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Best cards for Travel

Flights, hotels and general travel.

Last updated

  1. 1Citi
    Citi AAdvantage Executive

    10× miles · at 1.4¢/ptcategory bonus

    14.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  2. 2Citi
    Citi Strata Elite

    12× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    12.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  3. 3Capital One
    Venture X

    10× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    10.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  4. 4Citi
    Citi Strata Premier

    10× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    10.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  5. 5Chase
    IHG One Rewards Traveler

    17× points · at 0.5¢/ptcategory bonus

    Combined base + status + card earn

    8.5%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  6. 6Chase
    Sapphire Reserve

    8× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus

    Booked through Chase Travel portal

    8.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  7. 7Barclays
    JetBlue Plus

    6× points · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus

    7.8%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  8. 8American Express
    Hilton Aspire

    14× points · at 0.5¢/ptcategory bonus

    7.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  9. 9Chase
    World of Hyatt

    4× points · at 1.7¢/ptcategory bonus

    6.8%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  10. 10Chase
    Sapphire Preferred

    5× points · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus

    6.3%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  11. 11American Express
    Hilton Surpass

    12× points · at 0.5¢/ptcategory bonus

    6.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply
  12. 12Wells Fargo
    Choice Privileges Select

    10× points · at 0.6¢/ptcategory bonus

    6.0%value back ⓘ
    Apply

“Value back” = earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cpp) — a conservative, like-for-like estimate. Transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One) are often worth more than baseline. Category bonuses may be capped; see each card. All categories

How these numbers are calculated, and where every fact comes from: How we know this.

Frequently asked

What is the best credit card for travel in 2026?

By effective value back, Citi AAdvantage Executive leads at about 14.0% on travel. Your own spend and whether you'll use the card's other perks can change the best pick.

Do I need a card with a travel bonus?

Not always. If you don't spend much on travel, a flat 2% card can net more after annual fees. Compare the value-back figures against your spend — the For-You tool does the math for you.

How is value back calculated?

Effective value back = the earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cents per point). Cashback cards are worth 1¢ per point; transferable points are often worth more. Category spend caps are factored in.