Americans preparing for summer travel can slash costs and enhance experiences by choosing the right travel credit card, but experts warn that the “best” card depends entirely on your personal travel habits.
Key Insights
- Travel credit cards offer points or miles on purchases that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses
- General travel cards provide flexibility while co-branded airline/hotel cards offer specific perks like free checked bags
- Experts recommend having at least one premium card with transferable points for maximum travel flexibility
- Top recommended cards include Chase Sapphire Preferred for beginners and Capital One Venture X for those wanting premium perks at a moderate annual fee
Understanding Travel Credit Card Types
Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: general-purpose travel cards and co-branded cards. General cards offer flexible rewards that can be used across multiple airlines and hotels, while co-branded cards are tied specifically to one airline or hotel chain. NerdWallet, which reviews over 400 credit cards with a team boasting 80+ years of combined expertise, explains that your travel patterns should determine which type suits you best.
“Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards,” explains NerdWallet, whose credit card content “is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC’s ‘Today,’ ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ and many other national, regional and local media outlets.”
Travel experts break down the top credit cards to maximize summer vacation savings https://t.co/O4zVcSieoB
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) May 14, 2025
Expert Recommendations for Summer 2025
As Americans seek affordable summer travel options, credit card perks can help stretch vacation budgets. Chris Henderson, a travel expert quoted by Fox Business, advises simplicity when selecting travel cards. “Most people shouldn’t try to get too tricky,” Henderson states. “Just get one that has a lot of flexibility and a lot of perks that you can rely on.” This practical approach helps travelers avoid the complexity of managing multiple reward systems.
For those willing to pay a premium annual fee, the American Express Platinum offers substantial benefits, though Henderson notes it “comes with an absolutely insane annual fee.” More budget-conscious travelers might consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred, widely recommended for beginner-to-intermediate travelers seeking significant value from their points. The Capital One Venture X strikes a balance, offering a $395 annual fee that’s largely offset by travel credits and bonuses.
Maximizing Your Card Benefits
Selecting the right card requires understanding what benefits matter most for your travel style. If you frequently fly with one airline, a co-branded card might save hundreds in baggage fees and provide priority boarding. For those valuing flexibility, general travel cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards provide straightforward rewards without complicated transfer partners, allowing points redemption across various travel expenses.
NerdWallet’s top travel credit cards for May 2025 include trusted options like Capital One Venture Rewards, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and American Express Gold Card. When considering these options, evaluate the reward usability, earning rate on your common purchases, and any sign-up bonuses that could provide immediate travel savings. Remember that even cash-back cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited can benefit travelers, especially when paired with premium travel cards in the same rewards ecosystem.
Making the Smart Choice
With summer travel approaching, now is the ideal time to consider which travel credit card aligns with your vacation plans. Airbnb studies show local and affordable destinations are trending for summer, making smart use of travel cards even more valuable for budget-conscious Americans. Whether you choose a premium card with extensive benefits or a no-annual-fee option with modest rewards, the right travel credit card can transform your summer travel experience while preserving your financial resources.
Remember that travel cards work best for those who travel regularly enough to offset potential annual fees with the perks received. By analyzing your specific travel habits, home airport, and spending patterns, you can select a card that maximizes your summer travel savings while enhancing your overall journey through benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and foreign transaction fee waivers.
Sources:
- 15 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2025
- Travel experts break down the top credit cards to maximize summer vacation savings
