If you want to start earning points or miles and have plenty of redemption chances, there are numerous travel rewards credit cards available, each with its own set of features.
Many of them include travel protection, charming beginner bonuses to help you get started, access to their individual card issuers’ travel portals, and the ability to maximize your points by transferring them to multiple airline and hotel partners.
And, while many of the best rewards credit cards include an annual charge, it’s generally simple to get your money’s worth given all of the benefits.
Here are the top new travel-related credit cards to help you get started collecting points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and auto rentals. And travel-related activities.
Best travel credit cards for beginners in 2025
Best for everyday expenses
Every year, the American Express Gold Card provides statement credits totaling more than $400. If you primarily spend on travel, dining, and food items, the American Express® Gold Card may be a suitable option.
The American Express Gold Card offers travel and dining benefits, including up to $120 in Uber Cash per year (up to $10 per month) for rides in the US and Uber Eats. To use this benefit, you must have the latest Uber app and use your eligible American Express Gold Card as a payment method in your Uber account.
The American Express Benefit can only be used in the United States. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit) and up to $120 in annual dining credits (up to $10 in statement credits monthly) when you use the card to pay for dining at participating partners such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required).
Pro tip: Pair this card with an Amex bank account.
An American Express® Rewards Checking account offers 1.00% APY and no monthly maintenance fees. You can earn Membership Rewards points on eligible debit card purchases (1 point for every $2 spent).
Best for flexible rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Because of its extensive travel advantages and redemption options, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option for people just getting started with points and miles – and for a low annual fee of $95.
Special benefits include a $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, a 10% points bonus on your card anniversary, auto rental collision damage waivers, luggage delay insurance, travel cancellation and interruption insurance, and special discounts on DoorDash purchases.
You will also never have to pay foreign transaction fees when using the card outside of the United States.
Best for experienced travelers.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If bonus categories perplex you and you prefer a more straightforward earning structure, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which earns 2X miles per dollar on all purchases and 5X miles per dollar when you book rental cars or hotels through Capital One Travel.
This card provides a statement credit of up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership. There are no international transaction costs and cardholders receive Rental Insurance, Travel Assistance Services and access to additional privileges through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment.
Benefits accessible to accounts accepted for the World Elite Mastercard product, subject to terms, limitations, and exclusions in the World Elite Mastercard Guide to Benefits. Terms, conditions
Best for no annual fee
Best for earning rewards
Citi Strata Premier Card
Anyone interested in a substantial welcome bonus and an easy way to earn up points might consider signing up for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which is currently offering 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account setup.
There are no fees for transactions for using the card outside of the U.S. You’ll also get a $100 annual hotel savings credit, which you can spend when booking a single hotel stay worth at least $500 through CitiTravel.com. It also provides a variety of travel benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption, delay, lost or damaged luggage, and automobile rental coverage.
Best for students
Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students credit card
It’s never too early to start participating in travel rewards programs, and applying for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is an excellent way to get started. It’s very beginner-friendly, thanks to a simple points-earning structure — you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent.
The card does not have any foreign transaction or yearly fees. Additional benefits include a generous 0% intro APR for purchases for the first 15 billing cycles and balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening (after that, 18.24% – 28.24% variable), as well as free monthly access to your updated FICO® Score via Bank of America’s Mobile Banking app or Online Banking features.