Top Travel Credit Cards in 2026 for Flights, Hotels, and Flexible Rewards

By Jeff Lowe • December 26, 2025

Travel rewards credit cards have become one of the easiest ways to turn everyday spending into flights, hotel stays, and unforgettable experiences. And heading into 2026, the options are better — and more competitive — than ever.

Card issuers continue to stack on perks like airport lounge access, flexible point transfers, travel credits, and stronger protections for trips gone sideways. But here’s the thing: the “best” travel rewards credit card really depends on how you travel.

Are you loyal to one airline or hotel brand?
Do you prefer flexibility over elite perks?
Are you a frequent flyer or more of an occasional getaway planner?

This guide breaks down the top travel rewards credit cards for 2026, based on what’s known at the time of publishing. For each card, you’ll find a clear description, annual fees, who it’s best for, and a quick-hit list of perks that make it stand out. So, let’s dig in and find the card that actually fits your travel style — not just the one with the flashiest ad.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to be one of the most well-rounded travel rewards credit cards on the market in 2026. It strikes a near-perfect balance between value, flexibility, and a manageable annual fee.

This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are highly regarded for their versatility. You can redeem them directly through Chase’s travel portal or transfer them to airline and hotel partners. For many travelers, this flexibility alone makes the Sapphire Preferred hard to beat.

Annual Fee: $95

Ideal for:
Travelers who want strong rewards without a premium annual fee and value flexible redemption options.

What sets it apart:

Points transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners
Bonus earning on travel, dining, and everyday spending
Primary rental car insurance coverage
Built-in travel protections like trip delay and cancellation insurance
Annual hotel credit when booking through Chase Travel

If you’re just getting serious about travel rewards — or want one card that can handle almost everything — this is still a standout choice.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For travelers who spend a lot of time in airports and hotels, the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains a premium powerhouse in 2026. While the annual fee is higher, frequent travelers often find the benefits easily outweigh the cost.

This card is all about enhanced earning rates and luxury-level travel perks. The included travel credit helps offset the fee, and the lounge access adds real value for those who fly often.

Annual Fee: $550

Ideal for:
Frequent travelers who want premium perks, lounge access, and high-value point redemptions.

What sets it apart:

Higher earning rates on travel and dining
Annual travel credit that automatically applies to eligible purchases
Airport lounge access through Priority Pass
Points worth more when redeemed through Chase Travel
Strong travel insurance and purchase protection benefits

If you’re traveling multiple times a year and want a card that feels like a true upgrade, this one still earns its reputation.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X has cemented its place as one of the best premium travel rewards cards heading into 2026 — especially given how aggressively Capital One has priced its benefits.

Despite its premium status, many cardholders find the annual fee surprisingly easy to justify thanks to credits and anniversary bonuses. It’s a strong option for travelers who want premium perks without juggling multiple cards.

Annual Fee: $395

Ideal for:
Travelers who want premium benefits with simple earning and easy-to-use credits.

What sets it apart:

Flat-rate miles earning on all purchases
Annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Airport lounge access, including Capital One Lounges
Anniversary bonus miles each year
No foreign transaction fees

If simplicity and value are high on your list, Venture X remains one of the strongest premium cards available.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card isn’t about luxury lounges or flashy airport perks. Instead, it shines where many people spend the most money: food.

In 2026, this card continues to be a favorite for travelers who earn points faster through dining and groceries, then redeem those points for flights through Amex’s airline partners.

Annual Fee: $250

Ideal for:
Food-focused spenders who want to rack up points quickly for travel.

What sets it apart:

High earning rates at restaurants and grocery stores
Points transferable to airline partners
Dining and food-related statement credits
Strong travel protections for flights booked with points
No foreign transaction fees

If dining out or grocery spending makes up a big chunk of your budget, this card can quietly generate a lot of travel value.

American Express® Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum remains one of the most perk-heavy travel credit cards available in 2026. It’s designed for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and status — and who are willing to pay for it.

While the annual fee is high, frequent travelers who fully use the benefits can more than make up the difference.

Annual Fee: $695

Ideal for:
Luxury travelers who value airport comfort, elite status, and premium travel experiences.

What sets it apart:

Extensive airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges
Airline fee credits and travel statement credits
Elite status with select hotel and rental car programs
Concierge services and premium travel protections
Bonus earning on flights booked directly with airlines

This card isn’t for everyone — but for the right traveler, it can feel like carrying a travel upgrade in your wallet.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Formerly known under a different name, the Citi Strata Premier has become a solid mid-tier travel rewards option in 2026. It’s often overlooked, but it offers strong earning categories and competitive transfer partners.

This card works especially well for travelers who want a backup or alternative to Chase and Amex ecosystems.

Annual Fee: $95

Ideal for:
Travelers seeking strong bonus categories and international airline transfer options.

What sets it apart:

Bonus earning on travel, dining, and everyday categories
Points transferable to airline partners
No foreign transaction fees
Solid travel insurance benefits
Competitive annual fee

If you like having options outside the usual big-name cards, this one deserves a look.

Discover it® Miles

Not every travel rewards card needs to be complicated. The Discover it Miles card keeps things simple, making it appealing for casual travelers or those new to travel rewards.

There are no categories to track and no annual fee, which makes it easy to hold long term.

Annual Fee: $0

Ideal for:
Occasional travelers or beginners who want straightforward rewards.

What sets it apart:

Flat-rate miles earning on all purchases
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Miles can be redeemed as statement credits for travel
First-year rewards match for new cardholders
Simple, no-fuss redemption structure

It won’t unlock luxury perks, but it’s an easy way to earn travel rewards without overthinking it.

How to Choose the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for You

With so many excellent travel rewards credit cards available in 2026, the real question isn’t which card is best — it’s which card is best for you.

Think about:

How often you travel each year
Whether you prefer flexibility or brand loyalty
How much effort you want to put into managing perks and credits
Where most of your everyday spending happens

Some travelers thrive with premium cards loaded with benefits. Others get more value from a simple, low-fee card that quietly earns rewards in the background. Either way, the right card can turn routine spending into trips you might not have taken otherwise.

So, which one sounds like your style?