Which Travel Rewards Credit Card Is Best?

Traveling is more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about experiences, memories, and, let’s be honest, getting the most bang for your buck.

One of the easiest ways to maximize your travel value is by using the right travel rewards credit card. But with dozens of options on the market—each with its own perks, point systems, and fine print—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you cut through the noise and make confident decisions about your travel finances.

And that’s where TRAVUL comes in. As a growing travel platform, we aim to make every part of your journey easier—including choosing and using the best financial tools to fund it.

Why Travel Rewards Cards Matter More Than Ever

Travel costs are rising, and savvy travelers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets further. A well-chosen travel rewards credit card can help you:

• Earn free flights or hotel nights with points and miles
• Skip fees (think baggage or foreign transaction fees)
• Access VIP perks like lounge access, upgrades, or concierge services
• Get peace of mind with travel insurance or trip interruption coverage

But not all travel cards are created equal. Some offer huge sign-up bonuses and generous perks—if you can meet the spending requirements. Others keep things simple with flat-rate rewards and no annual fees.

So how do you choose?

What to Look for in a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Sign-Up Bonus

Many top cards offer introductory bonuses—like 50,000 or even 100,000 points—if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. That’s a huge value boost up front.

2. Earning Potential

Look at how the card earns rewards. Some give extra points for travel-related purchases, while others reward everyday spending like groceries or dining.

3. Redemption Options

Not all points are created equal. Some cards work with a fixed redemption system, while others let you transfer points to airline or hotel partners for better value.

4. Annual Fees

Premium cards often come with $95–$695 annual fees, but the perks can easily outweigh the cost—if you travel enough.

5. Foreign Transaction Fees

Avoid cards that charge extra for purchases abroad. Many travel cards waive these fees entirely.

6. Travel Protections

Look for built-in trip delay, baggage loss, or rental car insurance—benefits that can save you big when travel plans go sideways.

Top Travel Credit Cards in 2025

Here’s a look at some of the best options right now, based on expert reviews from NerdWallet, The Points Guy, and Forbes Advisor:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best for: All-around travel value
• Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
• Points value: 1.25x through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Annual fee: $95
• Perks: Primary rental car coverage, no foreign transaction fees, flexible point transfers

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best for: Premium perks with a mid-range annual fee
• Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
• Annual fee: $395
• Perks: Airport lounge access, $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 anniversary miles

American Express® Gold Card

• Best for: Foodies and frequent flyers
• Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
• Annual fee: $250
• Perks: 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets, dining credits, no foreign transaction fees

Discover it® Miles

• Best for: No annual fee simplicity
• Sign-up bonus: Dollar-for-dollar match on all miles in your first year
• Annual fee: $0
• Perks: 1.5x miles on every dollar, easy redemption for travel purchases

How TRAVUL Makes Choosing (and Using) Easier

At TRAVUL, we know that planning and financing a trip can feel like a puzzle—especially when you’re juggling credit cards, flights, hotels, and visas.

That’s why we’re building a platform to bring all your travel needs together:

• Plan smarter: Get personalized itineraries based on your budget, interests, and travel goals.
• Finance confidently: Access travel savings tools, low-interest financing, and clear guidance on maximizing your credit card benefits.
• Stay secure: We handle your data with top-tier security and compliance so you can travel worry-free.
• One dashboard, one experience: Whether you’re booking a flight, applying for a visa, or choosing a travel card, it all happens in one place.

And yes—we’re even working on a feature that helps you choose the best travel rewards credit card for your style, spending habits, and trip type.

Imagine this: You enter your upcoming destination and budget into TRAVUL, and our platform shows you the best card to apply for, how many points you’ll earn, and even how to redeem them. That’s the kind of seamless experience we believe travel should offer.

FAQs

Do I need good credit to qualify for a travel rewards card?

Yes, most top-tier cards require good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 700+). Some no-fee starter cards are available for those with fair credit.

Can I have more than one travel rewards card?

Absolutely. Many frequent travelers carry a premium card for perks and a no-fee card for everyday purchases or backup while abroad.

What’s the best card for international travel?

Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees and worldwide acceptance (Visa or Mastercard, primarily). Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X are strong choices.

How do I know when to redeem points for maximum value?

Generally, transferring points to airline or hotel partners gives you better value than using them for cash back or gift cards. TRAVUL’s recommendation engine will help you decide.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best travel rewards credit card isn’t just about flashy perks—it’s about finding one that matches your lifestyle and travel goals.

At TRAVUL, our mission is to simplify the entire travel experience—from planning and funding to visa help and itinerary suggestions—all in one place. As part of that journey, we’ll help you make smart financial choices that take you further.

So, let’s hear it from you:

Which travel rewards credit card do you think is the best for your next trip—and why?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or head over to TRAVUL to explore your options today.

Want a more personalised travel finance plan? Join our waitlist or follow us for updates as we roll out our all-in-one travel platform.

Let’s make travel simpler, smarter, and a lot more rewarding—together.