The Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2025

A golden piazza in Rome, the scent of espresso in the air, or a glass-walled suite in Singapore with skyline views—all funded by points from your daily spending. Groceries, gas, dinners, even late-night shopping can unlock unforgettable journeys when paired with the right travel credit card.

In 2025, travel rewards are more competitive and rewarding than ever. From airport lounge access to generous welcome bonuses and flexible redemptions, today’s best cards offer perks that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re a luxury flyer or a budget adventurer, these are the cards designed to take you further.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for: Beginner travelers who want great value
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points
Credit Score Required: Good to Excellent

This card is the darling of the travel rewards universe, and for good reason. With a moderate $95 annual fee and a blockbuster welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a favorite for travelers looking to maximize value without committing to a high annual fee. According to Credit Karma, those 100,000 points are worth up to $1,250 when redeemed through Chase Travel.

What truly sets this card apart is the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase portal or transfer them to a wide array of airline and hotel partners. This flexibility often yields more value than fixed-rate redemptions and makes it ideal for people who want to travel more often without being locked into one loyalty program.

The earning rates are competitive. You will earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3 points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2 points on all other travel, and 1 point on everything else. This card is designed for everyday spending that fuels real adventures.