Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2025 (Updated)

Looking for a credit card that adds real value to your travels? Whether you’re flying frequently or planning your next getaway, having the right travel credit card can help you save money, earn rewards faster, and unlock exclusive perks. In this updated 2025 guide, we’ve combined expert insights and recent updates to highlight the best personal and business travel cards currently available.

What’s Covered

• Best Travel Cards (Personal & Business)
• New Card Launches & Limited-Time Offers
• Lounge Access Perks in 2025
• Travel Insurance & Protections
• Reward Redemption Trends
• FAQs & Final Recommendations

🌟 Best Personal Travel Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Bonus: 100,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months
• Why It Stands Out: Flexible rewards, 25% boost on travel redemptions, primary rental car insurance, and great transfer partners like Hyatt and Air Canada.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Bonus: 75,000 miles + $250 travel credit (limited offer through May 12, 2025)
• Why It Stands Out: 2X miles on every purchase, easy redemption via Capital One Travel, no foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $395
• Bonus: 75,000 miles
• Why It Stands Out: Premium perks like Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access, $300 annual travel credit, 10X points on hotels/rental cars.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual Fee: $695
• Bonus: 80,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
• Why It Stands Out: Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (with new limitations), and more. Offers 5X on flights and prepaid hotels.

American Express® Gold Card

• Annual Fee: $325
• Bonus: 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
• Why It Stands Out: 4X on restaurants and supermarkets. Good balance of rewards for foodies and travelers.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

• Annual Fee: $150
• Bonus: 130,000 Hilton points after $3,000 spend in 6 months
• Why It Stands Out: Gold status, free night certificate, ideal for frequent Hilton stays.

Bilt Mastercard®

• Annual Fee: $0
• Bonus: Earn points on rent (up to 100k/year) just by using your card 5 times/month
• Why It Stands Out: Rent payments earn transferable travel rewards without fees.

🏢 Best Business Travel Credit Cards

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Bonus: 90,000 points after $8,000 spend in 3 months
• Why It Stands Out: 3X on travel, advertising, and shipping; strong redemption via Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Capital One Venture X Business

• Annual Fee: $395
• Bonus: Up to 350,000 miles with tiered spending
• Why It Stands Out: Great for high spenders, flexible redemptions, lounge perks.

The Business Platinum Card® from Amex

• Annual Fee: $695
• Bonus: 150,000 points + $500 flight credit
• Why It Stands Out: Airport lounge access, 5X on flights/hotels via Amex Travel, and 35% points rebate.

Amex Business Gold Card

• Annual Fee: $375
• Bonus: 100,000 points after $15,000 spend
• Why It Stands Out: 4X on 2 categories you choose; purchase protection; travel insurance.

Hilton Honors Amex Business Card

• Annual Fee: $195
• Bonus: 130,000 Hilton points after $6,000 spend
• Why It Stands Out: Hilton Gold status, free night reward, strong hotel earning rates.

✅ New Travel Card Launches in 2025

JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard®

• Annual Fee: $499
• Bonus: 70,000 points + 5 Mosaic tiles
• Why It Stands Out: Lounge access (JetBlue + Priority Pass), annual $300 Paisly credit, and premium travel perks.

Citi Strata Premier Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Bonus: 75,000 points
• Why It Stands Out: 3X on many travel categories, reintroduced travel protections, and strong everyday earning.

🛬 Lounge Access: 2025 Changes & Upgrades

📅 Travel Insurance Trends

• Trip Delay/Cancellation: Reintroduced by Citi; long offered by Chase Sapphire and Amex.
• Lost Baggage: Coverage up to $3,000 for key cards.
• Rental Car: Primary CDW on Chase Sapphire and Capital One Venture X.
• Medical Evacuation: $100K coverage via Sapphire Reserve.
• Trip Protection Tip: Always book travel with the card to activate benefits.

⚖️ Redemption Trends & Transfer Bonuses

• Chase UR: 1.25x (Preferred) or 1.5x (Reserve) via Chase Travel; bonus transfers to Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic.
• Amex MR: 35% rebate on business-class flights; transfer bonuses often.
• Capital One Miles: Price drop protection + 10X hotels via portal.
• Citi TY: Relaunched portal, 1 cent/point, strong international transfer partners.

❓ FAQs

Which card is best for international travel?
Amex Platinum, Venture X, or Sapphire Reserve (for lounge access + no FX fees).

Can I combine points across cards?
Yes, if they belong to the same issuer (e.g., Chase cards).

Are annual fees worth it?
If you redeem the perks and bonuses, they often more than pay for themselves.

🔎 Final Thoughts

In 2025, card issuers are offering bigger rewards and better travel perks than ever. Whether you’re chasing sign-up bonuses, seeking lounge access, or just want peace of mind with solid insurance coverage, now is a great time to reassess your wallet. New launches like JetBlue Premier and Citi Strata Premier, plus updates to lounge policies, show the market is evolving fast.

Choose a card that matches your travel style—and don’t forget to watch for limited-time offers that can significantly boost your rewards.

Disclaimer: All offers and benefits are current as of May 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Always verify details with the card issuer before applying.

Company Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Desmo Travel is not a financial institution or credit card issuer. While we strive to ensure accuracy, card offers, terms, and features are subject to change by the issuers. We do not guarantee approval or specific outcomes. Please consult with a certified financial advisor or contact the card issuer directly before making any financial decisions. Desmo Travel is not responsible for any inaccuracies or losses resulting from reliance on the information presented. This blog may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you choose to apply through them.