If traveling is part of your plans for next year, or you just want to level up your rewards game, August is a prime month to start earning points, and the earlier you get going, the sooner you’ll be booking those dream getaways without draining your wallet.

Whether you’re brand new to travel rewards or already a pro at points, this month brings some standout credit card offers with big welcome bonuses, generous earning rates, and perks designed to make your trips smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s our curated list of the Best Credit Card Offers for August 2025, plus who each card is best for and how to get the most out of them.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

A flexible travel rewards card with strong everyday earning potential.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

• Annual Fee: $95.

• Earning Rates:
  • 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
    
  • 2x on all other travel
    
  • 3x on dining worldwide
    
  • 3x on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target & wholesale clubs)
    
  • 3x on select streaming services
    
  • 1x on all other purchases

• Best For: Travelers who want a low-fee card with versatile points that transfer to top airline and hotel partners.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve (Ending August 21st, 2025 at 7am EST)

Best For: This card is the ideal card for frequent travelers who desire luxury.

Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel Credit after $5,000 spent in the first 3 months.

Annual Fee: $795

Perks Worth Highlighting:

• 8x points through Chase Travel
• 4x on flights booked directly with airlines
• 3x on dining
• $500 Chase Travel credit (limited time)
• $300 annual travel credit
• $500 credit for stays with The Edit (handpicked hotels and resorts)
• Lounge access: Chase Sapphire Lounges plus 2 guests complimentary, Priority Pass, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits
• Extra perks with DoorDash, Lyft, Apple TV, Peloton, and more
• Same premium transfer partners as the Preferred

Pro Tip: If you actually take advantage of the lounge access and travel credits, the Reserve can easily pay for itself.

3. American Express® Gold Card (Personal)

Best For: Foodies and families who spend heavily on groceries

Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

Annual Fee: $325

Highlights:

• 4x points at restaurants (including takeout & delivery)
• 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
• 3x on flights booked directly or via amextravel.com
• $120/year Uber Cash ($10 per month for U.S. rides or orders)
• $155 Walmart + credit
• $120/year dining credit

Why We Love It: High earning rates on categories you probably already spend on, and the credits help offset the annual fee.

4. American Express® Platinum Card (Personal)

Best For: Travelers who want the VIP to experience every time they fly.

Welcome Bonus: Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after $8,000 spent in 6 months.

Annual Fee: $695

Why It Feels Luxe:

• 5x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
• Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges
• $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, $199 CLEAR® credit
• $200 Uber Cash and $100 Saks credit

This card delivers in style, if you travel multiple times a year and appreciate airport luxury, hotel upgrades, and premium perks.

5. Citi Strata Elite Card

 A premium travel rewards card built for frequent travelers who value luxury perks and American Airlines miles.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

• Annual Fee: $595.

• Earning Rates: 12x on hotels, car rentals & attractions (via Citi Travel), 6x on air travel (via Citi Travel), 3x on dining (6x on Friday and Saturday nights), 1.5x on all other purchases.

• Premium Perks: $300 annual hotel credit, $200 Splurge Credit, airport lounge access (Priority Pass & Admirals Club passes), Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.

• Best For: Travelers seeking top-tier benefits and flexible point transfers to airlines & hotels

6. Chase Ink Business Cash®

Best For: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners.

Welcome Bonus: Up to $750 cash back ($350 after $3,000 spent in 3 months)—convert to 75,000 points with a Sapphire card.

Annual Fee: $0

Why It’s Worth Having:

• No annual fee
• 5% back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone bills
• 2% back at gas stations and restaurants
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
• Points can transfer to top travel partners when paired with a Sapphire Preferred or Reserve

Pro Tip: Pair this with a personal favorite card (like Sapphire Preferred or Reserve) to combine points and boost redemption value even further. This is also a great card for long term projects with 0% APR for 12 months.

7. Chase Sapphire Reserve® for Business

Welcome Bonus: 200,000 bonus points after $30,000 spent in 6 months.

Annual Fee: $795

Points Earning Highlights:

• 8x on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠
• 5x on Lyft rides
• 4x on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x on shipping, internet, phone, cable, and select ads
• $300 annual travel credit
• $500 The Edit credit
• Lounge access (Chase Sapphire Lounge + Priority Pass + 2 guests complimentary) and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
• $100 credit at giftcards.com
• Same premium transfer partners as Preferred (Hyatt, United, etc)

 

8.Southwest Companion Pass – 100K Bonus

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card – $99 annual fee
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card – $149 annual fee
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card– $229 annual fee

The Southwest Companion Pass lets you pick one person to fly with you free (plus taxes/fees) every time you book a flight—paid or with points.

Don’t sign up now. Wait until September so you can earn it early next year and keep it for almost two full years. That’s not just a perk—it’s a travel cheat code.

All three Southwest personal cards just got a refresh. The annual fees are a little higher now, but you’ve got more time to hit the $4,000 minimum spend (5 months), but one thing that hasn’t changed is that your first checked bag still flies free.

With the 100K bonus points offered right now, these cards make it easier to plan your next few trips.

👉🏽 Grab your free Southwest Companion Pass guide here!

 

9. Capital One Card Offers

Fee-Free Capital One Cards

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Earn 20,000 bonus miles + $100 Capital One Travel Credit after spending $500 in the first 3 months. This card earns a flat 2x miles on every purchase.

• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card – Earn a $200 cash bonus + $100 Capital One Travel Credit after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Best for foodies and entertainment lovers, with 3% back on dining, entertainment, and grocery stores.

• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card– Earn a $200 cash bonus + $100 Capital One Travel Credit after spending $500 in the first 3 months. This one earns 1.5% back on all purchases and is especially good if you’re new to credit cards and want to build your credit history.

 

🚀 Final Thoughts

There’s no universal “best” credit card, it comes down to your spending habits, how often you travel, and the kind of rewards you value most. Whether you’re chasing cash back or eyeing luxury lounge access, August is packed with offers that can bring your next trip closer.

If you’re not sure which one fits you best, book a one-on-one HERE