Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2025: Maximize Flights & Hotels in the UK & US

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UK and US traveler using a top 2025 travel rewards credit card at the airport lounge”


Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2025: Maximize Flights & Hotels in the UK & US

Travel is back in a big way for 2025—and with rising airfares, inflation, and more digital travel options than ever, the right credit card can make all the difference. Whether you’re booking your first international adventure, jetting off for business, or planning a dream hotel stay, today’s top travel rewards cards (UK & US) let you earn more points, save on fees, and unlock exclusive perks that stretch your budget and upgrade your experience. This guide handpicks the best options, shows you how to maximize every point, and links direct to expert resources for travelers and savvy spenders alike.

Best travel rewards credit cards for UK travelers in 2025”


Why 2025 is a Great Year for Travel Cards

  • Airfares and hotel prices are up, but flexible rewards can offset costs for students, families, and business pros alike.
  • Programs have added new partners, big signup bonuses, and more ways to redeem for travel, cash, or statement credits.
  • No-foreign-transaction-fee cards mean your spending is powerful—wherever you go.
  • Inflation-proof: Strong rewards rates and sign-up bonuses mean your spending goes further even with rising prices.

See more money-travel guides at FinanceWiseHub & InvestWiseHub.

What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?

  1. High Points/Miles per £/$ Spent: Especially on flights, hotels, travel, and dining.
  2. Flexible Redemption: Transfer to airlines, hotels, or redeem for statement credits, cash, or gift cards.
  3. Lounge Access & Elite Perks: Free baggage, airport lounge entry, upgrades, priority boarding.
  4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Essential for international travelers; can save 2-3% on every purchase.
  5. Strong Intro Bonuses: Welcome offers worth £200–£1,000+ ($200–$2,000+), often for meeting a spend threshold in three months.
  6. Travel Insurance & Protection: Trip delay, baggage loss, car rental cover.
  7. App/Budget Tools: Track points, access offers, and manage bookings on the go.

Pair with guides from PointsWiseHub for in-depth ways to value and redeem your miles!


Top UK Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2025

  • American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
    20,000 Membership Rewards points (worth £200+ travel) after £3,000 spend in 3 months. 2x points on travel and dining, 1x everywhere else, two lounge visits/year, no annual fee in year 1 (£195 after).
    Pros: Big intro bonus, flexible transfer partners, no FX fees.
    Cons: Fee after year 1, Amex not accepted everywhere in UK.
  • Barclaycard Avios Plus
    25,000 Avios after £3,000 in 3 months, 1.5 Avios/£1 spent, upgrade voucher after £10,000 spend, £20/month fee.
    Pros: Quick Avios earning, flight upgrade voucher.
    Cons: Monthly fee, fewer general rewards.
  • Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
    No fee, 0.75 miles/£1, 5,000 bonus miles with first £1,000 spend, companion ticket/upgrade after £10,000 per year.
    Pros: Great for Virgin and SkyTeam travelers, no annual fee.
    Cons: Limited outside Virgin/Delta network, no lounge perks.
“Top US travel rewards credit cards for flights and hotels in 2025”


Top US Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2025

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred®
    75,000 points after $4,000 spend (worth $1125 via Chase Travel), 2x points on travel & dining, top transfer partners, $95 annual fee.
    Pros: Huge value on travel, flexible partners, low fee.
    Cons: No lounge access, no travel credits.
  • Capital One Venture X
    75,000 miles after $4,000 spend, 2x miles everywhere, 10x on hotels/cars via Capital One Travel, lounge access, $395 fee (but up to $400 credits).
    Pros: Unlimited lounge, big earning rates, flexible redemptions.
    Cons: High headline fee, requires good-excellent credit.
  • American Express Platinum® Card
    100,000 points after $8,000 spend, 5x on flights/hotels, unrivaled lounge access (Centurion, Delta, Priority Pass), $695 fee.
    Pros: Luxury travel perks, best lounge network, elite hotel status.
    Cons: Premium fee, statement credits require activation.
Comparison of UK and US travel rewards credit cards 2025 including fees and rewards”

Comparison Table: Top Travel Credit Cards 2025

Card Name Region Annual Fee Rewards Rate Sign-up Bonus Key Perks
Amex Gold UK £0 (Yr 1) then £195 2x travel/dining, 1x other 20,000 pts Transfer partners, lounges
Barclaycard Avios Plus UK £20/month 1.5 Avios/£1 25,000 Avios Flight voucher
Virgin Atlantic Reward UK £0 0.75 mi/£1 5,000 miles Bonus miles, Virgin/Delta/SkyTeam
Chase Sapphire Pref. US $95 2x travel/dining, 1x other 75,000 pts Transfer/portal, top partners
Venture X US $395 2x on all, 10x hotels/cars 75,000 miles Lounge, $400 credits, travel
Amex Platinum US US $695 5x flights/hotels, 1x other 100,000 pts Lux lounges, status perks

Pro Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards

  1. Book Flights and Hotels via Card Portals: Some cards (Chase, Capital One, Amex) give higher earning rates and exclusive deals inside their travel portals.
  2. Transfer to Loyalty Programs: For top value, transfer points/miles to partners (BA Avios, Virgin, United, Marriott, Hilton) for business class or 5-star hotels.
  3. Stack With Loyalty Memberships: Pair your card with airline/hotel elite status for extra perks—free bags, upgrades, late checkout.
  4. Pay Balances in Full: Interest charges erase the value of any rewards. Use the card for planned spend only.
  5. Monitor Bonus Categories & Offers: Opt in to shopping offers and category bonuses via your card’s app dashboard.
  6. Travel Smart: Take advantage of included insurance, car hire cover, and airport lounges during your trip.

Find advanced strategies at PointsWiseHub

Conclusion: Choose the Best Card for Your Travel Dreams

Travel rewards cards in 2025 bring tons of value with the right plan—from free flights and hotel nights to exclusive lounges and everyday cashback. Whether you want a flexible, fee-free option or VIP perks, compare key benefits and match up with your travel style and budget. Use responsible spending habits and partner offers for the ultimate upgrade. For more side-by-side reviews, guides, and the best deals, check out our full travel credit hub below and never overpay for a journey again!

Tips for maximizing credit card travel rewards in 2025 for UK and US consumers”


Stay informed with updates from FinanceWiseHub, InvestWiseHub, and PointsWiseHub for bonus guides and savings strategies.

Unlock Your Travel Rewards in 2025!

Ready to earn free trips, maximize your points, and travel smarter this year? Subscribe for exclusive card reviews, airport lounge secrets, and insider booking rewards at CardWiseHub and partner blogs.

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