/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/authors/ben_walker_updated.png)
When you make travel plans, having the right credit card in your wallet is just as important as booking excursions and making dinner reservations. No matter where your adventures lead you, these credit cards can make the difference between earning next to nothing on your purchases and cashing in on major savings in the form of travel rewards.
Plus, many of the best travel credit cards include benefits like travel insurance for added peace of mind and the option to transfer your rewards earnings for more flexible redemptions.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are the top travel credit cards we recommend from Capital One, Chase, Bank of America, and more issuers.
How we evaluate products
To select the best travel credit cards, we looked for rewards cards that stand out from the rest for the depth of their value. We researched cards to find those that offer the best rewards rates for travel expenses, such as flights and hotels; the most useful ongoing travel perks, such as trip protection/insurance and statement credits; the greatest redemption flexibility for points or miles, including transfer partner networks; and the most substantial welcome bonuses, a very common benefit of this type of card. We compared all of these benefits against each card's annual fee to determine which options provide enough value to be worthwhile and determine who each card might be best for.
We did not include all travel credit cards available and have included cards from our partners in our list.
Best Travel Credit Cards of 2025
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Welcome Bonus | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 award winner Best Overall Travel Credit Card /images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-preferred-12162024.png)
Apply Now
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 4.9
|
1X - 5X
Points
|
75,000
Points
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
19.99% - 28.24% Variable
|
$95
|
|
2025 award winner Best for Simple Travel Rewards /images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_rewards_card_art.png)
Apply Now
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 4.7
|
2X - 5X
Miles
|
75,000 Miles
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$95
|
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
Apply Now
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card 4.4
|
1.5X - 3X
Points
|
25,000
Points
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Purchases:
0%, 15 billing cycles
|
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
|
$0
|
|
2025 award winner Best Premium Travel Credit Card /images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_x_card_art_-_12-18-24.png)
Apply Now
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 4.9
|
2X - 10X
Miles
|
75,000
Miles
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$395
|
|
2025 award winner Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card /images/2024/12/17/wells-fargo-autograph-12172024.png)
Apply Now
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card 4.4
|
1X - 3X
Points
|
20,000
Bonus Points
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
0%, 12 months from account opening
|
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable
|
$0
|
/images/2024/12/18/capital_one_ventureone_rewards_card_art.png)
Apply Now
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card 4.0
|
1.25X - 5X
Miles
|
20,000 Bonus Miles + $100 Capital One Travel credit
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 15 months
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
|
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$0
|
|
2025 award winner Best for Lounge Access /images/2025/06/23/chase-sapphire-reserve-6-23-2025.png)
Apply Now
Chase Sapphire Reserve® 5.0
|
1X - 8X
Points
|
125,000 bonus points
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
|
$795
|
2025 award winner Best Overall Travel Credit Card
/images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-preferred-12162024.png)
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
2025 award winner Best for Simple Travel Rewards
/images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_rewards_card_art.png)
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
2025 award winner Best Premium Travel Credit Card
/images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_x_card_art_-_12-18-24.png)
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 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®
2025 award winner Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card
/images/2024/12/17/wells-fargo-autograph-12172024.png)
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
/images/2024/12/18/capital_one_ventureone_rewards_card_art.png)
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- For a limited time, enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
2025 award winner Best for Lounge Access
/images/2025/06/23/chase-sapphire-reserve-6-23-2025.png)
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Most of these travel cards come with basics such as travel insurance1 <p class="">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.<br></p> and other protections, and some also come with premium perks that will make your next trip more luxurious. We've narrowed down the options to the best cards out there, so you can rest assured you're making a good choice when you pick from our favorites.
Other travel cards you should check out
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
How to pick the right travel card for you
When selecting from this list of credit card offers, it's important to do some analysis of your spending habits and not just focus on the potential bonus for new cardholders. This analysis could mean the difference between getting an airline credit card versus a hotel credit card. Or you may want a more general travel card that lets you transfer your points to your favorite hotel chain.
So, before you pick your new card, ask yourself the following questions:
- What will I spend the most on? Do you make a lot of dining purchases? Do you spend more money on flights or hotels? Do you subscribe to a lot of streaming services? Make sure the bonus categories on the card you choose line up with the categories in which you do the most spending?
- What's my credit score? In general, travel credit cards require at least a good credit score. Card issuers tend to consider other creditworthiness factors as well, but checking your credit score is an easy way to help determine your eligibility.
- How frequently will I take advantage of travel perks? Some cards come with perks such as airport lounge access, statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and/or statement credits for Clear Plus. If you're just trying to save for one annual vacation, you might not be able to take advantage of these perks. On the other hand, if you travel frequently, they might be a necessity.
