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Don’t Wait: Lock In World Cup 2026 Travel With Points and Miles Now

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Juan Ruiz
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
& Stella Shon
Don’t Wait: Lock In World Cup 2026 Travel With Points and Miles Now
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North America is gearing up to host the biggest sporting event on the planet.

For the first time, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will jointly welcome the FIFA World Cup — and with 16 host cities spread across the continent, this will be the largest World Cup ever.

Now that the draw and full match schedule are officially out, fans finally know where their favorite countries will play. So if you’ve got a bucket-list dream of experiencing a World Cup match in person (or you’re hoping to follow your team across multiple cities), the planning can start immediately.

And while tickets will cost a pretty penny, getting to the games doesn’t have to. Below, we break down how to use your points and miles to make a 2026 World Cup trip happen.

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The tournament footprint is huge, with 104 matches across 16 host cities:

  • Philadelphia: PHL
  • San Francisco Bay Area: SFO, OAK
  • Seattle: SEA
  • Toronto: YYZ
  • Vancouver: YVR
  • Guadalajara: GDL
  • Mexico City: MEX
  • Monterrey: MTY

When you’re planning World Cup travel, nothing gives you more flexibility than transferable points from programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or even Marriott Bonvoy (transferred at a 3:1 ratio to most airline partners).

Rather than relying on a single airline and hoping it has the exact award seats you need, these points allow you to transfer your balance to whichever program has availability for the route and date you want to fly. And since programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca Lifemiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and British Airways Club collectively cover every World Cup host city across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, you’re never boxed into one plan.

You might notice these are all international programs — and that’s exactly the point. They’re often the cheapest way to book flights within North America. Instead of paying sky-high rates with Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus, you can use a partner’s award chart and snag the same seat for a fraction of the cost.

Aeroplan is great for Canada and major U.S. gateways; Lifemiles is one of the easiest ways to book United flights nationwide; Flying Blue shines on East Coast routes; and using British Airways Avios often delivers ultra-cheap short-haul hops between nearby host cities.

Hot Tip:

You can also tap into credit card and loyalty programs to purchase World Cup match tickets. AAdvantage members can redeem miles for select tickets, and Bank of America is providing exclusive access for eligible new cardholders.

Best Travel Cards With Massive Welcome Bonus Offers

Taking advantage of welcome bonus offers is the key to having the flexible points you need to book award flights for next year.

The cards below all earn points or miles that can be transferred to programs like Aeroplan, Lifemiles, Flying Blue, and British Airways Club (among others), giving you far better odds of finding award space during an incredibly demanding event like the World Cup.

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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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 fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 75,000 points
$1,500
$95
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
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

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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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.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
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: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

+ NEW BENEFITS
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Platinum Card® from American Express
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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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

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.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
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
Cons
  • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 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.
  • More Value! 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.
  • More Value! $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.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $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.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. 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, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $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.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • 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
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
American Express® Gold Card
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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.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

American Express® Gold Card
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $2,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
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

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.
Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
100,000 points
Up to $1,600
$595
20.74% to 28.74%
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times
Cons
  • $595 annual fee
  • Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
  • 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3x points any other time
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Up to $300 annual hotel benefit
  • Up to $200 annual Splurge credit
  • Up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
  • 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year
  • Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to partners like American Airlines
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% to 28.74%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
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 Credit (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Limited elite benefits
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel.
100,000 miles
$1,800
$395
Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
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 (740-840)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

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Use Award Search Tools To Find Space Quickly

To show you how this works in real life, let’s use an example. Say you want to attend the opening match of the tournament: Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City. The first thing I’d do is head to an award search tool like Seats.aero and search for award flights from my home airport to MEX:

Screenshot
Use an award search tool like seats.aero to simplify your flight searches. Image Credit: Seats.aero

Once I find options that get me into Mexico City by June 10 (the day before the match), I can simply book through whichever airline program offers the best price in miles. In the example above, if I were flying from Houston or Washington, D.C., I could simply transfer points from any major flexible currency to Air France–KLM Flying Blue and book this award, priced at about 8,500 miles from Houston or 11,000 miles from D.C. in economy.

This is the beauty of transferable points. Regardless of the game’s location or schedule changes, you can travel quickly, locate award space, and reach your destination without incurring exorbitant flight costs.

