Best Travel Credit Cards for Earning Miles in 2025

Introduction

Traveling the world while earning rewards on your everyday purchases is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for frequent travelers. Whether you’re flying to a remote island, staying in luxury hotels, or dining at exquisite restaurants, having the right travel credit card can make your adventures more affordable and rewarding.

The year 2025 brings exciting updates to travel credit cards, with new benefits, enhanced rewards, and greater flexibility. In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel credit cards for earning miles, their top features, and how to choose the one that suits your travel lifestyle.

Why You Need a Travel Credit Card

1. Earn Miles and Points

Every purchase you make—from groceries to airline tickets—can earn you valuable miles. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even exclusive experiences.

2. Access Exclusive Perks

Travel credit cards offer premium perks like:

• Priority boarding and free checked baggage.
• Airport lounge access for a more comfortable pre-flight experience.
• Complimentary travel insurance for peace of mind.

3. Save Money on Foreign Transactions

Many travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, saving you up to 3% on every international purchase.

4. Complimentary Travel Insurance

Top cards include free travel insurance for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies—making them invaluable for frequent travelers.

Top Travel Credit Cards for Earning Miles in 2025

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Why It’s Great:
  • Earn 5x points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel.
• Best Features:
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip delay and lost baggage coverage.
  • Flexible points transfer to top airlines and hotels like United and Marriott.
• CPC Keyword: Best travel credit cards for miles 2025.

2. American Express Platinum Card®

• Why It’s Great:
  • The ultimate luxury travel card with premium perks.
  • Earn 5x points on flights and hotels booked directly.
• Best Features:
  • Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Up to $200 in airline fee credits annually.
  • Complimentary Hilton and Marriott elite status.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Why It’s Great:
  • Simple, straightforward rewards system: 2x miles on every purchase.
  • Use miles to erase travel expenses with no blackout dates.
• Best Features:
  • Affordable annual fee of $95.
  • Up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

4. Citi Premier® Card

• Why It’s Great:
  • Ideal for travelers who value dining and entertainment.
  • Earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, and dining.
• Best Features:
  • Flexible points transfer to multiple airline partners.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Great for international travelers seeking value.

5. Discover it® Miles

• Why It’s Great:
  • Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases.
  • No annual fee, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
• Best Features:
  • First-year rewards match (e.g., earn 50,000 miles, get another 50,000 free).
  • Redeem miles for flights, hotels, or even cash.

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for You

1. Evaluate Your Travel Habits

• Frequent Flyers: Look for cards that offer airline miles, such as Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum.
• Luxury Travelers: Choose cards with lounge access and elite hotel status, like the Amex Platinum Card.
• Occasional Travelers: Opt for low-fee cards like Discover it® Miles.

2. Compare Annual Fees and Benefits

• High-fee cards (e.g., Amex Platinum at $695/year) are worth it if you use their premium perks.
• Low-fee cards (e.g., Citi Premier at $95/year) still offer excellent rewards.

3. Look for Flexible Redemption Options

• Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture allow you to redeem points for flights, hotels, and more with no blackout dates.

4. Check for Welcome Bonuses

Many cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses, such as:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Amex Platinum: Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

Maximizing Your Travel Credit Card Rewards

1. Spend Strategically

• Use your card for high-reward categories like dining, groceries, and travel bookings.
• For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on dining and 5x points on travel booked through Chase.

2. Combine Points with Partner Programs

• Transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs for greater value.
• Example: Convert Amex Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points.

3. Book Through Travel Portals

• Cards like Chase Sapphire and Capital One Venture offer bonus points for bookings made through their travel portals.

4. Use Your Benefits

• Take advantage of Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credits and airport lounge access to elevate your travel experience.

Common FAQs About Travel Credit Cards

Q: What is the best travel credit card for beginners?
A: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal for beginners due to its straightforward rewards system and flexibility.

Q: Can I use a travel credit card internationally?
A: Yes, most travel cards, like Capital One Venture and Amex Platinum, have no foreign transaction fees, making them perfect for international use.

Q: Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?
A: Yes, if you maximize the perks (e.g., lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance), the benefits often outweigh the cost.

Q: How do I redeem travel credit card miles?
A: You can redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even cashback through your card’s travel portal or loyalty program partners.

Conclusion

Travel credit cards are an essential tool for savvy travelers looking to maximize their experiences while saving money. Whether you prioritize earning miles, accessing luxury perks, or avoiding fees, there’s a card tailored to your needs.

By choosing one of the best travel credit cards for 2025, you’ll turn everyday spending into extraordinary travel opportunities. So, pick a card, start earning rewards, and embark on your next adventure with confidence!