In a country where credit cards are an integral part of financial life, choosing the right option can be more than just a consumption decision — it can be a passport to experiences that once seemed out of reach. In 2025, with inflation straining budgets and travel costs higher than ever, earning miles and points has become a valuable and accessible strategy for millions of Americans.
But with so many options on the market, which cards truly offer the best return? Which ones combine generous welcome bonuses, effective point accumulation, and advantageous redemptions? The answer will vary according to your profile, but some names clearly stand out as leaders in this segment.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: balance between cost and value
Considered by many experts as the best card for those starting in the world of miles, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers an almost unbeatable combination of a low annual fee ($95) and tangible benefits. Cardholders earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and streaming services, and 2x on other travel expenses.
Moreover, the points can be transferred to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, offering great flexibility. The welcome bonus is 60,000 points after $4,000 in spending within the first three months, enough for a domestic or even international trip if used strategically.
Capital One Venture X: premium benefits with a simple structure
If you’re looking for a premium card without the complexity of multiple bonus categories, Capital One Venture X is one of the best options. With an annual fee of $395, it offers 2x miles on all purchases and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. The welcome bonus of 75,000 miles is also a major draw.
The card includes unlimited access to Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge airport lounges, along with strong travel protection benefits. Its straightforward interface and simple rewards structure make it a favorite among frequent travelers who value ease of use.
American Express Gold: ideal for food and grocery spending
For those who spend heavily on dining and groceries, the American Express Gold card is hard to beat. It earns 4x points in these categories and allows point transfers to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. With a $250 annual fee, it also provides annual dining and Uber credits, plus exclusive partner offers.
This is a card designed for daily use that also delivers travel value. The only caveat is that the most advantageous redemptions require some familiarity with the Membership Rewards ecosystem.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: the premium version of the Preferred
For those seeking the premium Chase experience, the Sapphire Reserve is a strategic choice. With a $550 annual fee, it offers a $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining, lounge access, and one of the best travel insurance coverages on the market.
Points can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel with 50% more value. For frequent travelers who know how to leverage the benefits, this card easily pays for itself.
The Platinum Card from American Express: luxury and exclusivity
With a $695 annual fee, the Amex Platinum is not for everyone. But for frequent travelers who value exclusivity, it’s nearly unbeatable. The card earns 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, offers over $1,000 in annual credits (for Uber, streaming, TSA PreCheck, and more), and provides access to one of the largest airport lounge networks in the world, including the Centurion Lounge.
Its standout feature is the experience: hotel upgrades, priority treatment at airports, and a level of service that’s hard to match.
Straightforward Comparison: Which Card Delivers the Most for Your Profile?
Understanding each card’s benefits is essential, but being able to visualize the main features side by side can make all the difference in your decision. That’s why we created this comparative table of the top credit cards to earn points and miles in 2025. It highlights not just the annual fee, but also the rewards structure, welcome bonuses, and key differentiators that may sway your choice.
| Card | Annual Fee | Points/Miles Earning | Welcome Bonus | Key Differentiators |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 5x on travel via Chase Travel, 3x on dining | 60,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months | 1:1 transfer partners, travel insurance, easy-to-use platform |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 2x on all purchases | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months | Lounge access, $300 travel credit, flexible miles |
| American Express Gold | $250 | 4x on dining and supermarkets | Up to 60,000 points (varies by offer) | Uber/dining credits, great for daily expenses |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 3x on travel and dining | 60,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months | $300 travel credit, VIP lounges, 50% bonus via Chase Travel |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | 5x on flights and hotels booked via Amex Travel | 80,000–120,000 points (varies by offer) | Premium lounges, $1,000+ in credits, luxury hotel benefits |
How to Choose the Best Card?
At the end of the day, the best credit card isn’t the most expensive or the most well-known — it’s the one that works best for your lifestyle.
Comparing earning categories, redemption flexibility, and the real-world value of benefits is the best way to turn everyday spending into an opportunity to explore the world.
