Introduction
The holiday season is a time for adventure, family, and making memories, but travel costs are climbing fast due to inflation. Choosing the best travel credit card for 2025 can help you save money and unlock exclusive holiday travel rewards. From earning points to accessing credit card travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance, the right card can make your holiday trips more affordable and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the top credit cards for holiday travel and tips to maximize their perks.
What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Not all credit cards are created equal, especially for travelers. Here are the must-have features to consider:
- Travel Rewards Points: Cards that earn high points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, dining) are key. Look for flexible redemption options, like transferring points to airline or hotel partners for maximum value.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: For international trips, no foreign transaction fee credit cards avoid the 3% fee typically charged on overseas purchases.
- Airport Lounge Access: A credit card with lounge access offers a relaxing escape with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi during layovers.
- Travel Insurance: A credit card with travel insurance can cover unexpected issues like trip cancellations, delays, or lost luggage, saving you stress and money.
Picking a card with these features ensures your holiday travel is both rewarding and cost-effective.
Top 5 Credit Cards for Holiday Travel in 2025
Here’s a curated list of the top credit cards for holiday travelers, each excelling in different areas:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for: General travel and dining
- Why it’s great: The Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus gives you 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 when redeemed through the Chase travel rewards card portal. Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
- Key perks: No foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip), and flexible point transfers to partners like United or Marriott.
- Annual fee: $95
- CPC Keywords: Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus, Chase travel rewards card
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for: Flexible travel redemptions
- Why it’s great: Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase with the Capital One Venture rewards card. A 75,000-mile sign-up bonus (after spending $4,000 in three months) translates to $750 in travel credit.
- Key perks: Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, no foreign transaction fees, and easy redemption for any travel purchase (flights, hotels, car rentals).
- Annual fee: $95
- CPC Keywords: Capital One Venture rewards, credit card for travel miles
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for: Luxury travel perks
- Why it’s great: The Amex Platinum travel perks include access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in six months. Enjoy $200 annual Uber credits and hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott.
- Key perks: Comprehensive travel insurance, $200 airline fee credit, and 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Annual fee: $695
- CPC Keywords: Amex Platinum travel perks, credit card with airport lounge access
4. Citi Premier® Card
- Best for: International travelers
- Why it’s great: Earn 3x points on airfare, hotels, dining, gas, and supermarkets with the Citi travel credit card. A 60,000-point sign-up bonus (after $4,000 spend in three months) is worth $600 via Citi ThankYou points value for travel.
- Key perks: No foreign transaction fees, $100 annual hotel credit (on a $500+ hotel stay), and point transfers to airline partners like JetBlue or Singapore Airlines.
- Annual fee: $95
- CPC Keywords: Citi ThankYou points value, Citi travel credit card
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Best for: No annual fee
- Why it’s great: The no annual fee travel card earns 1.5x points on all purchases, redeemable for travel or dining credits. Get 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in three months, worth $250.
- Key perks: No foreign transaction fees and flexible redemption for any travel-related purchase.
- Annual fee: $0
- CPC Keywords: no annual fee travel card, Bank of America travel credit card
Comparison Table: At a Glance
This travel card comparison 2025 table helps you make quick decisions by comparing key features:
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | APR (Variable) | Rewards Structure | Key Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 60,000 points ($4,000 spend) | 20.99%–27.99% | 5x travel, 3x dining, 2x other travel | No foreign fees, trip insurance |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 75,000 miles ($4,000 spend) | 19.99%–29.99% | 2x miles on all purchases | Global Entry credit, no foreign fees |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | 80,000 points ($8,000 spend) | Pay Over Time: 20.99%–28.99% | 5x flights, 5x prepaid hotels | Lounge access, $200 airline credit |
| Citi Premier | $95 | 60,000 points ($4,000 spend) | 20.99%–28.99% | 3x travel, dining, gas, supermarkets | No foreign fees, $100 hotel credit |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | $0 | 25,000 points ($1,000 spend) | 18.99%–28.99% | 1.5x points on all purchases | No foreign fees, flexible redemption |
Note: APRs and bonuses may change. Verify details on issuer websites.
