The Best Credit Cards for First Class Travel in 2026
This is where the money is made — literally.
Let's cut through the noise: there are really only 5-6 credit cards worth considering if your goal is flying first class. Everything else is a distraction.
We'll cover the cards that actually get you into Cabin 1A, not the 47 mediocre cards with "travel rewards" that'll get you a middle seat on Spirit.
The Tier List
S-Tier: The First Class Fast Track
1. American Express Platinum Card
Annual Fee: $695
Sign-up Bonus: 80,000-150,000 MR points (varies)
Best For: Lounge access + transfer flexibility
This is the card. The Platinum gives you:
- 5x on flights booked directly with airlines
- Centurion Lounge access (the best domestic lounges, period)
- Transfer partners: ANA, Singapore, Cathay, Emirates, and more
- $200 airline fee credit + $200 hotel credit + $240 digital entertainment
The transfer partners are why this wins. 80,000 MR points → 80,000 ANA miles → roundtrip Japan in business, or one-way first class.
Our take: If you get one card, it's this one.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual Fee: $550
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 UR points
Best For: Flexibility + Priority Pass lounges
The Sapphire Reserve is the Platinum's main competitor:
- 3x on travel and dining (broader category than Amex)
- Priority Pass lounge access (1,300+ lounges)
- Transfer partners: United, Hyatt, Singapore, Air France/KLM
The 60,000 UR sign-up bonus transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer at 1:1. That's a meaningful chunk of a Suites redemption.
Our take: Best if you prefer Chase's ecosystem or want Priority Pass over Centurion.
A-Tier: Excellent Supporting Cast
3. Capital One Venture X
Annual Fee: $395
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles
Best For: Value seekers who still want premium perks
The new kid that punched above its weight:
- 2x on everything (simple)
- 10,000 anniversary miles ($100+ value, effectively cuts fee to ~$295)
- Capital One Lounges (new, but impressive)
- Transfer partners: Now includes Air France, Avianca, Turkish
At $395 with the anniversary bonus, this is the cheapest path to premium travel perks.
Our take: Best entry point if $695 for Amex Platinum feels steep.
4. Citi Strata Premier (formerly Prestige)
Annual Fee: $495
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 ThankYou points
Best For: Diverse transfer partners + 4th night free
Citi's premium card has solid transfer partners:
- 3x on travel, dining, groceries, gas
- Transfer partners: Singapore, Cathay, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish
- 4th night free on hotel bookings (underrated perk)
Our take: Good if you want Singapore and Cathay access and already have Amex/Chase.
B-Tier: Situational Winners
5. Amex Business Platinum
Annual Fee: $695
Best For: Business owners who want 1.5x on purchases $5k+
Same core benefits as personal Platinum, but with 1.5x on single purchases over $5,000. If you have legitimate business expenses, this accelerates earning.
6. British Airways Visa Signature
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Direct Avios earning for transatlantic first class
If you specifically fly British Airways, earning Avios directly has value. The Travel Together Companion Certificate (after $30k spend) is genuinely useful.
The Strategy
Here's the play for maximum first class access:
Year 1: Foundation
- Get Amex Platinum — Hit the sign-up bonus (usually 80-150k points)
- Get Chase Sapphire Reserve — Another 60k points
- Total: 140-210k points to start
Year 2: Expansion
- Add Venture X — 75k more, plus backup lounge access
- Add a co-branded card if you have a preferred airline
The Math
- Singapore Suites: ~80-120k miles one-way
- Emirates First: ~85-150k miles one-way
- Cathay First: ~70-110k miles one-way
With 200k points from sign-up bonuses alone, you're looking at 1-2 first class flights.
What About Cash Back Cards?
If your question is "should I get a 2% cash back card instead?" — you're reading the wrong site.
Cash back is fine for people who don't travel. A 2% return on spending will never get you into a Singapore Suite. Points transferred strategically can yield 5-10%+ value.
This is Cabin 1A. We don't do coach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get approved for multiple premium cards?
A: Yes, but space out applications (3-6 months) and keep credit utilization low.
Q: Is the annual fee worth it?
A: If you travel 2+ times per year and use the credits, absolutely. The lounge access alone is worth $200+/year.
Q: Which card should I get first?
A: Amex Platinum if you can handle the fee. Venture X if you want to start cheaper.
Disclosure: We may receive a commission if you apply through our links. This doesn't affect our rankings — we recommend cards based on first class accessibility, not affiliate payouts.
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