Americans Want to Travel More in 2026 -- These Credit Cards Can Help Make It Happen

Travel is the No. 1 thing Americans are saving for in 2026.

According to a 2026 New Year Money Resolutions Report from Motley Fool Money, 30% of Americans who are saving for a major milestone say they're putting that money toward vacations and travel -- more than any other category.

Whether it's a long-overdue family trip, quick beach getaway or a bucket-list adventure, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for getting out of town.

And if you're planning to travel, a good travel rewards credit card can help you save money, earn perks, and make your trip a little more comfortable.

My team and I have tested hundreds of rewards cards. Here are three top picks for turning everyday spending into travel magic.

How a welcome bonus + ongoing rewards can fund a trip

Here's what travel rewards can actually look like when you put them to work.

Imagine you apply for a travel rewards credit card and earn a $750 welcome bonus after meeting the initial spend requirement.

Next, you use the card for regular spending -- groceries, commuting, or whatever -- and earn another $250 in travel‑usable rewards over the next few months.

That gives you a total of $1,000 in travel credit/points.

What could that $1,000 do?

• Cover a 3-night getaway for two at a modest resort
• Cover a few round-trip domestic flights
• Offset $1,000 of a larger "trip of a lifetime"

And in addition to those points, many travel cards offer additional perks like trip protections, status upgrades, hotel credits, or even airport lounge access.

That's the power of stacking welcome offers + ongoing rewards. When you use the right card, you're not just earning points, you're accelerating your travel.

To peek at our full list of top-rated travel cards, head here. But if you want the shortlist, the three cards below are amazing picks for 2026.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card -- balanced, high‑value, widely usable

If you want a card that hits strong across travel use, redemption flexibility, and solid value -- all for a modest $95 annual fee -- the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a perfect first choice.

Right now, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months -- that's worth at least $750 in Chase Travel℠ value.

Here's how points are earned and other top benefits:

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries dining, streaming, and online groceries
• 2X points on all other travel purchases
• 1X points on all other purchases
• $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points bonus based on your prior year's purchases
• Travel protections like trip cancellation insurance, auto rental coverage, and lost luggage insurance

It's a well-rounded card that fits nearly every kind of traveler. Personally I've held the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for years, and my wife has one too!

2. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card -- travel rewards with no annual fee

If you're just starting your travel-rewards journey -- or don't want to commit to paying an annual fee -- the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees) is a strong pick.

You'll earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, which you can redeem for $200 in travel, gift cards, or statement credits.

Here are some of the standout features:

• 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cellphone protection when you pay your bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Easy-to-use points with flexible redemption options

This is a super chill card. The welcome bonus is easy to hit, and since there's no annual fee, every point you earn is upside.

It's a good fit for travelers who want easy rewards without playing the full-on "points game."

3. American Express Platinum Card® -- for real VIP perks

If you're planning a "trip of a lifetime," the American Express Platinum Card® is the card that takes things up a notch. Yes, it comes with a really high fee ($895, see rates and fees), but the perks can be real game-changers.

Here's just a taste of what you get:

• $600 in hotel credits through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay required)
• $400 in Resy dining credits for select restaurants
• $300 in lululemon credits -- yep, seriously
• Lounge access to Centurion, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta)
• $209 CLEAR® Plus credit to breeze through airport security
• TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit
• $200 airline fee credit for incidental charges like seat selection or checked bags
• Terms apply; enrollment may be required

And that's just scratching the surface. The entire value of annual perks and credit is over $3,500, if you can use them all.

And there's a welcome offer, too! Apply and find out if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

This card is definitely extra -- but so are the perks. If you're going big on travel in 2026 and want VIP treatment from gate to hotel lobby (plus a few bougie extras at home), it might be totally worth it.

Turn points into plane tickets in 2026

With the right credit card, and a basic plan, your regular spending can turn into discounted travel.

Whether you're earning a $750+ welcome bonus, cashing in points from groceries and takeout, or taking advantage of lounge access and hotel credits, the right card can make a noticeable dent in your 2026 travel goals.

You don't need to be a "points expert" to make it work. Just choose a card that fits your style, use it consistently, and let it help cover the cost of your next adventure.

Compare top rewards cards across all spending categories.