💳 Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners in 2025

Start Your Travel Hacking Journey with These Top Picks

If you’re just getting started with travel hacking, choosing the best credit card for you is key. With the right setup, you can score free flights, hotel stays, and travel perks—all just by using your card for everyday expenses.

Here are the best travel credit cards for beginners in 2025—broken down by sign-up bonuses, spending categories, and annual fees.

✈️ 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Why it’s great for beginners:
It’s one of the most well-rounded travel cards on the market. Points are flexible, and it’s super beginner-friendly.

• Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Points Value: Worth ~$750 when redeemed through Chase Travel
• Rewards:
  • 2x on travel & dining
  • 1x on everything else
• Annual Fee: $95
• Perks: Travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, points transfer to top airlines/hotels

Ideal for: People who dine out or travel a few times a year and want simple, powerful rewards.

🌍 2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s great:
Flat-rate points and flexible redemption make this perfect for new travelers who don’t want to mess with categories.

• Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 2x on everything
• Annual Fee: $95
• Perks: Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners, up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit

Ideal for: People who want simplicity with strong travel potential.

🍽️ 3. American Express® Gold Card

Why it’s great:
Killer for foodies and young professionals who spend a lot on dining or groceries.

• Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
• Rewards:
  • 4x on dining
  • 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
  • 3x on flights
• Annual Fee: $250
• Perks: Dining credits, airline fee credits, transfer points to top airlines

Ideal for: Big spenders on food and groceries who want top-tier rewards.

🧳 4. Citi Premier® Card

Why it’s great:
Strong bonus, 3x points on key categories, and good for international travel.

• Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 3x on restaurants, supermarkets, gas, air travel, and hotels
• Annual Fee: $95
• Perks: No foreign transaction fees, points transfer to 15+ travel partners

Ideal for: People with a varied spending profile who want flexibility.

🧠 Quick Comparison Chart

🚀 How to Choose the Right One for You

• Love to eat out or cook at home? → Amex Gold
• Want a one-card-does-it-all setup? → Capital One Venture
• Plan to travel & dine, but want low annual fee? → Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Spend broadly across categories? → Citi Premier

🧭 Final Tip: Start with ONE Card

If you’re new to travel hacking, don’t overwhelm yourself. Start with just one beginner-friendly travel card, hit the sign-up bonus, and track your points.

👉 Want help picking the best card for your goals? Check out our Travel Hacking Starter Kit or use our [Credit Card Finder Tool].

📥 Or drop your email below to get our free guide to maximizing sign-up bonuses in 2025.

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