15 Best Travel Credit Cards: Expert Picks for March 2025
The average consumer spends $77,280 yearly. Our comprehensive analysis covers everything from annual fees to sign-up bonuses, point values and exclusive travel perks
You’re missing out on free trips if you’re like the 32% of Americans without a travel rewards credit card. Our NerdWallet team has dedicated over 27,000 hours to find the best travel credit cards that match your needs.
The right travel rewards card transforms regular purchases into exciting adventures. This insight comes from our analysis of more than 400 cards. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a flexible points system that adapts to your needs. The Capital One Venture X rewards you with impressive 10x miles on hotel bookings. Each card brings unique benefits that complement different travel styles.
The average consumer spends $77,280 yearly. Our comprehensive analysis covers everything from annual fees to sign-up bonuses, point values and exclusive travel perks. The right card choice could be your ticket between staying home and jetting off to your dream destination. Let’s discover your ideal travel companion for 2025.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Image Source: Katie’s Travel Tricks
“While the Capital One Venture X card clearly offers more travel benefits and protections, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a respectable list of core travel insurance benefits and comes with a lower annual fee.” — Sara Rathner, Credit Cards Expert at NerdWallet
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card makes a perfect travel companion with its resilient rewards structure and detailed benefits. You’ll notice the card’s welcome bonus of 60,000 points right away when you spend $4,000 in the first three months [1].
Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits
The perks go beyond the original bonus. You get a $50 annual hotel credit to use through Chase Travel [2]. The card has trip cancelation coverage that pays up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip [3]. The baggage delay insurance gives you up to $100 per day for essential items if your luggage takes more than six hours to arrive [4].
Chase Sapphire Preferred Rewards Structure
Your points add up fast with 5x points on Chase Travel bookings, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and 2x points on other travel expenses [1]. The card also rewards you with a 10% anniversary points bonus based on what you spent the previous year [3].
Chase Sapphire Preferred Annual Fee Value
The card costs $95 annually [1], but its value far exceeds this fee. The $50 hotel credit brings your actual cost down to $45 [2]. The travel protections add significant value for frequent travelers, with primary rental car coverage and up to $500 per ticket in trip delay reimbursement [3].
Best Ways to Use Ultimate Rewards Points
Points redemption is where this card really shines. Your points are worth 25% more through Chase Travel, which makes the 60,000-point bonus worth $750 toward travel [5]. In spite of that, transferring points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners often gives you better value. The program has 14 transfer partners, including United Airlines, Emirates, Hyatt, and Air Canada, all at a 1:1 ratio [5]. To name just one example, 70,000 points transferred to Air Canada’s Aeroplan could get you a business class ticket between Zurich and Los Angeles – a ticket that usually costs over $7,500 [1].
Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One Venture X has entered the premium travel card market with a compelling USD 395 annual fee [6]. This card sets itself apart by combining luxury perks with an easy-to-understand earning structure.
Venture X Premium Benefits
A USD 300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings leads the card’s impressive features [6]. Members get 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary that’s worth USD 100 for travel [7]. Right now, new cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after they spend USD 4,000 in three months [6]. The card gives you access to Capital One Lounges at Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Washington Dulles (IAD) [6].
Venture X Points Earning
The rewards program keeps things simple yet valuable. You’ll earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals through the portal, and 2x miles on everything else [6]. These miles can be transferred to more than 15 travel loyalty programs, with most transfers at a 1:1 ratio [6].
Capital One Travel Portal Features
AI-powered price prediction technology helps travelers save about 15% on flights through the portal [8]. The portal stands out by offering up to USD 50 in travel credit if prices drop within 10 days of booking a recommended flight [8]. You’ll also find price freeze options and a best price match guarantee that works within 24 hours of booking [8].
Authorized User Value
The card really shines with its option to add up to four authorized users at no extra cost [6]. Each additional user gets their own Priority Pass membership, Capital One Lounge access with two free guests, and Hertz President’s Circle status [6]. Families love this feature since up to 15 people could access lounges together [6].
American Express Gold Card
Image Source: 10xTravel
The American Express Gold Card hits the sweet spot for food lovers and travelers by combining excellent dining and travel rewards. You can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in your first six months [9].
