Top Travel Credit Cards to Use Worldwide in 2025. Whether you’re flying United Airlines (UA) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or boarding a Hawaiian Airlines (HA) flight out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), choosing the right travel credit card can help you save money, earn points, and enjoy exclusive perks every time you fly.
Why Travel Credit Cards Matter in 2025
Travel credit cards aren’t just for frequent flyers anymore. In fact, whether you travel occasionally or monthly, these cards can help you:
- Earn bonus miles or points
- Enjoy free checked bags, airport lounge access, and priority boarding
- Get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits
- Access travel insurance and trip protection
With dozens of cards to choose from, finding the best fit depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and loyalty to specific airlines or hotels.
Here’s the Best Travel Credit Card 2025
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months | 5x on hotels/rentals via Capital One Travel, 2x all else | $120 Global Entry credit, Hertz Five Star status | Flexible rewards |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 75,000 points after $5,000 in 3 months | 5x on Chase Travel℠, 3x dining, 2x travel | 25% redemption boost, $50 hotel credit | Redemption value |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months | 10x hotels/rentals, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x all else | $300 travel credit, lounge access | Premium travel perks |
| American Express® Gold | $325 | Up to 100,000 points after $6,000 in 6 months | 4x restaurants/supermarkets, 3x flights | $120 dining credits, $100 Resy credits | Everyday rewards |
| US Bank Altitude® Connect | $0 | 20,000 points after $1,000 in 90 days | 5x hotels/rentals via Altitude Rewards, 4x travel/gas | 4 Priority Pass visits, $100 Global Entry credit | No annual fee |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ | $95 | 75,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months | 10x hotels/rentals via CitiTravel.com, 3x travel/dining | $100 hotel discount, no foreign fees | Range of rewards |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® | $95 | 60,000 points after $4,000 in 90 days | 2x travel/dining, 1.5x all else | $100 airline credit, Preferred Rewards boost | Rewards boost |
The best premium travel credit card for 2025 is the Capital One Venture X. It seamlessly blends luxury perks with simple, powerful rewards, making it a top choice for frequent travelers. With an annual fee of $395, the card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles, which translates to about $750 in travel value. It also provides a $300 annual travel credit, unlimited lounge access through Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges, and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary. For those who want premium benefits without a complicated structure, this card delivers outstanding value.
For food lovers and everyday spenders, the American Express® Gold Card stands out. With a $325 annual fee, it offers one of the strongest rewards programs in its class. Cardholders can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points as a welcome bonus.
You’ll also earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year), plus 3x points on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com. Additional perks like a $120 dining credit and a $100 Resy credit make this card a go-to for travelers who also enjoy maximizing rewards on daily expenses.
If you’re looking for a no annual fee option that still packs a punch, the US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is your best bet.
Despite having no annual fee, it offers impressive rewards: 5x points on hotels and rental cars, 4x on travel and gas, and 2x on dining, streaming services, and groceries. It even includes TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, a rare benefit for a card at this level. With a 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, this card is perfect for beginners and occasional travelers.
For those loyal to specific airlines or hotel chains, co-branded credit cards offer unmatched value. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card is ideal for West Coast travelers. For a $95 annual fee, it includes a valuable companion fare, 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, and free checked bags.
Meanwhile, the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® caters to those traveling between Hawaii and the mainland. With a $99 fee, it offers 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, discounted companion fares, and mile sharing with friends and family.
United Airlines fans will benefit from the United Quest℠ Card, which charges a $250 annual fee. It provides $125 in annual United credits, award flight discounts, and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) toward elite status. If you prefer hotel perks, consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers a free anniversary night and up to 26x points at IHG hotels—all for just $99 per year.
Likewise, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers a free night worth up to 35,000 points and 17x points at Marriott properties, making it a great pick for Marriott loyalists.
For small business owners who frequently stay at Hyatt properties, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is the top choice. With a $199 annual fee, it delivers 9x total points on Hyatt stays, elite night credits, and useful statement credits that help offset travel costs. It’s a powerful tool for business travelers looking to elevate their hotel experience.
When choosing the right travel credit card, consider a few key factors. First, make sure the annual fee is justified by the rewards and perks you’ll actually use. A strong sign-up bonus—often worth $600 to $1,000 or more in travel—can provide huge upfront value, but only if you can meet the spending requirement within the designated timeframe. Next, choose a card with bonus categories that align with your typical spending, such as travel, dining, gas, or groceries. Don’t underestimate the value of flexible redemption options; cards that let you transfer points to various airline or hotel partners usually offer higher travel value. Additionally, travel perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and travel credits can dramatically improve your experience. Finally, look for cards that offer strong travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance, rental car coverage, and lost baggage reimbursement. These benefits offer peace of mind every time you fly.
