Best Travel Credit Cards of 2026

The right travel credit card can turn everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, and upgrades. But with dozens of options on the market, picking the best one for your wallet and travel style isn't easy.

We compared over 30 travel credit cards and narrowed it down to the 5 that actually deliver in 2026. Here are our picks.

What Makes a Great Travel Card

• Signup bonus : A strong welcome offer can be worth $500-$1,000+ in travel value right out of the gate
• Earning rates : The best cards give 2x-5x on travel, dining, and other common categories
• Transfer partners : Cards that let you transfer points to airlines and hotels unlock the biggest redemption values
• Travel perks : Lounge access, Global Entry credits, and trip insurance add real value
• Annual fee vs. value : A $95 or even $395 fee can pay for itself many times over with the right benefits

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred — Best Overall

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been our go-to recommendation for years, and 2026 is no different. It strikes the perfect balance between earning potential, flexibility, and a reasonable annual fee. The 60,000-point signup bonus alone is worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel.

Who it's best for: First-time travel card holders and anyone who wants strong rewards without a premium annual fee. If you're only going to carry one travel card, this is it.

2. Capital One Venture X — Best Premium Value

The Venture X is the best premium travel card you can get right now. Yes, the $395 annual fee sounds steep. But you get a $300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles on every anniversary, which effectively brings the net cost down to around $0. Plus, you get Priority Pass lounge access and Capital One Lounge access.

Who it's best for: Travelers who want lounge access and premium perks without paying $550+ like competing cards. The effective cost is almost nothing if you use the credits.

3. American Express Gold — Best for Dining and Groceries

The Amex Gold earns an incredible 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarkets, making it the top earning card in two of the biggest everyday spending categories. We use this card for every restaurant meal and grocery run, then transfer the points to airlines for outsized value.

Who it's best for: Anyone who spends heavily on dining and groceries. If your household spends $1,000/month on food, that's 48,000 points per year from those categories alone.

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve — Best for Frequent Travelers

The Reserve is the premium sibling of the Sapphire Preferred, and it earns its higher fee with a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and a 50% point bonus when redeeming through Chase Travel. If you travel more than a few times a year, the perks stack up fast.

Who it's best for: Frequent travelers who are already in the Chase ecosystem and want the highest-value redemptions through Ultimate Rewards transfer partners like Hyatt and United.

5. Citi Strata Premier — Best for Flexible Redemptions

Citi relaunched their premier travel card as the Strata Premier, and it's a serious contender. The 75,000-point signup bonus is one of the highest in this tier, and the card earns 3x on flights, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations — that's a lot of bonus categories for a $95 card.

Who it's best for: People who want a wide range of 3x bonus categories and a huge signup bonus without paying a premium annual fee.

How We Picked These Cards

We evaluated over 30 travel credit cards across signup bonus value, ongoing earning rates, transfer partner quality, travel perks, and annual fee justification. We also factored in our own real-world experience — we've personally held and used each of these cards for at least 6 months. Our goal was to find cards that deliver genuine value, not just flashy marketing numbers.

Not interested in annual fees? Check out our Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards for solid rewards without the yearly cost. And if you're mainly looking to earn on restaurant spending, our Best Credit Cards for Dining guide goes deeper on that category.

FAQ

Is it worth paying an annual fee for a travel credit card?

Almost always, yes. A card with a $95 annual fee that earns 3x on dining can easily return $300+ in value per year for moderate spenders. Premium cards with $395-$550 fees often include travel credits and perks that offset the cost entirely.

Can I have more than one travel credit card?

Absolutely. Many points enthusiasts carry 2-3 cards to maximize earnings across different categories. For example, the Amex Gold for dining and groceries paired with the Venture X for lounge access and general spending is a popular combination.

How do credit card points transfer to airlines?

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, and Capital One Venture X let you transfer points to partner airlines at a 1:1 ratio (usually). You move the points into your airline frequent flyer account, then book award flights. This is often where you get the highest value — sometimes 2-5 cents per point on business and first class flights.