Amex Gold Dining Rewards
This card stands out with its impressive 4X points on worldwide restaurant purchases and U.S. supermarket spending (up to $50,000 yearly for restaurants and $25,000 for supermarkets) [10]. Your rewards extend beyond food – you’ll earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 2X points when you book prepaid hotels through the portal [9].
Amex Gold Statement Credits
The card’s valuable statement credits help offset its $325 annual fee [11]. Here’s what you get:
- Up to $120 annual dining credit ($10 monthly) at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys [12]
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders [12]
- Up to $84 Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly) at U.S. locations [12]
- Up to $100 Resy credit (two $50 semi-annual credits) for U.S. Resy restaurants [12]
Transfer Partner Options
The card’s transfer partnerships are a great way to get maximum value from your points. American Express partners with 18 airlines and three hotel programs [10], and most transfers happen at a 1:1 ratio. Your points transfer instantly to Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, and Delta SkyMiles [10]. Some partners give exceptional value – ANA Mileage Club offers 2.8 cents per point while Virgin Atlantic Flying Club provides 1.8 cents per point [10].
The Hotel Collection membership adds more value with up to $100 in credits for eligible charges and possible room upgrades at over 1,000 properties worldwide [9]. Of course, when you book through AmexTravel.com, you’ll still earn your regular hotel loyalty points along with Membership Rewards [9].
Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card makes it easy to earn travel rewards. You’ll get flexible redemption options and pay a modest USD 95 annual fee [13].
Venture Card Benefits
Right now, the card has an amazing welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus miles and a USD 250 travel credit when you spend USD 4,000 in your first three months [13]. Beyond the original offer, you’ll get up to USD 120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees [13]. The card’s travel protection package has auto rental collision coverage, travel accident insurance, and 24-hour travel assistance services [13].
Miles Earning Structure
The rewards program is simple yet valuable. You’ll earn unlimited 2X miles on everything you buy, whatever the category [13]. Bookings through Capital One Travel will give you better earnings – 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars [13]. This two-tier earning structure will give you substantial rewards on travel and daily purchases.
Redemption Options
Capital One gives you great flexibility in using your miles. Here are the best ways to use them:
- Book travel directly through Capital One Travel, where each mile is worth 1 cent [14]
- Transfer miles to more than 15 travel loyalty programs at 1:1 ratios for most partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Emirates Skywards, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer [15]
- Erase travel purchases from the last 90 days at 1 cent per mile [14]
Lifestyle Collection bookings come with a USD 50 experience credit for each stay [13]. You can use this credit for rooftop drinks, signature restaurants, or room service [13]. The Capital One Travel portal’s price prediction technology helps travelers save about 15% on flights [13].
Your miles won’t expire as long as you keep the account active [13]. This gives you peace of mind to save up rewards for bigger trips. Cash back redemptions are available but give you half the value at 0.5 cents per mile [16]. Travel redemptions are clearly the best way to maximize your rewards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
Image Source: Yahoo
The Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out among premium travel cards with its rich perks and powerful rewards structure. The card’s USD 550 annual fee [17] quickly pays for itself through its detailed benefits package.
Premium Travel Benefits
Cardholders can get up to USD 120 in fee credits every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS applications [18]. The card provides elite hotel perks at Relais & Châteaux properties with VIP welcomes and daily free breakfast at select locations [18]. Car rental privileges from National Car Rental, Avis, and Silvercar make travel more convenient [18].
Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
Chase Travel rewards cardmembers generously with 10x total points on hotels and car rentals. They also earn 5x points on flights after spending their first USD 300 on travel purchases annually [18]. Points become 50% more valuable when used for travel through the portal [18]. A 60,000-point balance equals USD 900 in travel bookings [19].
Priority Pass Lounge Access
Members get free Priority Pass Select membership with a simple one-time activation. This benefit opens doors to more than 1,300 airport lounges in 600 cities worldwide [1]. Each cardholder can bring two guests at no extra cost [1]. The card also provides access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges when flying with Star Alliance carriers [20].
Annual Travel Credit Value
The flexible USD 300 annual travel credit sets this card apart [21]. The credit automatically applies to various travel expenses:
- Airline tickets and fees
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Cruise lines
- Train tickets
- Toll bridges and highways
- Parking lots [22]
This credit effectively brings down the annual fee to USD 250 [17]. The card’s detailed travel insurance coverage adds more value with trip cancelation protection up to USD 20,000 per trip [23] and emergency evacuation coverage up to USD 100,000 [23]. These features make the Sapphire Reserve an excellent choice for frequent travelers.
