Best Travel Credit Cards to Earn Miles/Points in 2025

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Consumers typically need good or excellent credit to qualify for the best travel credit card offers, and those who are eligible have plenty of research to do.

For example, most need to decide on the type of travel rewards credit card they want, including whether they want flexible travel points, rewards for hotels or airline miles. They should also compare cards based on their benefits, which could include elite status with hotels, airport lounge access, annual travel credits, no annual fees and more.

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 10 Travel Credit Cards

The top travel credit cards we’ve selected come with reward points or miles — although the rewards/miles-per-dollar-spent rate depends on the card. For instance, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers up to 10X miles per dollar on category-based spending, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Express lets you earn up to 5X points per dollar on its bonus categories. Both, however, reserve their highest rewards rates for travel-related purchases. Choosing from the best travel cards on our list also requires paying attention to annual fees, welcome offers, APRs and added benefits.

Annual Fee	Rewards Summary	Recommended Credit	Best for
$395	Earn 2X – 10X miles	740-850 (Excellent)	Straightforward travel rewards card with premium perks
$695	Earn 1X – 5X points	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	N/A
$49	Earn 2X – 3X points	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	A good travel rewards card with nominal annual fees
$95	Earn 1.5X – 4X points	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	A good travel rewards card that comes with a possible annual fee waiver
$95	Earn 1X – 10X points	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	An excellent travel rewards card for international use
$95	Earn 1–5% cash back	670–850 (Good to Excellent)	Enjoy flexible travel points and no foreign transaction fees
$95	Earn 2X – 5X miles	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	Strong entry-level travel card with high rewards rates
$325	Earn 1X – 4X Membership Rewards® Points	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	A great rewards card for groceries, dining and flights
$550	Earn 1–10% cash back	740 - 850 (Excellent)	Best for premium travel with flexible redemption points
$0	Earn 1.25 miles on every purchase	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	N/A

Best Travel Credit Card Offers

The best travel credit cards are vastly different from one another, with some offering flexible travel points and others letting you earn hotel loyalty points or airline miles. Consider the type of rewards you want to earn — and how you might use them — as you compare offers.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

On Partner's Website

Rewards Summary

Earn 2X – 10X miles

APR

19.99% - 29.24% variable

Annual Fee

$395

Recommended Credit

740-850 (Excellent)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a strong contender for travel-savvy individuals. It offers exceptional rewards on travel-related spending, making it an efficient way to fund future adventures. Its premium perks, like lounge access and credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck offer an elevated travel experience, ensuring journeys are as comfortable as possible. Although the card carries a considerable annual fee, it’s not as high as those of luxury travel cards with many of the same benefits, and its rich rewards and perks can make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. The card's generous welcome offer and unique anniversary bonus highlight Capital One's commitment to rewarding loyalty. All in all, it's an attractive package for those with wanderlust in their veins.
PROS
- High earning rates on travel purchases
- Significant bonus miles opportunities
- Annual travel credit
- Complimentary travel perks (Priority Pass, Lounge access)
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS
- High annual fee
- Benefits heavily tied to Capital One Travel
- Large spending requirement for initial bonus
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 75,000 Capital One Miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
  - Get 10,000 bonus miles each year, starting on your first anniversary, which equals $100 towards travel.
- Rewards
  - Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  - Earn 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
  - Earn 2X miles on all other purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
  - Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network.
  - Use your Venture X miles to cover travel expenses or transfer them to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
  - Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection.
  - Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Rates & Fees

On Partner's Website

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X – 5X points

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee

$695

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The Platinum Card® from American Express is more than just a vehicle for purchases; it's a portal to a world of travel opportunities, all fueled by a flexible rewards program. This card is a great fit for the frequent traveler seeking to glean maximum value from their spending, with rewards extending beyond travel. With a sizable welcome bonus, impressive rewards on travel spending, an array of redemption options and a slew of annual credits and perks, this card can more than offset its high annual fee for the right cardholder.
PROS
- Top-level travel rewards rates
- Extensive premium travel benefits
- Generous high-value annual credits
- Transfer points to airline partners
CONS
- High annual fee
- Annual credits may not be relevant for all cardholders
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year.
  - Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Receive a $200 Hotel Credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings.
  - Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  - Access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®.
  - Enjoy a $155 Walmart+ Credit for eligible delivery fees and shipping.
  - Receive a $200 Airline Fee Credit for incidental fees with a selected airline.
  - $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  - Receive a $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit for expedited airport security.
  - Get a $120 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck® credit for application fees.
  - Enjoy $100 Shop Saks with Platinum credit annually.
  - Unlock exclusive dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy.
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - $695 annual fee. see Rates and Fees
  - Terms Apply.

Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards

Rates & Fees

Rewards Summary

Earn 2X – 3X points

APR

15.99% – 18.00% variable

Annual Fee

$49

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

We feel the Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards card might work well for people who wish to make the most of their travel purchases without paying a steep annual fee.
This card comes with a $49 annual fee. It offers statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, worldwide automatic travel accident insurance, collision damage waiver, and travel and emergency assistance. It charges no foreign transaction fees, which makes it perfect for use outside of the U.S.
New cardholders stand to earn 40,000 bonus points (valued at $400) if they spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Travel purchases from a host of categories earn 3X points per dollar, and all other purchases fetch 2X points.
If you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account, you may benefit by using this card’s introductory low APR offer on purchases, through which you pay 1.99% interest for the first six months. Further, this card does away with cash advance and balance transfer fees.
PROS
- Moderate annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- High travel rewards rate
- Variable APR of between 15.99% - 18.00%
- No cash advance and balance transfer fee
CONS
- Not available to all
- Needs very good to excellent credit score to qualify
- Introductory Offers
  - Get the most rewards with our top-tier credit card. From 7/1/2024 through 1/1/2025, new Flagship cardholders can earn 40k bonus points (a $400value!) when they spend $3,500 within the first 90 days of opening their Flagship Rewards account. Also‚ Navy Federal will reimburse the cost of Amazon Prime for one year ($139).
- Rewards
  - Earn 3x points on travel purchases.
  - Earn 2x points on all other purchases.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - No balance transfer fees.
  - No foreign transaction fees.
  - No cash advance fees.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy a year of Amazon Prime membership reimbursement ($139 value).
  - Receive up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓.
  - No limit or expiration on rewards.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Rates & Fees

Rewards Summary

Earn 1.5X – 4X points

APR

17.99% variable

Annual Fee

$95

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card comes with a $95 annual fee. However, you don’t have to pay this fee if you’re a PenFed Honors Advantage member. Even if you end up paying the annual fee, you may offset if easily if you make use of the available domestic air ancillary travel statement credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit and Priority Pass Airport Lounge membership.
New cardholders earn 50,000 bonus points if they spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days. PenFed Honors Advantage members earn 4X points per dollar on all travel categories, and it changes to 3x points for non-members. All other purchases come with 1.5X points.
This PenFed credit union card comes with a 0% APR offer on balance transfers for 12 months. However, each balance transfer carried out during this period comes with a 3% fee.
Using this card when you travel internationally is perfect because it comes with no foreign transaction fees.
PROS
- Earn reward points on travel and everyday purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel statement credits
- Welcome bonus points
- 0% balance transfer intro APR
CONS
- Annual fee of $95
- Credit union membership required
- Purchase variable APR of 17.99%
- Balance transfer fees
- Rewards
  - Earn 4X points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage member.
  - Non-members earn 3X points on travel purchases.
  - Earn 1.5X points on all other purchases.
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Take advantage of a 0% balance transfer promotional offer to consolidate debt.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Rates & Fees

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X – 10X points

APR

20.49% - 28.49% variable

Annual Fee

$95

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

We feel the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great alternative for travelers not just because of its generous sign-up offer but also because it lets you transfer your reward points to different airline loyalty programs.
As a new cardholder, you may earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn 3X points per $1 for spending on flights and hotels, at restaurants, at supermarkets and at gas stations. All other purchases come with 1X points. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® points per dollar spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
Transferring your points to popular frequent flyer programs such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, JetBlue TrueBlue and Emirates Skywards is an option, and you pay no extra fee.
Having to pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S. is great. You also get $100 off a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) once every year. You may offset the card's $95 annual fee by using this benefit alone.
Getting additional cards for authorized users comes at no extra cost and gives you the ability to earn points faster.
PROS
- Opportunity to earn a sizeable sign-up bonus
- 3X points for travel purchases and on a few other categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer points to popular frequent flyer programs or redeem them in other ways
- $100 hotel savings benefit each year
CONS
- Annual fee of $95
- No complimentary insurance
- No purchase protection
- Cash advance and balance transfer fees
- Penalty APR may apply in case of a late or returned payment
- Introductory Offers
  - For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Rewards
  - Earn 10 ThankYou Points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
  - Earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas, and EV charging stations.
  - Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy a $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year when booked through CitiTravel.com.
  - No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases.
  - Points do not expire and there's no limit to the amount you can earn.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

