7 Best Travel Credit Cards in the US for 2025

From free flights to luxury lounge access, here are the best US travel credit cards in 2025—with direct application links.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why it’s great: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards). Get 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel.
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Official link: Apply at Chase

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Why it’s great: Premium travel perks with 60,000 bonus points, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and 10x points on Chase Dining. Perfect for frequent travelers.
  • Annual fee: $550
  • Official link: Apply at Chase


3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s great: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth $750 in travel). Miles can be transferred to 15+ airline and hotel partners. Includes 2 complimentary Capital One Lounge or Priority Pass visits.
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Official link: Apply at Capital One

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s great: Premium version of Venture with unlimited lounge access, 75,000 bonus miles, $300 annual travel credit, and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
  • Annual fee: $395
  • Official link: Apply at Capital One

5. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why it’s great: Up to 150,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome offer, with 5x points on flights and hotels. Includes Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass, and Marriott/Hilton Gold status.
  • Annual fee: $695
  • Official link: Apply at Amex

6. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (formerly Citi Premier)

Why it’s great: Earn 75,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via CitiTravel, plus $100 annual hotel credit.
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Official link: Apply at Citi

7. United℠ Explorer Card (Chase)

Why it’s great: Perfect for United Airlines flyers—earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months. Includes 2 United Club passes annually, free first checked bag, and priority boarding.
  • Annual fee: $0 first year, then $95
  • Official link: Apply at Chase
For luxury travelers, the AmEx Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are unbeatable with lounge access and premium benefits. For those who want value with a lower fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards are strong all-rounders.
Always choose based on your travel style—whether that’s maximizing points, enjoying lounge access, or flying with a specific airline like United.

✅ Best Picks by Traveler Type

  • Budget-Friendly Traveler → Chase Sapphire Preferred / Citi Strata Premier
  • Luxury Traveler → AmEx Platinum / Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Airline-Specific Traveler → United Explorer (United Airlines fans)
  • All-Round Value → Capital One Venture Rewards
Card Welcome Bonus Key Perks Annual Fee Official Link
Chase Sapphire Preferred® 60,000 pts (after $4k spend/3mo) 5x travel (via Chase), 3x dining, $750 value in travel $95 Apply
Chase Sapphire Reserve® 60,000 pts (after $4k spend/3mo) $300 travel credit, Priority Pass, luxury perks $550 Apply
Capital One Venture Rewards 75,000 miles (after $4k spend/3mo) 2x miles everywhere, lounge access (2 visits) $95 Apply
Capital One Venture X 75,000 miles (after $4k spend/3mo) Unlimited lounge access, $300 travel credit, 10k anniversary miles $395 Apply
AmEx Platinum Up to 150,000 pts (varies by offer) Centurion & Priority Pass lounges, Hilton & Marriott Gold, 5x flights/hotels $695 Apply
Citi Strata Premier℠ 75,000 pts (after $4k spend/3mo) 10x hotels/rentals/attractions (via CitiTravel), $100 hotel credit $95 Apply
United℠ Explorer (Chase) 50,000 miles (after $3k spend/3mo) 2 United Club passes, free 1st bag, priority boarding $0 first yr, then $95 Apply

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post