Bilt Mastercard
Image Source: Bilt Rewards
The Bilt Mastercard is a game-changer in the credit card world. It’s the only card that lets you earn points when you pay rent without any fees [24]. Your monthly rent payments can now turn into travel rewards you can actually use.
Earning Points on Rent
Members earn 1X points on their rent payments up to 100,000 points each calendar year [25]. You need to make five purchases during your billing cycle to start earning rewards [5]. Once you do that, rent payments under $250 will still get you 250 points automatically [25]. The Bilt app helps you schedule your rent payments, and Bilt will send checks to landlords who don’t take cards [26].
Transfer Partner List
You can move your points to 19 different loyalty programs [27], usually at a 1:1 rate [28]. The airline partners include:
- Alaska Airlines
- United MileagePlus
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Emirates Skywards
- British Airways Executive Club
Hotel transfers work at the same 1:1 rate with big names like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards [28]. The Marriott Bonvoy transfers come with a sweet bonus – you get an extra 5,000 points when you move 20,000 points [27].
No Annual Fee Value
This card packs a punch without charging an annual fee [29]. Rent Day happens on the first of each month, and that’s when you earn double points on everything except rent – 6X on dining, 4X on travel, and 2X on other purchases [30]. Regular earning rates are pretty solid too – 3X on dining, 2X on direct travel bookings, and 1X on everything else [5].
BiltProtect keeps your credit limit safe by pulling rent payments straight from your bank account [5]. The card’s perks include cell phone protection, purchase protection, and rental car coverage [29]. The best part? Your points start earning interest based on national savings rates once you hit 25,000 points in a year [2].
American Express Platinum Card
Image Source: American Express
The American Express Platinum Card takes premium travel to new heights with its luxury benefits, extensive lounge network, and elite status perks. For USD 695 per year [3], this card turns regular trips into remarkable experiences.
Centurion Lounge Access
Members can enter more than 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries through the Global Lounge Collection [4]. Centurion Lounges stand out by offering local cuisine and signature cocktails [31]. You’ll need a same-day boarding pass and must arrive within 3 hours of your departure [32]. The card lets you bring two guests without any extra fees [31].
Hotel Elite Status Benefits
Cardholders get free Hilton Honors Gold status after enrollment, which comes with room upgrades and an 80% bonus on base points [33]. The card also provides Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with 25% bonus points and better room upgrades [34]. Both programs give you daily breakfast benefits – continental breakfast at Hilton properties outside the U.S. and food credits within [35].
Annual Credits Overview
The card offers these valuable statement credits:
- USD 200 airline fee credit for incidental charges with one selected carrier [36]
- USD 200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings [37]
- USD 200 Uber Cash annually (USD 15 monthly plus USD 20 in December) [36]
- USD 240 digital entertainment credit (USD 20 monthly) [36]
- USD 300 Equinox credit for gym memberships [36]
- USD 155 Walmart+ credit [36]
- USD 100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit (split between January-June and July-December) [36]
Premium Concierge Service
Platinum Card’s 24/7 concierge helps with travel plans, dining reservations, and event access [38]. Their network can secure tables at popular restaurants and tickets to sold-out events [39]. They also help during emergencies with lost baggage, missed flights, or medical issues [40]. While the service comes free with the card, you pay for actual purchases [40].
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Image Source: NerdWallet
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card helps everyday travelers turn their regular spending into valuable rewards. This card stands out from other options with its bonus categories and protection benefits, and it doesn’t charge an annual fee.
No Annual Fee Benefits
The card’s USD 0 annual fee structure [41] makes it attractive right from the start. New members can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending USD 1,000 in the first three months [42]. These points are worth USD 200 in cash [42]. The card gives access to My Wells Fargo Deals program that lets you earn extra points through merchant-funded promotions [43]. The card also comes with Visa Signature Concierge service that provides round-the-clock help with travel bookings, event tickets, and dining reservations [43].