- What travel perks do I value the most? In addition to how frequently you can take advantage of perks, you also need to think about which ones are most valuable to you overall. That could depend on the types of travel you typically enjoy. For instance, if you're a frequent flyer, you may value the airline fee credits, no foreign transaction fees, priority boarding, or free checked bags that you get with certain cards. But if you travel less frequently, you might get more value from a free Doordash Dashpass membership, bonus points on takeout, or Uber Cash.
- How will I use my rewards? Will you be using your rewards only to book travel, or do you want the option for cash back as well? (Note that travel credit cards don't generally make good cash back cards.) What airlines and hotels do you frequent? Some cards line up well with certain airlines and hotel brands better than others. It's also helpful to consider whether a credit card rewards portal (Capital One Travel, Chase Travel℠, etc.) has blackout dates where you can't redeem rewards toward travel bookings.
- What else do I want from this card? Some cards may provide non-travel benefits like a 0% introductory APR offer on balance transfers or purchases for a certain amount of time after account opening. For example, the first 12 months or billing cycles of card membership. If you have big purchases planned, this might make one card more desirable as long as you can pay off your balance before the regular variable APR kicks in. These sorts of offers are more common on cash back credit cards than on travel cards, though. There's also typically a balance transfer fee if you want to do a balance transfer with a credit card.
How to compare travel credit cards
No travel credit card's going to be right for everyone, as it depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. But you can find the right credit card for you by considering different factors and aligning them with your personal finance goals. Keep in mind that different terms apply depending on the card and card issuer.
Annual fees
Travel credit cards tend to have an annual fee, and sometimes the fee can range into the hundreds of dollars. To justify paying an annual fee, you have to consider all the rewards and benefits of a card and whether you would receive value from those rewards.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might pay a high annual fee to have extensive airport lounge access or elite status with an airline or hotel chain. But if you don't travel a lot or are a beginner to points and miles, a card with a lower annual fee or no fee might make more sense.
Note that a reasonable annual fee tends to be lower than $100. Many premium travel cards have annual fees of around $300 or more.
Rewards rates
Consider how different cards earn rewards if you want to use them for everyday purchases. For example, it could make sense to go for a card that earns bonus points or bonus miles on dining if you eat out a lot. Or you might want a card that earns elevated rates on groceries or U.S. gas stations.
(Note that a rewards category for groceries or U.S. supermarkets doesn't typically include wholesale clubs, Target, or Walmart.)
Additionally, you could have a preferred airline or hotel, such as JetBlue or Hyatt, and want to earn more rewards on applicable purchases with those companies. Co-branded cards make sense for these types of earning rates.
If you don't want to worry about earning in specific categories, consider a card with a simple rewards rate. That could look like a basic flat rate of 2X miles or something similar on all eligible purchases, making it easy to earn elevated rewards no matter the category.
Welcome bonuses
You can't ignore the value you can receive from a generous welcome bonus. In some cases, the points or miles you earn from a bonus offer could easily offset an annual fee for a few years. And that's without considering how much additional value you might receive from card benefits and earning rewards on everyday spending.
Foreign transaction fees
We don't typically consider any credit card that charges a foreign transaction fee to be a "travel credit card." This is because you shouldn't have to worry about paying around 3% of a purchase on any transactions you make abroad.
Most travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, but it's something to keep in mind. This isn't a big deal if you only travel within the U.S., though international travelers should read over the terms and fees of their card agreements to check for foreign transaction fees.
Perks and benefits
Perks and benefits are a huge reason to apply for a travel credit card. Having elite status or unlimited complimentary access to airport lounges, such as Priority Pass, for nearly free (you still have to pay the annual fee on cards that offer this benefit) can greatly enhance your travel experiences.
Want free breakfast or a room upgrade at a hotel? Elite status can get you that.
What about annual travel credits (received in the form of a statement credit) to help discount your eligible travel purchases? Or an application fee reimbursement for popular travel programs, including TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
From calendar-year credits to concierge services, there are loads of available perks and benefits to choose from across a variety of travel credit cards. Note that an annual-fee travel credit card would likely have more benefits and luxury travel perks than a no-annual-fee card. But the best travel card for you is the one that has perks that align with your spending habits and lifestyle.
Travel protections
Many travel credit cards provide different types of travel insurance or protections. This could include car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, or trip cancellation or interruption insurance. In some cases, you might also receive access to trip delay reimbursement and lost luggage reimbursement.
These are the types of card benefits that you hope you don't have to use, but could be very handy if you find yourself in an applicable situation.
Transfer partners
Many travel rewards card issuers offer the option to transfer your miles or points to a variety of travel partners in the airline and hotel industries. This allows you to potentially gain more value from your rewards than you would be able to otherwise.