On Partner's Website

Rewards Summary

Earn 2X – 5X miles

APR

19.99% - 29.24% variable

Annual Fee

$95

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers incredible value and convenience for regular travelers and general consumers alike. A key strength is its high earning rate on travel-related expenses, rewarding you with generous miles for hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel. Furthermore, it provides broad earning potential with 2X miles on all other spending. Its sizable welcome offer further elevates its appeal. Flexibile mile redemption options, coupled with travel perks such as an application credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and no foreign transaction fees, make it an excellent companion for your travel and daily spending needs.
PROS
- Unlimited miles on select travel and everyday expenses
- Generous welcome offer
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application credit
CONS
- Annual fee
- Significant spend requirement for welcome offer
- Minimal travel perks
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
- Rewards
  - Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
  - Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  - Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Miles do not expire for the life of the account, with no earning cap.
  - Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  - Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection.
  - Use miles to reimburse any travel purchase or book a trip through Capital One Travel.

American Express® Gold Card

Rates & Fees

On Partner's Website

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X – 4X Membership Rewards® Points

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The American Express® Gold Card has outstanding features and benefits. Its generous rewards program allows cardholders to earn substantial points on dining and groceries, making it easy to get rewarded for everyday expenses. Additionally, you'll enjoy entertainment perks, like a dining credit at eligible restaurants and access to presale event tickets. Overall, the American Express Gold Card is a great card for both ordinary and extraordinary spending.
PROS
- Top-tier rewards on dining and groceries
- Great annual bonus credits
- Transfer points to multiple airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees See Rates and Fees
CONS
- High annual fee
- Limited premium travel perks
- No rewards on hotel stays or car rentals
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 annually, then 1X points.
  - Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 annually, then 1X points.
  - Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com.
  - Earn 2X points on prepaid hotels and eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com.
  - Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Receive $120 Uber Cash annually for Uber Eats or rides in the U.S. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  - $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
  - $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  - $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  - Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  - No foreign transaction fees. See Rates and Fees
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  - Annual fee is $325. See Rates and Fees
  - Know if you're approved for a card with no impact on your credit score. Accepting the card may impact your score.
  - Terms apply.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

On Partner's Website

Rewards Summary

Earn 1.25 miles on every purchase

APR

19.24% – 29.24% variable

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers exceptional value and flexibility for both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. It allows you to earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel and 1.25X miles on all other purchases. The card also provides a generous welcome bonus of 20,000 miles when you spend $500 within the first three months. The enticing welcome bonus and the absence of annual and foreign transaction fees add further value to this card. While there are some considerations, such as a balance transfer fee and potentially higher ongoing APR, this card's overall quality and functionality make it a desirable option for consumers seeking flexibility and rewards.
PROS
- Unlimited earning potential
- Welcome offer with low spend requirement
- Decent intro APR offer on balance transfers and purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
- Somewhat short intro APR offer period
- High ongoing APR
- No impressive travel protections
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months, equivalent to $200 in travel.
- Rewards
  - Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
  - Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  - Enjoy a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
  - Benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that, with a balance transfer fee.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Miles won't expire for the life of the account, and there's no limit to how many you can earn.
  - Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
  - Use your miles to reimburse any travel purchase or book trips through Capital One Travel.

HOW WE RANK TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

Our experts collect 57 data points from sources such as card issuer websites, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and our various partners to ensure that you get access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. They arrive at the revised list of the best travel credit cards after subjecting all new and existing cards from this segment to our in-house ranking methodology. This involves assigning specific percentages to all the parameters that matter. Examples include:

Annual fee - 10%
Rewards rate at hotels - 10%
Rewards rate on air travel - 10%
Welcome Offer - 10%

5 Tips for Comparing Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Comparing the best travel credit cards can be a chore when annual fees are all over the place, and cards earn different types of rewards. Even so, you can narrow down your options by thinking about how you normally spend, your preferred type of travel and the cardholder benefits you want the most.

