6 Credit Card Trends I’m Watching in 2026

It feels like 2026 just started, but the credit card landscape is already shifting fast.

In just the first couple of months, we’ve seen reductions in lounge access, major card refreshes, newly launched products, and transfer ratio devaluations. Some of these changes are welcome. Others are frustrating. And in many cases, there’s a tradeoff.

For example, I’m not thrilled about a major card I hold limiting lounge access, but fewer crowds could ultimately mean a better experience for those who still qualify.

One thing is clear: 2026 is shaping up to be an active year in the credit card and loyalty space. Here are the trends I expect to see more of this year.

1. Higher Annual Fees And More Complicated Perks

Get ready to pay more and spend more time tracking your card benefits.

Annual Fees Are Rising

Premium credit card annual fees have climbed pretty significantly. In 2025, the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® increased by nearly $250, and the annual fee for the Platinum Card^® from American Express went up by $200.

These higher fees are becoming the norm at the top end of the market.

More Perks, More Statement Credits

Higher fees usually come with additional benefits, but many of the newest perks take the form of statement credits. Examples include the Oura Ring and lululemon credits on the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s $300 DoorDash credit and up to $10 in monthly Lyft in-app credits.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted. 

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

 

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

While these perks can add real value, they require effort. You have to remember to enroll, track spending, and actually use them. Gone are the days of simplicity for luxury cards, and I predict this trend will continue in 2026.

Rise in VIP Experiences and Access

Issuers are also leaning harder into premium experiences. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can experience luxury travel via the newly launched Sapphire Reserve Trips (think skiing in St. Moritz or seeing Formula E in London). Meanwhile, Amex Platinum cardholders can visit Platinum Houses and Amex Lounges at special events like Coachella or the U.S. Open.

Hot Tip:

If you are in the market for a premium card offering valuable benefits and don’t mind keeping track of all the perks, the Amex Platinum card is top of the line.

2. Changes in Transfer Ratios

Transfer partners are a major reason flexible travel rewards credit cards are so valuable, but that flexibility is being tested.

Transfer Devaluations Are Accelerating

Several issuers have devalued transfer ratios heading into 2026 (following a sad 2025 devaluation of Amex to Emirates). Recent examples include:

• Amex to Cathay Pacific: From 1:1 to 5:4 (effective March 1, 2026)
• Capital One to Emirates: From 1:1 to 1:0.75 (effective January 13, 2026)

These changes reduce the outsized value many travelers rely on for premium redemptions.

New Transfer Partner Opportunities

Not all news is bad. Many transfer ratios remain 1:1, and issuers are still adding partners.

For example, in 2025, Capital One added Qatar as a transfer partner at a 1:1 ratio. Citi ThankYou Points also introduced limited 1:1 transfers to American Airlines on certain credit cards.

I hope to see more partners and fair transfer ratios (at least 1:1) for the remainder of 2026, but only time will tell.

3. Lounge Access Is Changing

It’s only the start of 2026, but issuers aren’t wasting any time reducing lounge benefits and opening new lounges.

Reduced Lounge Access

Several major changes are already underway in 2026:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business Card now limit lounge access for both authorized users, employee cards, and guests at both Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges as of February 1, 2026.
• American Express is tightening guest access and layover rules for its Centurion lounges starting July 8, 2026.
• The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card (only available by switching from another Chase-issued Marriott credit card) no longer offers unlimited complimentary guests as of January 15, 2026.

New Lounges Are Still Opening

Thankfully, all is not lost. Reduced access means lounges will hopefully be less crowded and have shorter wait times. And, new lounges are coming in 2026, meaning there will be more spaces to relax, dine, and hang out at airports worldwide.

Amex is opening a new Centurion Lounge at Newark (EWR) with a piano lounge and jazz bar, along with another on Concourse E in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS). Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club will soon open up locations in Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking for lounge access without ultra-premium pricing, cards like the Bilt Palladium Card (rates & fees) with its $495 annual fee (rates & fees) or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card with its $595 annual fee may strike a better balance.

4. Legislation Pressure on Rewards Programs

Points and miles have been under the threat of legislation, with the Credit Card Competition Act popping up, getting quashed, and popping up again, most recently in January 2026.

If it passes, merchants will see reduced operating costs and interchange fees, and credit card companies could take certain rewards away to offset this lost revenue.

Nothing has changed yet, but if the bill gains traction, it could fundamentally change how banks offer rewards to credit cardholders. This is one area where staying informed (and contacting lawmakers if you oppose it) actually matters.

5. Slightly Lower Interest Rates

Interest rate relief may arrive, but it will likely be modest.

Even if the federal funds rate declines, credit card APRs don’t always follow suit. Existing rates may fall slightly, but issuers often raise rates on new cards, which increases the average.

My best advice is to avoid taking on any travel cards you can’t pay off, as interest rates will likely remain high. If you know you’ll carry a balance, apply for a credit card with a 0% introductory APR offer. Or, stay away from credit cards in general until you’re in a place where you can pay your card off in full each month.

6. New Credit Cards (Hopefully Midtier Options)

What I’d love to see in 2026? More strong midtier cards.

In my humble opinion, many cards that once occupied the middle ground have drifted into the luxury category. That’s left a gap for flexible, reasonably priced options.

However, last year, we saw cards like the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card and the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Globe™ Mastercard^® hit the market, both squarely in the midtier range. While they aren’t flexible-currency cards, their debut suggests continued demand for this segment.

In 2026, Bilt launched its lineup of new cards, and you could argue that its most premium, the Bilt Palladium Card, still sits on the edge of midtier, with an annual fee of $495.

But what I’m most excited about is the new Hyatt co-branded credit cards.

Right now, the hotelier only has 1 main personal and 1 main business credit card. But Hyatt, alongside Chase, announced it would expand its Hyatt card portfolio in 2026. Besides their $95 card, I’d love to see midrange and premium cards that put them in competition with Marriott’s and Hilton’s card portfolios.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking for ways to rack up Hyatt Honors points now, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Or, you can get The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which offers up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays and World of Hyatt Discoverist elite status.

Final Thoughts

It’s still early in 2026, but we’ve already seen major changes in the credit card world. And this evolution doesn’t seem to be slowing down, with firm implementation dates on the calendar.

Some shifts are clearly positive. Others are harder to swallow. And several will take time to fully evaluate. Either way, staying informed gives you flexibility: time to adjust strategies, downgrade or upgrade cards, and decide which benefits are still worth paying for.