Best Credit Card for Europe Travel 2026
Planning a trip to Europe? The right credit card can save you hundreds — or even thousands — through signup bonuses and transfer partners. Here are the best cards for Europe travel in 2026.
Top Cards for Europe
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase · $550/yr
75,000 UR signup bonus
Min spend: $4,000 in 90 days
Best for: Europe (via United/Virgin Atlantic/Air France), Asia (via Singapore/Korean Air via Virgin Atlantic), Hawaii (via United/Southwest)
Chase 5/24 rule: must have fewer than 5 new cards in past 24 months
united aeroplan flying_blue british_airways iberia virgin_atlantic singapore emirates
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase · $95/yr
60,000 UR signup bonus
Min spend: $4,000 in 90 days
Best for: Europe (via United/Virgin Atlantic/Air France), Hawaii (via United/Southwest), Budget-friendly entry to UR ecosystem
Chase 5/24 rule. Cannot hold Sapphire Reserve simultaneously for bonus.
united aeroplan flying_blue british_airways iberia virgin_atlantic singapore emirates
Amex Platinum
Amex · $695/yr
150,000 MR signup bonus
Min spend: $8,000 in 180 days
Best for: Japan (via ANA - best MR sweet spot), Asia (via Singapore/ANA), Europe (via Virgin Atlantic/Air France)
Amex once-per-lifetime rule per card product. Check CardMatch for targeted offers.
aeroplan flying_blue ana british_airways iberia virgin_atlantic delta emirates
Capital One Venture X
Capital One · $395/yr
75,000 miles signup bonus
Min spend: $4,000 in 90 days
Best for: Turkey/Middle East (via Turkish Airlines - amazing award chart), South America (via Avianca LifeMiles), Europe (via Turkish/Air France/TAP)
No strict rules like 5/24 but Capital One may limit approvals based on recent applications.
aeroplan flying_blue british_airways virgin_red singapore emirates etihad turkish
How to Use These Cards
Sign up for the card with the best bonus, meet the minimum spend, then transfer points to an airline partner that flies to Europe. Use Fare Hacker's trip planner to find the exact award routing and miles needed.
Don't have enough points yet? Use the affordability calculator to see if a signup bonus covers your trip.