» Related: The Ultimate Guide to Searching for Flight Award Space

Best Frequent Flyer Programs for Booking 2026 World Cup Flights

Since most of these flights will be relatively short hops, I always look at distance-based programs first — especially using British Airways Avios for flights operated by American Airlines. On many quick routes (think Dallas-Houston, New York-Boston, Miami-Atlanta, or Los Angeles-San Francisco), Avios pricing can be significantly cheaper than using American Airlines AAdvantage miles for the exact same seat on an American Airlines flight.

Southwest Rapid Rewards points are another solid option. They’re flexible, they cover a ton of U.S. host cities, and the lack of change fees makes them perfect when your plans depend on how your team performs — or whether your team moves forward as first or second place in the group. You can transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest Airlines, which gives you a quick way to boost your balance if you need it.

FWC26 Map with Matches
These are the 16 cities hosting World Cup 2026 matches. Image Credit: FIFA

If you’re moving around the East Coast, JetBlue TrueBlue is a great program for short hops between cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. TrueBlue partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards, so it’s easy to transfer points over and grab a seat.

And for anyone watching matches in Canada, Aeroplan is the move. Flights between Toronto and Vancouver can be surprisingly cheap in points — especially when booked early. Aeroplan is also one of the simplest programs to use, and transfers are available from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Hot Tip:

If you already live in or near a host city, you’re in luck. World Cup tickets won’t be cheap, but at least you’re saving big on flights and hotels. For everyone else, smart positioning flights can make all the difference. Using the tactics above to get yourself to the right gateway city is often the key to making your World Cup trip come together.

Book Refundable Hotels With Points Now

Now that we officially know the host cities and match schedule, hotel prices in many of these markets have already started climbing. And while some people won’t book their stay until a few months — or even a few weeks — before kickoff, that’s a big mistake during a World Cup year. When millions of fans are all trying to be in the same place at the same time, the early bird really does get the worm.

Kimpton Surfcomber King Room Angled
Book your refundable hotel stay early before availability is gone or prices skyrocket. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

This is exactly why booking with points is such an advantage. Most hotel programs let you cancel award reservations for free, which means there’s almost no downside to locking something in now if you’re eyeing a specific city.

Even if you haven’t secured your game tickets yet, having a room in place takes a huge stress off your plate. And if plans change? Just cancel — penalty-free — and rebook somewhere else. Across the 16 host cities, these major hotel programs give you plenty of reliable options:

  • Marriott Bonvoy easily has the biggest footprint, and dynamic pricing means booking early can save you a ton. If the rates drops later, you can simply cancel and rebook your stay.
  • Hilton Honors is a smart pick if you’re staying multiple nights, especially for group-stage matches. Hilton elites get the fifth night free on award bookings, which stretches your points nicely.
  • World of Hyatt tends to offer the best redemption value in pricier cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Mexico City. If you can snag availability now, do it. These markets will only get hotter.
  • IHG One Rewards often comes through when other chains start selling out. The chain’s mid-tier and business hotels near stadiums can be great redemptions when cash rates are high.

Our advice? Book now, think later. Lock in refundable award nights today, even if your match tickets aren’t in hand yet. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it protects you from the sticker shock that hits once the World Cup rush begins.

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» Related: The 9 Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades and Perks [2025]

Final Thoughts

The 2026 World Cup in North America is going to be massive. Tickets may hit your wallet hard, but your travel doesn’t have to. By leaning on transferable points, smart award searches, and strategic hotel bookings, you can lock in World Cup travel without paying World Cup prices.

The schedule is officially out, award space is plentiful (for now), and most hotel rooms are still refundable. If you already know which matches you’re targeting — or even just the city you want to be in — now’s the time to start booking. Use your points to secure your stays and give yourself the flexibility to follow your team wherever the tournament takes you.

A little planning now can turn one of the most expensive sporting events on Earth into a surprisingly affordable once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Featured Image Credit: Soobum Im - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Juan Ruiz's image

About Juan Ruiz

Juan is a leading expert in credit cards, loyalty programs, and airlines and hotels, with over a decade of experience helping readers and clients maximize points, miles, and travel value. His insights have appeared in prestigious outlets including USA Today, Travel & Leisure, CNN Underscored, Forbes, and The Points Guy, where he’s known for making complex travel strategies accessible and actionable. As the founder of JetBetter, Juan turns the complex world of points and miles into effortless, high-value travel, guiding clients through award redemptions, uncovering maximum value, and delivering stress-free, expertly planned trips that both travelers and industry insiders rely on.

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