Travel benefits card: The best for traveling in 2026

Choosing strategically between the travel benefit cards It can completely transform your tourism experience next year.

It's not just about accumulating miles, but about securing exclusive access, robust insurance, and real savings in dollars or euros.

The financial landscape changed significantly throughout 2025, with banks altering rules for access to VIP lounges and points programs.

Therefore, preparing for your 2026 vacation requires up-to-date information and a critical analysis of what's in your portfolio.

In this article, we will dissect the best options on the Brazilian market, avoiding the obvious and focusing on the real cost-benefit for the traveler.

Table of Contents:

1. Essential criteria for evaluation.
2. The champions of high income.
3. Co-branded options (Airlines).
4. Affordable alternatives and digital banks.
5. The importance of insurance.
6. Comparative table.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Why has the choice of credit card changed so much for 2026?

The Brazilian credit market has undergone significant adjustments recently, directly impacting travelers seeking to maximize their returns.

In the past, any "Black" or "Infinite" card guaranteed free entry to lounges, but that reality is a thing of the past due to overcrowding.

Today, financial institutions require higher monthly spending or substantial investments to unlock these coveted perks.

You need to be aware of the dynamic rules of loyalty programs, which now value the relationship more than just the one-time expense.

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What are the essential criteria for evaluating the best option?

First, analyze the conversion rate of points per dollar spent, as global inflation has increased airfare costs.

Check if the points expire too quickly; unlimited validity is a valuable asset for those planning long trips in advance.

Another crucial point is the VIP lounge access policy: does the card offer DragonPass, Priority Pass, or LoungeKey?

Understanding the difference between these programs determines whether you'll get a good meal at the airport or be stuck waiting at the boarding gate.

Also consider spread Exchange rate charged on international purchases, as some banks charge exorbitant rates exceeding 5%.

What are the best high-income credit cards for 2026?

The BRB DUX Visa Infinite remains, undeniably, a desirable item and a powerful tool for frequent travelers.

It offers aggressive scoring and unlimited access to VIP lounges, including for companions, something very rare in today's market.

However, approval is restricted and requires a solid financial relationship with the bank in Brasília.

Right behind it, we have the Bradesco Aeternum Visa Infinite, which combines sophistication with high credit limits and excellent insurance coverage.

Santander Unlimited also deserves mention, especially during the famous "Hit and Win" campaigns, where points can be temporarily doubled.

Those travel benefit cards They are veritable passports to luxury, but they charge annual fees that require justification for their use.

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How do co-branded airline cards work?

If you are loyal to a single company, cards like the Azul Itaú Visa Infinite may be more advantageous than standard bank cards.

This specific card offers immediate status with the airline, free extra baggage, and the coveted "Companion Pass" upon reaching spending targets.

This means you get complimentary tickets for a companion, which can save you thousands of reais.

Latam Pass Itaú Black is also entering this competition, offering cabin upgrade segments for international flights in South America and the USA.

The downside is that you become "stuck" with a single company, losing the flexibility to transfer points to bonus promotions from other airlines.

For those seeking maximum flexibility, co-branded flights may not be the ideal choice, despite the immediate benefits on board.

Check out the updated ranking of satisfaction with frequent flyer programs on the Melhores Destinos website, an authority on the subject.

Are there good digital banking options with no annual fees?

Digital banks have democratized access to benefits that were previously exclusive to large account holders at traditional banks.

The C6 Carbon Mastercard Black, for example, offers a competitive points system and access to VIP lounges, with annual fees waived for investments.

The Inter Black card stands out for its ease of acquisition through subscriptions like Duo Gourmet or direct investments.

Although they don't offer unlimited lounge access like DUX, they deliver excellent value for money for the moderate traveler.

The XP Visa Infinite is another interesting tool, focusing on "Investback" (money back on investment) instead of miles, simplifying the math.

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How important is travel insurance on your credit card?

Many travelers are unaware of it, but health insurance and baggage protection are among the most valuable assets of these financial products.

When you purchase your ticket with eligible cards, you automatically activate International Medical Insurance, which is mandatory for entry into Europe (Schengen Agreement).

By 2025, medical costs in the United States will reach record levels, making it unwise to travel without robust insurance coverage.

In addition to health insurance, good credit cards cover flight delays, trip cancellations, and damage to checked baggage.

Always obtain your Insurance Certificate before traveling; coverage is not automatic simply because you have the card in your pocket.

Comparison: The Giants of Tourism

Below, we present a table summarizing the main characteristics of the most desired cards for the 2026 cycle.

Please note that points may vary depending on seasonal promotions and the type of purchase (domestic or international).

How can I maximize its use for cheap travel?

The winning strategy for 2026 involves concentrating all your monthly spending on a single main card to achieve your goals.

Use digital wallets to pay bills and utility bills, earning miles where previously only debit was possible.

Keep an eye out for bonus transfer promotions, sending your points to airlines only when there are bonuses above 80%.

Never let your points expire; use management apps to monitor the validity of your loyalty balance.

Conclusion: Planning your geographic freedom

Determining which ones are the best travel benefit cards It depends strictly on your consumption profile and destination objectives.

For those who travel monthly for work, the priority should be unlimited access to lounges and airline status.

For families who travel once a year on vacation, the focus should be on accumulating points and obtaining free insurance.

There is no perfect card for everyone, but there is the perfect combination for your current financial situation.

Review your strategies now, request the necessary upgrades, and ensure that 2026 is the year of your best experiences around the world.

Understand your rights as a consumer of banking and credit services on the official website of the Central Bank of Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best card for someone earning up to R$ 5,000?

Options like the XP Visa Infinite or the Pão de Açúcar (now revamped) can be interesting entry points, focusing on cashback or initial accumulation.

Is it worth paying an annual fee for a travel credit card?

Yes, if the benefits (travel insurance, free baggage, VIP lounges and complimentary tickets) outweigh the amount paid in the monthly credit card fee.

Do credit card points expire?

Most expire in 24 months, but high-end cards (such as DUX and Aeternum) offer points that never expire, making it easier to accumulate them in the long term.

Can I access the VIP lounge without flying business class?

Absolutely. With the correct card registered in the LoungeKey, Priority Pass, or DragonPass programs, you can access lounges regardless of your flight class.

What is the exchange rate spread on a credit card?

It's the difference between the official exchange rate and the rate the bank charges you. Credit unions (Sicoob/Sicredi) usually have lower spreads than large banks.