Best Travel Credit Cards of 2025

If you love traveling, whether for work or leisure, having the right travel credit card can help you save money and earn valuable rewards. Many travel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, travel perks, and cashback or points for every dollar you spend. Whether you want a flexible travel card or a co-branded airline or hotel card, there are plenty of great options available.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards to consider in February 2025.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for: Business travelers who want flexible rewards

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Rewards Rate: 1x-3x points per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 90,000 bonus points (after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months)
  • Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good – Excellent)

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a fantastic choice for small business owners who travel frequently. It offers 3x points on travel, telecommunications, shipping, and social media advertising (up to $150,000 per year). Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel™, making it an excellent card for maximizing rewards. Additionally, it provides purchase protection and zero liability for unauthorized transactions.

Pros:

  • High-value sign-up bonus
  • Strong travel protections and purchase coverage
  • Flexible redemption options, including cash back and travel transfers

Cons:

  • $95 annual fee
  • Business-focused bonus categories may not suit everyone

Citi Strata Premier™ Card

Citi Strata Premier™ Card

Best for: Earning high rewards on everyday purchases

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Rewards Rate: 1x-10x points per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months)
  • Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good – Excellent)

The Citi Strata Premier™ Card is a great all-around travel card with high rewards in multiple spending categories. You can earn 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, and 3x points on airfare, supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations. The card also comes with a $100 annual hotel credit for bookings over $500, helping offset the annual fee.

Pros:

  • High earning rates on travel, dining, and everyday spending
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Generous sign-up bonus

Cons:

  • Limited domestic airline transfer partners
  • Hotel benefit only applies to bookings over $500

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Best for: Hotel stays and free annual nights

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Rewards Rate: 2x-17x points per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 points + $150 statement credit (limited time)
  • Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good – Excellent)

If you stay at Marriott hotels often, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 17x points per dollar at over 7,000 Marriott properties, plus 3x points on grocery, gas, and dining (up to $6,000 per year). Cardholders also receive one free night per year (valued up to 35,000 points), which can easily make up for the annual fee.

Pros:

  • High rewards at Marriott hotels
  • Free annual night
  • Automatic Silver Elite status and path to Gold Elite

Cons:

  • Best for Marriott loyalists
  • Fewer flexible redemption options

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for: Military members and PenFed Credit Union customers

  • Annual Fee: $95 (waived for PenFed Honors Advantage Members)
  • Rewards Rate: 1.5x-4x points per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points (after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days)
  • Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good – Excellent)

The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers 3x points on travel purchases (4x for PenFed Honors Advantage members). Other purchases earn 1.5x points per dollar, and cardholders get credits for airline fees and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry applications. If you’re eligible for a PenFed membership, this card provides excellent travel value.

Pros:

  • High rewards on travel purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Airline and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credits

Cons:

  • Requires PenFed membership
  • $95 annual fee unless waived

United™ Explorer Card

United™ Explorer Card

Best for: United Airlines travelers

  • Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
  • Rewards Rate: 1x-2x miles per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 miles (after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months)
  • Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good – Excellent)

The United™ Explorer Card is ideal for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, plus priority boarding, a free checked bag, and two one-time United Club lounge passes per year. It also includes a $120 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS applications.

Pros:

  • Valuable perks for United Airlines travelers
  • Lounge access and travel credits
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

  • Limited to United Airlines redemptions
  • Checked bag benefit applies to only one companion

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Best for: Renters who want to earn travel rewards

  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards Rate: 1x-3x points per dollar spent
  • Sign-Up Bonus: None
  • Recommended Credit Score: 650-850 (Fair – Excellent)

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card is unique because it lets you earn points on rent payments without transaction fees. You earn 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on all other purchases, including rent (up to 100,000 points per year). Plus, on the first of every month, you can double your points (except for rent payments). Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, future rent, or even a home down payment.

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • Rewards on rent payments
  • Strong travel redemption options

Cons:

  • Must use the card at least five times per month to earn full rewards
  • No sign-up bonus

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your travel habits, spending categories, and loyalty to airlines or hotels. If you want a flexible travel rewards card, the Ink Business Preferred® or Citi Strata Premier™ are strong options. Renters can benefit from the Bilt Mastercard®, while Marriott fans will love the Bonvoy Boundless®. No matter your travel style, the right credit card can help you earn rewards and enjoy travel perks effortlessly!