Bonus Categories
The rewards program shines with its complete coverage of everyday expenses. Cardholders can earn unlimited 3X points in six key categories [41]:
- Restaurants and dining
- Travel expenses
- Gas stations and EV charging
- Transit services
- Popular streaming platforms
- Phone plans
Regular purchases earn 1X points [44]. The bonus rewards don’t have any earning caps [45], so cardholders can rack up points throughout the year. Points maintain their value whether you choose cash or travel redemptions at one cent per point [43].
Cell Phone Protection
The card’s cell phone protection benefit really makes it special. Cardholders who pay their monthly phone bills with this card receive up to USD 600 protection against damage or theft [8]. The coverage works for all phones listed on the wireless bill [8], with a USD 25 deductible per claim [8]. You can file up to two claims every 12 months, with total coverage of USD 1,200 per year [8]. Protection starts on the first day of the month after you pay your wireless bill [8], giving you peace of mind about your valuable mobile devices.
Citi Premier Card
Image Source: 10xTravel
The Citi Premier Card has evolved into the Citi Strata Premier with an impressive new set of benefits. This refreshed card delivers great value to travelers who want everyday rewards and premium perks.
ThankYou Points Value
Points earned through the ThankYou Rewards program never expire [46]. Each point is worth 1 cent when you book through Citi Travel [46]. The value increases to 1.3 cents per point if you transfer them to airline and hotel partners [46]. Some redemptions can be even more valuable – like ANA Mileage Club transfers that yield up to 2.8 cents per point [47].
Category Bonuses
You’ll earn rewards quickly with this card’s bonus categories. Bookings through CitiTravel.com earn 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions [6]. The card rewards you generously in several everyday spending categories with 3X points:
- Airlines and other hotel purchases
- Restaurants and dining establishments
- Supermarket purchases
- Gas stations and EV charging locations [6]
All other purchases earn 1X points, so every transaction adds to your rewards [6]. The card offers new members 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months [48].
Transfer Partners
The card shines with its network of 19 loyalty program partners [49]. You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to 14 airline programs, four hotel partners, and one retail loyalty program [49]. Some notable partners include:
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Emirates Skywards [49]
The card has added new travel protections that include trip cancelation coverage, lost luggage protection, and car rental insurance [6]. A $100 annual hotel benefit awaits when you book through CitiTravel.com [50]. The Citi Premier proves to be a solid choice for travelers who want flexible rewards without complicated rules.
Capital One VentureOne Card
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One VentureOne Card combines simplicity with value. Travelers can earn miles without complex reward structures through this budget-friendly option. Premium perks don’t need hefty fees with this entry-level travel card.
No Annual Fee Structure
The card comes with USD 0 annual fee [7]. New members receive 20,000 bonus miles when they spend USD 500 within three months [51]. Cardholders also get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers [7]. A variable APR of 19.99%-29.99% applies after this period [7]. The card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees [51], which makes it perfect for international trips.
Miles Earning
The rewards program keeps things simple with unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase [7]. Cardholders get improved earnings of 5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel [7]. The card’s AI-powered price prediction technology helps travelers save an average of 15% on flights [7]. Capital One’s best price guarantee covers all travel bookings through their portal, including flights, hotels, and rental cars [7].
Redemption Flexibility
Active accounts keep their miles’ value indefinitely [52]. The rewards can be redeemed through several options:
- Book travel directly through Capital One Travel
- Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Get statement credits for travel purchases within 90 days [11]
Capital One Shopping automatically applies available coupon codes to online purchases [52]. Members get 50% off handcrafted beverages at Capital One Cafés nationwide [52]. The Capital One Entertainment program gives exclusive access to curated events in music, sports, and dining, with special pre-sales and suite experiences [52].
The card’s security features include virtual card numbers through Eno, fraud alerts, and instant card locking capabilities [52]. A smooth mobile app experience lets users manage their accounts, pay bills, and monitor transactions [52].
United Explorer Card
Image Source: Yahoo Finance
The United Explorer Card makes flying United Airlines more rewarding with its travel-focused perks. You’ll pay USD 0 for the first year, then USD 95 [53] as an annual fee, which gives you premium benefits at a reasonable cost.
United Airlines Benefits
Your travel experience gets better with exclusive perks. Each year, you’ll receive two United Club one-time passes [53] that let you relax in premium lounges before flights. The card also covers up to USD 120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees [53]. Travelers can earn up to 1,000 Premier qualifying points toward elite status [53].
