The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2026, According to The Points Guy

Expert Nick Ewen breaks down the top travel cards worth your wallet space this year

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Navigating the travel credit card landscape in 2026 can feel like a full-time job, but the "best" card isn't necessarily the one with the flashiest metal or the highest fee. Instead, it's the one that aligns with your specific spending habits and travel goals. Nick Ewen, Senior Editorial Director at The Points Guy, argues that the most effective strategy for most people is to prioritize flexibility.

Why it matters

With so many travel credit card options on the market, it's important for consumers to understand which cards offer the best value and perks based on their individual spending and travel needs. The Points Guy's expert recommendations can help people make informed decisions about which travel cards are worth signing up for in 2026.

The details

Ewen cites overall standbys like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Capital One Venture, the Citi Strata Premier and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, but also highlights category-specific cards that might be right for different goals. For example, the American Express Gold is an "earning powerhouse" for everyday spending on dining and groceries, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum offer the most generous lounge access policies. The Capital One Venture X is Ewen's top premium card pick, and he says the Chase Ultimate Rewards program remains the "gold standard" for high-value point transfers.

  • The article was published on March 8, 2026.

The players

Nick Ewen

The Senior Editorial Director at The Points Guy, an expert who provides recommendations on the best travel credit cards.

American Express Gold

A credit card that offers 4 points per dollar at restaurants and U.S. grocery stores, making it an "earning powerhouse" for everyday spending.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

A premium travel credit card that offers generous lounge access, including two free guest passes.

Amex Platinum

A premium travel credit card that includes access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club lounges.

Capital One Venture X

A premium travel credit card that offers at least 2 miles per dollar spent, a $300 annual travel credit, and access to Capital One Lounges.

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What they’re saying

“In general, the 'best' credit card is very dependent on what you want to do with your rewards, along with you general spending habits. In my opinion, the 'best' options are typically ones that earn flexible rewards—ones that can be used for cash-back, direct travel and can be transferred to partner loyalty programs.”

— Nick Ewen, Senior Editorial Director, The Points Guy (The Points Guy)

“I am a big fan of this card... It's a premium card that's maintained its lower annual fee of $395 (a notable differentiator compared to the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve). It also gives me at least two miles per dollar spent on every purchase, so I typically use it on my expenditures that don't otherwise fit into other bonus categories.”

— Nick Ewen, Senior Editorial Director, The Points Guy (The Points Guy)

“Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable currencies out there thanks to transfer partners like British Airways and World of Hyatt, and I love the fact that I can combine rewards from my cash-back Chase cards with those from my Sapphire Reserve, effectively increasing their value.”

— Nick Ewen, Senior Editorial Director, The Points Guy (The Points Guy)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy moments related to the travel credit cards discussed.

The takeaway

With so many travel credit card options on the market, it's important for consumers to carefully evaluate the specific perks and benefits that align with their spending habits and travel goals in order to find the best card for their needs. The Points Guy's expert recommendations can help people make informed decisions and maximize the value they get from their travel credit cards.