10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in May 2025
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards, Girl in boat
Looking to maximize your travel rewards? Discover the 10 best travel rewards credit cards and find the perfect card to earn miles, points, and exclusive perks for your next adventure. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning your next getaway, these cards will help you travel in style without breaking the bank!

Note that while we update content on this page regularly, fees, offers, perks, and benefits of credit cards change often and may vary from the information included below.

The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2024

 

Travel rewards credit cards have become an essential tool for savvy travelers who want to make the most of their trips. These cards offer benefits such as miles, points, lounge access, and travel credits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. In 2024, the options are better than ever, with cards offering incredible bonuses, valuable rewards programs, and perks that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to earn miles for flights, rack up points for hotel stays, or enjoy VIP travel perks, this guide will help you find the best travel rewards credit card for your needs.

 

Here are the 10 best travel rewards credit cards  that can help you unlock unforgettable experiences.

 

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Read our full review here.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a standout among travel rewards credit cards, especially for those who want flexibility with their points. You earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x on everything else. Points can be redeemed for travel at a 25% higher value when using Chase Ultimate Rewards®, or transferred to airline and hotel partners like Southwest Airlines or Hyatt.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
  • Why It’s Great: Chase’s valuable transfer partners and 25% boost when redeeming for travel make this a versatile card for travelers.

 

2. American Express® Gold Card

Read our full review here.

For foodies and frequent travelers alike, the American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice. You earn 4x Membership Rewards® points on dining and groceries (up to $25,000 per year) and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, adding flexibility.

  • Annual Fee: $325
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
  • Why It’s Great: Its high earning potential on food and travel makes it perfect for frequent restaurant-goers and travelers alike.

 

3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Read our full review here.

The Capital One Venture is a favorite for travelers who want to keep things simple. You earn 2x miles on every purchase, and miles can be redeemed as a statement credit for travel purchases or transferred to travel partners.

  • Annual Fee: $395
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Plus, the earns 10,000 bonus miles every year on the card anniversary date.
  • Why It’s Great: Flat-rate earnings and flexible redemptions make this card hassle-free for all types of travelers.

 

4. Citi Strata Premier℠ Credit Card

Read our full review here.

The Citi Strata Premier Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers seeking premium rewards and benefits. Cardholders earn 10x ThankYou points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions, 3x points on air, other travel, dining, groceries, gas, and EV charging, and 1x on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or statement credits, and can also be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners.

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 70,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Why It’s Great: The strong rewards structure and flexible redemption options make the Citi Strata Premier an excellent choice for those who travel often and want to maximize their points.

 

5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Read our full review here.

For travelers seeking luxury, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium card packed with benefits. It offers 3x points on travel and dining, plus 1x on everything else. You also get a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass™ lounge access, and points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

  • Annual Fee: $550
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
  • Why It’s Great: High-end perks and a valuable points system make this card ideal for frequent travelers who want premium benefits.

 

6. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Read our full review here.

The Platinum Card® is the ultimate card for luxury travel perks. You earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels. You also get access to Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, plus up to $200 in airline fee credits each year.

  • Annual Fee: $695
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
  • Why It’s Great: The extensive lounge access, travel credits, and high points-earning potential make it the best card for luxury travelers.

 

7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Read out full review here.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a no-annual-fee travel rewards card. It offers 1.5x points on all purchases, and points can be redeemed for travel purchases like flights, hotels, and car rentals.

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
  • Why It’s Great: No annual fee and flat-rate earnings make it an excellent choice for occasional travelers.

 

8. U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Read our full review here.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve is another premium card offering 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases. It also includes $325 in annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and 12 free Gogo® in-flight Wi-Fi passes.

  • Annual Fee: $400
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first three months.
  • Why It’s Great: This card’s high points earnings on mobile wallet purchases make it stand out for tech-savvy travelers.

 

9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Read our full review here.

For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers excellent value with 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on other purchases. You also get Gold Hilton Honors status and 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits.

  • Annual Fee: $150
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
  • Why It’s Great: Hilton enthusiasts will appreciate the generous points and complimentary Gold status.

 

10. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Read our full review here.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is perfect for frequent Marriott guests, offering 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2x points on all other purchases. You also get a free night award every year after your card anniversary.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 125,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
  • Why It’s Great: Marriott fans will love the points potential and free night award every year.

 

Conclusion

 

Travel rewards credit cards offer a fantastic way to enhance your travel experiences, whether by earning miles for free flights, points for hotel stays, or gaining access to exclusive travel perks like lounge access and credits. With so many options on the market, it’s important to choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and financial goals. By carefully comparing these 10 best travel rewards credit cards, you’ll be well-equipped to select the one that maximizes your rewards and helps you travel smarter.

 

From cards with luxury benefits to no-annual-fee options, there’s a travel rewards card for every type of traveler. Start your journey today by applying for the card that fits your lifestyle and unlock a world of travel rewards!

Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.

Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.

Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.

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