Introduction
Traveling is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be expensive. From flight tickets and hotel stays to dining and foreign exchange fees, costs add up quickly. That’s where travel credit cards come in. A good travel card not only helps you save money but also rewards you with airline miles, cashback, lounge access, and exclusive travel perks.

In this guide, we’ll compare the best travel credit cards in the USA for 2025, including options with no annual fee, frequent flyer benefits, lounge access, and zero foreign transaction fees. Whether you’re a beginner or a frequent flyer, there’s a card here that fits your lifestyle.
Why Choose a Travel Credit Card?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why you should use a travel credit card instead of a regular one.
- Earn Travel Rewards – Earn points or miles for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Airport Lounge Access – Premium cards offer free or discounted entry to airport lounges worldwide.
- Travel Insurance & Protection – Many cards provide trip cancellation insurance, baggage protection, and rental car coverage.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Save 2–3% on every purchase abroad.
- Welcome Bonuses – Get massive signup bonuses, sometimes worth \$500–\$1,000 in free travel, after meeting minimum spending.

Best Travel Credit Cards by Category (2025)
Best Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
Not everyone wants to pay an annual fee. These cards are great for beginners.
- Discover it® Miles – Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases with no annual fee.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards – Earn 1.5 points per dollar, plus a 25,000-point online bonus.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers
If you travel often, these cards give you maximum airline miles and perks.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending \$4,000 in 3 months.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards – Earn 75,000 miles plus free lounge access.
Best Travel Credit Cards with Lounge Access
Perfect for luxury travelers who value comfort.
- American Express Platinum Card® – The king of lounge access with Centurion Lounges, Delta SkyClub, and Priority Pass.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Unlimited lounge visits, \$300 travel credit, and premium perks.
Best Travel Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Great for international travelers.
- Capital One Venture Rewards – 2x miles on every purchase, no foreign fees.
- Citi Premier® Card – Earn 3x points on travel and gas, plus no fees abroad.
Top Travel Credit Cards Compared (2025)
Card Name | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | Apply Link |
---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 60,000 points | \$95 | Apply Now |
Capital One Venture X | 75,000 miles | \$395 | Apply Now |
Amex Platinum Card® | 80,000 points | \$695 | Apply Now |
Discover it® Miles | Unlimited match | \$0 | Apply Now |
Bank of America Travel | 25,000 points | \$0 | Apply Now |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Travel Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: \$95
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points (worth \$750 in travel)
- Rewards: 2x on travel, 5x on dining, 1x on other purchases
- Best For: Travelers looking for maximum value at low annual cost
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Capital One Venture X Rewards
- Annual Fee: \$395
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles
- Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase
- Extras: Lounge access, \$300 annual travel credit
- Best For: Frequent travelers who want luxury perks
Check Eligibility for Capital One Venture X
American Express Platinum Card®
- Annual Fee: \$695
- Welcome Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards points
- Rewards: 5x points on flights & hotels
- Extras: Premium lounge access, hotel upgrades, concierge service
- Best For: Luxury travelers and business executives
See if Amex Platinum is right for you
Discover it® Miles
- Annual Fee: \$0
- Welcome Bonus: Unlimited mile match (your first year’s miles are doubled)
- Rewards: 1.5x miles on every purchase
- Best For: Beginners and budget travelers
Apply Now for Discover it® Miles
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
- Annual Fee: \$0
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points
- Rewards: 1.5 points per \$1 spent on all purchases
- Best For: Students and casual travelers
Check Bank of America Travel Rewards
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card
- Check Your Travel Habits – Frequent flyers should pick cards with airline miles, while occasional travelers may prefer no-annual-fee cards.
- Consider Annual Fees vs Rewards – Premium cards charge high fees but also give higher perks.
- Look for Signup Bonuses – Big welcome offers can pay for your first trip.
- Check International Usage – If you travel abroad, avoid cards with foreign transaction fees.
FAQs About Travel Credit Cards
Q1. What is the best travel credit card in 2025?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the best all-rounder for most travelers.
Q2. Which travel credit card has no annual fee?
Discover it® Miles and Bank of America® Travel Rewards are excellent no-fee options.
Q3. Which travel credit card gives free lounge access?
Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer premium lounge benefits.
Q4. Which card is best for airline miles?
Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred® both offer high-value miles.
Q5. Which travel card has no foreign transaction fees?
Capital One Venture Rewards and Citi Premier® are ideal for international travelers.
Conclusion
Travel credit cards aren’t just about swiping—they’re about maximizing every dollar you spend. From airline miles and free hotel stays to luxury lounge access and zero foreign fees, the right travel credit card can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars every year.
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