Best Credit Cards by Traveler Type
Your travel style matters when picking a card. Here’s a breakdown:
1. For Frequent Flyers
- Recommended: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum
- Why: These best credit cards for frequent flyers offer airline partner transfers (e.g., United, Delta) and credits for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry. Amex Platinum’s lounge access is perfect for frequent airport visits.
2. For Road Trippers
- Recommended: Citi Premier, Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Why: Citi Premier’s 3x points on gas and best card for road trips make it ideal for fuel-heavy trips. Bank of America’s no-fee structure and no foreign transaction fees suit cross-border drives to Canada or Mexico.
3. For Luxury Travelers
- Recommended: Amex Platinum
- Why: Offers premium perks like Centurion lounge access, hotel upgrades, and 24/7 concierge services for booking exclusive experiences.
4. For Budget Travelers
- Recommended: Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Why: With no annual fee and 1.5x points on all purchases, this credit card for budget travel maximizes value without extra costs.
Seasonal Holiday Travel Tips with Credit Cards
Get the most out of your card during the holiday rush with these holiday travel hacks:
- Booking Flights with Travel Portals: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Travel to stretch point value (redeem travel points for flights). Chase Sapphire Preferred points get a 25% boost when redeemed through their portal.
- Using Points for Holiday Shopping: Redeem points for gift cards or statement credits to cover holiday gifts, easing your budget (how to use credit card points for holiday travel).
- Redeeming Miles for Holiday Flights: Book early to secure award seats, as holiday flights fill up quickly. Capital One Venture’s flexible miles work for any airline or hotel.
International Travel: What You Need to Know
Planning a trip abroad? Here’s what to consider:
- Currency Conversion Rates: Cards like Citi Premier and Chase Sapphire Preferred have no foreign transaction fees, saving you on credit card for international travel purchases.
- Foreign ATM Fees: Look for cards that reimburse ATM fees, like some Amex cards, for travel abroad with credit card convenience.
- Emergency Travel Support: Amex Platinum offers 24/7 support for lost cards or emergencies, ideal for best card for Europe travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these credit card mistakes to maximize your card’s value:
- Not Using Travel Protections: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred offer trip cancellation insurance—check terms to use it (credit card trip cancellation insurance).
- Ignoring Reward Expiration Dates: Some points expire if unused. Review your card’s policy to avoid losing rewards (how to maximize travel credit cards).
- Missing Sign-Up Bonus Deadlines: Meet spending requirements on time to secure valuable bonuses.
FAQs
What’s the best credit card for travel points?
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards stand out for best credit card rewards due to their flexible redemption options and generous sign-up bonuses.
Are travel credit cards worth it for infrequent travelers?
Yes, especially no-fee cards like Bank of America Travel Rewards, which offer rewards without annual costs (travel card FAQs).
Do travel cards cover trip cancellation?
Many do, including Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum, but coverage varies. Check your card’s terms for specifics (credit card trip cancellation insurance).
Conclusion
The best travel credit card for 2025 depends on your travel habits. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards offer versatile rewards for most travelers, while Amex Platinum caters to luxury seekers. For budget travelers, Bank of America Travel Rewards is a no-fee gem. Use our travel card comparison 2025 to pick the card that fits your holiday plans, and apply now to start earning rewards before the season kicks off.
CTA: Don’t miss out on holiday savings! Apply for your ideal travel credit card today and make your 2025 trips unforgettable.
Bonus Section: Travel Deals You Can Access with These Cards
These cards unlock exclusive travel deals:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Book discounted flights and hotels through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Amex Platinum: Access Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts for room upgrades, late checkouts, and resort credits.
- Capital One Venture: Redeem miles for any travel purchase with no blackout dates, perfect for last-minute holiday deals.
- Citi Premier: Use ThankYou Points for discounted travel or transfer to partners for premium bookings.
Visit issuer websites for the latest offers and plan your holiday getaway with confidence!