1
Take a close look at the annual fees
Some of the best travel credit cards have annual fees over $500, yet they offer benefits that are worth significantly more — if you use them. There are also plenty of travel rewards credit cards with annual fees under $100, as well as card options with no annual fee. There's nothing wrong with paying an annual fee for a rewards credit card, but you should make sure the value of any perks you receive is worth it.
2
Check for lucrative sign-up bonuses
Several travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses worth $1,000 or more, although you'll need to make sure you can meet the minimum spending threshold requirement. Make sure any card you're considering offers an initial bonus you can earn — and that it is realistic for your regular spending habits.
3
Consider ongoing rewards rates
Also compare the best travel credit cards based on the rewards they offer on everyday spending. Ideally, you'll wind up with a card that offers more points or miles in categories you spend a lot in.
4
Look for generous travel perks
If you're willing to pay an annual fee, you can look at cards that offer travel benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits or elite status with hotels.
5
Decide if you need travel insurance
Finally, decide if you are interested in cards with travel insurance benefits, then compare options accordingly. Some of the top travel credit cards offer protective perks like trip interruption and cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, primary or secondary auto rental coverage and more.

MoneyGeek’s Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Card

Getting the most out of your travel rewards credit card works best when you start with the right card from the start. With that in mind, you'll need to take a closer look at different types of credit cards as well as their respective rewards programs.

Take the time to compare points and miles cards, general travel credit cards, co-branded hotel cards and co-branded airline cards.

Understanding How Travel Credit Cards Work

The best travel rewards credit cards let you earn points that can be redeemed for nearly any kind of trip, although the rewards you earn don't all work the same way. Some cards let you earn points that only work within a specific hotel loyalty program, whereas others offer airline miles that only work with one airline or within an airline alliance. However, there are also flexible travel credit cards that let you redeem your points for any travel you charge to your card. Some even let you transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which can open the door to better redemptions and help you get more bang for your buck.

Pros & Cons

Pros of Getting a Travel Credit Card

Travel rewards credit cards let you earn points for airfare, hotels and other types of travel, which can lead to travel savings.
Travel rewards points make it possible to redeem for aspirational travel redemptions that are too expensive to book with cash.
Get the chance to earn a big sign-up bonus, which could be worth $1,000 or more.
You can access travel benefits for free, including airport lounge membership, travel insurance, annual travel credits, elite status and more.
Some travel rewards credit cards give you elite status benefits like preferred boarding, free checked bags, room upgrades or early/late check-out.

Cons of Travel Credit Cards

The best travel credit cards require very good or excellent credit, so not everyone is eligible.
Several top travel credit cards charge annual fees that are over $500, and most have an annual fee of around $100. There are travel rewards credit cards with no annual fee, but they offer fewer benefits.
Like all types of credit cards, travel credit cards can charge high variable APRs that make carrying a balance an expensive proposition.
Hotel and airline programs tend to have extensive loyalty program rules that can make redeeming your points complicated or difficult.

How Points and Miles Work

When you sign up for a travel rewards credit card, you'll get the chance to earn a sign-up bonus as well as points or miles for each dollar you spend. Some types of points can be converted to cash back, whereas others are only good for airfare or hotel stays. Points values also vary, although you'll typically get a minimum of one cent per point or mile in value when you go to redeem.

Make sure to research different types of travel credit cards and their respective programs so that you know what you're getting into before you sign up.

General Travel Credit Cards

General travel credit cards are not affiliated with a specific airline or hotel, making them a lot more flexible than other options you'll find. Cards in this niche tend to work best for people who aren't committed to specific travel plans or loyal to a travel brand. Flexible travel credit cards are also perfect for consumers who want the option to redeem rewards for cash back or statement credits if they prefer.

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF GENERAL TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

Typically let you redeem your rewards for travel charged to your credit card or for travel booked through a specific portal
May let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners (like with Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards)
Can offer travel benefits including airport lounge access or flexible travel credits
Tend to have annual fees

Airline Credit Cards

Co-branded airline cards let you earn airline miles that work with a specific airline or airline alliance. For example, you could get the chance to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points good for flights on Southwest Airlines, but you could also earn miles within the American AAdvantage program and redeem them for flights with American and other airlines in the oneworld Alliance.

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED AIRLINE CARDS:

Earn airline miles for flights or seat upgrades
Can come with frequent flyer benefits like early boarding or free checked bags
Rewards tend to be inflexible
Tend to have annual fees, but not always
Can offer elite qualifying miles toward elite status

Hotel Credit Cards

Co-branded hotel cards offer consumers the chance to earn hotel points in a specific loyalty program like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt. Some cards in this niche grant cardholders automatic elite hotel status, while others offer free nights or annual travel credits good for their portfolio of properties.

