10 best credit cards for travel rewards in the US
Here are the 10 best credit cards for travel rewards in the US.
In the world of travel, the right credit card is the ultimate hack. It’s a powerful tool that transforms your everyday spending into your next great adventure, earning you flights, hotel stays, and premium perks that can elevate your entire travel experience.
But with a dizzying array of options, choosing the best card can be overwhelming. At ShockTrail, we’re focused on helping you travel smarter. This guide breaks down the best travel rewards credit cards in the US, so you can unlock a world of value.
Why a Travel Rewards Card is a Must-Have Tool
A dedicated travel rewards credit card is designed to maximize the value you get from your spending. Unlike standard cashback cards, the points and miles you earn can often be redeemed for outsized value, especially when transferred to airline and hotel partners.
The best cards go even further, acting as a travel toolkit that provides benefits like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and credits for travel expenses—perks that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year and make your journey infinitely more comfortable.
Real-World Scenarios: Putting Travel Rewards into Action
Scenario 1: The Young Professional Maximizing Flexibility
- The Traveler: Alex, a young professional who takes several domestic trips a year and an annual international vacation.
- The Goal: To earn flexible points that can be used for both flights and hotels without being locked into a single airline.
- The Solution: Alex gets the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. He uses it for all his dining and travel-related purchases, earning bonus points. For his trip to Portugal, he transfers his Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to United Airlines to book his flight. He then redeems the remaining points directly through the Chase travel portal for a 25% bonus to book a boutique hotel, saving over $1,200 on his vacation.
Scenario 2: The Frequent Business Traveler Seeking Comfort
- The Traveler: Sarah, a consultant who flies twice a month for work.
- The Goal: To make her constant travel more comfortable and luxurious.
- The Solution: Sarah invests in The Platinum Card® from American Express. Although it has a high annual fee, the benefits are a perfect match for her lifestyle. She enjoys complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge during layovers, gets upgraded to Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels, and uses the annual airline and Uber credits to offset her costs. The card’s perks completely transform her stressful travel days into a premium experience.
Scenario 3: The Family Vacation Planner on a Budget
- The Traveler: The Rodriguez family, who primarily flies one airline for their annual family vacations.
- The Goal: To significantly reduce the cost of flights for their family of four.
- The Solution: The family signs up for a co-branded airline card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. By using the card for everyday purchases and earning the sign-up bonus, they accumulate enough points to cover the airfare for their next trip. The card’s perks, like the annual travel credit and 4 upgraded boardings per year, add extra value and convenience, making their family travel much more affordable and enjoyable.
Comparative Breakdown of Top Travel Rewards Cards
The 10 Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The undisputed best choice for most people starting with travel rewards. It has a low annual fee, a great sign-up bonus, flexible points, and solid travel insurance.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: A premium card with a simple rewards structure. It effectively pays for itself with an annual travel credit and offers fantastic airport lounge access.
- American Express® Gold Card: The ultimate card for foodies. It earns a massive 4x points on dining worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, which can be transferred to a huge list of airline partners.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: The king of premium travel perks. If you value airport lounge access above all else, this card’s Global Lounge Collection is unmatched.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The premium sibling to the Preferred card. It offers a higher earning rate on travel, a simple-to-use $300 travel credit, and Priority Pass lounge access.
- Bilt Rewards Mastercard®: The only credit card that allows you to earn valuable, transferable points on rent payments without a transaction fee, making it a revolutionary tool for renters.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: The original, simple travel card. It earns a flat 2x miles on every purchase, which can be easily redeemed to “erase” any travel expense.
- Citi Premier® Card: A strong competitor to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, this card often has a great sign-up bonus and earns bonus points in useful everyday categories like gas stations and supermarkets.
- Co-Branded Airline Cards (e.g., United℠ Explorer, Delta SkyMiles® Gold): Best for travelers loyal to a specific airline. These cards offer perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases.
- Co-Branded Hotel Cards (e.g., World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®): Ideal for hotel loyalists. These cards often come with a free anniversary night each year, which can easily be worth more than the annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What credit score do I need for a travel rewards card?
You will generally need a good to excellent credit score to be approved for the best travel rewards cards, typically 700 or higher.
What is a “sign-up bonus” and why is it important?
A sign-up bonus (or welcome offer) is a large lump sum of points you receive after spending a certain amount of money in your first few months. It’s the fastest way to accumulate enough points for a major redemption, like a free flight.
What are “transfer partners”?
This is the key to maximizing value. Top programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards® and Amex Membership Rewards® allow you to transfer your points directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs (like United MileagePlus or World of Hyatt), often at a 1:1 ratio. This is how you book “award travel.”
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Is a card with a high annual fee ever worth it?
Yes, but only if you use the benefits. A card like the Amex Platinum has a $695 fee, but it comes with over $1,500 in annual statement credits (for airlines, Uber, etc.) and lounge access worth hundreds more. If the benefits align with your spending, it can be extremely valuable.
What’s the difference between “points” and “miles”?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, “miles” are associated with a specific airline’s loyalty program, while “points” come from a flexible bank program like Chase or Amex.
Should I get a general travel card or an airline/hotel specific card?
If you’re starting out or value flexibility, get a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. If you are loyal to one brand and want specific perks like free checked bags or hotel status, a co-branded card is a great choice.
How do I choose the best card for me?
Look at your own spending. At ShockTrail, we advise you to choose the card that gives you the highest rewards on the categories where you spend the most money (e.g., dining, travel, groceries).
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