7 Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025: Maximize Your Trips
Traveling in 2025 is more exciting than ever, with global travel spending projected to hit $2 trillion, per Statista. Whether you’re planning a safari in Ghana, a city break in London, or a road trip across the US, the best credit cards for travel rewards can save you thousands on flights, hotels, and more. Offering 2–5x points per dollar spent on travel and generous welcome bonuses, these cards help you explore the world affordably. This guide highlights the 7 best credit cards for travel rewards for Ghana, US, Canada, and UK travelers, with actionable tips to maximize rewards and leverage high-CPC travel and banking ads for site revenue.
Why Travel Rewards Credit Cards Matter
Travel rewards cards earn points or miles redeemable for flights, hotels, or cash back, often with perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance. With annual fees from $0–$550 and APRs of 15–25%, paying off balances monthly maximizes savings. Unlike cash back cards, travel cards offer higher value per point (1–2 cents vs. 1 cent for cash), making them ideal for frequent travelers. Whether you’re in Ghana booking international flights or in the US, Canada, or UK planning vacations, the best credit cards for travel rewards turn spending into free trips.
7 Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2025
Here are seven top travel rewards credit cards, with tips to save in Ghana, US, Canada, and UK, based on rewards, fees, and accessibility.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Flexible Rewards
- Why It’s Great: 5x points on travel via Chase, $50 hotel credit, $95 annual fee.
- Features: 60,000-point bonus (worth $750) after $4,000 spend in 3 months, 16.99–23.99% APR.
- Eligibility: US/Canada, 670+ credit score.
- How to Save: Book via Chase for 25% more point value.
- Example: A US traveler redeems 60,000 points for a $750 flight to Europe.
- Tip: In Canada, pair with a local card for international travel.
- Best for: US/Canada for versatile rewards.
- Resource: Track spending with SmartMoneyMint’s budgeting guide.
2. American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining and Travel
- Why It’s Great: 4x points on dining and flights, $120 dining credit, $250 annual fee.
- Features: 60,000-point bonus (worth $600) after $6,000 spend in 6 months, 15.99–22.99% APR.
- Eligibility: US/UK/Canada, 670+ credit score.
- How to Save: Use at restaurants via American Express for 4x points.
- Example: A UK traveler earns £600 in points on £15,000 dining spend.
- Tip: In Ghana, use for online travel bookings to earn points.
- Best for: All regions for dining rewards.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards: Best for Simplicity
- Why It’s Great: 2x miles on all purchases, $100 TSA PreCheck credit, $95 annual fee.
- Features: 75,000-mile bonus (worth $750) after $4,000 spend in 3 months, 17.99–24.99% APR.
- Eligibility: US/Canada, 650+ credit score.
- How to Save: Redeem miles via Capital One for any travel expense.
- Example: A Canadian saves C$750 on flights with the welcome bonus.
- Tip: In the UK, compare with Amex for higher dining rewards.
- Best for: US/Canada for easy rewards.
4. Ecobank Travel Card: Best for Ghana Travelers
- Why It’s Great: 3% cash back on international travel, GHS 200 minimum, no annual fee.
- Features: GHS 500 bonus after GHS 5,000 spend in 3 months, 18% APR.
- Eligibility: Ghana-based, no minimum credit score.
- How to Save: Use via Ecobank for flights to earn cash back.
- Example: A Ghanaian earns GHS 600 on GHS 20,000 travel spend.
- Tip: In the US, pair with Chase for broader rewards.
- Best for: Ghana for local travel.
5. Barclays Avios Rewards Card: Best for UK Travelers
- Why It’s Great: 5x Avios points on British Airways, 25,000-point bonus, no annual fee.
- Features: 14.9–24.9% APR, companion voucher after £20,000 spend.
- Eligibility: UK, 650+ credit score.
- How to Save: Book flights via Barclays for high point value.
- Example: A UK traveler saves £500 on a flight with Avios points.
- Tip: In Canada, explore similar airline cards for travel perks.
- Best for: UK for airline rewards.
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: Best for Canadian Travelers
- Why It’s Great: 4x points on Air Canada, $139 annual fee, free checked bag.
- Features: 50,000-point bonus (worth C$1,000) after C$3,000 spend in 3 months, 14.99–22.99% APR.
- Eligibility: Canada, 670+ credit score.
- How to Save: Use via TD Bank for Air Canada flights.
- Example: A Canadian saves C$800 on a transatlantic flight.
- Tip: In the UK, compare with Barclays Avios for similar perks.
- Best for: Canada for airline benefits.
7. Citi Premier® Card: Best for Transfer Partners
- Why It’s Great: 3x points on airfare, hotels, and dining, $100 hotel credit, $95 annual fee.
- Features: 60,000-point bonus (worth $600) after $4,000 spend in 3 months, 20.99–28.99% APR.
- Eligibility: US, 670+ credit score.
- How to Save: Transfer points to airlines via Citi for 1.5x value.
- Example: A US traveler saves $900 on a hotel stay with points.
- Tip: In Ghana, use for international bookings to maximize rewards.
- Best for: US for flexible transfers.
Tools to Maximize Rewards
- NerdWallet: Compare travel credit card offers.
- Credit Karma: Monitor credit for better card eligibility.
- YNAB: Budget to pay off card balances monthly.
- ChatGPT: Plan travel rewards via x.ai.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Carrying a Balance: Pay off monthly to avoid 15–25% APR, saving $500/year.
- Missing Bonuses: Meet spending requirements for $600–$1,000 bonuses.
- Ignoring Categories: Use cards like Amex Gold for 4x dining points.
- Not Redeeming Wisely: Transfer points to partners for 1.5–2x value.
Tips for Success in Ghana, US, Canada, and UK
- Ghana: Use Ecobank for local travel; book international flights online for rewards.
- US/Canada: Apply for Chase Sapphire or TD Aeroplan; use for travel and dining.
- UK: Leverage Barclays Avios for flights; compare via MoneySuperMarket.
- All Regions: Pay balances monthly and track points with apps like AwardWallet.
Why the Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards Shine in 2025
With travel demand soaring, the best credit cards for travel rewards save $600–$1,000 per trip through points, bonuses, and perks. High-CPC travel ads boost site revenue, while cards like Chase Sapphire and Ecobank empower travelers in Ghana, US, Canada, and UK to explore affordably. Maximize rewards, avoid interest, and travel smarter.
Conclusion
The 7 best credit cards for travel rewards in 2025—Chase Sapphire, Amex Gold, Capital One, Ecobank, Barclays, TD Aeroplan, and Citi Premier—offer points and perks for Ghana, US, Canada, and UK travelers. Compare offers via NerdWallet, budget with YNAB, and start traveling with SmartMoneyMint’s travel finance guide!
DISCLAIMER: APRs (15–28.99%), rewards, and bonuses vary by card and region. Pay off balances monthly to avoid interest. Confirm eligibility and terms before applying. Rates as of August 2025, subject to change.
