Best Travel Credit Cards 2025 Voted by Kiplinger Readers
In an increasingly competitive landscape of travel rewards, discerning which credit card truly delivers the best value has become something of an art form. As we step into 2025, Kiplinger readers have spoken, crowning their favorite travel companions after putting dozens of cards through their paces in real-world scenarios.
Having covered the credit card industry for nearly a decade, I’ve watched the evolution of travel rewards programs with particular interest. What strikes me about this year’s reader selections is how they reflect a fundamental shift in what travelers value most: flexibility, substantial rewards on everyday spending, and benefits that actually get used rather than just looking impressive on paper.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred emerged as readers’ top overall choice, continuing its reputation for delivering exceptional value without an excessive annual fee. “I’ve redeemed points for everything from boutique hotels in Barcelona to a cross-country flight for a family emergency,” shares Michael Torres, a software engineer and six-year cardholder. “The versatility of the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem makes this card irreplaceable in my wallet.”
What makes the Sapphire Preferred particularly compelling is its balance of a reasonable $95 annual fee against robust earning potential—3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 5x on travel purchased through Chase, and 2x on other travel purchases. The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners often yields significantly more value than the standard 1.25 cents per point when redeemed through Chase’s travel portal.
For premium travel benefits, the Capital One Venture X received top marks from readers who travel frequently enough to justify its $395 annual fee. The card’s 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, along with up to $300 in annual travel credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel, helps offset much of this cost for regular travelers.
“What sold me was the math,” explains financial analyst Rebecca Chen. “Between the anniversary bonus, travel credit, and Priority Pass lounge access, I’m actually coming out ahead each year, even before considering the points I earn on purchases.”
The no-annual-fee category saw the Bank of America Travel Rewards card rise to the top. Readers particularly appreciated its straightforward rewards structure—1.5 points per dollar on all purchases—and the absence of foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal backup card for international travel.
For airline-specific travel, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card claimed the top spot among Kiplinger readers. The card’s first checked bag free benefit on Delta flights (for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation) delivers tangible value that can quickly exceed the $99 annual fee (waived the first year).
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase dominated the hotel card category, with readers citing its automatic Silver Elite status and annual free night certificate (valued up to 35,000 points) as key factors in their selection.
What’s particularly noteworthy in this year’s results is the increasing importance readers placed on travel insurance benefits. The pandemic fundamentally changed how travelers evaluate credit card protections, with trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage, and travel emergency assistance now considered essential rather than mere perks.
“After being stranded in Munich when my connecting flight was canceled in 2023, the concierge service through my Venture X quite literally saved my trip,” recounts James Wilson, a management consultant. “They secured last-minute accommodations and rebooked my flights when the airline’s customer service line had a four-hour wait.”
Industry analysts note these reader preferences align with broader trends showing consumers increasingly favoring cards that provide value beyond just the initial welcome bonus. “We’re seeing a more sophisticated approach to travel rewards,” explains Valerie Jenkins, senior credit analyst at Meridian Financial Research. “Today’s cardholders are calculating long-term value rather than being swayed by flashy, short-term offers.”
Interestingly, cards offering cryptocurrency rewards didn’t make significant inroads with Kiplinger readers in the travel category, suggesting that traditional points and miles still command greater trust when it comes to travel redemptions.
As you evaluate which travel credit card might best suit your needs in 2025, consider your typical spending patterns, travel frequency, and whether you prefer transferable points or program-specific rewards. Remember that even the most celebrated card might not align with your individual circumstances—the “best” card is ultimately the one that complements your particular financial habits and travel goals.
For those just beginning their travel rewards journey, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers perhaps the most balanced entry point, while frequent travelers may find the premium benefits of the Capital One Venture X justify its higher annual fee. Whatever your situation, the collective wisdom of Kiplinger readers suggests prioritizing flexible redemption options, meaningful travel protections, and rewards structures that align with your everyday spending.
