Best Credit Card for Korea Travel 2026
Planning a trip to Korea? The right credit card can save you hundreds — or even thousands — through signup bonuses and transfer partners. Here are the best cards for Korea travel in 2026.
Top Cards for Korea
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
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
Citi Premier
Citi · $95/yr
60,000 TYP signup bonus
Min spend: $4,000 in 90 days
Best for: Middle East (via Turkish/Emirates/Qatar/Etihad), Southeast Asia (via Singapore Airlines), South America (via Avianca LifeMiles)
Citi 8/65 rule (max 1 app per 8 days, 2 per 65 days). 24-month restriction on same product bonus.
flying_blue virgin_atlantic singapore emirates etihad qantas turkish jetblue
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 Korea. 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.