# **Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2025**
Traveling in 2025? The right credit card can help you **earn free flights, hotel stays, and luxury perks** while saving hundreds (or even thousands) on trips. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, here are the **top travel rewards credit cards** this year—ranked by sign-up bonuses, rewards rates, and travel benefits.
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## **1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card**
**Best for:** Beginners & flexible travel rewards
**Annual Fee:** $95
**Sign-Up Bonus:** 60,000 points (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in 3 months
**Rewards Rate:**
– 5x points on travel booked through Chase
– 3x on dining, streaming, and online groceries
– 2x on all other travel
**Key Perks:**
– Points transfer to 14+ airlines/hotels (United, Hyatt, etc.)
– 10% annual points bonus
– No foreign transaction fees
**Why We Love It:** The best starter travel card with a **high-value sign-up bonus** and easy-to-use rewards.
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## **2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card**
**Best for:** Premium travel & airport lounge access
**Annual Fee:** $395
**Sign-Up Bonus:** 75,000 miles (worth $750+) after spending $4,000 in 3 months
**Rewards Rate:**
– 10x miles on hotels & rental cars (via Capital One Travel)
– 5x miles on flights (via Capital One Travel)
– 2x miles on all other purchases
**Key Perks:**
– $300 annual travel credit
– Free Priority Pass lounge access
– Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ($100 value)
– No foreign transaction fees
**Why We Love It:** A **luxury travel card** that pays for itself with annual credits and lounge access.
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## **3. American Express® Gold Card**
**Best for:** Foodies & frequent travelers
**Annual Fee:** $250
**Sign-Up Bonus:** 60,000 Membership Rewards® points (worth $1,200+ in flights) after spending $6,000 in 6 months
**Rewards Rate:**
– 4x points at restaurants & U.S. supermarkets
– 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines
– 1x on everything else
**Key Perks:**
– $120 annual Uber Cash ($10/month)
– $120 dining credit (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
– No foreign transaction fees
**Why We Love It:** The best **dining + travel combo card**, perfect for food lovers who fly often.
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## **4. The Platinum Card® from American Express**
**Best for:** Luxury travelers & VIP perks
**Annual Fee:** $695
**Sign-Up Bonus:** 80,000 points (worth $1,600+ in flights) after spending $8,000 in 6 months
**Rewards Rate:**
– 5x points on flights & hotels (booked via Amex Travel)
– 1x on everything else
**Key Perks:**
– $200 annual airline fee credit
– $200 annual Uber Cash
– Free Centurion & Priority Pass lounge access
– Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
– Elite hotel status (Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Honors Gold)
**Why We Love It:** The **ultimate luxury travel card**, packed with elite benefits for frequent flyers.
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## **5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card**
**Best for:** No-annual-fee travel rewards
**Annual Fee:** $0 (first year), then $95
**Sign-Up Bonus:** 60,000 points (worth $600 in travel) after spending $4,000 in 3 months
**Rewards Rate:**
– 5x points on hotels
– 4x points on airlines
– 3x points on dining & gas
**Key Perks:**
– No foreign transaction fees
– Cell phone protection
– Travel accident insurance
**Why We Love It:** A **strong no-annual-fee option** with solid rewards on flights and hotels.
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## **How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card**
When comparing cards, consider:
✅ **Annual Fee** – Does the card’s value outweigh the cost?
✅ **Sign-Up Bonus** – A big welcome offer can jumpstart your travel rewards.
✅ **Rewards Structure** – Pick a card that matches your spending (dining, flights, hotels, etc.).
✅ **Travel Perks** – Lounge access, credits, and insurance add extra value.
✅ **Foreign Transaction Fees** – Always choose $0 foreign fees for international travel.
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## **Final Verdict: Best Travel Card for You**
– **Best for Beginners:** Chase Sapphire Preferred®
– **Best Premium Card:** Capital One Venture X
– **Best for Dining & Travel:** Amex Gold
– **Best Luxury Perks:** Amex Platinum
– **Best No-Annual-Fee Option:** Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠
**Pro Tip:** If you fly one airline often (Delta, United, etc.), consider their **co-branded cards** for extra perks like free checked bags.
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### **FAQs**
**Q: Do travel credit cards hurt my credit score?**
A: Applying may cause a small, temporary dip, but **responsible use (paying on time, low utilization) improves credit long-term**.
**Q: Can I use points for cash back instead of travel?**
A: Yes, but you’ll usually get **less value** (e.g., 1 cent per point vs. 1.5+ cents for flights).
**Q: How many travel cards should I have?**
A: Start with **one or two** (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred + Amex Gold), then add more if you travel frequently.
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**Which travel credit card do you use? Share your experiences below! ✈️**
