Best Travel Credit Cards of January 2025
Enter your ZIP code
+120 more
+120 more

How it works

Enter ZIP

Start by entering your ZIP code so we can find the best local rates.

Personalize

Enter a few quick details to personalize your quotes.

Compare

Instantly see side-by-side quotes from top providers.

Save

Choose the best option and start saving in minutes.

Why compare with Kudos?

Serious savings

Users save up to $1,025† on annual premiums when they compare with Kudos.

Discounts

Your best rates are just a few clicks away.

No hidden fees. No catch

What you see is what you get. Compare real quotes in one place.

Buy online or over the phone

We empower you to buy insurance the way you want to.
Get Started →

Ready to Save?

Use code:
GET20

to get $20.00 back after your first eligible purchase of $30.00 or more.

Get Started For Free
Level up your card search
Create a Kudos account to level up your card search experience
$100 Kudos Kickstart+: Unlock $100 in Kickstart+ by adding select eligible cards to your Kudos Wallet.
Welcome offer guarantee: Found a better offer within 3 months? We’ll match it.
Approval odds: Get the most detailed analysis based on your credit report
$100 Kudos Kickstart+
Welcome offer guarantee
Comprehensive approval odds
Get Started For Free
Use code:
GET20

to get $20.00 back after your first eligible purchase of $30.00 or more.

Get Started For Free
Join 400,000+ members simplifying their finances & maximizing their card rewards
Join 400,000+ members simplifying their finances
Maximize card rewards
Stay on top of your finances
Discover new credit cards
A black x icon
Get Started For Free
A hamburger menu for page navigation
Advertiser Disclosure
A blue checkmark icon
Fact Checked
A black x icon

Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!

Got it
Special Offer:

Best Travel Credit Cards of January 2025

We have compiled the best travel cards in top categories to help you find the best fit for you.

July 1, 2025

Small Kudos square logoAn upside down carrot icon

This article is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.

Advertiser Disclosure: This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

When it comes to racking up credit card rewards, the key is to play it smart. Think about it: if you’re using just one card for everything, you’re probably missing out on some serious rewards. The trick is to have a few different cards, each one geared for different spending categories. But let’s be real, the world of credit cards can be confusing, and finding the right ones can be overwhelming. That’s why our guide is a game changer. We spotlight the best of the best cards for major spending categories. You won’t just earn more points or cash back; you’ll also get your hands on some awesome benefits that come with these cards. So, let's make your expenses work for you!

In this edition, here's our rundown of the Best Travel Cards of January 2025, broken down by:

  • Personal Travel Cards
  • Business Travel Cards

Best Personal Travel Cards

Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]

Best for non-bonus spending: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

Best for dining at restaurants: American Express® Gold Card

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Travel Rewards"} ]]

Best for luxury benefits: American Express Platinum Card®

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]

Best for premium travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]

Best for starter travelers: Citi Premier® Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "570", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Everyday Spenders", "headerHint" : "Generous Rewards" } ]]

Best for travel rewards with no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "440", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]

Best for travel credits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]

Best for renters: Bilt Mastercard®

The information for the Bilt Mastercard® has been collected independently by Kudos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2990", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Renters", "headerHint" : "Rewards on Rent Payments" } ]]

Best for American Airlines Loyalists: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "544", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "No Transaction Fees" } ]]

Best for Casual Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1010", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Popular Choice" } ]]

Best for Delta Loyalists on the Status Fast Track: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "781", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]

First Class Travel for Southwest Loyalists: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2162", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Southwest Loyalists", "headerHint" : "Generous Benefits and Perks" } ]]

Put your cards to work.

Kudos is your ultimate financial companion, helping you effortlessly manage multiple credit cards, monitor your credit score, and maximize your rewards—all in one convenient platform.
Add to Chrome – It’s Free

Best Business Travel Cards

Best for freelancers: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1098", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "No Fee Card" } ]]

Best for bonus earning: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

All information about the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Kudos. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is no longer available through joinkudos.com.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1100", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Valuable Rewards" } ]]

Best for high-spending businesses: Capital One Venture X Business

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3444", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Top Business Travel Card" } ]]

Best for business travel luxury: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2290", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Premium Offer" } ]]

Best Personal Travel Cards

Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]

Best for non-bonus spending: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

Best for dining at restaurants: American Express® Gold Card

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Travel Rewards"} ]]

Best for luxury benefits: American Express Platinum Card®

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]

Best for premium travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]

Best for starter travelers: Citi Premier® Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "570", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Everyday Spenders", "headerHint" : "Generous Rewards" } ]]

Best for travel rewards with no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "440", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]

Best for travel credits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]

Best for renters: Bilt Mastercard®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2990", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Renters", "headerHint" : "Rewards on Rent Payments" } ]]

Best for American Airlines Loyalists: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "544", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "No Transaction Fees" } ]]

Best for Casual Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1010", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Popular Choice" } ]]

Best for Delta Loyalists on the Status Fast Track: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "781", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]

First Class Travel for Southwest Loyalists: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2162", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Southwest Loyalists", "headerHint" : "Generous Benefits and Perks" } ]]

Best for business versatility and travel rewards: American Express® Business Gold Card

“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "111", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Versatile Business Tool" } ]]

Best for Southwest Business Travelers: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card


[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2160", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Large Welcome Offer" } ]]

Best for Small Business Owners who fly United: The New UnitedSM Business Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2403", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Strong Card Contender" } ]]

Interested in seeing our picks for best cashback cards? Make sure to visit our Best Cashback Credit Cards post. Also, don't forget to check out our Best Airline Cards and Business Cards!

Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

An icon of a lightbulb
Kudos Tip
More:

Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member

$100 Kudos Kickstart+: Unlock $100 in Kickstart+ Rewards by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
Welcome offer guarantee: Found a better offer within 3 months? We’ll match it.
Approval odds: Get the most detailed analysis based on your credit report.
Create a free account
Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase of $30.00 or more.

Turn your online shopping into even more rewards

Stack your rewards like a pro: Earn even more, on top of your credit card’s rewards, just by shopping with Kudos.
Maximize rewards without thinking twice: At checkout, Kudos autofills your best card, so you always earn the most rewards.
Add to Chrome—it’s Free
Maximize your wallet beyond shopping. Kudos helps you track your spending, stay on top of your credit card perks, and provides you actionable insights based on your spend.

Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances

Maximize card rewards: earn Kudos Boost rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
Stay on top of your finances: monitor your transactions, spend, and credit score.
Discover new credit cards: get personally matched for a card that will earn you the most based on your spend history.
Create a free account
Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase of $30.00 or more.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

In this article

No items found.
No items found.