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED HOTEL CARDS:

Earn rewards for free hotel stays or room upgrades
Can come with automatic elite status
Rewards tend to be inflexible
Tend to have annual fees, but not always
Can offer elite qualifying nights toward the next level of elite status

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Travel Credit Card

There are important questions to ask before applying for a credit card, including ones that could significantly impact your finances.

What to Ask When Comparing Cards

Do you want to pay an annual fee? If you're averse to paying a high annual fee for a travel rewards credit card, this will help you narrow your options considerably. We suggest paying an annual fee only when you know the benefits are worth it.
How often do you travel? If you only travel infrequently, you could be better off with a general rewards credit card or even a cash back credit card with no annual fee.
Do you travel outside the United States? If so, you'll want to look for a travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees. That way, you can avoid paying an extra 1% to 3% (on average) toward overseas purchases.

Are you loyal to an airline or hotel brand? If you love a specific airline or hotel brand, then it's possible a co-branded travel credit card could be right for you. If you don't care where you stay or how you get there, a general travel rewards credit card will likely leave you better off.
Which travel benefits do you care the most about? Make sure to check cards for perks you'd like to have, whether that includes airport lounge access, annual travel credits, elite status, free checked bags on certain flights or something else.
Do you plan to carry a balance? If you plan to carry a balance, we suggest avoiding travel rewards credit cards since the high APR you'll pay will wipe out the rewards you earn and then some. Instead, look for low-interest credit cards or credit cards with 0% APR for a limited time.

Tips for Maximizing Miles & Travel Rewards

1
Make sure you can earn the bonus offer
If the travel rewards credit card you're considering offers a sign-up or welcome bonus, make sure you can meet the minimum spending threshold within the prescribed timeline. Remember that credit card sign-up bonuses are offered in addition to the points and miles you can earn on regular spending.
2
Pair more than one card to maximize rewards potential
If you're having trouble deciding on a specific travel credit card, consider pairing a few different cards that work well together. For example, you could pick up a co-branded hotel card or airline card and a flexible travel credit card that lets you transfer points to that program. An example would be pairing the World of Hyatt Credit Card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which lets you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the World of Hyatt program at a 1:1 ratio.

You could also pair cards within the same flexible program, such as a cash back credit card from Chase and one of their premium travel credit cards. An example would be the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Having both cards would let you earn optimal rewards in several categories like travel, dining and drugstores, as well as a minimum of 1.5x points on all non-bonus spending.
3
Use your credit card for all your spending and bills
Make sure you use your credit card for all your regular spending and bills since doing so will let you earn more points or miles over time. You can even set up automatic payments toward your recurring bills with your rewards credit card.
4
Keep an eye out for extra promotions
Check for additional promotions that can help you earn more rewards or cash back for each dollar you spend. Examples include travel program shopping portals, airline dining programs and add-on promotions like Amex Offers and Chase Offers.
5
Never carry a balance
The average credit card APR is currently over 16%, and travel rewards credit cards can charge rates much higher than that. Make sure to pay your credit card balance in full each month, or the rewards you earn won't be worth it.

FAQs About Travel Rewards Cards

The best travel credit cards can be confusing at first, but they start to make sense once you compare the best options and their respective programs. With some research and digging, you can learn all there is to know about the top travel credit card offers, how they work and who they're best for.

What credit cards have travel rewards programs?

Plenty of credit cards have travel rewards programs, including ones from Chase, American Express, Citi, Discover and Capital One. Make sure to compare travel rewards credit cards from all the major issuers before you make a decision.

What credit score do you typically need to get a good travel credit card?

The best travel rewards credit cards are usually available to consumers with "very good" or "excellent" credit, which includes any FICO credit score of 740 or higher. However, you may qualify with "good" credit, or a credit score between 670 and 739.

Why are annual fees so high on travel credit cards?

The best travel credit cards charge high annual fees, yet they offer valuable benefits that can more than offset them. For example, some of the top travel credit card offers come with annual travel credits of $200 or more and Priority Pass Select membership, which has a retail value of $429 on its own.

Can you use credit card travel points on car rentals?

Some travel rewards credit cards let you redeem points for car rentals, but not all. Flexible travel credit cards are the most likely to offer this option.

How can you redeem points or miles to book travel arrangements?

