Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers (2025)

If you’re a frequent flyer looking to maximize your travel rewards, you’ve come to the right place. The best travel rewards credit cards for frequent flyers not only help you earn miles or points with each purchase, but also come with perks like priority boarding, airport lounge access, and even complimentary checked bags. These cards are designed to make your travel experience more enjoyable and cost-effective.

In 2025, the competition for the best travel credit card continues to intensify. Whether you prefer specific airlines or are a general traveler looking for flexibility, there’s a card for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best travel rewards credit cards to help frequent flyers get the most value for their money.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Best For: Maximizing travel rewards and flexibility

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is consistently ranked as one of the best travel rewards cards due to its generous point earning potential and valuable perks. You earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases, plus 1x on all other purchases. It offers access to Chase Ultimate Rewards, allowing you to transfer points to over 13 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains.

Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Annual Fee: $95.

Platinum Card from American Express

Best For: Premium travel benefits and luxury perks

The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium travel rewards card, offering exceptional perks that cater to high-frequency travelers. You can earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x on other purchases. With the card, you’ll gain access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges. Additionally, the card offers $200 in airline fee credits and complimentary hotel upgrades.

Rewards: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $695.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best For: Luxury travel rewards and premium travel benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another excellent card for frequent travelers, offering 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit and 2x points on dining. With the card, you also receive priority pass airport lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and 1:1 point transfers to major airline and hotel partners. Its benefits make it one of the top picks for frequent flyers.

Rewards: 3x points on travel (after $300 travel credit), 2x on dining, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
Annual Fee: $550.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best For: Earning flexible miles on every purchase

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who want to earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to rack up rewards on all your spending. The miles can be redeemed on travel purchases or transferred to over 15 travel partners. The card also comes with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, which is a must-have for frequent flyers.

Rewards: 2 miles on every purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
Annual Fee: $95.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Best For: Earning rewards on hotel stays and dining

If you’re loyal to Hyatt hotels, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent choice. You’ll earn 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining and airfare, and 1x point on all other purchases. This card also offers automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, allowing you to enjoy benefits like complimentary room upgrades and late check-outs.

Rewards: 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x on dining and airfare, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95.

United Explorer Card

Best For: United Airlines flyers and benefits

The United Explorer Card is perfect for those who fly with United Airlines regularly. You’ll earn 2x miles on United purchases, including tickets, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases, and 1x mile on all other purchases. The card also provides two one-time United Club passes every year, priority boarding, and a free checked bag on United flights.

Rewards: 2x miles on United purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year).

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Best For: Delta Airlines loyalty and free checked bags

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is ideal for frequent flyers who prefer flying Delta Airlines. The card offers 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. This card also gives you priority boarding and a free checked bag on Delta flights. Plus, you earn $100 in statement credits after you make a purchase at a Delta Sky Club.

Rewards: 2 miles on Delta purchases, 1 mile on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $99 (waived the first year).

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Best For: American Airlines frequent flyers on a budget

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card is an affordable option for those who fly often with American Airlines. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. This card is a great starting point for travelers who want to earn rewards with a low annual fee.

Rewards: 2 miles on American Airlines purchases, 1 mile on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0.

Citi Premier Card

Best For: Earning flexible travel points on various categories

The Citi Premier Card offers 3x points on travel, including airfare, hotels, and restaurants, and 2x points on entertainment and dining. The points can be transferred to a wide range of airline partners, making it a versatile option for frequent flyers who want more flexibility in their redemptions.

Rewards: 3x on travel, 2x on dining and entertainment, 1x on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card

Best For: Alaska Airlines flyers and annual companion fare

For those who frequently fly Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is an ideal choice. You’ll earn 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. One of the key benefits is the Annual Companion Fare, which lets you purchase a round-trip ticket for just $121 (taxes and fees).

Rewards: 3 miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 1 mile on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $75.

Conclusion

For frequent flyers, the right travel rewards credit card can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Whether you’re looking for generous points, premium perks, or specific airline benefits, the best cards in 2025 offer a combination of flexibility and value that will enhance your travel.

When choosing a card, consider your preferred airlines, travel habits, and how much you plan to spend on travel-related expenses. The right card will allow you to earn rewards efficiently and make your next trip even more enjoyable. Happy travels!