Planning your dream summer getaway in 2025? The right travel credit card can unlock free flights, luxury hotel stays, and VIP perks — all while helping you save and earn rewards on everyday spending. Whether you’re heading to Europe, exploring U.S. national parks, or booking a tropical escape, travel rewards cards are the key to maximizing your travel experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel credit cards for summer 2025, how to pick the one that fits your lifestyle, and tips for stretching your rewards further.
Top Travel Credit Cards for Summer 2025
With so many travel credit cards available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Below are some of the top options, each with standout features tailored to specific types of travelers.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Flexible travel rewards and beginners in points & miles
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠).
- Rewards: 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel.
- Annual Fee: $95
Why it’s great for summer travel:
- Points are transferable to top airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest.
- Travel protection benefits like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and primary rental car coverage.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Simplicity and straightforward earning
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $95
Why it’s great:
- Miles are easy to redeem — either for travel through Capital One’s portal or as a statement credit to erase travel expenses.
- Transfer partners include Emirates, Air France/KLM, and British Airways.
- Great for international travelers: no foreign transaction fees.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Premium perks at a reasonable price
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 10x on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights (when booked via Capital One Travel), 2x on everything else.
- Annual Fee: $395
Why it’s worth the fee:
- $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel.
- Priority Pass lounge access and Capital One Lounges.
- 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary (worth $100).
- Best for frequent flyers who want luxury perks without paying Amex Platinum-level fees.
4. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies and domestic travelers
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in 6 months.
- Rewards: 4x on restaurants worldwide, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3x on flights.
- Annual Fee: $325
Why it shines:
- Earn big on groceries and dining — perfect for food-loving travelers.
- Points transfer to Delta, JetBlue, and other travel partners.
- Includes dining credits and Uber Cash.
5. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Best for: Value-driven travelers and road trippers
- Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Rewards: 4x on travel and gas, 2x on dining, streaming, and transit.
- Annual Fee: $0
Standout features:
- 4 Priority Pass lounge visits/year
- $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- Free global data in 125+ countries
- Cell phone protection
- Great for hotels and car rentals
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for: Cashback lovers who also travel
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 (or 20,000 points) after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 5% on travel through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else.
- Annual Fee: $0
Why it’s a great sidekick:
- Pair it with a Chase Sapphire card to convert cash back into transferrable Ultimate Rewards points.
- Ideal for everyday spending outside major travel categories.
7. The New United℠ Explorer Card
Best for: Loyal United Airlines travelers
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 MileagePlus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 7X miles on United flights • 5X miles on United Hotels • 2X miles on dining and other United purchases • 1X mile on all else.
- Annual Fee: $0 first year, then $150
Good for:
- Access to expanded United award availability.
- No blackout dates when redeeming miles.
- A solid option for budget travelers flying United frequently.
What to Look for in a Summer Travel Credit Card
The best card for you depends on your travel habits and goals. Here are some essential features to look for when picking the right card:
1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus
A large welcome offer can jumpstart your travel fund. Look for cards offering at least 50,000 points or miles.
2. Bonus Categories That Match Your Spending
Do you spend more on dining, groceries, or gas? Choose a card that rewards your most common expenses.
3. Flexible Redemption Options
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold allow you to transfer points to airlines or hotels — often unlocking more value than fixed travel portals.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re traveling abroad this summer, make sure your card won’t charge extra fees for international purchases.
5. Travel Protection and Perks
Cards offering trip insurance, delayed baggage coverage, airport lounge access, and concierge service can save time, money, and stress during travel.
Tips for Maximizing Travel Rewards in 2025
Once you’ve picked your card, follow these strategies to get the most out of it:
1. Time Your Sign-Up Bonus Strategically
Plan your summer bookings around the card’s welcome bonus period. Big expenses like flights or hotels can help you hit the minimum spend requirement faster.
2. Stack Your Rewards
Use travel portals like Chase Travel℠ or Capital One Travel to earn more rewards and access exclusive rates.
3. Transfer Points for More Value
Transfer to airline or hotel partners when possible — some redemptions can be worth 2x more than standard portal bookings.
4. Combine Cards for Optimal Rewards
Pair a premium card (like Chase Sapphire Preferred) with a flat-rate or cashback card (like Freedom Unlimited) to maximize every purchase.
5. Track Expiration Dates and Travel Credits
Some perks (like annual credits or miles) have time limits. Use them before they expire!
Choosing the Right Card for You: A Quick Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Sign-Up Bonus | Standout Feature |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | Flexible travel | 60,000 points | Great transfer partners |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | Simplicity | 75,000 miles | Easy redemptions |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | Premium perks | 75,000 miles | $300 travel credit + lounges |
| Amex Gold | $325 | Dining & groceries | 60,000 points | 4x dining + transfer partners |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect | $95 | Driving & streaming | 50,000 points | 4x on gas/travel |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $0 | Everyday spenders | $200 | Cashback with point flexibility |
| United Explorer Card | $0 first year, then $150 | United flyers | 60,000 miles | Airline-specific benefits and many solid credits |
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart This Summer
Traveling in summer 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right travel credit card, you can earn rewards while you spend and enjoy benefits that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned points collector, there’s a card that matches your goals — from luxury perks to simple cash savings. So start planning, pick your card, and let your summer adventures take flight.
Ready to maximize your summer travel?
Apply now for the card that fits your plans — and start earning rewards for the journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best travel credit card for lounge access?
A: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers extensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, and Delta Sky Clubs. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also provides access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
Q: Are there travel credit cards with no annual fee?
A: Yes, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card have no annual fee and still offer valuable travel rewards.
Q: Can I use travel credit card points for non-travel expenses?
A: While travel credit cards are optimized for travel redemptions, many allow points to be used for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. However, redemption value may be lower compared to travel bookings.
Q: How do I choose between a general travel card and a co-branded airline or hotel card?
A: General travel cards offer flexibility in redeeming points across various airlines and hotels, while co-branded cards provide enhanced benefits with specific partners. Choose based on your loyalty and travel patterns.