Free Checked Bag Value
You can save up to USD 160 on roundtrip flights with free first checked bags [12]. This money-saving perk works for you and one companion on your reservation [54]. Here’s what you need to do:
- Buy tickets with your United Explorer Card
- Include your MileagePlus number in the reservation
- Fly on United or United Express-operated flights [12]
The free checked bag benefit works even on award travel when you use your card for taxes and service charges [12]. Remember that international flights and Premier status members can’t combine additional free bag allowances [12].
Priority Boarding
Your card lets you board before general boarding begins. This perk extends to companions on your reservation [54], so you’ll always find space for your carry-on. The benefit only works on United and United Express-operated flights, not on codeshare partner flights [55].
You’ll earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels [53]. Adding an authorized user brings 5,000 bonus miles [53]. These perks make the annual fee worthwhile for frequent United flyers who want a better travel experience.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
Image Source: Reddit
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card turns regular hotel stays into memorable experiences with great value at just USD 95 annual fee [10]. New cardmembers can get a USD 150 statement credit on their first purchase and 100,000 bonus points when they spend USD 3,000 in three months [10].
Free Night Certificate
Each year after renewing your account, you’ll get a Free Night Award you can use at properties costing up to 35,000 points [10]. You can tap into the full potential of this certificate by adding up to 15,000 Bonvoy points [56]. This lets you book stays at properties that cost up to 50,000 points per night. Note that some locations might charge resort fees [10].
Elite Status Credits
Silver Elite status comes automatically when you sign up, giving you 10% bonus points on your stays [10]. Getting to higher tiers becomes easier with 15 Elite Night Credits each year [10]. Spending USD 35,000 yearly gets you Gold Elite status [10], which comes with better room upgrades and 25% bonus points [57]. The card also gives you one Elite Night Credit for every USD 5,000 you spend, with no limits [10].
Marriott Points Value
Your loyalty pays off with this earning structure:
- 6X points on eligible Marriott purchases [58]
- 3X points on the first USD 6,000 spent annually at gas stations, grocery stores, and dining [58]
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases [58]
Marriott points are worth about 0.7 cents [59] due to dynamic pricing. Smart redemptions can get you values between 0.4 to 1.56 cents per point [59]. The program’s 37 airline transfer partners [9] make it versatile with mostly 3:1 transfer ratios. United MileagePlus members get an extra 10,000 miles for every 60,000 points they transfer [9].
Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
Image Source: Credit Karma
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card stands out from regular airline cards and brings great value to casual Delta flyers. The card costs USD 0 for the first year, then USD 150 [13] annually and comes packed with excellent perks for Delta travelers.
Delta Travel Benefits
You’ll save up to USD 70 on round-trip flights with a free first checked bag [60]. This benefit gets even better as it covers up to eight companions on your reservation [13]. Your Zone 5 priority boarding lets you and your travel companions grab overhead bin space early [60].
The card gives you 20% back as statement credit on your in-flight purchases, except Wi-Fi [13]. You’ll also get secondary auto rental coverage, baggage insurance and purchase protection [13]. Delta flight award redemptions cost 15% less with this card [13].
Miles Earning Structure
You can earn miles quickly with these competitive rates:
- 2X miles on Delta purchases
- 2X miles on dining worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery
- 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
- 1X miles on other eligible purchases [13]
These rates give you about 2.4% back on Delta purchases, dining, and U.S. supermarket spending based on recent valuations [13]. Delta uses dynamic award pricing, so redemption rates change and you can find great deals with smart timing [13].
Statement Credits
The card rewards you with two valuable credits. You’ll get a USD 200 Delta flight credit after spending USD 10,000 in a calendar year [60]. On top of that, you can earn up to USD 100 yearly in statement credits by booking prepaid hotels through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays [13]. Regular Delta travelers often find these credits and travel perks worth more than the annual fee.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
Image Source: Credit cards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card turns everyday purchases into travel opportunities with its simple rewards program and zero annual fee structure [61]. This card works great for Bank of America customers who want flexibility in their travel rewards.
No Annual Fee Value
The card starts with great value by skipping annual fees and offering a welcome bonus of 25,000 online bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days [14]. Cardholders also get a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers [14]. The card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which makes it perfect for international trips [61].
