Wednesday, 06 August 2025

Top Credit Cards for Travelers in 2025

Find the best credit cards that offer great rewards and perks for frequent flyers in 2025.
Published: Saturday, August 02, 2025
Top Credit Cards for Travelers in 2025

In today's fast-paced world, frequent travelers are always on the lookout for credit cards that maximize their rewards while minimizing costs. Travel-oriented credit cards without annual fees offer a compelling solution by providing valuable perks such as rewards transfer options, partnerships with major airlines and hotels, and waivers on foreign transaction fees.

These cards are designed to help travelers earn points or cashback on everyday purchases, making them a smart choice for anyone who travels regularly—whether for business or leisure.

As we delve into the best credit cards for 2025, it's essential to consider factors like earning potential, flexibility in redeeming rewards, and additional benefits that can enhance your travel experience. Many of these cards not only save you money but also come with features like travel insurance, purchase protection, and access to exclusive travel deals. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top choices for 2025.

Best Credit Cards for Travelers in 2025

1. Capital One VentureOne Card

The Capital One VentureOne Card stands out with a flat 1.25x miles on every dollar spent. It waives fees for international transactions, making it a rare gem among no-annual-fee cards. Cardholders can transfer miles 1:1 to over a dozen airlines and hotels, enhancing travel flexibility.

Additionally, the card offers no foreign transaction fees and provides access to travel protections like auto rental insurance and travel accident insurance, making it an excellent choice for frequent flyers.

2. Citi Double Cash Card

With the Citi Double Cash Card, you earn one ThankYou point for every purchase and an extra point when you make a payment. This structure mimics a 2% cashback model, allowing for significant rewards on everyday spending. The card has no annual fee and offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months, making it a solid option for managing existing debt. 

If you also hold the Citi Strata Premier Card, you can convert points into airline miles, providing even more travel opportunities.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card allows cardholders to earn 5x points on Chase Travel reservations, 3x points on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5x points on all other expenditures. Points can be transferred to major airlines and hotel partners when linked with premium Chase cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve. 

This card also includes purchase protection and extended warranty benefits, making it a versatile option for travelers and everyday spenders alike.

4. Chase Freedom Flex Card

Offering 5x points on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500), the Chase Freedom Flex Card is ideal for those who can strategize their spending. It also provides 5x points on Chase Travel, 3x points on dining and pharmacy purchases, and 1x on all other purchases. The card includes benefits like cell phone protection and trip cancellation insurance, adding extra value for travelers who want to maximize rewards while minimizing costs.

5. Bilt Mastercard

The Bilt Mastercard is designed specifically for renters, allowing cardholders to earn 1x points on rent payments, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on travel. To earn points, users must make a minimum of five transactions each month, but the effort is worthwhile given the absence of foreign transaction fees. Additionally, Bilt points can be used for travel, cash back, or even to pay rent, making it highly flexible for urban dwellers and frequent travelers.

Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

6. Capital One Spark Cash Select

The Capital One Spark Cash Select credit card offers a 1.5% cashback rate on all purchases without an annual fee. While it doesn’t reach the 2% tier, the lack of foreign transaction fees makes it ideal for businesses with international expenditures. The card also includes complimentary employee cards at no additional cost, allowing businesses to earn rewards on all purchases made by employees, enhancing overall cashback potential.

7. American Express Blue Business Cash Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is perfect for businesses that prioritize cashback on domestic purchases. It offers 2% cashback on the first $50,000 spent each year (then 1%), and it has no annual fee. Additionally, it provides expense management tools and insights via the Amex app, allowing business owners to track spending and manage cash flow efficiently.

8. Ink Business Unlimited Card by Chase

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card provides a generous welcome bonus and no annual fee, allowing users to earn 1.5x points on all purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash or transferred to travel partners for greater value when paired with premium Ultimate Rewards cards like the Sapphire Reserve for Business. The card also includes purchase protection, extended warranty benefits, and no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable choice for businesses with varied spending needs.

9. Ink Business Cash Card by Chase

The Ink Business Cash Credit Card features no annual fee and one of the largest welcome bonuses among no-fee business cards. It earns 5x points on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, 5x points on internet, cable, and phone services, and 2x points on the first $25,000 at restaurants and gas stations. Combined with a premium Ultimate Rewards card, this card allows businesses to convert cashback into travel rewards, unlocking greater value.

Benefits of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Travel-focused credit cards with no annual fees deliver substantial rewards, transfer options, and waivers on foreign transaction fees. They provide solid returns on spending, catering to both frequent flyers and business owners alike, whether the goal is cashback, points, or miles. These cards not only enhance travel experiences but also offer valuable protections and benefits, making them an essential tool for savvy spenders.

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Dubai to Launch Commercial Flying Taxi Service by 2026

Published: Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Dubai to Launch Commercial Flying Taxi Service by 2026

Dubai is on the brink of making science fiction a reality as it accelerates toward launching the world’s first commercial electric air taxi network by 2026. This bold step in urban mobility is set to redefine the city’s skyline and commute, placing Dubai at the global forefront of aerial transportation innovation.

