We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These Are the Best for 2026 Travel

According to a recent Marriott poll, 91% of Americans are planning to travel in 2026. And nearly all of them are looking for ways to stretch their travel budget (including me!).

Whether you're dreaming of a beach escape, booking a family trip, or flying somewhere new for the first time in years, the right credit card can help you save money, unlock perks, and make the entire experience smoother.

We reviewed over 100 credit cards this year as part of the Motley Fool Money 2026 Awards, and these three travel cards stood out for nearly every kind of traveler.

1. Best no-annual-fee option: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

If you're just starting your travel rewards journey -- or don't want to pay an annual fee -- the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees) is right up your alley.

Let's start with the welcome offer for new applicants: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

Other perks included:

• 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on other purchases
• $0 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cellphone protection when you pay your bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible)

One unique feature that I like is that you don't have to book travel through any special portal to earn the high rewards rate. All travel counts. That means you can shop around for the best prices and still earn full rewards.

2. The old faithful: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

This one's been a crowd favorite for years. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is an ideal starter travel card that balances strong rewards, solid perks, and Chase's unbeatable point transfer partners.

The welcome offer is very generous: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's equal to at least $750 in Chase Travel℠ value, or more if you snag a Points Boost deal through the Chase Travel portal.

Main card highlights:

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2X points on all other travel purchases
• 1X points on all other purchases
• $50 hotel credit each year (via Chase Travel)
• Travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, and baggage delay reimbursement
• Annual fee: $95

You can redeem points through Chase Travel or transfer them to top airlines and hotels for even more value. It's flexible, beginner-friendly, and stacked with protection perks.

3. Best overall travel card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For high-value travelers who want simplicity, luxury perks, and long-term rewards power, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) was just named Motley Fool Money's 2026 Best Travel Card of the Year.

The annual fee for this card seems high at first glance ($395, see rates and fees), but when you see the perks package you'll realize it can be offset with credits and annual benefits.

For starters, this card has a strong welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening. That's worth $1,000 toward travel.

Here's what else you get:

• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 in travel)
• Airport lounge access to 1,300+ locations worldwide
• Cellphone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, and more (these are network benefits)
• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases

Even with the annual fee, the math works out in your favor if you travel at least a couple times a year. The lounge access, annual credits, and simple flat-rate rewards make it an easy long-term keeper.

Turn everyday spending into your next flight

You don't need to be a travel hacker to make these cards work for you. My wife and I easily earn over $1,000 a year in travel rewards just by using the right mix of travel cards.

Whether you want a quick $750 toward your next trip, airport lounge access, or just a little extra credit towards flights and hotels, a good travel card can make it happen faster than you think.

Compare all our top-rated travel cards here and find your best match for 2026.