Ultimate Credit Cards for Rewards in 2026

My wife and I have been traveling for a long time. We have used every card under the sun... and the one that is especially worth every penny of the $95 Annual fee is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.  Why?  

Chase offers one of the most versatile rewards programs on the planet because they have partnered with so many companies for points transfers. Why does this matter?  Can you imagine paying only $400.00 for an $800.00 flight? Well, if you think of $$ in points, this is what you would spend. 

Think of it this way: For every 10,000 points you gain its approximately $100.00 for use in travel using the Ultimate Rewards Login with your card.  Since the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you 25% more value when using the card for travel, its basically like turning that 10,000 points into 12,500 points, or approximately $125.00.

This is why chase says that the sign up bonus of the Chase Sapphire Preferred of 60,000 points is worth $750.00.  

If you are married:

Why do I say to get the Chase Sapphire PREFERRED rather than RESERVE?

If you are married, I say to get the PREFERRED as your primary card first, or whoever will be spending the most. The reason why is because there is a 10% anniversary bonus on points. Example: if you get 10,000 points from spending, you will get 1000 points free on your card anniversary date.  Most likely your anniversary bonus points will cover the annual fee of $95.

Then, have your spouse get the Chase Sapphire RESERVE. The reason why is because you can transfer points from your PREFERRED card to the RESERVE card.

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a high annual fee of $750, but hear me out... its worth it. Why? Each year you get a travel credit of $300. If you are like me... you spend easily over $300 on travel. How do I justify the additional $250? The card comes with free lounge access to Priority Pass lounges across the globe. If you haven't ever used lounges, you are missing out. It literally makes spending time in the Airport fun... especially when there is drinks, food and comfortable chairs.  We save $250 a year easily on food and drink due to this and its a luxury I can't live without now.

What if I don't want to pay a high sign up bonus? 

Whatever you do, do not break the rule of thumb for Credit Cards. NEVER buy something you can't pay for. If you cannot afford to use the card and pay it off before the due date, then try and find other means of using a card. There are cards out there that have less of a spend to get the sign up bonus such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited. If you are scared of not being able to pay off your card immediately, then start out here to build your points rather than pay for all your expenses with a no reward card.