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Key takeaways:
- Some strong travel rewards credit cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card®, Discover it® Miles, American Express Platinum Card®, and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.²
- If you want travel-related perks without paying for a traditional travel rewards credit card, consider an alternative like Chime Card. When paired with Chime Prime status you can unlock cash back and travel-related card benefits.
- Many travel credit cards charge annual fees, while Chime Card has no annual fees.
- Whichever you choose, make sure to maximize your benefits to get the most out of your rewards.
Travel rewards credit cards promise points, miles, or cash back you can put toward flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. But those rewards often come with high annual fees, complex redemption rules, and the expectation that you carry and manage credit. For some travelers, that tradeoff makes sense. For others, it does not. Below, we break down the best travel rewards credit cards for 2026 and how they can work for you.
Best alternatives to traditional travel rewards credit cards
Looking for an alternative to a traditional travel rewards credit card? Some travel perks and rewards are available through programs that use different eligibility criteria than credit-based cards.
Chime Prime™ with Chime Card™
Best for: Flexible travel perks without annual fees or credit score requirements.
Traditional travel rewards credit cards typically let you earn points or miles when you use the card and are approved based on credit criteria. With Chime Prime™, eligibility for rewards is based on qualifying direct deposits† to your Chime Checking Account, rather than a specific minimum credit score. To access travel-related perks and cash back, you must apply for a Chime Card™.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual or monthly fees | Priority Pass™ benefit includes 2 complimentary visits per year; visit limits apply1 |
| Travel perks such as Priority Pass™ airport lounge access1 and Visa Signature® Concierge‡ | 5% cash back up to $1,500 spend per month and requires selecting a category each month; eligibility and limits apply~ |
| No minimum credit score requirement for Chime Prime™ membership eligibility† | Travel-related perks require both Chime Prime™ status and use of your Chime Card™ |
| Pick everyday cash back categories like groceries or gas when you’re home, and switch to travel or restaurants when traveling. | Rewards are limited to eligible secured Chime Card™ purchases up to applicable caps, whereas some travel cards offer uncapped rewards in certain categories |
| Up to 3.75% APY on savings for eligible members^ | While there’s no annual fee, you still need to manage your spending and payments responsibly to avoid negative credit outcomes |
Best traditional travel rewards credit cards
Keep reading to learn more about the best travel rewards credit cards available today.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card2
Best for: Maximizing rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card lets you earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and 3 points per dollar on dining, grocery, and streaming purchases.
You’ll also get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit on your account anniversary each year, plus 75,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The card charges a $95 annual fee, so you’ll want to make sure your rewards and perks are enough to justify the fee and any interest you might pay if you don’t pay your statement balance in full each month.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase | 19.49%–27.74% variable APR |
| Unlimited 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases | $95 annual fee |
| Unlimited 3 points per dollar on dining, grocery, and streaming | Requires good to excellent credit for approval |
| 75,000 bonus points (worth about $750) new cardmember offer | Highest rewards rates apply only to specific booking channels and categories |
| Annual bonus points on each account anniversary | You may pay significant interest charges if you carry a balance month to month |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card®3
Best for: Overseas travel
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card® is a popular choice for frequent travelers, especially those who travel internationally.
You can:
- Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases, making rewards easy to track
New cardmembers will get 75,000 bonus miles (worth up to about $750 in travel, depending on how you redeem) when they spend $4,000 within the first three months.
Like many premium travel cards, Venture also offers additional travel perks, such as:
- Access to Capital One lounges and partner lounges (where available)
- A credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® (up to a set dollar amount)
- Travel and purchase protections
- In some cases, an annual travel or miles credit that can help offset the annual fee
The card has a $95 annual fee, so you’ll want to ensure you maximize your rewards and perks to break even—and avoid carrying a balance that could trigger interest charges.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited 5x miles on travel booked through Capital One Travel | 19.74%–28.74% variable APR |
| Unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase | $95 annual fee |
| 75,000 bonus miles (worth up to about $750 in travel, depending on redemption) | Requires good to excellent credit for approval |
| Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® | Higher rewards rates depend on booking travel through Capital One |
| No foreign transaction fees | Interest charges can quickly outweigh rewards if you carry a balance |
Discover it® Miles4
Best for: No annual fee
Travel credit cards often charge annual fees, but the Discover it® Miles doesn’t. You’ll still earn an unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases, and you can redeem those miles for cash or travel purchases. Discover will match your earned miles with no limits at the end of your first year.
The card has a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months. Thereafter, the card has a variable APR of 17.74% to 26.74%.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases | 17.74%–26.74% variable APR after intro rate |
| Redeem miles for cash or travel purchases | Rewards rate is lower than premium travel cards outside the first-year match |
| Unlimited match of all miles earned at the end of your first year | Value of rewards depends on Discover’s mile-matching promotion |
| No annual fee | Requires good credit for approval |
| 0% intro APR for 15 months |
American Express Platinum Card®5
Best for: Premium travelers
If you’re a global jet-setter, the American Express Platinum Card® could be your perfect credit card. The card has a significant $895 annual fee, but it also offers premium perks, which may include:
- Access to a wide network of premium airport lounges
- Guaranteed late checkout and on-property benefits at select hotels
- Up to $600 in eligible hotel credits per year (subject to enrollment and specific booking requirements)
- Various statement credits for eligible travel and lifestyle purchases
- A large welcome offer — for example, up to 175,000 bonus points when you spend $8,000 on your card within the first six months of membership (offer details vary over time)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5x points on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel | $895 annual fee |
| Access to premium lounges | 19.49%–28.49% variable APR |
| Up to 175,000 bonus points | Requires excellent credit for approval |
| Up to $600 hotel credits per year | Many benefits require enrollment or specific booking methods to maximize value |
| Robust travel protections | If you don’t travel frequently or use the perks regularly, you may not recoup the annual fee |
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card6
Best for: Intro offer
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers two introductory bonuses, making it an excellent pick. First, you’ll earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, which equals an extra $200.
