fee.
Our Top 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2025
Here is our definitive list, tailored for a range of spenders and travel styles.
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Best for: Beginners & All-Around Value
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Why it’s a winner: This card is the undisputed entry point into serious travel rewards. It offers a fantastic welcome bonus, solid earning rates, and access to Chase’s valuable airline and hotel transfer partners.
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Key Perks:
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Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
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$50 annual hotel credit.
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Excellent trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
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Best for: Simple Luxury
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Why it’s a winner: It offers premium perks that effectively “pay you” to hold the card. The annual fee is easily offset by its annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles.
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Key Perks:
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$300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
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10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
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Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
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Best for: Foodies & Travelers
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Why it’s a winner: This card offers exceptional rewards on two common spending categories: dining and U.S. supermarkets. The points earned can then be used for high-value travel redemptions.
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Key Perks:
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4X points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
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Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually.
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Up to $120 in dining credits annually.
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💡Engagement Booster: Quick Poll
What is the MOST important perk you look for in a travel card?
A) Big Welcome Bonus
B) Airport Lounge Access
C) No Annual Fee
D) Flexible Point Transfers
(Share your thoughts in the comments below!)
Once you have the points, maximizing their value is key. Some of the most popular transfer partners offer outsized value. For an expert valuation of what your points are worth, we recommend checking out an authoritative resource likeThe Points Guy’s monthly valuations.
2. Are the best travel rewards credit cards 2025 worth their high annual fees?
In most cases, yes, if you use the benefits. Cards like the Capital One Venture X provide annual credits that are greater than the annual fee, making them highly profitable if you travel at least once a year.
3. How many travel rewards credit cards should I have?
For most people, starting with one or two is ideal. A good strategy is to have one flexible rewards card (like a Sapphire or Venture) and potentially one co-branded airline or hotel card if you are loyal to a specific brand.
4. Can I get a travel rewards card with a 650 credit score?
Most of the top-tier travel rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically 700 or higher. There are some entry-level options available, but it's best to build your credit before applying for premium cards.
5. How do the best travel rewards credit cards of 2025 compare to cashback cards?
Travel rewards cards can offer significantly more value per dollar spent (often 1.5 to 2.0+ cents per point) if you redeem them for travel. Cashback cards are simpler, offering a fixed return (usually 1-2%), but lack the potential for outsized redemptions.
Choosing one of thebest travel rewards credit cards for 2025 is one of the smartest financial moves you can make to unlock your travel dreams. By aligning your spending with a card that rewards you generously—whether it’s the all-around power of theChase Sapphire Preferred or the luxury perks of theAmex Platinum—you can turn groceries, gas, and rent into flights, hotels, and unforgettable experiences.
The key is to start with a clear goal, assess your spending, and use the information in this guide to make a confident choice.
What travel card are you using or considering for 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
AJH World Team is a finance expert at AJH World specializing in consumer credit, travel rewards, and smart financial strategies. With over a decade of experience analysing the credit card market, our goal is to help readers make informed decisions that maximize their financial well-being.