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Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2026 — Claire's Picks

By Claire — Cards Made Simple · Updated June 2026 · Methodology · Verify terms before applying

Most people pick a travel card based on the welcome bonus. Claire evaluates on three-year net value: what the card earns minus the annual fees over 36 months. The winner changes depending on how much you travel and whether you will actually use the credits.

Claire's Quick Take

The Chase Sapphire Preferred (9.3/10) at $95 per year is the right first travel card for most people. For frequent travelers with $3,000+ per year in travel and dining spend, the Chase Sapphire Reserve (9.1/10) produces better long-term value despite the $550 fee.

#1: Chase Sapphire Preferred (9.3/10)

Best First Travel Card $95/yr

The entry point for transferable travel points. The $95 annual fee is the lowest in its tier, and the 14 transfer partners give you access to most major airline and hotel programs without locking you into one.

60,000 point welcome bonus worth $750 through Chase Travel or $1,200+ through transfer partners. 3x on dining, 5x on Chase Travel, 2x on all other travel, 1x on everything else. $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel. Points transfer to United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, British Airways, and 9 other partners at 1:1. No foreign transaction fees. Annual fee is covered by the welcome bonus for the first 6+ years.

Apply if:

First-time travel card holders who want transferable points without a $500+ annual fee. The welcome bonus alone justifies the card for years.

Skip if:

Frequent travelers with established airline or hotel status who would benefit more from a co-branded card with elite perks.

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#2: Chase Sapphire Reserve (9.1/10)

Best Premium Travel Card $550/yr

The math works at $3,000+ in annual travel and dining spend. The $300 travel credit reduces the effective fee to $250, and the 3x on dining and travel plus Priority Pass lounge access justify the remaining cost for frequent travelers.

$300 travel credit applies broadly to flights, hotels, taxis, parking, and transit. 3x on dining and travel after the credit. Points worth 1.5cpp through Chase Travel (50% more than the Preferred). Same 14 transfer partners at 1:1. Priority Pass lounge access. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years. The credit card experience is noticeably premium — metal card, dedicated customer service line.

Apply if:

Frequent travelers who spend $3,000+ on travel and dining annually and will use lounge access at least 4 times per year. The cost-benefit tips positive at these usage levels.

Skip if:

Infrequent travelers who won't use Priority Pass and can't fully deploy the $300 travel credit. The Preferred is $455 cheaper and works better at lower travel volumes.

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What to Look For

Travel card evaluation requires calculating your actual annual spend in the bonus categories, not your theoretical maximum. Map your real dining, travel, and grocery spend from your last 12 months of statements. Calculate what each card would have earned you. Subtract the annual fee after any credits you will actually use. The card with the highest positive number wins for your specific situation.

Claire's evaluation methodology prioritizes three-year net value over welcome bonus size and verifies all rates and fees against primary issuer sources. See the full methodology for scoring weights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?

The Reserve earns more per dollar on travel and dining and offers better redemption value (1.5cpp vs 1.25cpp through Chase Travel), but the $550 fee versus $95 fee means you need to spend more to break even. Claire's threshold: if you spend $3,000+ annually on travel and dining and will use the lounge access, the Reserve wins. Below that, the Preferred wins.

Are travel card welcome bonuses actually worth it?

Yes, with two conditions: you spend enough to meet the minimum threshold without overspending, and you understand how to redeem the points at their full value. The Chase Sapphire Preferred's 60,000-point bonus is worth $750 through Chase Travel — not the 60,000 cents that some people assume.

What is the Chase 5/24 rule?

Chase's informal 5/24 rule: if you have opened 5 or more credit cards at any bank in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application. If you are planning to get Chase cards, apply for them before other issuers. Order of applications matters.

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Credit card terms, rates, and offers change frequently. Verify all details with the card issuer before applying. As of June 2026.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Cards Made Simple earns a referral fee if you apply through our links. This does not affect Claire's ratings or recommendations.
AI DISCLOSURE: Content produced with AI-assisted tools including script generation.