Credit Cards
Best Travel Credit Cards for People Under 26
If you are under 26 and starting to travel on your own dime, the right card turns everyday spending into flights and hotel nights. These are the travel cards we rank highest for younger travelers.
Top matches
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- ✓5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel
- ✓3x points on dining and select streaming
- ✓$50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit; points transfer to airline and hotel partners
- ✗$95 annual fee
#2 PickCapital One Venture X
- ✓$300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel
- ✓10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year (worth $100+)
- ✓Airport lounge access (Capital One and Priority Pass)
- ✗$395 annual fee, largely offset by $300 credit + 10k miles
#3 PickCapital One Venture Rewards
- ✓Unlimited 2x miles on all purchases; 5x via Capital One Travel
- ✓Miles transfer to 15+ travel partners
- ✓Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- ✗$95 annual fee
Chase Ink Business Preferred
- ✓3x points on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet/phone on up to $150,000 per year
- ✓Strong point transfer partners for travel
- ✗$95 annual fee
How we ranked these: We ranked every travel-tagged card in our database by our overall methodology score, which weighs rewards value, perks, and fees.
Last updated 2026-06-06
Questions, answered
Can I get a travel credit card before I turn 26?
Yes. There is no upper age limit on travel cards. As long as you are at least 18, have your own income, and meet the credit requirements, you can apply. Most premium travel cards want a good-to-excellent score, so younger applicants with a thin file usually start with a mid-tier travel card and upgrade later.
Is an annual fee worth it on a travel card at this age?
Depends on how often you travel. A card with a $95 fee can pay for itself in a single trip if you actually use the travel credits and earn the welcome bonus. Travel once a year or less? A no-fee card or a flat-rate cash back card is usually the better fit. Be honest with yourself about how much you fly.