Best Amex Travel Credit Cards of 2026
Amex cards ranked by travel earn rates, transfer partners, and travel benefits.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Travel, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Top Pick
American Express Gold Card
American Express
5x Membership Rewards on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal
5x × 1.5¢/pt = 7.5¢ per dollar
- +5x on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Annual fee $325. Other listed credits: $120 Dining Credit (up to $10/mo); $84 Dunkin' Credit (up to $7/mo); $100 Resy Credit (up to $50/6mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Global Assist Hotline; The Hotel Collection; $120 Uber Cash (up to $10/mo) — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
AMEXCore Rate
3.2¢
per dollar on travel
$325/yr
Runner-Up
The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express
5x Membership Rewards on Flights
5x × 1.5¢/pt = 7.5¢ per dollar
- +5x on Flights — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Annual fee $895. Other listed credits: Digital Entertainment Credit (up to $300/yr); Equinox Credit (up to $300/yr); Lululemon Credit (up to $300/yr); Oura Ring Credit (up to $200/yr); Resy Restaurant Credit (up to $400/yr); Walmart+ Membership Credit (up to $155/yr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +$250 Airbnb Experiences Credit (up to $250/yr); Airline Fee Credit (up to $200/yr); CLEAR Plus Credit (up to $219/yr); $600 Lodging Credit (FHR / Hotel Collection / Airbnb Luxe) (up to $600/yr); Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit (up to $120/4yr); Uber Credit (up to $200/yr); Uber One Membership Credit (up to $120/yr); Premium Global Assist Hotline; Platinum Travel Service — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
AMEXCore Rate
3.8¢
per dollar on travel
$895/yr
Also Great
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
American Express
3% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +3% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +Annual fee $95. Other listed credits: Disney Bundle Credit (up to $10/mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Global Assist Hotline — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
AMEXCore Rate
1.2¢
per dollar on travel
$95/yr (Y1 waived)
Welcome: $250 cash back
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards Hotels & Lodging | 3.2¢/$ | $325 | amex |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards Flights | 3.8¢/$ | $895 | amex |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 3% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 1.2¢/$ | $95 | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardAmerican Express | 7x Hilton Honors Flights | 1.7¢/$ | $550 | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x SkyMiles Hotels & Lodging | 1.4¢/$ | $350 | amex |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x Marriott Bonvoy Flights | 1.5¢/$ | $650 | amex |
| Business Green RewardsAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $95 | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x Hilton Honors All Other | 1.2¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x Marriott Bonvoy All Other | 1.4¢/$ | $250 | amex |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 1% cash back All Other | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
More Options
#4Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card$550/yr
1.7¢/$
#5Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card$350/yr
1.4¢/$
#6Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card$650/yr
1.5¢/$
#7Business Green Rewards$95/yr
1.5¢/$
#8Hilton Honors American Express CardNo fee
1.2¢/$
#9Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card$250/yr
1.4¢/$
#10Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressNo fee
1.0¢/$
Want to customize by spend amount, programs, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Points & MilesAmex Membership Rewards: how to build a practical redemption planGive Membership Rewards points a job. Compare Amex Travel, charge coverage, and airline transfers, including the U.S. airline transfer fee, before moving any.
- Card StrategyStreaming credits: how to check eligible subscriptions and billing methodsStreaming rewards and streaming credits are different benefits. Match the card benefit, the eligible plan, and who bills you before you switch cards.
- Card StrategyIs a credit card annual fee worth it? A realistic break-even methodAn annual fee is worth it when extra rewards and benefits you will use beat the fee versus your real alternative. A break-even method with worked examples.
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