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The Points Guy Announces 2026 TPG Awards Winners

The Points Guy (TPG), a renowned media platform dedicated to enhancing travel experiences while saving money, has announced the winners of the 2026 TPG Awards. Now in its eighth year, these awards honor the best in various areas of the travel industry, including credit cards, loyalty programs, airlines, hotels, and cruise lines.

This year’s TPG Awards highlight the fast-paced changes within the travel landscape, showcasing how consumers are adapting as they navigate these transformations. With card issuers revamping their offerings and introducing more adaptable rewards structures, travelers are seeking tools that enable them to maximize value during uncertain economic times, all while nurturing their wanderlust.

A total of 14 winners emerged from a mixture of traditional categories and new additions that reflect the evolving demands of modern travelers. Notably, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card secured the title of “Travel Rewards Credit Card of the Year.” In the airline sector, American Airlines AAdvantage was named the “Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program,” while Marriott Bonvoy earned recognition as the “Best Hotel Loyalty Program.” Royal Caribbean also stood out, being named the “Best Cruise Line Overall for Families.”

“Travel demand is booming; however, as costs rise and annual credit card fees increase, travelers are being more deliberate in finding value,” explained Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy. “The TPG Awards are grounded in real-world experiences. Our team tests every card, explores every benefit, visits all lounges, and stays at every property. These awards honor the brands that genuinely enhance the travel experience and help consumers make the most of their points, miles, and dollars.”

The winners were chosen through a stringent evaluation process undertaken by TPG's editorial team of experts in travel and loyalty. These panel members were segmented based on their specific areas of expertise and spent months assessing nominees based on their firsthand experiences, industry knowledge, and the genuine value each program offers to travelers. Furthermore, select categories incorporated in-house data analysis to ensure that the awards reflect both lived experiences and quantifiable performance metrics.

The breadth of the awards illustrates an evolving consumer landscape where travelers prioritize memorable experiences and versatility. In response, the categories have expanded to include new benchmarks such as accessible lounges, innovative airline strategies, and more user-friendly booking platforms designed to enhance the travel experience.

Some of the notable winners across different categories include:

In Your Wallet

1. Travel Rewards Credit Card of the Year: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
2. Premium Credit Card of the Year: American Express Platinum Card®
3. Cash-Back Credit Card of the Year: Citi Double Cash® Card
4. No-Annual-Fee Credit Card of the Year: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
5. Airline Credit Card of the Year: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

In the Air

1. Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program: American Airlines AAdvantage
2. Best U.S. Business Class: Delta Air Lines Delta One Suite
3. Best International Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite

On the Ground

1. Best Hotel Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
2. Best New or Renovated Points Hotel: Waldorf Astoria New York

On the Water

1. Best New Ocean Ship: MSC World America
2. Best Cruise Line Overall for Families: Royal Caribbean

The Points Guy Awards were established in 2018 and have since become the definitive annual benchmark for identifying excellence in airlines, travel products, credit cards, and loyalty programs. For a complete list of this year's award winners, visit The Points Guy website.

With its trusted insights and commitment to consumer value, The Points Guy continues to be a valuable resource for travelers looking to optimize their experiences while minimizing costs. Through its innovative content and engaging community, TPG helps millions navigate the world of travel rewards and experiences each year.