What's on My Radar: Credit Cards I'm Considering for 2025

Hey friends, it’s Philip here from Points of Philip, and I’m excited to share with you the credit cards that have caught my attention for 2025. While some people might view these types of lists as a roadmap for their credit card strategy, I like to think of it more as a “cards I’m watching” list. I don’t have a super planned-out approach, but rather a list of cards that I’m considering adding to my wallet.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top contenders. I’ve got a handful of cards that I’m thinking about, and I’ll break down each one, including the benefits, signup bonuses, and why I’m interested in them.

1. Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard

First up is the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard. This card has a $99 annual fee, and the current sign up bonus is 40,000 Amtrak points after spending $2,000 in three months. What’s interesting about this card is the earning structure: you get three points per dollar on Amtrak travel purchases, two points per dollar on dining, travel, transit, and ride-shares, and one point per dollar on everything else.

I’m considering this card because my wife and I love to visit Washington D.C., and taking the Acela train from D.C. to New York is a great way to make that trip less stressful. You can pick up Acela Business Class tickets for around 3,500 points each person, each way. Plus, the points don’t expire as long as you have an Amtrak account open, so I can keep them on ice until I’m ready to use them.

2. Delta Gold or Delta Business Gold

Next up are the Delta Gold and Delta Business Gold cards. I’m leaning towards the business version, despite the higher spend requirement, because American Express seems to be more willing to give me business card signup bonuses. The current signup bonus is 60,000 Delta miles after spending $4,000 in six months, and the card comes with a $150 annual fee (waived for the first year).

I’m interested in this card because I have some Delta flights planned for the summer, and having access to free checked bags and earning more Delta points could be helpful. Plus, the 15% discount on award availability can make my points go further.

3. Cathay Pacific Card

The Cathay Pacific card is another one I’m watching, although it might not make it into my wallet until later in the year or even 2026. The annual fee is $99, and the sign up bonus is 38,000 Asian miles after spending $3,000 in three months. The earning structure is decent, but not great, with three points per dollar on Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Express travel purchases, two points per dollar on dining and delivery, and one point per dollar on everything else.

I’m considering this card because my wife and I are thinking about visiting Asia in the next few years, and having an extra 38,000 Asian miles could be helpful. Plus, Cathay Pacific is known for having lower taxes and fees on award redemptions, which could make for a more affordable business class flight.

4. Fairwinds Credit Union Visa Signature Card

The Fairwinds Credit Union Visa Signature Card is a local credit union card that’s based in Florida, where I live. The annual fee is $95, and the sign up bonus is 60,000 points after spending $5,000 in three months. The earning structure is competitive, with five points per dollar on theme park tickets and general travel, three points per dollar on dining, and two points per dollar on everything else.

I’m interested in this card because the signup bonus could be worth between $600 to $900 in travel portal redemptions, which could help us stay at a Disney premium resort. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel.

5. Mesa Card

The Mesa card is a no-annual-fee card that offers some interesting benefits, including three points per dollar on home improvement purchases, daycare, and utilities, as well as two points per dollar on groceries, gas, and EV charging. You can also earn points on mortgage payments, which could be a game-changer for homeowners.

I’m considering this card because it offers some unique earning categories, and the fact that it has no annual fee makes it a low-risk addition to my wallet. Plus, the points can be transferred to partners like Fin Air, which could be useful for booking United or American flights.

6. Citi Strata Premiere

The Citi Strata Premiere card has a $95 annual fee and offers 10 points per dollar on Citi travel purchases, three points per dollar on airfare, general hotel purchases, restaurants, groceries, gas, and EV charging, and one point per dollar on everything else. The current sign up bonus is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in three months.

I’m interested in this card because Citi points are very valuable to me, and I use Air France and Virgin regularly. The fact that I can use my Citi points towards those airlines means I don’t have to convert my American Express or Chase points, which is a big plus.

7. Marriott Business Card

Finally, I’m watching the Marriott Business Card, which has a $125 annual fee and offers three free nights (worth up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 in six months. The earning structure is decent, with six points per dollar on Marriott purchases, four points per dollar on dining, gas, wireless telephone service, and shipping, and two points per dollar on everything else. It’s important to note that you’re earning Marriott points, and they aren’t anywhere near as valuable as other more transferable currencies.

I’m considering this card because the signup bonus could be worthwhile, especially if it goes up to five free nights. However, I’m locked out of Marriott bonuses until February 2026, so this one is a long-term watch.

That’s it for now, folks! These are the credit cards that are on my radar for 2025. I don’t have a set plan for which ones I’ll add to my wallet, but I’m excited to see how they might fit into my overall strategy. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll catch you in the next video!