Best Travel Credit Cards for 2026

Whether you're earning airline miles, hotel points, or flexible travel rewards, these cards deliver the most value for frequent and occasional travelers alike.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase · Visa

4.7/5

1x–5x points

$95/yrGood to Excellent (670+)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase · Visa

4.8/5

1x–10x points

$550/yrExcellent (720+)

The Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express · Amex

4.6/5

1x–5x points

$695/yrExcellent (720+)

American Express® Gold Card

American Express · Amex

4.7/5

1x–4x points

$250/yrGood to Excellent (670+)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One · Visa

4.5/5

2x–5x miles

$95/yrGood to Excellent (670+)

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America · Visa

4.2/5

1.5 points per dollar

No Annual FeeGood to Excellent (670+)

Barclays Arrival+ World Elite Mastercard®

Barclays · Mastercard

4.1/5

2x miles

$95/yrGood to Excellent (670+)

Bilt Mastercard®

Wells Fargo (Bilt) · Mastercard

4.3/5

1x–3x points

No Annual FeeGood to Excellent (670+)

How to Choose a Travel Card

The best travel credit card depends on your spending habits and travel goals:

  • Flexible points — Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred let you transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners.
  • Airline-specific — Co-branded cards earn bonus miles with one airline and offer perks like free checked bags.
  • No foreign transaction fees — Essential for international travelers to avoid the typical 3% surcharge.
  • Travel protections — Look for trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage coverage, and rental car insurance.