Points Structure
The rewards system is straightforward but powerful. You earn unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar you spend on all purchases [61]. These earnings double to 3 points per dollar when you book through the Bank of America Travel Center [62]. Your points never expire as long as your account stays active [62]. You can redeem points for:
- Statement credits on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and cruises
- Dining expenses at restaurants and takeout
- Car rentals and baggage fees [61]
Preferred Rewards Boost
The card’s real value shines through Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, which gives tiered bonuses based on your account balances:
- Gold tier (25% bonus): Boosts earnings to 1.87 points per dollar
- Platinum tier (50% bonus): Raises rewards to 2.25 points per dollar
- Platinum Honors and higher tiers (75% bonus): Takes earnings to 2.62 points per dollar [61]
Members with combined balances over $100,000 can earn 2.62 points per dollar on spending [63]. The program goes beyond credit card rewards and offers perks like interest rate discounts on home equity lines, mortgage originations, and auto loans [64]. Members also get reduced fees for the Merrill Guided Investing program [64]. This creates a complete banking relationship that helps realize the full potential of travel rewards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass can be yours with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card that comes with a modest USD 69 annual fee [65]. New cardholders now get 30,000 bonus points and a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2026, after spending USD 4,000 in the first three months [66].
Companion Pass Strategy
Earning this valuable benefit needs 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year [16]. Cardholders receive a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year [67]. Credit card spending and welcome bonuses count toward Companion Pass qualification [68]. Your designated companion can fly free of airline charges once you earn this benefit, paying only taxes from USD 5.60 one-way [66].
Points Value
Southwest Rapid Rewards points offer consistent value for redemptions, with an average of 1.5 cents per point [69]. Your points can get you:
- Domestic and international flights
- Hotel stays and car rentals
- Cruises and vacation packages
- Gift cards and exclusive events [15]
Flight costs in points adjust with cash prices due to dynamic pricing [70]. Your points stay active and never expire as long as you keep your account open [69].
Anniversary Points
You’ll get 3,000 bonus points automatically on your account anniversary [15]. The card’s earning structure rewards you with:
- 2X points on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2X points with Rapid Rewards partners
- 1X points on all other purchases [15]
The card gives you 25% back on inflight purchases [66] and two EarlyBird Check-In credits yearly [67]. Members earn qualifying points on the cash portion of Cash + Points bookings [71]. You’ll also get 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every USD 10,000 spent [15], making your path to A-List status faster.
Differential Sheet
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Key Rewards Rates | Notable Benefits | Transfer Partners/Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | • 5x on Chase Travel • 3x on dining & online groceries • 2x on other travel | • $50 annual hotel credit • 10% anniversary points bonus • Trip cancelation coverage up to $10,000 | 14 airline and hotel partners at 1:1 ratio |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months | • 10x on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel • 5x on flights • 2x on everything else | • $300 annual travel credit • 10,000 anniversary miles • Priority Pass & Capital One Lounge access | 15+ travel partners with 1:1 transfers |
| American Express Gold | $325 | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | • 4x at restaurants & U.S. supermarkets • 3x on flights • 2x on prepaid hotels | • $120 dining credit • $120 Uber Cash • $84 Dunkin’ credit | 18 airline and 3 hotel partners |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | 75,000 miles + $250 travel credit after $4,000 spend in 3 months | • 5x on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel • 2x on everything else | • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit • Travel accident insurance • No foreign transaction fees | 15+ travel partners at 1:1 ratio |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | Not mentioned | • 10x on hotels/car rentals via Chase Travel • 5x on flights • 3x on other travel/dining | • $300 annual travel credit • Priority Pass membership • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit | Points worth 50% more through Chase portal |
| Bilt Mastercard | $0 | Not mentioned | • 3x on dining • 2x on travel • 1x on rent | • No fees on rent payments • Cell phone protection • Points earned on rent | 19 transfer partners at 1:1 ratio |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned in detail | • Global Lounge Collection access • $200 airline fee credit • $200 hotel credit • Various other credits | Not mentioned in detail |
| Wells Fargo Autograph | $0 | 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months | • 3x on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, streaming & phone plans • 1x on other purchases | • Cell phone protection • Visa Signature Concierge • No foreign transaction fees | Points worth 1 cent each for cash/travel |
