Discover Top International Travel Credit Cards for Free Flights and Hotel Stays in 2025

Published on June 27, 2025

Planning a vacation but feeling concerned about the high costs of airfares and hotel stays? You’re not alone. With the ever-increasing travel expenses, savvy travellers worldwide are increasingly relying on travel credit cards to make their vacations more affordable. These cards offer a host of rewards, including free flights, hotel stays, lounge access, and travel insurance, turning ordinary spending into extraordinary travel experiences.

This guide focuses on five international travel credit cards that can help unlock free flights and hotel stays, allowing you to take your dream vacation while enjoying premium benefits.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (USA)

Best For: Earning valuable travel points
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top contender for international travelers looking to earn valuable travel points. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, which can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program for free flights and hotel bookings. One of the card’s standout features is its ability to transfer points to more than 14 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains, allowing for flexible travel rewards.

Additionally, if you redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get 25% more value. This makes it ideal for both frequent travelers and those who want to unlock premium travel perks like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and access to exclusive deals.

2. American Express® Gold Card (USA)

Best For: Dining, travel, and premium rewards
Annual Fee: $250
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months

The American Express® Gold Card is an excellent option for those who spend frequently on dining and travel. With this card, you earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and on flights booked directly with airlines. This makes it a great card for travelers who love to indulge in culinary experiences during their vacations.

Additionally, the card’s Membership Rewards program allows points to be transferred to over 20 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains, giving you plenty of flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. The card also offers travel insurance and purchase protections, which are highly beneficial when traveling internationally.

3. Citi Premier® Card (USA)

Best For: Earning points on travel, dining, and entertainment
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

The Citi Premier® Card is a strong choice for travelers who want to earn points on a variety of everyday purchases, not just travel-related ones. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel, including gas stations, and 2 points on dining and entertainment. This makes it a versatile card for earning travel rewards even when you’re not on vacation.

Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to over 15 travel partners, including top airlines and hotel chains, providing great value for international travel. With travel protections such as trip cancellation and baggage delay coverage, this card is a great option for anyone planning trips abroad.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express (USA)

Best For: Luxury travel and premium benefits
Annual Fee: $695
Welcome Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months

For those seeking luxury travel experiences, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers some of the most exclusive travel benefits available. You earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com and 5 points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

In addition to the points, the Platinum Card provides access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort while traveling. The card also comes with premium benefits like concierge services, exclusive travel experiences, and comprehensive travel insurance, making it perfect for high-end travelers.

5. HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® (Canada)

Best For: Earning points on all purchases and comprehensive travel perks
Annual Fee: $149
Welcome Bonus: 40,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

The HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® is an excellent card for Canadians who love to travel abroad. This card allows you to earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel-related purchases and 2 points on everything else. The points can be redeemed through the HSBC Rewards program for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

One of the major perks of this card is the access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, along with travel insurance and exclusive hotel privileges. This makes it a solid option for international travelers looking to maximize rewards and enjoy premium benefits.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Travel Experience with Credit Cards

When it comes to planning your dream vacation, the right travel credit card can significantly reduce the cost of flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Whether you’re booking flights to Europe or hotels in Southeast Asia, international credit cards can offer points, benefits, and insurance that make your trip both affordable and luxurious.

To get the most out of your travel credit card, consider the following:

• Your travel destinations: Choose a card with strong international partnerships to earn and redeem points globally.
• Your spending habits: Some cards reward travel purchases, while others reward dining or entertainment.
• Travel protections: Make sure the card offers comprehensive coverage, especially if you plan to travel internationally.

By strategically using these cards, you can transform your everyday spending into free flights and hotel stays, making your dream vacation a reality.

Sources: Chase, American Express, Citi, HSBC