- 5%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 2%Points on travel
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on travel.
19.24%-27.49% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as the top choice because it offers an exceptional rewards structure with 5x points on travel booked through Chase and 3x points on dining. Its generous welcome bonus of 75,000 points provides significant value, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and dining
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- High spending requirement for bonus
2.American Express Platinum Card®
American Express
- 5%Points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the American Express Platinum Card® apart is its extensive travel benefits, including access to premium lounges and a high welcome bonus of 175,000 points. This card is particularly appealing for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards and travel experiences.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- High welcome bonus
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Complex rewards structure
3.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 8x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 1x on all other purchases.
19.49%-27.99% Variable APR
The standout feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is its high earning potential, offering 8x points on travel booked through Chase. With a welcome bonus of 125,000 points, it provides significant value for those who travel frequently and want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel
- Generous travel credits
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
4.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card shines for its high rewards on travel bookings, offering 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. With a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles, it provides excellent value for those who frequently travel and want to earn significant rewards.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel bookings
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited to Capital One Travel for top rewards
5.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 2%Miles on every purchase
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 2x miles on every purchase, every day.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who want a straightforward rewards structure, earning 2x miles on every purchase. Its welcome bonus of 75,000 miles adds significant value for new cardholders looking to maximize their travel rewards.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Simple rewards structure
Cons:
- Limited bonus categories
- Annual fee applies
6.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Points on restaurants worldwide
- 3%Points on U.S. supermarkets
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4x points on restaurants worldwide and 3x points on U.S. supermarkets.
The American Express® Gold Card excels in its high rewards on dining, offering 4x points at restaurants worldwide. With a welcome bonus of 100,000 points, it provides exceptional value for food lovers and frequent diners.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited to certain categories for high rewards
7.Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America
- 2%Points on travel and dining purchases
- 1.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 in the first 90 days after account opening.
Earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases; 1.5x points on all other purchases.
19.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for those seeking a no-annual-fee option with straightforward rewards. Its welcome bonus of 25,000 points adds value for new cardholders looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Straightforward rewards
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium cards
- Limited bonus categories
Final Words
As you consider the best travel credit cards this May 2026, remember that the right choice hinges on your spending habits and travel preferences. Take time to compare options, evaluate rewards, and make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
You can earn 8x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 1x on all other purchases. This makes it an excellent choice for frequent travelers and diners.
The American Express Platinum Card® offers a welcome bonus of 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Additionally, you earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
When comparing travel credit cards, consider factors like the welcome bonus, earning rates on various categories, annual fees, and additional perks like travel insurance or lounge access. Look for cards that align with your spending habits for maximum rewards.
Travel credit cards can have a wide range of annual fees, from no annual fee to several hundred dollars. Premium cards often charge higher fees but may offer greater rewards and benefits, so evaluate if the perks are worth the cost based on your travel habits.
Many travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel. Always check the card's terms before traveling to avoid unexpected charges.
When choosing a travel credit card, consider the welcome bonus, reward rates on travel and dining, annual fees, and any additional travel benefits like insurance or rewards redemption options. Make sure the card fits your travel patterns and spending habits.
