Top 10 Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers in 2025

Traveling in 2025 has become more exciting and convenient than ever. With airlines resuming full international routes, new loyalty partnerships, and evolving credit card benefits, frequent flyers now have plenty of opportunities to earn miles, cashback, and luxury perks.

Whether you’re a business traveler hopping across continents, a digital nomad, or someone who loves luxury vacations, choosing the best travel rewards credit card can save you thousands of dollars every year. From free flights and hotel stays to airport lounge access and elite status upgrades, the right card ensures every trip is rewarding.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers in 2025, compare their benefits, annual fees, eligibility, and help you choose the perfect one for your lifestyle.

Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why travel rewards cards are essential:

• Earn Free Flights & Hotels: Every purchase earns points/miles.
• Airport Lounge Access: Escape crowded terminals with VIP lounges.
• Travel Insurance Benefits: Lost baggage, trip delays, and cancellations covered.
• Global Acceptance: No foreign transaction fees.
• Luxury Perks: Complimentary upgrades, early check-ins, and dining offers.
• Business Benefits: Perfect for frequent corporate travelers.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550
Rewards Rate:

• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel
• 5x points on flights via Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining and travel purchases
• 1x on all other purchases

Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass Select (1,300+ lounges)
• Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit
• Comprehensive travel insurance

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Chase has expanded its travel portal partnerships, making it easier to redeem points for flights with multiple airlines worldwide.

Best For: Frequent international flyers who want flexibility in booking flights and luxury perks.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual Fee: $695
Rewards Rate:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
• 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
• 1x on all other purchases

Key Benefits:

• Access to Centurion Lounges + Delta Sky Club + Priority Pass
• $200 annual airline fee credit
• $200 Uber Cash credits
• Premium hotel benefits (Hilton & Marriott Gold status)
• Fine Hotels & Resorts perks

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Amex Platinum continues to dominate luxury travel rewards, offering the widest lounge access in 2025.

Best For: Luxury travelers who prioritize lounges, elite status, and premium perks.

3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $395
Rewards Rate:

• 10x miles on hotels & rental cars via Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on every purchase

Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit
• 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary
• Priority Pass + Plaza Premium Lounges
• Strong travel insurance protection

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Affordable compared to Chase & Amex, but still packs luxury travel perks + high reward multipliers.

Best For: Travelers seeking a balance between affordability and luxury benefits.

4. Citi Premier® Card

Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:

• 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas, dining, supermarkets
• 1x on all other purchases

Key Benefits:

• 80,000 bonus points (limited-time 2025 offer)
• Transfer points to 15+ airline partners
• No foreign transaction fees

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Budget-friendly annual fee with strong reward categories for both daily spending and travel.

Best For: Frequent travelers who want flexibility without a high annual fee.

5. United℠ Explorer Card

Annual Fee: $95 (first year free)
Rewards Rate:

• 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels
• 1x miles on everything else

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag
• Priority boarding
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• 2 United Club passes annually

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Perfect for loyal United Airlines travelers who want consistent airline benefits.

Best For: Domestic & international United Airlines flyers.

6. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express

Annual Fee: $350
Rewards Rate:

• 3x miles on Delta purchases & hotels
• 2x on restaurants & U.S. supermarkets
• 1x on everything else

Key Benefits:

• First checked bag free
• Main Cabin Priority Boarding
• Delta companion certificate annually
• MQM boosts for elite status

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Delta continues expanding premium international routes. This card helps flyers earn Medallion Status faster.

Best For: Delta loyalists seeking elite perks.

7. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:

• 6x points at Marriott hotels
• 2x on all other purchases

Key Benefits:

• Free anniversary night (valued up to 35,000 points)
• Automatic Silver Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Hotels remain expensive — this card ensures free stays + elite perks for Marriott loyalists.

Best For: Frequent hotel guests and Marriott Bonvoy members.

8. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Annual Fee: $150
Rewards Rate:

• 12x Hilton hotels
• 6x dining, groceries, gas
• 3x everything else

Key Benefits:

• Complimentary Gold Status
• Free weekend night reward (with spending threshold)
• Access to Priority Pass lounges (10 visits)

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Great for those who want hotel + travel perks at a lower annual fee.

Best For: Hilton loyalists who want affordable elite benefits.

9. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:

• 1.5x points on every purchase

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Redeem points for any travel purchase

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Ideal entry-level travel rewards card for beginners.

Best For: Occasional travelers or students studying abroad.

10. World of Hyatt Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:

• 9x at Hyatt hotels
• 2x on restaurants, flights, and fitness clubs
• 1x on everything else

Key Benefits:

• Free night each anniversary
• Automatic Discoverist elite status
• Bonus points with Hyatt stays

Why It’s Great for 2025:
Hyatt continues expanding luxury resorts — this card ensures free stays + elite hotel perks.

Best For: Hyatt hotel loyalists.

Comparison Table: Best Travel Rewards Cards 2025

How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Card in 2025

• If you want luxury perks → Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve
• If you want affordable perks → Citi Premier or Capital One Venture X
• If you’re loyal to one airline → Delta Platinum Amex / United Explorer
• If you want free hotel stays → Marriott Bonvoy / Hyatt / Hilton Surpass
• If you want no annual fee → Bank of America Travel Rewards

FAQs About Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Q1. Which travel card has the best lounge access in 2025?
Amex Platinum (Centurion + Delta Sky Club + Priority Pass).

Q2. Which is the best card for beginners?
Bank of America® Travel Rewards (no annual fee).

Q3. Do travel cards cover travel insurance?
Yes, premium cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve & Capital One Venture X include comprehensive travel insurance.

Q4. Can I use points for hotels as well as flights?
Yes, most cards allow flexible redemptions. Marriott & Hyatt cards are best for hotels.

Q5. Are annual fees worth it?
If you travel frequently, the perks (free flights, lounge access, insurance) far outweigh the cost.

Conclusion

The best travel rewards credit card for you in 2025 depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and preferred airlines or hotels. Frequent flyers who value luxury travel perks should go for the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, while budget-conscious travelers may prefer the Citi Premier or Capital One Venture X.

No matter which you choose, a travel rewards card ensures every trip becomes more affordable, comfortable, and rewarding.