Empowering Families to Explore More for Less
Best Credit Cards for Family Travel in 2025
Looking to make family travel more affordable in 2025? Discover the best credit cards for family travel that help you earn points and miles for free flights, hotel stays, and exclusive travel perks. From flexible rewards to family-friendly benefits like free checked bags and lounge access, this guide breaks down the top cards to simplify your travel planning and maximize savings. Perfect for parents ready to turn everyday spending into unforgettable family adventures!
TRAVEL WITH KIDS
Alija Lozano
11/20/20243 min read
Best Credit Cards for Family Travel in 2025
Traveling with your family can be expensive, but the right credit card can make those dream vacations more affordable—and even nearly free. From earning points on everyday purchases to unlocking exclusive travel perks, family-friendly credit cards can save you money while offering valuable benefits. Here’s our list of the best credit cards for family travel in 2024, tailored to meet the needs of parents and kids on the go.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Why It’s Great for Families:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a versatile card with excellent earning potential and flexible redemption options, making it ideal for families who want to stretch their travel budget.
Key Benefits:
Earn 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel.
Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Transfer points to popular travel partners like Hyatt, Southwest, and United.
Annual Fee: $95
Perfect For: Families who want flexibility in how they use their points and access to a wide range of travel partners.
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
With its straightforward earning structure and premium travel perks, the Capital One Venture X is an excellent choice for frequent travelers.
Key Benefits:
Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.
Up to $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary (equal to $100 for travel).
Lounge access through Priority Pass and Capital One lounges, perfect for families needing a travel break.
Annual Fee: $395 (offset by travel credits and perks)
Perfect For: Families who travel often and value premium benefits like lounge access.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
If you frequently fly Southwest, this card is a must-have for affordable family travel. With the potential to earn a Companion Pass, one family member can fly free with you.
Key Benefits:
Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases.
Points are easy to redeem with no blackout dates.
Earn points toward the Southwest Companion Pass.
Annual Fee: $69
Perfect For: Families who prioritize budget-friendly domestic travel with flexible flight options.
4. World of Hyatt Credit Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
Hyatt’s family-friendly hotels and resorts make this card a great choice for earning free stays at kid-approved destinations.
Key Benefits:
Earn 4x points on Hyatt stays and 2x points on dining, transportation, and airfare.
Enjoy a free night each card anniversary.
Elite status perks like late checkout and room upgrades.
Annual Fee: $95
Perfect For: Families who prefer staying at Hyatt properties and enjoy free nights and added perks.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
This card offers generous earning rates on groceries and dining—perfect for families who spend a lot on food, whether at home or on the road.
Key Benefits:
Earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 annually).
Points transfer to over 20 travel partners, including Delta, Marriott, and British Airways.
Annual Fee: $325
Perfect For: Families who spend heavily on food and want flexibility in redeeming travel rewards.
6. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
Hilton’s vast network of family-friendly hotels and resorts makes this card a great way to earn free stays.
Key Benefits:
Earn 12x points on Hilton purchases and 6x points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Complimentary Gold Status, which includes free breakfast—a money-saver for families.
Annual Fee: $95
Perfect For: Families who prefer staying at Hilton properties and enjoy perks like free breakfast.
7. United℠ Explorer Card
Why It’s Great for Families:
This card is perfect for families flying United, offering travel perks and bonus miles that make family trips more affordable.
Key Benefits:
Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels.
Free first checked bag for you and one companion.
Two United Club passes annually, perfect for keeping kids entertained during layovers.
Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year)
Perfect For: Families who frequently fly United and value perks like free checked bags.
How to Choose the Best Card for Your Family
When deciding which credit card is best for your family, consider these factors:
Your Travel Goals: Do you prioritize flights, hotel stays, or a combination of both?
Spending Habits: Choose a card that rewards your everyday expenses like groceries, dining, and travel.
Travel Partners: Look for cards with partners that match your preferred airlines or hotels.
Annual Fees: Weigh the benefits of the card against its annual fee to ensure it’s worth the cost.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your family doesn’t have to be expensive when you leverage the right credit cards. From earning points on everyday purchases to enjoying free flights and hotel stays, these cards offer incredible value for families seeking to travel more and spend less.
Choose a card (or a few!) that align with your travel goals, and start planning your next adventure. With a little strategy, you can make those dream family vacations a reality in 2024—without breaking the bank.
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