How you'll redeem your points or miles depends on the card you have. Some travel credit cards let you redeem for travel through a specific portal, while others let you book any type of travel you want with your credit card before "erasing" all or part of the charge with your points.

Which credit cards offer travel insurance coverage?

Many travel credit cards offer travel insurance, although the types of coverage you receive will vary. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card has the most robust collection of travel insurance benefits, which include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, baggage delay insurance, emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance and more.

Who should consider a travel credit card?

Anyone who wants to earn rewards for travel can consider a travel credit card. However, frequent travelers or brand enthusiasts may get the most bang for their buck.

Can you combine or transfer travel points from different credit cards?

Some flexible travel programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Some programs also let you pool all your points from different cards in a single account, and a handful let you pool points with other people.

Is it smart to have more than one travel credit card?

Having more than one travel credit card can make a lot of sense for frequent travelers. With a handful of cards, you can benefit from diverse earning rates and cardholder benefits.

Can I use my business travel credit card for personal travel?

Business credit cards shouldn't be used for personal travel if you are striving to keep personal and business purchases separate, which you should be. However, there is nothing to stop you from using your business credit card to pay for personal expenses, including travel.

How many miles do you need to earn a free flight?

The number of miles you'll need for a flight varies from program to program. However, you'll typically need somewhere around 10,000 miles for a one-way flight within the United States at a minimum. Some programs require a lot more miles than others for an award.

Are cash back cards better than travel credit cards?

Cash back credit cards may not offer points specifically for travel, yet they do let you redeem for statement credits that can be used to cover travel expenses. With that said, travel credit cards tend to offer a lot more perks specific to people who fly or stay in hotels. There is no "right" or "wrong" rewards credit card to sign up for, so make sure to compare both types of cards before you decide.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?

Travel rewards credit cards make sense for people who like to redeem rewards for flights, hotels, rental cars and even Airbnb stays. Even so, you'll be better off if you take the time to compare the different types of card options available based on their rewards programs, fees and cardholder benefits.

You don't have to be a frequent flyer or jetsetter to benefit from a travel rewards credit card, but you will get more value from your card if you make an informed decision before you sign up.

Next Steps

Now that you know what the best travel credit cards have to offer, decide if getting one might work in your favor. If you plan to apply for a new card, compare your options based on factors such as annual fees, rewards rates, welcome bonuses and travel-related perks.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

About Holly D. Johnson

Holly Johnson is an award-winning insurance writer, a financial expert and the co-founder of Club Thrifty, a platform that helps people use their money wisely. Her works have been featured in the Business Insider, Forbes, Policy Genius and Fox Business. She also contributes financial content to MoneyGeek.

Johnson attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

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sources

Credit Cards.com. "Average credit card interest rates: Week of April 14, 2021." Accessed February 5, 2025.
Experian. "What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee?." Accessed February 5, 2025.
myFICO.com. "What is a Credit Score?." Accessed February 5, 2025.

*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.

Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 10 Travel Credit Cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

American Express® Gold Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

On This Page:

Best Travel Credit Card Offers

HOW WE RANK TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

5 Tips for Comparing Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Take a close look at the annual fees

Check for lucrative sign-up bonuses

Consider ongoing rewards rates

Look for generous travel perks

Decide if you need travel insurance

MoneyGeek’s Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Card

Understanding How Travel Credit Cards Work

Pros & Cons

Pros of Getting a Travel Credit Card

Cons of Travel Credit Cards

How Points and Miles Work

General Travel Credit Cards

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF GENERAL TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

Airline Credit Cards

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED AIRLINE CARDS:

Hotel Credit Cards

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED HOTEL CARDS:

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Travel Credit Card

What to Ask When Comparing Cards

Tips for Maximizing Miles & Travel Rewards

Make sure you can earn the bonus offer

Pair more than one card to maximize rewards potential

Use your credit card for all your spending and bills

Keep an eye out for extra promotions

Never carry a balance

FAQs About Travel Rewards Cards

What credit cards have travel rewards programs?

What credit score do you typically need to get a good travel credit card?

Why are annual fees so high on travel credit cards?

Can you use credit card travel points on car rentals?

How can you redeem points or miles to book travel arrangements?

Which credit cards offer travel insurance coverage?

Who should consider a travel credit card?

Can you combine or transfer travel points from different credit cards?

Is it smart to have more than one travel credit card?

Can I use my business travel credit card for personal travel?

How many miles do you need to earn a free flight?

Are cash back cards better than travel credit cards?

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?

Next Steps

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