Best travel credit cards for 2026

Ranked by estimated signup-bonus value. The right card for you also depends on your 5/24 status and which issuers you can still apply to - get a personalized plan that accounts for all of it.

1. 1. Amex Platinum

   Amex · $895/yr

   150,000 points - Spend $8,000 in 6 months

   High annual fee but many credits offset it. Once-per-lifetime. Premium travel card with lounges.

   Est. value

   $2,250
2. 2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

   Amex · $650/yr

   200,000 points - Spend $6,000 in 6 months

   Platinum Elite. Free night (85K). Check family rules with Chase Marriott cards.

   Est. value

   $1,600
3. 3. Amex Gold

   Amex · $325/yr

   100,000 points - Spend $6,000 in 6 months

   Great for dining/groceries (4x). Once-per-lifetime. $120 dining + $120 Uber credits.

   Est. value

   $1,500
4. 4. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

   Chase · $95/yr

   3 free nights (50K each) - Spend $3,000 in 3 months

   Good Marriott card but check Amex Marriott family rules. 1 free night annually.

   Est. value

   $1,200
5. 5. World of Hyatt Credit Card

   Chase · $95/yr

   60,000 points - Spend $6,000 in 6 months

   Hyatt points are very valuable (~2cpp). Great keeper card. Free night annually.

   Est. value

   $1,200
6. 6. World of Hyatt Business Card

   Chase · $199/yr

   60,000 points - Spend $5,000 in 3 months

   Hyatt points are ~2 cpp. Doesn't count toward 5/24. Free night annually.

   Est. value

   $1,200
7. 7. Chase Sapphire Preferred

   Chase · $95/yr

   75,000 points - Spend $5,000 in 3 months

   Entry point to Chase UR ecosystem. Independent bonus from CSR — can hold both. Once-per-lifetime bonus (proprietary pop-up since Jan 2026). Downgrade to Freedom after year 1 if needed.

   Est. value

   $1,125
8. 8. Chase Sapphire Reserve

   Chase · $795/yr

   75,000 points - Spend $5,000 in 3 months

   Massive benefit refresh in June 2025. Independent bonus from CSP — can hold both. Once-per-lifetime bonus (proprietary pop-up system since Jan 2026).

   Est. value

   $1,125
9. 9. Capital One Venture X

   Capital One · $395/yr

   75,000 miles - Spend $4,000 in 3 months

   $300 travel credit makes effective annual fee $95. Priority Pass. 10K anniversary miles.

   Est. value

   $1,125
10. 10. Capital One Venture

    Capital One · $95/yr

    75,000 miles - Spend $4,000 in 3 months

    2x everywhere. Solid mid-tier travel card.

    Est. value

    $1,125
11. 11. Citi Strata Premier

    Citi · $95/yr

    75,000 points - Spend $4,000 in 3 months

    Upgraded Citi Premier. 3x on restaurants + gas + EV charging + flights.

    Est. value

    $1,125
12. 12. Delta SkyMiles Platinum

    Amex · $350/yr

    90,000 miles - Spend $4,000 in 6 months

    Companion Certificate each year. Once-per-lifetime.

    Est. value

    $1,080

Estimated values are ChurnLogic's modeling of signup bonuses and are not guaranteed. Offers and terms change; confirm on the issuer's page. ChurnLogic may earn a commission on approved applications - see our advertiser disclosure. Recommendations are ranked on value, never on what pays us.