If you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome, island-hopping in Thailand, or just getting upgraded to first class without the price tag—2025 is shaping up to be a very good year for travel rewards. At The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve spent weeks testing, comparing, and digging deep into real cardholder feedback to uncover the travel credit cards that are truly worth your swipe.
We evaluated dozens of cards across forums, social media threads, and financial review sites—not just for flashy signup bonuses, but for long-term value, realistic earning potential, and actual redemption experiences. Whether you’re a casual vacationer or a full-on points hacker, these picks offer a smart way to turn everyday spending into unforgettable getaways.
Here’s what we found at RetailUndercut after months of testing and tracking real-world usage.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a go-to in 2025—and not just for beginners. It’s a reliable workhorse with a generous welcome bonus, practical travel protections, and flexible point transfers that make it a standout for serious travelers.
Why It Stands Out
- High-value signup bonus: Often equivalent to $750+ in travel when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 2X points on travel and dining makes it ideal for globetrotters and foodies alike.
- Points transfer 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest.
Pros
- Strong base earning for travel/dining
- Excellent transfer partners
- Built-in trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- No lounge access
- No 0% intro APR period
Best For:
Those who want maximum point flexibility without paying a hefty annual fee. It’s also great for travelers who book through various brands instead of staying loyal to one airline or hotel chain.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
This card is quickly becoming a favorite among savvy points chasers. With premium perks that rival more expensive cards, the Venture X brings a lot to the table for its $395 annual fee.
Features We Love
- 10X points on hotels and rental cars, 5X on flights (through Capital One Travel)
- Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounge access
- $300 annual travel credit + 10,000 anniversary miles (~$100 value)
Pros
- High earning potential for travel spend
- Modern lounge access network
- Easy-to-use travel portal
- Flexible point transfers
Cons
- Requires strong credit to qualify
- Less known partner network compared to Amex or Chase
Best For:
Frequent flyers who want luxury perks without the ultra-premium price tag. Works especially well for families who value airport lounge access and travel credits over elite airline status.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
If luxury travel is your love language, the Amex Platinum is still the king of perks in 2025. While the $695 annual fee is steep, the benefits easily justify the cost for the right traveler.
What Stood Out to Us
- Unmatched lounge access: Centurion, Delta Sky Clubs (with ticket), Priority Pass
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
- Up to $1,400 in annual credits (Uber, Saks, hotel bookings, CLEAR, and more)
Pros
- Premium concierge service
- Extensive travel protections
- Luxury hotel upgrades via Fine Hotels & Resorts
- Great transfer partners (Delta, ANA, Emirates, etc.)
Cons
- Complex benefits to track
- Not ideal for occasional travelers
Best For:
Frequent flyers who value first-class experiences, high-end lounges, and premium travel perks. This one stood out to the RetailUndercut testing crew for its sheer breadth of benefits.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (formerly Citi Premier®)
The updated Citi Strata Premier is a hidden gem for travelers in 2025, with a lower fee and a focus on multipliers across travel, dining, and even supermarkets—perfect for everyday earners.
Highlights
- 3X points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets
- 1:1 point transfer to 15+ airline partners including Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Avianca
- $100 annual hotel credit (via CitiTravel)
Pros
- Wide category coverage
- Competitive welcome bonus
- Strong international transfer partners
Cons
- Travel portal isn’t as polished as Chase or Capital One
- No lounge access
Best For:
Everyday spenders who want to rack up points across multiple categories. Great for international redemption strategies with Star Alliance carriers.
Bilt Mastercard®
A game-changer in 2025 for renters, the Bilt Mastercard earns points on rent (without the 3% fee) and offers solid travel redemption options—without an annual fee.
Why It’s Unique
- Earn 1X on rent payments (up to 100K/year) with no fees
- 2X on travel, 3X on dining
- Transfer points to Hyatt, American Airlines, and more
Pros
- No annual fee
- Valuable transfer partners
- Great for younger travelers or urban dwellers
Cons
- Limited acceptance (must rent from landlords that accept Bilt or use their payment system)
- Lower earn rate on non-bonus categories
Best For:
Renters looking to dip their toes into travel rewards without paying to play. We’ve found it especially useful for young professionals just starting to build their points game.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Often overlooked, this card punches way above its weight—especially for those who use mobile payments often.
What We Found Interesting
- 3X points on mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
- $325 annual travel credit
- Lounge access through Priority Pass
Pros
- Great for mobile-first users
- Flexible travel credit
- Points redeem at 1.5 cents each through US Bank travel portal
Cons
- Limited airline transfer options
- Smaller customer support network
Best For:
Tech-savvy travelers who use mobile wallets for everything. It’s a smart pick if you prefer tap-and-go earning with solid redemption value.
Final Thoughts
At The RetailUndercut Team, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all cards. Each of these travel credit cards excels in different ways—whether it’s luxurious lounge access, practical everyday earning, or flexible point transfers.
- Go with Chase Sapphire Preferred if you’re just getting started and want wide flexibility.
- Choose Capital One Venture X if you want premium perks and solid value without breaking the bank.
- The Amex Platinum is still the plushest ride for frequent luxury travelers.
- If you rent, Bilt makes earning on your biggest expense a no-brainer.
