16 Best Travel Credit Cards in May 2025

• Travel

  You can use your travel points and miles through your rewards program’s travel portal, which works similar to any standard travel booking site. Redeeming for travel usually offers strong value, and to get the most out of a travel credit card, it’s generally best to avoid using points for non-travel purchases.

• Transfer to a loyalty program

  Transferring points and miles to a travel transfer partner typically yields the highest value outside of redeeming for travel through the issuer’s travel portal. For example, with the Chase Ultimate Rewards^® program, points are worth up to 1.5 cent per point when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travel^SM portal and about 2 cents each when transferred to a Chase travel partner.

• Cash back

  Some travel cards let you redeem points for cash back, but for far less value than cash back. You’ll typically get a rate of 1 cent per point — or even less.

  Tip

  If you’re more likely to use cash back rewards than travel rewards, then you may be better off with a cash back credit card. The redemption options are often much simpler and cash back cards tend to have lower annual fees.

   

• Gift cards

  Some rewards programs, like Chase and American Express, will let you redeem points for gift cards. Gift cards are usually only redeemable at 1 cent per point, but you can sometimes find promotions that offer a higher value.

• Statement credits

  Statement credits offer a way to offset travel costs by allowing you to choose an eligible purchase to be deleted from your statement in exchange for a certain number of points. But this redemption option usually has a low value. For example, Citi ThankYou^® Points may only be worth around half a cent per point when redeemed for a statement credit.

  Learn more about redeeming credit card travel points.

   

Before you can redeem points or miles for travel, you have to earn them. You don’t have to overspend to earn points quickly, though. Below are a few ways you can earn more points without having to up your budget:

1. Use a shopping portal: See if your card’s rewards program offers a shopping portal. You can earn extra points by logging into the portal then making your purchases as usual.
2. Use multiple cards: Split your usage between multiple cards to earn extra points in bonus categories like groceries and dining.
3. Earn sign-up bonuses: Applying for a card with a large sign-up bonus can give you a rapid influx of points. Look for cards with higher limited-time offers. Co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles cards and Hilton Honors cards frequently boost their offers.
4. Add authorized users: Add a trusted household member, such as a spouse, as an authorized user to your card to earn points on their purchases. (Be sure to check whether your card has an authorized user fee first.)

“I used the Delta Skymiles I earned with my Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card to pay for a hotel and a rental car, in addition to plane tickets. I was going on an expensive vacation and was looking to cut costs without sacrificing the fun stuff I had planned. I don’t get to travel as much as I’d like, so I have a surplus of points. Although they don’t expire, I might as well use them when I can!”

– Carol Pope, Senior Writer at LendingTree

“I charged all my major home renovation expenses to my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to earn a large number of points, which we’ve then used to cover the cost of most of our hotel stays at IHG properties.”

– Jessica Pontious, Senior Manager at LendingTree

“I take advantage of transferring my points to airline partners. For example, I flew my mom and myself business class on a round-trip to London thanks to a fantastic deal from United Airlines. I used all my Chase points, which I transferred to United, and had the best flight ever!”

– Ismat Mangla, Senior Director at LendingTree

“I have the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and I was able to pay for an entire trip to Iceland — including my flight, hotel and excursions — using my points. I only ended up spending around $400 total for food on my trip.”

– Tara Mastroeni, Writer at LendingTree

“I’ve found that transferring points and miles gives me the best value. For example, I transferred my Capital One miles to Turkish Airlines to book a business class flight from New York City to Warsaw. For an upcoming trip, I’ll be flying from Las Vegas to New York City in a JetBlue Mint Lie Flat seat, which I secured by transferring my Chase points to British Airways, thanks to a 20% bonus on transfers. Additionally, I used Southwest’s status match to swap my Companion Pass with Air Canada 75K status, earning a free upgrade to business class on my flight from New York City to Vancouver.”

– Matt Timmons, Lead Writer at LendingTree

The value of your points or miles will depend on how you redeem them, as the rate varies with each redemption option. The value is also dependent on the underlying rewards program — some points or miles are much more valuable than others. Consider points and mile value to earn the most rewards on your spending.

 

 

 

Many users in online forums like Reddit suggest that Capital One’s travel portal is one of the easiest to use. However, like other travel portals, many users report issues with Capital One’s travel portal. Common issues people face with these portals include:

• Changes or cancellations can be difficult, as these often require going through the card issuer instead of the travel provider.
• Since the portal is a third-party booking, you usually won’t earn extra rewards or enjoy elite perks with hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.
• In some cases, the price of a hotel, flight or rental car may be the same (or even higher) than booking directly. Also, using the portal can sometimes exclude you from member discounts.

 

 

Users prefer Capital One because it offers a price match — an option that other portals don’t have. A few users note that they were able to price match their flight and got a credit back for the difference the following day. Additionally, users have pointed out that earning and redeeming travel credits is a much more seamless process with Capital One, and that it’s one of the most user-friendly platforms available.

Users don’t find the American Express portal helpful unless you’re getting Fine Hotels and Resorts or Hotel Collection benefits because they’ve found that the pricing isn’t competitive. They also note that U.S. Bank cards are a good option for those who don’t want to use a travel portal. With Real-Time Rewards, you can redeem points toward a statement credit on any travel purchase.

It’s possible to cover the cost of your next trip or vacation by maximizing your credit card travel rewards. Here are a few ways to do so:

1. Apply for a travel credit card when a large sign-up bonus offer becomes available.
2. Shuffle between multiple cards to earn rewards in each of your top spending categories.
3. Redeem rewards through issuers’ travel portals or transfer them to loyalty programs. (Also, keep an eye out for transfer bonuses that general rewards programs periodically offer to make sure you’re maximizing your point value.)
4. Make your purchases through the issuers’ online shopping portals when possible.
5. Consider a co-branded card if you’re loyal to a specific hotel brand, as they often include free night awards.

 

Travel credit cards are worth it for all types of travelers. Whether you fly occasionally, enjoy luxury getaways or prefer budget-friendly adventures, there’s a card out there that can help you maximize rewards and even score free trips.

A renter who travels occasionally should consider the Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® to earn points on everyday expenses like rent and dining. You can transfer those points at a rate of 1:1 to United Airlines, one of Bilt’s transfer partners, and use them to cover the cost of your next flight.

A frequent business traveler who values comfort and convenience at every stop should consider paying the $695 annual fee for The Platinum Card^® from American Express. Eligible card members gain complimentary access to $1,400+ airport lounges and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (enrollment required), making travel a breeze. Plus, you can leverage the card’s credits, including a credit up to $200 for travel incidentals (enrollment required), to make up for the annual fee.

A budget-conscious young professional with a passion for travel should look at the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Its benefits can be worth more than $395 annual fee (see rates & fees). You can use the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles to make up the annual fee. When you add in the rewards you earn on daily purchases, this card can help you stick to a budget while doing what you love.