Best Credit Cards for Travel 2026
Updated February 16, 2026·CardStack Data Team
Quick Answer
The best credit card for travel in 2026 is the AAA Travel Advantage ($0/yr annual fee). We compared 15 cards across rewards rates, fees, and benefits to find the top picks.
Top 15 Cards Compared
| # | Card | Fee | Rate | Bonus | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | AAA Travel Advantage COMENITY | $0 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #2 | AARP Travel Rewards BARCLAYS | $0 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #3 | American Express® Gold Card AMERICAN_EXPRESS | $325 | 1.0X | 60,000 points | visa |
| #4 | Autograph WELLS_FARGO | $0 | 1.0X | 20,000 points | visa |
| #5 | Bilt WELLS_FARGO | $0 | 1.0X | Varies | visa |
| #6 | Business Advantage Travel Rewards BANK_OF_AMERICA | $0 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #7 | Freedom Flex CHASE | $0 | 1.0X | $200 cash back | visa |
| #8 | Freedom Unlimited CHASE | $0 | 1.0X | $200 cash back | visa |
| #9 | Frontier Airlines World BARCLAYS | $89 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #10 | Hawaiian Airlines World Elite BARCLAYS | $99 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #11 | Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business BARCLAYS | $99 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #12 | IHG Traveler CHASE | $0 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #13 | Ink Business Preferred CHASE | $95 | 1.0X | 100,000 points | visa |
| #14 | LATAM Airlines FIRST | $0 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
| #15 | LATAM Airlines World Elite FIRST | $99 | 1.0X | N/A | visa |
RelatedAAA Travel Advantage vs AARP Travel Rewards·AAA Travel Advantage Review·AARP Travel Rewards Review·American Express® Gold Card Review·Autograph Review·Bilt Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for travel in 2026?
Based on our analysis of 15 cards, the top pick for travel is the AAA Travel Advantage with a $0/yr fee.
How did you choose the best travel credit cards?
We analyze data from 35+ verified sources including official card terms, rewards rates, annual fees, and benefits. Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence.
Are there no-annual-fee options for travel?
Yes, many travel cards come with no annual fee. Check the fee column in our comparison table above to find $0/yr options.
How often are these rankings updated?
Our rankings are updated regularly as card terms change. Last verified: February 16, 2026.
This ranking draws on data from 35+ independent sources.
Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence on placement.
Last verified on February 16, 2026.
Full methodology: cardstack.co/methodology.