Top Credit Cards for Travel Rewards - 2025

by Nick Hagan / March 31, 2025

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Traveling, whether for business or personal getaways, is an investment. Between flights, hotels, and getting around, the costs add up quickly. That’s where the right rewards credit card comes in.

With over 13 years of experience delivering premium journeys in over 500 cities worldwide, Blacklane knows what makes a trip smoother, smarter, and more rewarding. Our handpicked selection of the best credit cards for travel rewards helps you earn perks, points, and savings every step of the way.

How to choose the best travel rewards card for you

Travel rewards credit cards come in all stripes (pun intended), so how can you accurately judge which one will work for you?

First, think about your travel plans. Where are you going, and which airlines do you want to fly with? Are there any carriers you prefer, and frequently use - or any you’d like to start using on the regular?

As with any rewards card, the trick is to tailor your spending activity to the card rules. This will allow you to leverage the maximum return on your spend via miles, cashback, and other specific perks. As you’ll see from our list, every card has its advantages, and some reward loyalty to specific airlines, so a little pre-planning and research could really pay off.

At its best, the right travel rewards card can help you climb up the ladder to elite status, translating into all sorts of extra perks. Think of seating upgrades on flights, free bag checks, and enjoying your hotel breakfast on the house. Check the travel rewards card benefits carefully before you apply, and don’t forget the annual fee!

Also consider how much you’re likely to spend on the card. Certain cards reward a higher spend, such as the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card (featured below). However, if you’re unlikely to meet the threshold for those rewards, you might be better off opting for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, which drops the high-spend benefits but also loses the annual fee, saving you money.

Getting started with a new rewards card is always something of a balancing act, so check the benefit details, consider your travel needs, and be realistic about your spending habits.  

Now, read on to discover our best travel rewards credit cards for 2025, and save money on your travel itinerary this year.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card - The best card for Delta flyers

Delta Airlines is one of the USA’s biggest and best-known domestic carriers, and has also topped polls for being the most reliable.   

If they feature frequently on your travel itinerary, you’d do well to consider the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex, which pushes the envelope when it comes to loyalty bonuses. 

The most prominent reason? Spending $3,000 on eligible purchases with this card during your first six months of membership will net you a staggering 80,000 Bonus Miles—worth around $960, depending on how you redeem them.

Push your spend to $10,000 in a calendar year and you’ll also earn a $200 Delta flight credit. In addition, this card gives you priority boarding, a free checked bag, and 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases.

And did we mention frequent Delta flyers can also earn double Miles on Delta purchases, dining at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets? It’s truly stacked with goodies, and there’s even a $0 intro fee for the first year.

After that, you’re looking at a $150 annual fee, plus a variable APR of 19.99%–28.99%.

Platinum Card from American Express - The best card for big spenders

In need of a card that isn’t tied to a specific airline but still offers a wealth of benefits? When it comes to luxury travel perks, the Amex Platinum remains a top contender among the best credit cards for travel rewards.

This card provides an exceptional opportunity to earn and redeem points for high-end travel benefits, offering you the best of both worlds.

Some may argue the card’s $695 annual fee is steep, but rewards accumulate quickly. Flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel earn 5X Membership Rewards Points, up to $500,000 per calendar year. Additionally, prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel also earn 5X points, allowing you to offset the annual fee through strategic spending.

The cherry on top is the 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points you’ll earn by spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months.

As for rewards, enjoy priority access to Amex’s exclusive airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges and luxurious partner spaces. The Platinum Card also offers a host of credits, such as:

• $200 Hotel Credit: Up to $200 back annually on prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay) through Amex Travel.

• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by your selected airline.

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $20 monthly for eligible subscriptions like Disney+ and The New York Times. Enrollment required.

• $200 Uber Cash: $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus a bonus $20 in December, after adding your card to your Uber account.

It’s truly a playground of options, offering various cashbacks and perks. The Platinum Amex operates on a Pay Over Time APR, allowing flexibility with eligible charges.

Chase Sapphire Preferred - The best card for flexible spending

For travelers seeking a modest annual fee while still earning substantial rewards for travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as a top choice. This card offers 5X total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit; 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out; and 2X points on other travel purchases, ensuring you steadily accumulate points wherever your journeys take you.

Need a little extra incentive? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® also grants a 60,000 bonus points boost after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first three months, turning your spending on restaurants, hotels, flights, and rental cars into a substantial return.

While it may lack some of the opulence of more premium cards, with an annual fee of just $95, this card is ideal for travelers seeking versatility without a hefty price tag. The variable APR ranges from 20.49% to 27.49%.

Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard - The best card for American Airlines flyers

With a name fit for a pompous monarch, the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard asserts itself as a top contender among travel rewards cards—especially for frequent American Airlines travelers.

Most striking is this card’s introductory offer of 75,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases within the first four months. Once you've secured those miles, a suite of travel perks awaits.

Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and a first checked bag free for yourself and up to four companions on the same reservation ideal for group trips.

In terms of rewards, earn 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, at gas stations, and in restaurants (including takeout), and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Additionally, after spending $20,000 in a card membership year and renewing your card, you'll receive a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount.

The $99 annual fee is waived for the first 12 months, making it even more appealing. The variable APR ranges from 20.24% to 29.24%, based on creditworthiness.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card - The best card for multiple bookings

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card takes a countdown approach with its rewards, offering five points per dollar on hotels, four on airlines, three on other travel purchases and dining, and one on anything else. Just book directly with the hotel or airline to unlock the benefit, and start stacking up your points, regardless of who you’re flying with or where you’re staying.

It’s a chameleon of a travel rewards card, and to entice you in, there’s also a bonus 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Add in some handy extras like trip cancellation and interruption protection (up to $15,000 per claim), a $50 annual airfare credit, and cell phone protection (up to $1,000 per claim), and you’ll soon be getting even more from your travels.

The Autograph Journey costs $95 a year, and offers a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24%, depending on your credit.

Make every mile count with your card and your ride

You’ve picked the right credit card with the best rewards and booked the trip. Now it’s time to travel just as smart on the ground.

Blacklane helps you turn every journey into a seamless experience with premium chauffeur service in cities around the world. From airport pickups to hotel drop-offs, we’re here to elevate the way you move, because journey isn’t just about where you go. It’s how you get there.

 The prices and benefits listed above have been sourced from each credit card website at the time of publication. The information has not been reviewed or edited by any of the listed companies.

Book Now