Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit (March 2026)
Ranked by actual rewards rates at excellent credit merchants. 15 cards tested.
Updated March 11, 2026·PointsPick Data Team
Data verified March 2026 · Methodology
Quick Answer
The best credit card for excellent credit in 2026 is the Autograph Journey ($95/yr annual fee). We compared 15 cards across rewards rates, fees, and benefits to find the top picks.
Top 15 Cards Compared
#1
Top Pick
5x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF60,000 points
Autograph Journey for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
5xHotels
4xAirlines
3xOther Travel
3xDining
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Autograph Journey for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- 60,000 points signup bonus
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#2
Runner Up
6x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTFUp to $300 cash back
Blue Cash Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a Up to $300 cash back signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
6xUs Supermarkets
6xStreaming Services
3xTransit
3xUs Gas Stations
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Blue Cash Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a Up to $300 cash back signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Up to $300 cash back signup bonus
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#3
Best Bonus
3x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF100,000 points
Ink Business Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 100,000 points signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
3xShipping Purchases
3xSocial Media And Search Engine Advertising
3xInternet, Cable, And Phone Services
3xTravel
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Ink Business Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 100,000 points signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Transferable points to travel partners
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
#4
Best Bonus
2x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF60,000 points
Premium Rewards for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
#5
Best Bonus
5x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF75,000 points
Sapphire Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 75,000 points signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
5xTravel Via Chase Portal
3xDining
3xOnline Grocery
3xStreaming
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Sapphire Preferred for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 75,000 points signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Transferable points to travel partners
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
#6
10x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF60,000 points
Strata Premier for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
10xHotels/Car Rentals Via Citi Travel
3xDining
3xSupermarkets
3xGas Stations
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Strata Premier for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Transferable points to travel partners
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
#7
5x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF75,000 miles
Venture Rewards for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 75,000 miles signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
5xHotels Via Capital One Travel
2xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Venture Rewards for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee, plus a 75,000 miles signup bonus.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Transferable points to travel partners
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
#8
2x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
2xAmerican Airlines Purchases
2xTelecommunications
2xCar Rentals
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#9
3x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
Aer Lingus Signature for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
3xAer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling
2xHotels
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Aer Lingus Signature for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#10
Rewards Rate
3xAir Canada Purchases
3xDining
3xGrocery Stores
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Aeroplan for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#11
4x Best Rate$325/yrNo FTF60,000 points
American Express® Gold Card no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Rewards Rate
4xDining
4xU.S. Supermarkets
3xFlights
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: American Express® Gold Card no foreign transaction fee, plus a 60,000 points signup bonus.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- Transferable points to travel partners
- 60,000 points signup bonus
Cons
- High $325 annual fee
#12
4x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
Atmos Rewards Ascent for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
4xSustainable Brands
2xDining & Grocery
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Atmos Rewards Ascent for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#13
4x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
Atmos Rewards Business for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
4xSustainable Brands
2xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Atmos Rewards Business for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#14
6x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
Blue Cash Preferred (Morgan Stanley) for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
6xUs Supermarkets
6xStreaming Services
3xTransit
3xUs Gas Stations
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: Blue Cash Preferred (Morgan Stanley) for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
#15
3x Best Rate$95/yrNo FTF
British Airways Signature for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards Rate
3xBritish Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling
2xHotels
1xEverything Else
1.0xAll other purchases
Why we picked it: British Airways Signature for just $95/yr, no foreign transaction fee.
Pros
- Low $95/yr annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $95/yr annual fee
- No point transfer partners
RelatedAutograph Journey vs Blue Cash Preferred·Autograph Journey Review·Blue Cash Preferred Review·Ink Business Preferred Review·Premium Rewards Review·Sapphire Preferred Review
Top 5 Picks in Detail
#1. Autograph Journey
The Autograph Journey from Wells Fargo earns 1.0x base rate for a $95/yr annual fee, plus a 60,000 points welcome bonus worth ~$600.
#2. Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express earns 1.0x base rate for a $95/yr annual fee, plus a Up to $300 cash back welcome bonus worth ~$300.
#3. Ink Business Preferred
The Ink Business Preferred from Chase earns 1.0x base rate for a $95/yr annual fee, plus a 100,000 points welcome bonus worth ~$1000.
#4. Premium Rewards
The Premium Rewards from Bank of America earns 1.0x base rate for a $95/yr annual fee, plus a 60,000 points welcome bonus worth ~$600.
#5. Sapphire Preferred
The Sapphire Preferred from Chase earns 1.0x base rate for a $95/yr annual fee, plus a 75,000 points welcome bonus worth ~$938.
Our Methodology
Our excellent credit rankings are based on 15 data points across reward rates, annual fees, signup bonuses, and cardholder benefits. We pull data from 35+ independent verified sources including official card terms, issuer disclosures, and industry databases. Rankings are computed algorithmically with no affiliate influence on card placement or scoring. Cards are re-evaluated monthly as terms change. For the full breakdown of our scoring model, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for excellent credit in 2026?
The Autograph Journey is our top-ranked card for excellent credit in 2026, earning 1X rewards with a $95/yr annual fee. We compared 15 qualifying cards based on category-specific bonus rates, annual fees, and cardholder benefits.
How did you rank these excellent credit credit cards?
We ranked 15 cards by their actual category-specific bonus rate using data from 35+ verified sources. Cards earning higher rewards in excellent credit rank higher. We also factor in annual fees, signup bonuses, and cardholder benefits.
Is there a no-annual-fee card for excellent credit?
Most top excellent credit cards carry an annual fee. Consider whether the rewards offset the cost based on your spending habits.
How often are these rankings updated?
Rankings update automatically when card terms change. Data last verified: March 11, 2026.
PointsPick may earn a commission when you apply through our links. Full disclosure
This ranking draws on data from 35+ independent sources.
Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence on placement.
Last verified on March 11, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.