best travel credit card in usa

Top Travel Credit Cards in USA 2025

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Why it stands out: A reader-voted favorite, renowned for customer service and overall satisfaction.

• Key perks: 60,000-point welcome bonus after $5,000 spent in 3 months; 5× points on travel via Chase Travel, 3× on dining, 2× on other travel; transferable to partners like Southwest, United, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG.

• Annual fee: $95

• Great for: Travelers seeking flexibility, value, and strong partner networks.

2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Why it shines: Premium benefits at a relatively moderate annual fee.

• Perks: 75,000-mile bonus after $4,000 spent in 3 months; 10× miles on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel, 5× on flights, 2× on everything else; $300 annual travel credit; 10,000 anniversary miles; airport lounge access; TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit; trip insurance.

3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Positioned as: A top-tier luxury travel card with premium perks.

• Highlights: 125,000-point welcome bonus after $6,000 spend in 3 months; 8× points on Chase Travel, 4× on flights & hotels booked direct, 3× on dining; $300 annual travel credit; TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit; lounge access and extensive travel protections.

• Annual fee: $795

• Ideal for: Frequent, luxury travelers who can maximize high-end perks.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Why choose it: Persistent favorite for premium travelers

• Benefits: Up to 150,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in 6 months; 5× points on Amex Travel flights, $1,500+ in statement credits (e.g., flights, Uber, hotel), CLEAR Plus credit, elite car rental status, premium lounge access.

• Annual fee: $695

• Perfect for: Travelers who value luxury perks and regularly use high-end benefits.

5. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Key strengths: Excellent everyday earning categories and flexible redemptions.

• Perks: 3× points on air travel, gas, dining, supermarkets, hotels; 10× on Citi Travel bookings; 75,000-point bonus after $4,000 spend in 3 months; $100 annual hotel credit; no foreign transaction fees; point transfer to partners like JetBlue, Singapore Airlines.

• Annual fee: $95

• Best for: Those with high everyday spending seeking excellent value.

6. American Express® Gold Card

• Best for: Dining and supermarket spenders.

• Benefits: 60,000-point bonus after $6,000 spend in 6 months; 4× points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; $120 dining + Uber credits; travel point transfers; no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual fee: $325

7. Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (Kiplinger)

A helpful list if you travel frequently abroad. Top picks include:

• Capital One Venture & Venture X

• Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Citi Strata Premier

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• BILT Mastercard

Quick Comparison Table

What Card Fits You Best?

• Want flexibility with points & partners? → Sapphire Preferred or Citi Strata Premier

• Looking for premium benefits without ultra-high fee? → Capital One Venture X

• Enjoy luxury travel perks and airport access? → Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum

• High spend at dining/groceries? → Amex Gold