The card has a 0% introductory APR for 12 months. Once that APR expires, the card has a variable APR of 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 12 months | Introductory offers are time-limited |
| 3x points on travel, restaurants, gas stations, streaming services, and phone plans | 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR after intro rate |
| $0 annual fee | Requires good to excellent credit for approval |
| 1x points on all other purchases | |
| 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months |
What is the best travel rewards credit card?
The best card for you will depend on:
- How often you travel
- The card’s annual fees
- How much effort it takes to redeem your reward
Therefore, the best travel rewards credit card will differ from person to person. That’s why it’s essential to do your research to find the right card for you.
Are travel rewards credit cards worth it?
Travel rewards credit cards are often worth it if you’re a frequent traveler who pays your balances in full each month and consistently redeems your credit card rewards. However, you may find annual fees, unused perks, and interest charges off-putting because they can reduce or eliminate the card’s value.
Cards that look generous on paper often require careful tracking, frequent travel, and active redemption strategies to break even.
Best travel rewards options for 2026
To highlight a representative mix of travel rewards cards, we considered:
- Publicly advertised rewards and offers. We reviewed each provider’s published earn rates, welcome offers, and key travel benefits, based on information available on issuer websites.
- Impact of annual fees and common costs. We focused on cards and programs where the combination of rewards and perks can reasonably offset the annual fee for a typical frequent traveler, recognizing that interest charges will reduce or eliminate any net benefit if you carry a balance.
- Category and booking limitations. For the specific cards in this guide, we reviewed program terms to understand which purchases earn elevated rewards, any category caps, and whether you need to book through a specific travel portal to get higher earn rates.
- Travel perks and protections. We looked at travel‑related benefits such as lounge access, hotel credits, no foreign transaction fees, and travel protections, and how easy they are to use in practice.
- Accessibility and eligibility. We considered the typical credit profile required for approval for traditional travel cards and at times the direct deposit and account requirements needed to access travel‑related perks.
Do you need good credit for travel rewards?
Most top travel rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit to qualify. Approval and credit limits are typically tied to your credit score and borrowing history, while access to specific perks depends on the particular card you’re approved for.
Chime Prime is a membership status that’s based on qualifying direct deposits† rather than a specific minimum credit score. When you also have the Chime Card and meet the direct deposit requirements, you can earn higher savings rates to cash back rewards and perks.
Travel rewards credit cards vs. cash back alternatives
So, which option is best for you: travel rewards credit cards or alternative rewards programs? The right choice depends on how you qualify and how you plan to use the benefits.
- Annual fees: Travel credit cards often charge annual fees, so you’ll need to use them often enough to make that fee worth it. Chime Prime has no annual or monthly fees.
- Points redemption: Find out how to redeem your points or miles before choosing your travel rewards option.
- Cash back amount: Credit cards often give you more or fewer points for spending in specific categories, so you need to be strategic to maximize your benefits.
How to choose the best travel rewards option for you
With multiple ways to earn travel rewards, consider which structure aligns with your situation:
- How often you travel: If you’re a frequent traveler, you might find that a traditional travel rewards credit card is your best choice.
- Your willingness to pay annual fees: Many travel credit cards come with annual fees, and you’ll need to earn enough rewards to break even. Alternative options, like Chime Prime membership through your Chime Card, don’t charge annual fees.
- Your comfort with managing points: If you already have a rewards credit card, you might find it easy to manage your travel miles or points.
Conclusion: Travel rewards that fit real life
Traditional travel credit cards still work well for frequent travelers, but others prefer alternatives without monthly fees, like Chime Prime with your Chime Card. Ultimately, the best travel rewards option for you is the one that delivers the most value with the fewest barriers, letting you maximize your rewards and travel benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
FAQs
What is the best travel rewards credit card in 2026?
Some of the best travel rewards credit cards in 2026 are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card®, Discover it® Miles, and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. If you want travel rewards without a traditional points card, alternatives without monthly fees, like Chime Prime™, are strong options.
Are travel rewards credit cards worth it?
If you’re a frequent traveler, a traditional travel rewards credit card may be worth it. If not, a regular rewards or cash back credit card might be a better choice.
Do you need good credit for travel rewards?
Traditional travel rewards credit cards typically require you to have a good or excellent credit score to qualify. But modern alternatives, like Chime Prime, focus on your daily banking behavior and offer travel rewards like without monthly or annual fees.
Can you earn travel rewards without a credit card?
Yes, it’s possible to earn some travel rewards without a credit card—such as through airline and hotel loyalty programs that reward flights or stays. However, Chime Prime’s travel-related perks require your Chime Card, and eligibility for Chime Prime itself requires $3,000 in monthly qualifying direct deposits.†
Is Chime Prime free?
There’s no monthly or annual fee for Chime Prime membership. To qualify, you’ll need to make monthly direct deposits of a total of at least $3,000†.