Top Travel Credit Cards for 2025 – Best Options in U.S. & Europe

Top Travel Credit Cards for 2025 – Best Options in U.S. & Europe

Traveling is about comfort, convenience, and maximizing the value of your money, not simply getting from point A to point B. The annual charge for premium travel credit cards is more in 2025, but the rewards are still outstanding and the perks have changed. The correct card can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year, whether you're traveling between continents, backpacking across Europe, or taking frequent domestic flights in the United States.

For travelers in the United States and Europe, here's your guide to the top travel credit cards for 2025.

In 2025, what will make a travel card excellent?

The following are the key considerations for tourists based in the United States and Europe:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees – Crucial for overseas travel (reduces 2–3% on each transaction).
• Great Travel Rewards – Get multipliers on food, transportation, lodging, and flights.
• Access to airport lounges--such as Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, or airline lounges, may make all the difference during layovers.
• Transfer Partners – Having the option to redeem points at hotels (Marriott, Hyatt) or airlines (United, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM) gives you a lot more freedom.
• Travel Protections - Trip delay, baggage insurance, rental car coverage - essential for peace of mind.
• Value vs. Annual Fee – You should get more back than you spend.

The Best Credit Cards for Travel for American Travelers in 2025

1. American Express's Platinum Card®

•  Reasons for Its Awesomeness: Ultimate luxury perks, such as Hilton/Marriott Gold status, Centurion Lounge access, and credits of more than $1,500 that may be used towards lodging, airlines, Uber, and entertainment.
• Annual Cost: $695 (U. S. ).
• Ideal For: Regular travelers seeking first-rate comfort and lounge access across the globe.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Reasons for Its Excellence: $300 in yearly travel credit; Priority Pass lounge access; 3x points on food and travel; very versatile rewards via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Annual cost: $550.
• Best For: People who want the freedom to move their points between hotels and airlines (United, Hyatt, Marriott, British Airways, etc. ).

3. Capital One Venture X Rewards

• Reasons for Its Excellence: 2x miles on everything, 10x on hotels, integrated lounge access (Priority Pass + Capital One Lounges), and robust transfer partners.
• Annual Cost: $395 
• Best For: People with basic, flat-rate incomes who don't wish to monitor categories but yet desire high benefits.

4. Preferred Chase Sapphire®

• Reasons for Its Excellence: It has access to the same transfer partners as Sapphire Reserve, is reasonably priced at $95 per year, offers 2–5 times the rewards on food and travel, and provides exceptional travel protection.
• Ideal for: Travellers seeking flexible points and valuable perks without incurring extra charges.

5. Co-branded cards from airlines and hotels, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Amex, United Explorer, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, and others.

• Reasons Behind Its Excellence: free night vouchers, priority boarding, elite qualifying credits, and free checked luggage.
• Ideal For: Dedicated customers who mostly use the same airline or hotel chain.

The Top Credit Cards for Travelers to Europe in 2025

1. The American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card (UK & EU)

• Reasons for its appeal: 4x points on food and grocery purchases, 3x points on travel, and reliable Membership Rewards transfer partners (British Airways Avios, Air France Flying Blue, Iberia, Emirates).
• Annual Charge: around £195 (or €250 after the first year)
• Perfect For: People who travel often throughout Europe and need flexible airline transfers and Avios.

2. Platinum American Express (UK and EU)

• Reasons for Its Excellence: exclusive benefits, €200 travel credit, top-tier hotel rankings, and access to airport lounges, such as Priority Pass and Centurion.
• Annual cost: about £650/€720.
• Ideal For: Luxury travelers seeking the highest level of comfort and benefits from a variety of loyalty programs.

3. The Curve Card (UK & EU)

• Why It's Great: Premium versions have no foreign transaction fees, allows you to "Go Back in Time" to move charges, and connects several cards into one.
• Monthly cost: £9. 99 to £14. 99, varies according to plan.
• Best For: Tech-savvy tourists who want to keep their wallets simple and avoid international costs.

4. Premium / Revolut Metal

• Benefits:  With the Metal plan, you get airport lounge access, international health insurance, and no fees for using your card abroad, all of which are well-liked by tourists throughout Europe.
• Cost: €13. 99 per month (Metal).
• Ideal for: Regular urban travelers throughout Europe who value the convenience of financial technology and package insurance.

5. Co-branded cards from airlines (Avios, Lufthansa Miles & More, Air France KLM Flying Blue)

• Reasons for its Excellence: Companion coupons, complimentary luggage, and accelerated mile earning.
• Ideal for: Travelers who are devoted to a specific airline alliance (Oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam).

Choosing the appropriate card (U. S. vs. Europe)

• If you travel globally, especially transatlantic → Go for Amex Platinum (U.S. or EU version) or Chase Sapphire Reserve (U.S.).

• If you want simplicity & flat rewards → Venture X (U.S.) or Revolut/Curve Premium (EU).

• If you’re loyal to one airline or hotel → Co-branded airline/hotel cards are unbeatable.

• If you’re budget-conscious but want strong rewards → Chase Sapphire Preferred (U.S.) or Amex Gold (EU/UK).

Last Words for Tourists in 2025

• calculate net benefit: Annual fee – credits – perks used = your real cost.
• Check fine print: Many perks (like lounge access) require registration.
• Use multiple cards: Many travelers carry one premium card for perks and one no-fee backup.
• Pay in full monthly: Otherwise, interest wipes out rewards.

>> In case of an emergency, call 911. The key to making the most of your travel patterns in 2025, when there will be so many high-end choices, is choosing the right card for you. Combining a premium global card (Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve) with a local airline/hotel card might cover almost every circumstance if you frequently travel between the United States and Europe.