If you’re an adventurer who enjoys traveling for leisure or for the corporate world, you can make all your adventures more rewarding with a travel rewards credit card. In 2025, UK and USA banking institutions offer cards that allow you to earn airline miles, hotel points, and special travel benefits such as lounge access, upgrades, and no foreign transaction fees.
If you travel frequently, the correct card can transform your daily expenses into complimentary travel, hotel stays, as well as luxury adventure travel.
Let’s take a look at the best airline and travel credit cards of 2025 in the UK and the US.
Top US Travel Rewards & Airline Credit Cards for 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Rewards: 5X points for travel purchased in travel by Chase, 3X for dining, 2X for all other travel
- Bonus: 60,000 points for $4,000 spend in 3 months (~$750 in travel value)
- Annual Fee: $95
- Benefits: No foreign transaction fee, lenient transfer partners (United, Southwest, Hyatt)
- Why It’s Great: An ideal combination of rewards, benefits, and fungibility for every kind of traveler.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase
- Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Benefits: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, foreign transaction fees avoided
- Best For: Non-complex, flat-fee earning and convenient redemptions on a variety of airlines and hotels.
. American Express® Gold Card
- Rewards: 4x points on restaurant, 3x on direct flights or Amex flights with travel
- Bonus: $6,000 spend in 6 months, you will earn 60,
- Annual Fee: $250
- Extras: $120 dinner voucher, travel insurances, insurance for luggage
- Why It’s Ideal: Good for travelers whospoil their taste buds and love flying rewards.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Rewards: 3x miles on Delta buyings, 2x in restaurants and food stores
- Bonus: 90,000 miles after $4,000 in 6 months
- Annual Fee: $250
- Benefits: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, friend certificate
- Best for: Faithful Delta passengers in search of elite benefits and upgrades.
UK’s Top Credit Cards for Rewards and Airline Rewards in 2025
1. British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
- Rewards: 1.5 Avios per £1, 3 Avios per £1 with British Airways
- Bonus: 25,000 Avios after 3 months of spend of £3,
- Annual Fee: £300
- Benefits: Friend voucher when you spend £10,000 annually
- Why It’s Good: Ideal for BA frequent fliers seeking to make the most of Avios and experiencing luxury travel.
Barclaycard Avios Rewards MasterCard
- Rewards: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent
- Bonus: 25,000 Avios after spending £3,000 in
- Fee: $20
- Benefits: Annual upgrade voucher and travel insurance rewards
- Best For: British Airways and Iberia passengers seeking a reduced monthly fee plan.
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
- Rewards: 1.5 Virgin Points per £1, 3 points per £1 on Virgin spending
- Bonus: 15,000 Virgin Points with your initial purchase
- Annual Fee: $160
- Perks: Partner or upgrade vouchers after £10,000 per year spend
- Recommended:Top Virgin Atlantic rewards credit card for frequent fliers between the UK, V USA, and Caribbean.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card (EU/EEC/CFP
- Rewards: 2 points per £1 on flights, 3 points per £1 by using Amex Travel
- Bonus: 20,000 Membership Rewards points after spend of £3,000 in 3 months
- Annual Fee: complimentary for the first year, then £195/year
- Benefits: 4 lounge access per year at airports + travel insurance protection
- Why It’s Perfect: An all-around travel card for people who desire flexibility and world benefits.
Key Benefits of Travel & Airline Credit Cards
- Earn Miles on Daily Expenses – Turn shopping into travel miles.
- Lounges Access & Upgrades – While you wait for flights, relax in comfort.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Pay only 2–3% for foreign deals.
- Travel Insurance & Protection – Delay, lost baggage, and cancellation insurance.
- Global Partner Networks – Redeeming rewards with globatonin travel partners.
Tips to Maximize Your Travel Rewards
- Book travel through partner sites to earn bonus miles.
- Pay for all trip and dinner with your travel card.
- Utilize welcome bonuses wisely for large upcoming travel.
- Trade-in for flights, not gift cards – they give more value.
- Make miles and points travel between programs when you can (e.g., Chase to United or Hyatt).