The Best Travel Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers (U.S. Edition)

If you travel often — whether for work, adventure, or visiting family — a good travel credit card can be your most valuable companion. In 2025, competition among U.S. card issuers has made travel rewards richer, sign-up bonuses larger, and perks more luxurious. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel like navigating an airport during a snowstorm. Let’s simplify it. Here are the best travel credit cards for frequent flyers this year, based on value, flexibility, and real-world perks.

🏆 #1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® — Best for Most Travelers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains the go-to travel card for beginners and seasoned travelers alike. It offers 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal and can also transfer to major airline partners like United, Southwest, and Air France/KLM. The $95 annual fee is modest compared to its flexibility and protection benefits.

🥈 #2. American Express® Platinum Card — Best for Airport Lounge Access

If comfort and luxury matter to you, the Amex Platinum is unmatched. You get access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide — including the exclusive Centurion® Lounges — plus annual statement credits for travel, Uber, and digital entertainment. You’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines and through Amex Travel. The $695 annual fee is steep, but frequent flyers can easily extract far more value through perks and credits.

🥉 #3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Best for Simplicity

For travelers who prefer straightforward rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards delivers 2x miles on every purchase — no categories, no confusion. Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense or transferred to airline partners like Turkish Airlines, Air Canada, and British Airways. The $95 annual fee is easy to justify, and the card often includes 75,000-mile welcome offers for new members.

#4. Citi Premier® Card — Best for International Travelers

With 3x points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, plus 1x on everything else, the Citi Premier® stands out for its global transfer partners — including Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. It charges no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international trips. New cardholders can typically earn 60,000 ThankYou® points after $4,000 in spending within the first three months.

#5. Bilt Mastercard® — Best for Renters Who Travel

The Bilt Mastercard® uniquely rewards you for paying rent — without transaction fees — while also earning 2x points on travel and 3x on dining. Points transfer to 12+ airline and hotel partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage®, Hyatt, and United. It has no annual fee, making it an excellent starter card for young professionals who travel frequently.

How to Choose the Right Travel Card

• Frequent domestic traveler? Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture for easy redemptions.
• International flyer? Go with Amex Platinum or Citi Premier® for global lounge and airline access.
• Occasional traveler on a budget? Try Bilt Mastercard® or a no-annual-fee airline co-branded card like Delta SkyMiles® Blue.

Final Thoughts

The best travel credit card isn’t just about points — it’s about how easily you can use them. Whether you prioritize flexibility, luxury, or simplicity, these 2025 options cover every kind of traveler. Pay your balance in full, know your redemption partners, and your next trip could quite literally pay for itself.

Continue reading: How to Use Credit Cards to Earn Free Flights (And Avoid the Traps) · The True Cost of Using a Credit Card Abroad (Avoid These Fees)