| Citi Premier | Not mentioned | 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | • 10x on hotels/car rentals via CitiTravel • 3x on air travel, hotels, dining, gas | • $100 annual hotel benefit • No foreign transaction fees | 19 transfer partners at 1:1 ratio |
| Capital One VentureOne | $0 | 20,000 miles after $500 spend in 3 months | • 5x on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel • 1.25x on everything else | • 0% intro APR for 15 months • No foreign transaction fees | 15+ travel partners |
| United Explorer | $95 (waived first year) | Not mentioned | • 2x on United purchases, dining & hotels • 1x on other purchases | • First checked bag free • Priority boarding • Two United Club passes annually | United MileagePlus program |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | $95 | $150 statement credit + 100,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months | • 6x at Marriott properties • 3x on first $6k in select categories • 2x on other purchases | • Annual Free Night Award • 15 Elite Night Credits • Silver Elite status | 37 airline transfer partners |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold | $150 (waived first year) | Not mentioned | • 2x on Delta purchases, dining & U.S. supermarkets • 1x on other purchases | • First checked bag free • 20% off in-flight purchases • $200 Delta flight credit | Delta SkyMiles program |
| Bank of America Travel | $0 | 25,000 points after $1,000 spend in 90 days | • 1.5x on all purchases • 3x through Travel Center | • No foreign transaction fees • 0% intro APR for 15 months | Statement credits for travel purchases |
| Southwest Plus | $69 | 30,000 points + Companion Pass after $4,000 spend in 3 months | • 2x on Southwest & partner purchases • 1x on other purchases | • 3,000 anniversary points • 25% back on in-flight purchases • Two EarlyBird Check-In credits | Southwest Rapid Rewards program |
Recap
Our analysis of hundreds of credit cards reveals 15 outstanding options for travelers in 2025. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum offer exceptional value through lounge access and travel credits, even with their higher annual fees. Budget-conscious travelers can find great value in no-annual-fee cards such as the Wells Fargo Autograph and Bank of America Travel Rewards cards.
Your specific travel habits and spending patterns should guide your credit card selection. United’s frequent flyers will benefit from the Explorer Card’s free checked bags. Hotel loyalists can get the most value from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card’s annual free night certificate.
You can maximize your travel rewards by choosing the right card combination. My strategy combines a premium travel card with a no-annual-fee option for everyday spending. This approach helps you earn more points while keeping annual costs reasonable.
Want to take a closer look at travel rewards? Visit vorelia.com for detailed comparisons and expert strategies. The best travel credit card aligns with your spending habits, travel goals, and comfort level with annual fees. Choose wisely and transform your everyday purchases into memorable adventures.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card? When selecting a travel credit card, consider the annual fee, rewards structure, sign-up bonus, travel perks (like lounge access or free checked bags), and how well the card aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
Q2. How do travel credit card points or miles compare to cash back rewards? Travel points or miles often provide more value when redeemed for travel expenses compared to cash back. However, their exact worth can vary depending on how you redeem them. Some cards offer flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airline or hotel partners, potentially increasing their value.
Q3. Is it worth paying a high annual fee for a premium travel credit card? Premium travel cards with high annual fees can be worth it if you travel frequently and can take advantage of their benefits, such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and elite status with hotels or airlines. Calculate the value of the perks you’ll use against the annual fee to determine if it’s worthwhile for your situation.
Q4. How can I maximize the rewards from my travel credit card? To maximize rewards, use your card for all eligible purchases, especially in bonus categories. Take advantage of sign-up bonuses, use shopping portals for extra points, and strategically redeem points for high-value travel bookings or by transferring to partner programs.
Q5. Are there any good travel credit cards with no annual fee? Yes, several travel credit cards offer solid rewards without an annual fee. Options like the Wells Fargo Autograph Card and the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card provide travel-focused earning structures and benefits without charging an annual fee, making them suitable for occasional travelers or those new to travel rewards.
For learn more:
Cheap Travel Tips That Save Real People $500+ (2025 Guide
References
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For learn more visit: https://vorelia.com
Olivia Sinclair is a distinguished researcher and industry expert with 14+ years of experience in AI, finance, health, sustainability, and digital marketing. With a strong academic background and numerous accolades, she delivers insightful, research-backed content that empowers readers.
