In today’s competitive travel rewards landscape, the right credit card can transform everyday purchases into incredible travel experiences.

From business class flights to luxury hotel stays, travel rewards cards offer Americans unprecedented opportunities to explore the world while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

This guide highlights the five best US credit cards in 2025 for travelers focused on earning miles and maximizing free travel.

Why Travel Rewards Cards Matter

Before diving into the specific cards, it’s important to understand what makes travel rewards cards so valuable:

• Significant welcome bonuses – Often worth $750-$1,500+ in travel value

• Ongoing earning potential – Accelerated points on everyday spending

• Flexible redemption options – Ability to transfer points to multiple airlines and hotels

• Travel protections – Insurance benefits that can save thousands in emergencies

• Annual travel credits – Offsetting much of cards’ annual fees with usable benefits

According to recent industry data, Americans redeemed over $15 billion worth of travel rewards in 2024, with the average frequent traveler earning enough points for 2-3 free domestic flights annually.

The 5 Best Cards for Miles and Free Travel

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why it’s top-ranked: The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers the best combination of high-value rewards, flexible redemption options, and a reasonable annual fee.

Key features:

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750+ in travel)

Earning structure:

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel Portal

• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries

• 2X points on all other travel purchases

• 1X points on everything else

Redemption options:

• 25% bonus when redeeming through Chase Travel Portal

• 1:1 transfers to 14 airline and hotel partners including United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott

Travel benefits:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

• Primary rental car insurance

• No foreign transaction fees

Best for: First-time travel rewards card users who want flexibility without a high annual fee.

Typical free travel potential: Two round-trip domestic flights or one international economy flight per year for average spenders.

2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why it ranks high: The Venture X offers premium travel benefits while effectively paying for itself through easy-to-use travel credits.

Key features:

Annual fee: $395 (effectively $95 after travel credits)

Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

Earning structure:

• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

• 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel

• 2X miles on all other purchases

Redemption options:

• Direct redemption against travel purchases at 1 cent per mile

• Transfers to 15+ airline and hotel partners including Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and Wyndham

Travel benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel

• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100)

• Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access

• Hertz President’s Circle status

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

Best for: Frequent travelers who want premium benefits without a premium price tag.

Typical free travel potential: One international business class flight or 3-4 domestic round-trips annually for average spenders.

3. American Express Gold Card

Why it ranks high: The Amex Gold excels at turning everyday food spending into valuable travel rewards.

Key features:

Annual fee: $250

Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months

Earning structure:

• 4X points at restaurants worldwide

• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)

• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com

• 1X points on other purchases

Redemption options:

• Transfers to 20+ airline and hotel partners including Delta, British Airways, and Marriott

• Pay with Points for flights (but at suboptimal value)

Travel benefits:

• $120 annual dining credit ($10 monthly at select restaurants and delivery services)

• $120 annual Uber Cash ($10 monthly for Uber rides or Uber Eats)

• No foreign transaction fees

• Baggage insurance

Best for: Food enthusiasts who dine out frequently and grocery shoppers looking to convert these expenses into travel.

Typical free travel potential: One international economy flight or 2-3 domestic flights annually, primarily from food spending.

4. Citi Premier® Card

Why it ranks high: The Citi Premier offers exceptional earning rates across diverse everyday categories with valuable transfer partners.

Key features:

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: 60,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

Earning structure:

• 3X points on restaurants

• 3X points on supermarkets

• 3X points on gas stations

• 3X points on air travel and hotels

• 1X points on all other purchases

Redemption options:

• Transfers to 15+ airline partners including JetBlue, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic

• Pay with Points for travel at 1 cent per point

Travel benefits:

• $100 annual hotel savings benefit on stays of $500+

• No foreign transaction fees

Best for: Everyday spenders who want to earn travel rewards across multiple common spending categories.

Typical free travel potential: One international economy flight or 2 domestic flights annually.

5. United Quest℠ Card

Why it ranks high: For United Airlines flyers, this card offers the best combination of perks, free flights, and earning potential.

Key features:

Annual fee: $250

Welcome bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

Earning structure:

• 3X miles on United purchases

• 2X miles on all other travel

• 2X miles on dining and streaming services

• 1X miles on all other purchases

Redemption options:

Primarily for flights on United and Star Alliance partners

Travel benefits:

• First and second checked bags free for cardholder and companion

• $125 annual United purchase credit

• 5,000-mile award flight rebate (up to twice per year)

• Priority boarding

• 25% back on United in-flight purchases

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

• Expanded award availability on United flights

Best for: Loyal United flyers who regularly check bags and fly domestically.

Typical free travel potential: Two to three domestic flights or one international flight annually, plus saved baggage fees.

How to Maximize Travel Rewards

Regardless of which card you choose, follow these strategies to maximize your free travel potential:

1. Focus on welcome bonuses

– These typically provide the highest return on spending

2. Pay your balance in full each month

– Interest charges quickly negate rewards value

3. Use category bonuses strategically

– Match your biggest expenses with the right cards

4. Consider using multiple cards

– A travel rewards “ecosystem” can maximize earnings

5. Book during off-peak times

– Your points and miles often go further

6. Be flexible with travel dates and destinations

– Flexibility dramatically increases value

7. Look for transfer bonuses

– Periodic promotions can add 20-50% more value to transfers

Hidden Costs to Consider

While travel rewards can be extremely valuable, be aware of potential pitfalls:

• Annual fees – Ensure the value you receive exceeds the fees you pay

• Minimum spending requirements – Only pursue bonuses you can reach responsibly

• Award availability limitations – Peak travel times may have limited award space

• Devaluations – Programs occasionally change redemption rates, reducing value

• Opportunity cost – Compare to simpler cash back options for your spending pattern

Conclusion

The right travel rewards card depends on your spending habits and travel goals.

These five cards represent the best options for 2025, allowing you to transform everyday purchases into valuable travel experiences.

Start with one card that matches your biggest expenses, then expand as you become more comfortable with points and miles. With strategic use, your next adventure could be mostly—or entirely—free.