Top Rewards Credit Cards of 2025
If you are just starting out in the world of travel hacking, these are some of the first best travel credit cards we would recommend to the majority of people. There are no one size fits all solutions, but these cards are in our wallets for one reason or another. Some were acquired for their valuable sign-up bonuses and kept, because they either have no annual fee or continue to provide value above the cost of said annual fee. We always recommend sitting down every year when your annual fee hits and doing the math. You always need to be sure the value you’re getting from the card outweighs the costs.
For anyone looking to get into the points & miles “game” we would highly suggest using our 👉Points & Miles Consulting service. However, if that doesn’t seem like the right fit for you at this time or if you’ve already signed up, we would greatly appreciate if you clicked through our links which help support the site.
Without further ado here are our best travel credit cards right now…
(Note: Travel is the Point may earn a referral bonus if you’re approved through some of the links below. We strive to feature the best publicly available offers and only recommend cards based on their value, rewards potential, and fit for travelers. Thank you for your support!)
Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
A good beginner travel credit card should offer simple, flexible rewards, no or low annual fee, and the ability to earn points on everyday spending. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, easy-to-redeem travel rewards (like points or miles), and perks like travel protection or baggage insurance. Bonus points for cards that allow you to transfer to airline or hotel partners, giving you a taste of more advanced travel hacking—without the complexity.
Flexible points are incredibly valuable because they can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners, giving you more options and better value for your redemptions. Instead of being locked into one program, you can move points where they’re needed most. 👉 Learn why flexible points matter.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus. *Be sure to select the business version.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Credit Card for Rotating Rewards
Rotating category credit cards offer higher cash back (usually 5%) on spending categories that change every quarter—like gas stations, grocery stores, or online shopping. They’re great for maximizing rewards on everyday purchases, but they require a bit of attention: you’ll need to activate each quarter’s categories and track spending limits, often capped at $1,500 per quarter. Perfect for those who enjoy a little strategy to get the most from their spending.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
🔁 Don’t forget to activate your 5% categories! If you have the Chase Freedom Flex®, be sure to bookmark this article to stay on top of each quarter’s rotating bonus categories. We update it regularly—set a reminder to check back and activate your bonus!
Best Credit Card for Flat-Rate Rewards
Flat-rate rewards cards are the ultimate in simplicity and consistency—offering the same cash back or points on every purchase, usually around 1.5% to 2%. There’s no need to track bonus categories or activate quarterly offers. These cards are ideal for those who want to maximize rewards effortlessly, especially if your spending habits are spread across different categories. Great for beginners or anyone who values ease over strategy.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Credit Cards for Premium Travel
Premium travel credit cards are designed for frequent travelers who want top-tier perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee to get them. These cards typically offer airport lounge access, annual travel credits, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry reimbursement, and generous points on travel and dining. They also feature strong travel protections, like trip delay and rental car insurance. If you travel often and want a smoother, more rewarding experience, a premium card can easily pay for itself.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Credit Card for Dining & Groceries
Dining & grocery credit cards are perfect for food lovers and everyday spenders, offering elevated rewards—often 3% to 6% back—on restaurants and supermarkets. Whether you’re eating out or cooking at home, these cards help you earn valuable cash back or points where you spend the most. They’re a great fit for families, foodies, or anyone looking to maximize rewards on essential purchases.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Co-branded Hotel Credit Cards
Co-branded hotel credit cards are partnered with specific hotel chains—like Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt—and are perfect for travelers loyal to one brand. These cards offer free night certificates, automatic elite status, bonus points on hotel stays, and perks like late checkout or room upgrades. They’re ideal if you frequently stay with a particular chain and want to maximize rewards and enjoy VIP treatment without extra effort.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.
Best Credit Card for Building Credit
A first credit card should be simple, low-risk, and focused on building credit responsibly. Look for a card with no annual fee, easy approval criteria, and access to credit-building tools like payment reminders or score tracking. Many starter cards also offer modest rewards on everyday spending. It’s the perfect way to establish good credit habits, build a solid financial foundation, and unlock better cards in the future.
Welcome offer varies — click above to see the latest signup bonus.