For instance, 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points would normally be worth $500, at the platform's typical 1-cent valuation ($500 / 50,000 = $0.01), but you can transfer those points to one of Chase's Ultimate Rewards transfer partners to potentially maximize their value. Points transfer to the issuer's airline and hotel transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio, but how much they're worth from there depends on the partner. World of Hyatt is generally considered to be the partner with the best value, according to travel experts. While award charts vary, you might see redemption values of well over three cents per point through this loyalty program. Other notable hotel partners include IHG Rewards Club and Marriott Bonvoy, and some airline partners include United MileagePlus® and Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®.
International acceptance
Where do you typically travel? If you like to travel outside the country and around the world, and you might end up just about anywhere, you need a credit card that's accepted internationally. Most countries worldwide accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. You might discover that American Express or other payment networks, on the other hand, are less widely accepted globally.
Types of travel credit cards
As you dig deeper into the details of credit cards, you might discover that there are many different types of travel credit cards. It could get confusing as you compare travel protections, interest rates, and spending categories. Or if you're wondering whether to use a Mastercard, Visa, or American Express credit card.
But while these are all important considerations, we've simplified travel credit cards into three easy categories: airline cards, hotel cards, and flexible currency cards.
Airline miles credit cards
Airline miles credit cards make sense if you frequently use the same airline for your travels.
These types of co-branded airline cards earn miles with a specific airline's frequent flyer program. For example, a Southwest credit card would earn Rapid Rewards points, while a Delta credit card would earn Delta SkyMiles.
The miles you earn with these cards can typically be redeemed for flights with the applicable airline and potentially partner airlines as well. You might also be able to use miles for other redemptions, but it varies by loyalty program.
Many airline credit cards also provide additional benefits, such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, and airport lounge access. Check out our list of the best airline credit cards.
Hotel points credit cards
Hotel points credit cards make sense if you frequently stay at the same hotel chain on your travels.
These types of credit cards earn points with specific hotel loyalty programs. For example, a Hilton Honors card would earn Hilton points, while a Marriott Bonvoy credit card would earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
The points you earn with these cards can typically be redeemed for hotel stays with the applicable hotel chain. You might also have other redemption options available, including experiences, flights, and car rentals.
Many hotel credit cards provide additional benefits, such as elite status, free night awards, and airport lounge access. Learn more with our list of the best hotel credit cards.
Flexible points credit cards
Flexible points credit cards make sense if you want flexibility with how you can use your rewards.
These types of credit cards earn flexible points, which can typically be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and more. Some flexible rewards currencies include Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express Membership Rewards points, and Capital One miles.
All three of these rewards programs have online travel portals where you can make a number of travel-related bookings, similar to Expedia or Priceline. These programs also allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners, which opens up more redemption options. Examples of travel partners include United, Southwest, Hyatt, Hilton, British Airways, and more.
The benefits on these cards can vary a great deal, but some of the popular options might provide travel credit, elite status with different loyalty programs, and airport lounge access. You also might find some unique benefits on certain cards. As an example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
FAQs
How does a travel card work?
A travel credit card allows you to earn points or miles you can use for travel costs. Essentially, you'll get a percentage of all your qualifying purchases back in rewards, which you can then use to fund more travel. Use your points for things like free nights at hotels or a free flight to your dream destination.
How much is a point or mile worth on travel credit cards?
The value of a point typically depends on how you redeem it. For example, points on travel credit cards are usually worth more when used toward travel than for gift cards or merchandise. As a general rule, a point is worth roughly 1 cent if you're redeeming for cash back.
How many miles do you need for a free flight?
That depends on your itinerary, your choice of cabin class, and the airline. As an example, you'll need at least 5,000 miles for a free flight on Alaska Airlines and at least 7,500 miles for a free flight on American Airlines. An international trip could require hundreds of thousands of miles, depending on where and when you're flying. Check out the number of points you'll need to get a free flight with the top U.S.-based airline
What credit score do you need to get approved for a travel rewards credit card?
While credit score requirements will vary across different card issuers and travel cards, in most cases, you'll likely need a good to excellent credit score to get approved for a travel rewards credit card.
Travel advice from credit card experts
A travel credit card is a great tool to keep in your wallet. To give further insight on red flags to look out for when shopping for a travel card and tips for beginners, we asked a panel of experts for their advice.
Are there any red flags to look out for when browsing for starter travel cards to apply for?
/images/2024/09/12/dima-leshchinskii.jpg)
/images/2024/09/12/charles_r_taylor.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/12/dipra_jha_2024.png)
/images/2024/09/12/csm_banerjee_somnath_9794148e59.jpg)
Can beginners ever "skip" entry travel cards and immediately apply for higher tier cards with more benefits?
/images/2024/09/12/clement.png)
/images/2024/09/12/abhijeet_shirsat_1.png)
/images/2024/09/12/linchi-kwok.jpg)
/images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-preferred-12162024.png)
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases