We talk about points like they’re a currency because, well, they are. And just like you wouldn’t keep all your cash under a mattress, you shouldn’t be spending money without getting something back for it.
These are the cards you hear us reference on Departure Digest. They aren’t just plastic (or metal). They’re the tools that turn your morning oat milk latte and subway commute into business class seats to Tokyo. Some help you build massive point balances for big trips, while others act like VIP club memberships, giving you credits for rideshares, takeout, and shopping when you’re not traveling.
Quick reality check: Most of these cards are easiest to get approved for if you have a good to excellent credit score (roughly FICO 670-850). Pay your balance in full every month, treat credit like debit, and let the banks help fund the fun part of your life.
Our favorite credit cards of 2026
Card | Ideal for | Annual fee | Earning Multiplier | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners who want one “do-it-all” travel card (start here) | $95 | 1x-5x points | • Flexible points you can transfer to airline and hotel partners
• Nice ongoing perks like an annual Chase Travel hotel credit and a 10% anniversary points boost
• Strong travel protections for a mid-tier fee |
Foodies, takeout regulars, and people who spend big on groceries | $325 (see rates & fees) | 1x-4x points | • High rewards on dining and groceries
• Up to $500+ in potential statement credits that can help offset the fee (Resy, Uber, Dunkin’, and more). Enrollment required for select benefits.
• Know if you're approved with no credit score impact | |
Frequent travelers and consultants who want VIP treatment (Patagonia vest optional) | $795 | 1x-10x points | • A stack of statement credits across travel, hotels, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle that can help offset the fee if you’ll use them (activation may be required)
• Airport lounge access: Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club, Priority Pass lounges, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges (primary cardholder + up to two guests per visit)
• Strong travel protections and redemption options, especially if you like flexible points | |
Your "everything else" card for everyday spending | $0 | 1.5%-5% cash back | • Strong base earning on basically everything, plus boosted rates in a few everyday categories
• Intro APR offer may be available
• Pair it with a Sapphire card to combine rewards and unlock transfer partners, which can make your rewards more valuable | |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Learn more | “Premium perks, minimal math” people | $395 | 2x-10x miles | • Up to $300 annual Capital One Travel credit
• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year (worth at least $100 toward travel)
• Airport lounge access: Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings, and 1,300+ Priority Pass locations (enrollment required)
• Simple earning structure that’s easy to stick with long-term |
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Learn more | Airport-lounge regulars and “coupon book” optimizers (in a good way) | $895 (see rates & fees) | 1x-5x points | • “Coupon book,” but in a good way if you’ll use it: A long list of statement credits that can offset the fee (Uber, airline fee, fitness, shopping, and more)
• Extensive lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass, and more
• Hotel perks that can make paid stays feel more premium
Enrollment required for select benefits |
People who want hotel stays to cost less and feel more upgraded, even on normal trips | $550 (see rates & fees) | 3x-14x points | • Automatic Diamond Status (upgrades, food and beverage credits, early check-in/late check-out)
• An annual free night reward, plus airline and resort credits that can meaningfully offset the annual fee if you’ll use them
• Strong earning rates on Hilton stays, which helps you stack points fast on trips where lodging is the big expense |
🤫 On the DL: Don’t hoard your points. Banks devalue rewards all the time (aka flights “cost” more points later). The best strategy is earn and burn. Book the trip you want now, not the imaginary retirement blowout in 2045.
How to pick a travel credit card without overthinking it
If you want one starter card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The fee is manageable, the points are flexible, and it’s hard to beat as a first real travel card.
If your biggest spend is food: American Express® Gold Card. It’s the “my errands earn my vacations” workhorse, especially if you’ll actually use the credits.
If you want premium perks but simple math: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. If you’ll use the annual travel credit, the math is refreshingly straightforward, and the anniversary bonus miles help keep the yearly cost feeling low.
If you’re in airports a lot: Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express. Pick Reserve if you want Chase’s newer credit stack (hotels, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle) plus strong lounge access. Pick Platinum if you want the biggest lounge footprint and you’ll actually use the “coupon book” credits like Uber, Equinox, lululemon, and the rest.
If you want hotels to feel upgraded and cost less: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Even if you’re not a “Hilton loyalist,” automatic status does a lot of heavy lifting, and the free night plus credits can make the annual fee feel way less dramatic if you’ll use them.
Want a clean, beginner setup? Start with one “anchor” card (such as the Sapphire Preferred), then add an everyday earner like Chase Freedom Unlimited® to build your balance faster. You do not need a seven-card circus to take one great trip.
