January 2026: Best Travel Credit Card Offers

How to Choose a Card (and When to Apply)

This page is designed to help you choose the right travel credit card.

Below, you’ll see the best current offers. We highlight the strongest offers first, including those that may not be around long.

You don’t need to understand every detail about points and miles to get started because we’ve already done the work for you. =)

What to look for:

• A strong welcome bonus
• A spending requirement you can comfortably meet
• Points that work for how you travel

Once you find a card that fits, timing matters. Credit card offers change often, and some disappear without notice. If you’re ready, its usually best not to wait.

Want personalized recommendations? Log in to your Travel Freely App (it’s free!) and let the CardGenie® work its magic.

Top Travel Credit Card Offers Right Now (January 2026)

Still Going Strong! American Express® Gold Card – As High As 100,000 Points + 4x on groceries

The popular American Express® Gold Card has an “As High As” 100,000 point offer when you spend $6,000 within the first 6 months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) It’s a crowd favorite for everyday spending thanks to 4x points on grocery spending (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year) and 4x at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US (up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases.) (Terms apply.)

What’s really cool about this offer is Amex’s new “As High As” feature, which lets you see the maximum welcome offer you might before applying, with no impact on your credit score. This is one of the few times you can see your top-tier offer upfront — totally risk-free. Check out our Walkthrough Guide explaining how “As High As” Offers work.

This feature is also available for the American Express Platinum Card® with its As High As 175,000 point offer for $8,000 spend within the first 6 months of card membership (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)  Read more about why we like the Amex Platinum card here. (Terms apply.)

Increased Offer: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card — Our Top Beginner Card (75,000 Points)

If you’re new to points and miles, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains our #1 recommendation for beginners and one of the easiest cards to start with. If you want flexibility and value – especially if you aren’t sure yet what kind of free travel you want- the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is an excellent option.

👉 Check out the 6 Reasons Why We Love the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and learn how  Chase Ultimate Rewards® can be used for everything from domestic and international flights to hotels and rental cars.

With its current increased offer, it’s an even better time to apply. Right now you can earn 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for $5,000 in spending in the first 3 months. The bonus is worth over $750 in free travel. 

🔥  Big Bonus, Premium Travel Perks: Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (100,000 ThankYou® Points)

Citi just rolled out a limited time offer on the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: 100,000 ThankYou® Points after you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. That’s enough points for flights to places like Hawaii or Europe, or even premium seats on longer trips when used strategically.

This card has quickly become a favorite thanks to its combination of flexible points, strong earning rates, and useful perks. You get access to a broad lineup of airline transfer partners (including American Airlines®), along with lounge access, hotel credits, and everyday benefits that can help offset the annual fee.

If you’re looking for a premium travel card with real-world usability, this one is well worth a closer look.

Check out our complete Citi Strata Elite℠ guide to see how it works and who it’s best for.

🔥 Our #1 Business Card: Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred has become the best overall business card right now with a great bonus of 100,000 points for $8,000 spend in 3 months. With 3X categories like travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and social media advertising (up to $150k spend per year), it’s hard to beat the Ink Business Preferred if you’re looking for an all-around business card that has flexible redemption options and can be combined with your personal Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Points are also worth more when redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal using Points Boost.

🔥 Big Bonus, Big Spend:  Amex Business Platinum Card® (200,000 Points)

This is not a beginner card for most people – but if you run a business with very high expenses, it’s worth knowing about.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express supercharged its welcome offer with 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months. (Terms apply)Making the welcome bonus alone potentially worth $3,000+ if used strategically.

Important Note: In the past, this offer has been a “targeted” offer where you may or may not be eligible. This offer is 200,000 points for EVERYONE and is NOT an “As High As” offer.

Offer Ends 1/15/26 at 9am: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (30,000 Points) 

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is running an elevated offer for $300 cash back after $500 in spending in the first 3 months. Although it’s marketed as cash back, you actually earn 30,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. When paired with, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, those points can be tranferred between cards to access transfer partners for even more value. 

With 1.5x points on every purchase and no annual fee, this is an easy, beginner-friendly card to add to your wallet.

Best Travel Credit Card by Situation

Beginner Mini-Webinars & Strategy Resources:

These resources are optional and meant to support your decision — not slow you down.

Watch (Short Videos)

For readers prioritizing balance management or debt reduction this year.

If you’re looking to carry a balance, think about the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. The next best option would be the Citi Double Cash® Card. Note: You will not earn rewards for the balance transfers. Make sure to check terms when applying.

For great introductory offers, check out the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or Chase Freedom Unlimited® because they also have a welcome bonus.

Best Business Cards for Carrying a Balance