“We aim to be the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service. This is not just a trial. This is a real transport mode that will be integrated into Dubai’s infrastructure,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an exclusive interview.

This visionary project follows the successful completion of full-scale test flights by US-based Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2024, Joby signed an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai, granting them operational rights to launch and operate these innovative air taxis within the city.

“Dubai is all set to become the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service, following successful full-scale test flights completed by US-based Joby Aviation,” Bahrozyan confirmed.

Central to the plan is a strategic partnership between Joby Aviation responsible for supplying, operating, and maintaining the aircraft and Skyports, a UK-based infrastructure company charged with constructing essential ‘vertiports’. Construction is already underway at Dubai International Airport, with additional platforms planned at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and the American University of Dubai. These four vertiports are designed to create a web of aerial connectivity across the city, drastically reducing the travel time between key urban and business hubs.

The air taxis are a leap forward in technology: fully electric, piloted vehicles that are 100 times quieter than helicopters. Each aircraft will seat four passengers plus a pilot and luggage, covering distances over 200km and reaching speeds above 300km/h. This opens up the possibility of ultra-fast connections between Dubai and neighboring emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah potentially cutting travel times between cities to under 30 minutes.

Initially, the air taxi network will launch as a premium service targeting business travelers and high-end tourists, with fares comparable to helicopter tours. However, RTA’s long-term vision is to drive costs down much like the evolution of electric cars making aerial commutes eventually as affordable as current ride-hailing services such as Uber.

Dubai’s aviation authorities, in tandem with Joby Aviation, are blazing a trail on the regulatory front. While Joby’s aircraft have yet to receive full certification from any international body, UAE regulators are working proactively with the company, positioning Dubai to set a global standard for integrating eVTOLs into civil aviation. “If we succeed, Dubai will not only be the first city to operate air taxis but also the first to regulate them,” Bahrozyan noted.

Although the first phase will connect high-demand locations within Dubai, the blueprint is designed for scalability across the wider UAE. Future phases will see vertiports expand into residential and commercial hotspots, fostering public-private partnerships and fueling city-wide and intercity aerial mobility.

“This isn’t just a transport solution, it’s a blueprint for future cities,” Bahrozyan concluded, signaling Dubai’s intent to shape the cities of tomorrow—today.

Philippine Passport Gains Strength: Visa-Free Access Now Extended to 65 Countries

Published: Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Philippine Passport Gains Strength: Visa-Free Access Now Extended to 65 Countries

For Filipinos dreaming of global exploration, 2025 is opening new doors as international travel becomes more accessible. From the vibrant markets of Morocco and the pristine waters of Fiji to the dynamic streets of Hong Kong, a world of adventure is now within easier reach.

The Philippines has climbed up the global mobility ladder, ranking 72nd in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, an improvement from 73rd in 2024. This ranking reflects steady progress over recent years moving up from 83rd in 2021 to 72nd today and signifies broader access to visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or simplified electronic travel authorisation (ETA) entry in 65 countries worldwide for Filipino passport holders.

Travelers holding a Philippine passport can now enjoy visa-free entry to a diverse list of countries spanning Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. Popular destinations where Filipinos can simply present their passport and enter without a visa include Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Morocco, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, among many others.

If they prefer the convenience of on-the-spot arrangements, Filipino travelers can obtain visas upon arrival in nations like Burundi, Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Tanzania, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, electronic visas open doors to countries such as Albania, India, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey, allowing travelers to complete the process easily online without embassy visits.

Further simplifying travel, electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) essentially pre-approval done online facilitate entry into Kenya, Israel, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka for Filipino nationals.

This gradual but steady rise in passport power highlights the Philippines’ growing diplomatic engagements and bilateral agreements, enhancing the mobility of its citizens. While high-demand destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Schengen zone countries still require visas, the expanded list of countries easing entry for Filipinos marks a significant stride towards a more connected and border-friendly experience for global adventurers from the Philippines.

With visa-free or simplified access to an expanding list of countries, the dream for many Filipinos of sampling global cultures, cuisines, and landscapes from bustling streets to untouched natural wonders  becomes increasingly attainable.

Dubai Attracts Over 9.88 Million International Visitors in First Half of 2025

Published: Monday, August 04, 2025
Dubai Attracts Over 9.88 Million International Visitors in First Half of 2025

Dubai is swiftly cementing its position as a premier global tourism hub, welcoming over 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025—a 6 percent rise from the same period last year. This robust growth underscores the city’s ongoing appeal and strategic vision to rank among the top three global tourism destinations, as articulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, attributed this success to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the role of strong public-private partnerships and an effective global marketing strategy in propelling Dubai’s tourism sector forward. “A warm welcome to all our visitors, from the heart of the world — Dubai,” he wrote on X.

