6 Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2025

By Lone Traveller - Updated on April 8, 2025

Some card offers on this site come from companies that are advertising partners of Lone Travellers. Advertising commissions may influence the placement and order of these offers but do not impact editorial content, including the cards we review and how we evaluate them. Not all card companies or offers available in the market are included. Terms apply.

Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, travel credit cards can help you cut costs. These cards come in various types, often offering sign-up bonuses and rewarding perks. If you value flexibility, a general travel card could be a great fit. So, we’ve chosen the top cards to earn rewards and save money.

Lone Travellers' Top 6 Travel Credit Cards

Best travel credit card for earning miles

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 | 

Terms & Restrictions Apply

Rewards Rate

Earn 5X Miles per dollar on vacation rentals, hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day

Intro Offer

Earn one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.24% Variable

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good/Excellent)

 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who value simplicity and generous rewards. With 2 miles earned per dollar on every purchase and no complicated bonus categories to keep track of, it’s perfect for those who want straightforward earning without the hassle.

Pros:

  • This rewards card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles.
  • You earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, so there’s no need to keep track of bonus categories.
  • The miles you earn are flexible and can be used as a statement credit for hotel or airline purchases.
  • You can also transfer your miles to over 15 travel partners for even more value.

Cons:

  • The highest bonus rewards are earned exclusively on travel booked through Capital One Travel.
  • Capital One’s airline partners do not include any major U.S. airlines.
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Best travel credit card for beginner travellers

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.3 | 

Terms & Restrictions Apply

Rewards Rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.

3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.

2x on all other travel purchases.

1x on all other purchases.

Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.74% – 27.74% Variable

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good/Excellent)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for travel rewards enthusiasts. With a $95 annual fee, it offers great value through excellent rewards on travel and dining purchases. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners for even more flexibility.

Pros:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers impressive earning potential:

  • 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel.
  • 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases.
  • 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases.
  • 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

Highlights:

  • A generous sign-up bonus.
  • A $50 annual Chase Travel hotel statement credit.
  • Premium travel protection benefits, including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.

This card is a fantastic option for frequent travelers looking for value and peace of mind.

.

Cons:

  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Best airline credit card for luxury benefits

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 | 

Rewards Rate

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

Intro Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee

$695

Regular APR

Pay Over Time APR

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good/Excellent)

The Amex Platinum Card stands out for its unparalleled travel perks and benefits. With access to exclusive lounges, automatic hotel elite status, and valuable annual statement credits, this card is a top choice for travelers who prioritize luxury and convenience, making it worth the higher annual fee.

Pros:

The Amex Platinum Card offers incredible value, starting with a lucrative welcome offer valued at $1,600.

Key Benefits:

  • Lounge Access: Enjoy entry to Centurion Lounges and other premium lounges worldwide.
  • Complimentary Elite Status: Receive Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.
  • Annual Statement Credits: Take advantage of a variety of credits for travel and lifestyle perks (enrollment required for select benefits).
  • Premium Concierge Service: Access a concierge team to help with hard-to-get reservations, travel planning, and more.

With its extensive benefits, the Amex Platinum Card is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and convenience.

Cons:

The Amex Platinum Card’s $695 annual fee is best suited for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its benefits.

Considerations:

  • Limited Value for Infrequent Travelers: Those who rarely travel may not get enough out of the card to justify the cost.
  • Earning Categories: Bonus rewards are focused on specific airfare and hotel purchases, making it less appealing for other spending categories.
  • Complicated Credits: The annual airline fee credit and other statement credits can be harder to maximize compared to the more straightforward travel credits offered by other premium cards.

Make sure the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel frequency before committing to the annual fee.

 

The American Express Platinum Card offers an extensive array of benefits and credits designed for travelers and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown:

Key Benefits:

  1. $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings (minimum two-night stay) through Amex Travel.
  2. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back monthly on eligible subscriptions, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, The New York Times, and more (enrollment required).
  3. Global Lounge Collection®: Access 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, more than any other card as of 03/2023.
  4. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to $12.95 plus taxes back each month for a Walmart+ membership (excluding Plus Ups).
  5. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 annually for incidental fees on a selected airline.
  6. $200 Uber Cash: Get $15 in monthly Uber Cash for U.S. rides and Uber Eats, with an extra $20 in December. (Amex must be the selected payment method starting 11/8/2024.)
  7. $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Cover the cost of CLEAR® Plus membership to speed through airport security.
  8. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Get a $120 Global Entry credit every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years.
  9. $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Enjoy up to $50 semi-annually for purchases at Saks stores or online (enrollment required).
  10. Global Dining Access by Resy: Unlock exclusive dining reservations and experiences.

Additional Details:

  • Annual Fee: $695.
  • Application Confidence: Check approval eligibility with no impact on your credit score. (Accepting the card may impact your score.)

With these perks, the card is ideal for frequent travelers and those who can maximize the credits. However, the $695 annual fee makes it best suited for those who value and actively use its premium benefits. Terms apply.

 

Best travel credit card for premium travel

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 | 

Rewards Rate

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Intro Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Annual Fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.24% Variable

Recommended Credit

740-850 (Excellent)

If you fully utilize the $300 credit for Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively drops to $95, matching the fee of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Additionally, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary (valued at $185 by Lone Travellers) and enjoy lounge access. These benefits make the Venture X an exceptional choice for many travelers seeking value and premium perks.

