Travel credit cards have legit changed my life – or at least my vacations – but man, getting here was a mess. I’m sitting here in my messy apartment in Chicago right now, snow piling up outside on this January day in 2026, sipping terrible instant coffee, and thinking about how these damn travel credit cards saved me thousands last year alone. Seriously, I used to blow cash on full-price flights like an idiot, but now? Nah.
Why Travel Credit Cards Are My Obsession (And Sometimes My Regret)
Look, travel rewards credit cards aren’t perfect. I’ve chased sign-up bonuses like a fool, overspent to hit minimums (hello, that embarrassing $500 grocery haul I didn’t need), and yeah, paid interest once when I forgot a balance. Total rookie move. But the wins? Huge. My Chase Sapphire Preferred turned everyday dining into points that got me a “free” trip to Miami. Felt like winning the lottery, except I earned it through tacos.
My Top Travel Credit Cards That Actually Save Thousands
I’ve tried a bunch, messed up on a few, but these are the travel credit cards I’m sticking with in 2026.
First up, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This one’s my premium go-to now. $395 annual fee sounds steep, but that $300 travel credit through their portal? I use it every year on flights or hotels, easy. Plus 10,000 anniversary miles – that’s another $100+ toward travel. Unlimited lounge access for me (though guests cost extra starting last year, ugh), and 2x miles on everything. I booked a killer Hawaii trip last summer wiping out costs with miles. Check current offers here.
Then there’s the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This was my starter travel rewards credit card, and honestly, still my favorite for flexibility. $95 fee, but that $50 hotel credit through Chase Travel? Cake. 5x on travel booked there, 3x on dining – I rack up points on takeout alone. Transferred points to airlines for business class once; felt fancy as hell. Current bonus is solid – details here.
The American Express® Gold Card is my foodie pick, even if it’s not pure travel. 4x at restaurants and supermarkets? My grocery bills turn into points fast. Those dining credits (Uber, Resy, etc.) add up to hundreds offset. Pair it with a true travel card for max savings. More on benefits here.
Mistakes I’ve Made With Travel Rewards Credit Cards (So You Don’t)
- Chasing bonuses without planning: Ended up with cards I didn’t use, fees wasted.
- Forgetting foreign fees on non-travel cards abroad: Ouch, that hit hard in Europe.
- Not transferring points wisely: Redeemed at crappy rates early on.
But now? I pay off monthly, track everything sloppily in a notes app, and these travel credit cards fund most trips.
Wrapping This Ramble Up
Anyway, yeah, travel credit cards can save you thousands if you’re not a total mess like me sometimes. Pick one that fits your spending – dining heavy? Gold. All-around? Sapphire Preferred. Luxury perks? Venture X. Start small, learn from my screw-ups, and you’ll be redeeming for free flights before you know it.
What’s your go-to travel rewards credit card? Drop a comment if you’ve got stories – good or embarrassing. And seriously, check your credit, apply responsibly. Safe travels!