Building on a record-breaking 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024—which marked a 9 percent year-on-year increase surpassing the previous 17.15 million in 2023—Dubai’s tourism pulse remains exceptionally vibrant. The city’s world-class infrastructure, strategic crossroads location bridging East and West, and seamless global connectivity continue to attract a diverse array of tourists.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect this booming sector, standing at over 80 percent, complemented by strong performances in average daily rates and revenues per available room. This thriving hospitality scene, alongside a dynamic calendar of business, leisure, cultural, and retail events, fortifies Dubai’s reputation as a preferred destination for travelers worldwide.

In essence, Dubai’s first half of 2025 tourism figures highlight not only the city’s resilience but also its bold ambition to be a crown jewel on the global travel map, welcoming millions with unmatched hospitality and unforgettable experiences.

Milaha, Qatar Airways Group Sign 5-Year Logistics Deal

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Milaha, Qatar Airways Group Sign 5-Year Logistics Deal

Qatar Navigation (Milaha) and Qatar Airways Group have cemented a strategic alliance by signing a five-year agreement for comprehensive warehousing and logistics services—a key milestone in the collaboration between these two national champions of Qatar. Under this partnership, Milaha will deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions encompassing warehousing, inventory management, and distribution support, leveraging advanced logistics technologies and real-time visibility tools tailored to Qatar Airways Group’s evolving needs.

The partnership highlights a mutual commitment to operational excellence and superior service quality, reinforcing Milaha’s standing as the preferred logistics partner for major entities in Qatar and the region. Qatar Airways Group selected Milaha after a competitive evaluation process, impressed by Milaha’s robust digital infrastructure, integrated systems, and consistent track record in providing reliable and customer-centric logistics solutions.

Cutting-edge technologies, including automated inventory tracking, data-driven performance analytics, and sophisticated warehouse management systems, will underpin seamless coordination and enhance service delivery across Qatar Airways’ supply chain. This technological edge represents a significant step forward in creating resilient, efficient logistics operations aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030’s goals of building world-class, technology-enabled, and sustainable supply chain capabilities.

Milaha Group CEO Fahad bin Saad al-Qahtani expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the foundation of mutual trust and a shared vision for service excellence. He highlighted the agreement’s role in positioning Milaha as a strategic enabler of national connectivity and global competitiveness through dependable logistics solutions. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed al-Meer noted that the collaboration strengthens supply chain resilience and supports the airline’s global expansion, further contributing to the nation’s vision for sustainable growth.

This long-term agreement not only deepens the strategic alliance between two of Qatar’s flagship companies but also underscores their dedication to innovation, infrastructure investment, and human capital development. Together, Milaha and Qatar Airways are driving forward Qatar’s ambitions to be a leading regional and international hub for logistics and aviation services, delivering world-class operational standards and continuing the nation’s journey towards economic diversification and sustainability.

SIA Shares Plunge 7.4% Following Sharp Q1 Profit Drop

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
SIA Shares Plunge 7.4% Following Sharp Q1 Profit Drop

Shares of Singapore Airlines (SIA) took a sharp tumble in early trading on July 29, plunging as much as 8.6 percent following the announcement of a steep 59 percent decline in the group’s first-quarter net profit for the financial year 2025/26. The stock closed down 7.4 percent at $7.04, marking the largest intra-day drop since August 2024, with heavy trading volume of 38.5 million shares.

SIA reported net profit of S$186 million for the three months ended June 30, down from S$452 million a year earlier. This sharp fall was driven primarily by lower interest income and significant losses shared from associates, chiefly Air India, in which SIA owns a 25.1 percent stake. Air India’s financial results were newly included from December 2024 after the full integration of Vistara into Air India, whereas they were absent from the prior year’s first quarter results, explaining part of the steep decline.

Despite the profit setback, the group recorded strong operational performance: total revenue rose 1.5 percent to S$4.79 billion, supported by record passenger numbers. SIA and its subsidiary Scoot carried a combined 10.3 million passengers in the quarter, a 6.9 percent increase year-on-year, with passenger load factor improving slightly to 87.6 percent as growth in traffic outpaced capacity expansion.

 However, passenger yields fell 2.9 percent due to intensified competition amid capacity increases by other airlines. Cargo revenue also declined amid falling yields and wider capacity over cargo demand.

Analysts pointed to the drag on SIA’s bottom line from Air India’s continued losses and the lingering impact from the Air India Flight 171 crash in June, which led to flight cuts and a reported 20 percent drop in bookings on domestic and international routes. Market reactions included downgrades by several analysts, with target prices lowered and warnings of potential further losses from Air India.

Nonetheless, some experts remain cautiously optimistic about SIA’s outlook, noting stabilizing passenger yields and ongoing strengths in brand, service, and innovation that should help the airline to navigate current market challenges and transition towards renewed growth.

In summary, Singapore Airlines faces near-term headwinds from associate losses and competitive pressure on yields despite solid travel demand and record passenger traffic, reflecting a mixed outlook amid volatile global and regional aviation market conditions.