Pros:

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. Plus, enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary, adding long-term value to your rewards.

Cons:

  • $395 annual fee.
  • $300 annual credit only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
  • Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Best travel credit card for travel rewards

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.1 | 

Rewards Rate

Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.

Earn 3 points per dollar on airfare, other hotel purchases, dining at restaurants, groceries, gas, and EV charging stations.

Earn 1 point per dollar spent, for all other purchases.

Intro Offer

For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of your account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.24% – 28.24% Variable

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good/Excellent)

The Citi Strata Premier offers valuable transfer partners, allowing you to maximize your rewards.
Additionally, you’ll receive a $100 hotel credit for single-stay hotel bookings over $500 (excluding taxes and fees) when reserved through the Citi Travel website.

Pros:

  • Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions when you book through the Citi Travel portal.
  • Earn 3 points per dollar on dining, groceries, gas, EV charging stations, air travel, and other hotel purchases.
  • Once a year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (before taxes and fees) when booked through cititravel.com.
  • You can transfer your points to 14 airline programs like JetBlue, 5 hotel programs including Wyndham Rewards and Choice Privileges, and even one retail program.
  • This card also includes travel perks like trip delay protection, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, lost or damaged luggage protection, and rental car coverage when you use it for eligible purchases.

Cons:

  • $95 annual fee.
  • Airline transfer partners mostly include foreign programs (JetBlue is the only U.S. carrier).
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Best travel credit card for hotel stays

Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4 | 

Rewards Rate

Get 5X points for every dollar spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.

Earn 3X points on purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and for phone plan services.

Earn 1X points on other purchases.

Intro Offer

Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months. That’s enough for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties (additional fees may apply).

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good/Excellent)

This card is a great choice for people who frequently stays at Choice Hotels, offering generous rewards for Choice Privileges members. You’ll also earn extra points on everyday spending like gas stations and grocery stores.

Pros:

  • There’s no annual fee
  • You can earn points for purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and more
  • You can earn bonus points for stays at participating Choice Hotels.
  • You don’t have to pay extra fees for purchases made outside of the country.
  • You automatically receive Gold Elite status with Choice Privileges Rewards Program.

Cons:

  • One who miss payments may see their credit score damaged.
  • Doesn’t provide great perks for Choice loyalists.
  • Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
  • No foreign transaction fee.

Explore Credit Cards by Categories

How Travel Credit Cards Work?

Travel credit cards can help you save on costs like flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and baggage fees. By using these cards to cover your regular monthly expenses, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your rewards add up. Personally, I use both travel rewards and cash-back cards to earn hundreds of dollars in rewards every year.
Depending on your credit card, you can redeem your rewards for air tickets, statement credits, hotels, merchandise, upgrades and more. Many of these credit cards allow you to transfer miles or points to partner airlines and hotels.

How to Apply for a Credit Card?

One can apply for a credit card online, by mail, or over the phone, with online applications being the easiest option. During the process, you’ll need to provide personal and financial details, such as your name, contact information, annual income, and Social Security number. You’ll be asked to read the terms and conditions of the card’s benefits, interest rates and applicable fees.
Once you apply, many issuers will give you a decision in just a few seconds, but you could end up having to wait for up to two weeks for an answer.

How to Select the Best Credit Card?

When it comes to how to select a credit card that is best for you, it’s important to identify the particular features that are most important to you. For example, if you want a credit card that has travel perks, then the cards that provide dining rewards, points on miles or airline rewards are the best choice for you.

Here are three important things to think about:

1. Sign-Up Bonuses
A welcome bonus can be one of the most valuable features of a credit card. These bonuses are often much larger than the rewards you’d earn through regular spending. If you’re confident you can meet the spending requirement, signing up for a card with a strong bonus could be a smart move.

2. Reward Categories
Many credit cards offer extra rewards for spending in specific categories, like dining, travel, or groceries. To make the most of your spending, look for a card that aligns with your lifestyle and maximizes the rewards you’ll earn in the areas where you spend the most.

3. Annual fee
Many cards on the best cards list feature a premium annual fee, but that means they also come with premium benefits. Choose the best credit card for you by selecting cards that have benefits that would be worth more than the card’s annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to credit cards. The best card for you depends on your unique spending habits, financial goals, budget, and credit access. What suits one person may not suit another—and that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, the ideal credit card is the one that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.

With hundreds of credit cards from various issuers, each comes with its own pros and cons. For example, some cards offer great balance transfer deals but lack rewards, while top travel cards often have annual fees. Instead of searching for the “best” credit card company, focus on your unique needs and eligibility based on your credit profile. Once you understand these, you can choose the card that fits your goals perfectly.

Credit cards can boost your credit score if used responsibly. The two most important factors are your payment history and the amount you borrow. For those with a poor credit history, secured credit cards can be a great option to start rebuilding credit.

Credit cards provide excellent benefits and strong fraud protection, making them a top payment choice. However, they’re not ideal for everyone. If you tend to overspend, it’s wiser to use a debit card until you’re confident in managing credit responsibly.

Getting a credit card generally takes anywhere from 5 to 14 days after approval. Some issuers offer instant approval right after completing online applications, and many provide virtual card numbers so you can start using the card right away while waiting for the physical card to arrive.

Many millionaires prefer exclusive, invitation-only credit cards like the American Express Centurion Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and Insignia Jewellery Card. These high-end cards offer luxurious travel perks, personalized services, and elite privileges tailored to their lifestyle.