If you’re a frequent traveler, you already know the value of a good rewards credit card. The right card can help you earn points faster, enjoy luxury perks, and save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year on flights, hotels, and more. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for US travel rewards in 2025, so you can pick the perfect one for your lifestyle and travel goals.
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Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card? 💡
Travel rewards credit cards aren’t just about earning points. They often come with:
- Free airport lounge access 🍷
- Complimentary checked bags 🎒
- Travel insurance and purchase protection 🛡️
- No foreign transaction fees 🌎
- Exclusive partner discounts 🏨
With travel prices rising in 2025, having one of the best credit cards for US travel rewards is more valuable than ever.
Top Picks for the Best Credit Cards for US Travel Rewards in 2025 🥇
Here’s our hand-picked list of the top performers this year, based on rewards, perks, and annual fees.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 💎
Why We Love It:
A long-time favorite, this card offers generous points on travel and dining, plus flexible redemption options through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
Key Perks:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x points on everything else
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Travelers who want a high-value rewards program with flexibility.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 🌍
Why We Love It:
This card keeps it simple — earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, plus easy redemption for flights, hotels, and more.
Key Perks:
- 2x miles on all purchases
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100)
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Travelers who want flat-rate rewards and straightforward redemption.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express 💼
Why We Love It:
Known for luxury perks, this card offers unmatched airport lounge access and premium travel benefits.
Key Perks:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- Global Lounge Collection access
- Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status
Annual Fee: $695
Best For: Frequent flyers who value luxury travel experiences.
4. Citi Premier® Card 🏝️
Why We Love It:
This is one of the most versatile cards for both travel and everyday spending.
Key Perks:
- 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets
- 1x points on all other purchases
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit
- Points transfer to multiple airline partners
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Travelers who also want great rewards on daily expenses.
5. United℠ Explorer Card ✈️
Why We Love It:
Perfect for United Airlines loyalists, this card offers travel perks that save money on every trip.
Key Perks:
- 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels
- Free first checked bag for you and a companion
- Priority boarding
- Two one-time United Club℠ passes per year
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
Best For: United Airlines frequent flyers.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Your Travel Goals 🎯
When deciding on the best credit cards for US travel rewards, ask yourself:
- Where do you travel most? If you fly with one airline often, consider its co-branded card. You can check the U.S. News Travel Credit Card Rankings for detailed comparisons.
- Do you want luxury perks or cash savings? Premium cards offer upgrades, but come with higher annual fees.
- How much do you spend on travel and dining? This will help you choose a rewards structure that maximizes your earnings.
- Do you need flexible points? Cards with transferable points offer more redemption options.
Maximizing Your Travel Rewards 💰
Getting the right card is just the first step. Here’s how to squeeze every drop of value from your rewards:
- Book through your card’s travel portal for bonus points.
- Pay for all travel-related expenses with your card to earn maximum rewards.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses — they can be worth hundreds in free travel.
- Redeem for travel, not cash back — points often have higher value this way.
- Combine with airline and hotel loyalty programs for extra perks.
Pros and Cons of Travel Rewards Credit Cards ⚖️
Pros:
✅ Free flights, hotels, and upgrades
✅ Access to luxury perks like lounges and priority boarding
✅ Travel insurance and purchase protection
✅ No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
❌ Some have high annual fees
❌ Can encourage overspending if not managed carefully
❌ Requires good to excellent credit for approval
Final Thoughts – Which Card Should You Get? 🏆
The best credit cards for US travel rewards in 2025 cater to different travel styles.
- If you want flexible points and strong bonuses, go with Chase Sapphire Preferred®.
- If you prefer simplicity, the Capital One Venture is unbeatable.
- For luxury and elite perks, nothing beats Amex Platinum.
- If you want everyday rewards plus travel benefits, the Citi Premier® is a smart choice.
- And if you’re loyal to United Airlines, the United℠ Explorer Card is a no-brainer.
No matter which card you choose, use it strategically, and you’ll turn everyday purchases into unforgettable travel experiences. 🌎✈️💳
More Smart Money & Travel Tips You’ll Love 💡
If you enjoyed this guide on the best credit cards for US travel rewards, here are more useful resources to help you save money, travel smarter, and make the most of your finances:
New IRS Update on Tax Refund Dates
Student Loan Interest Rate Changes – What You Need to Know
Airlines Launch New Saver Fare – Is It Right for You?
TikTok’s Latest Money-Saving Challenge Explained
