Today is the last day to say happy new year, so I thought I’d rush in some last-minute predictions for points and miles in 2026.

Here are seven predictions I have for the year ahead:

1. We’ll see a 200,000-point signup bonus on a personal card

I predict we’ll see a personal card offer a 200,000-point signup bonus in 2026. Last year, we saw a few business cards hit this threshold, but the maximum for a personal card was 175,000 points. I expect to see this bonus on a premium card in 2026.

While we love a six-figure signup bonus, it’s also an indicator of points inflation. More points in circulation mean that card issuers, along with airline and hotel partners, raise the thresholds required for redemptions.

Note: This is just a guess, not a current offer.

2. $150 is the new $95: Annual fees will go up.

Last year, we saw several premium cards raise annual fees. In 2026, I predict the annual-fee-raising epidemic will spread to the entry-level cards.

My guess is that these cards will raise the annual fee from $95 to $150. If this materializes, this would be a bummer, because the under-$100 annual fee is part of what makes them so beginner-friendly.

Check out some of our picks for the best travel cards.

Note: Again, this is just speculation.

3. Airline cobranded credit cards will unlock more discounts.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen airlines offer more discounts to holders of their co-branded credit cards. That’s taken the form of discounts on companion cash tickets, lower rates on or additional award seats, and shortcuts to earning elite status.

I suspect we’ll see more of this trend. I predict we’ll see more co-branded cards offer discounted rates when you buy a companion’s ticket in cash. But, I suspect there will be heavy restrictions on what type of ticket qualifies.

4. Lounge access will get stricter.

The crackdown is coming. I predict airport lounge access will get even stricter in 2026.

We’ve already started to see some cards charge for plus-ones, and other cards limit the number of annual lounge visits you’re permitted.

I predict we’ll start to see Priority Pass lounges begin imposing restrictions to their lounges in 2026. I wouldn’t be surprised if they start charging when a cardholder brings a guest.

Check out some of the best cards offering airport lounge access.

5. Airlines devaluing partner awards is the new trend.

In 2025, we saw fan favorites Flying Blue and Singapore KrisFlyer raise prices on their own award tickets.

This year, I expect airlines to devalue partner awards. This is when you use one airline’s miles to book a flight operated by another airline—such as booking a United flight with miles from Turkish Airlines, one of its Star Alliance partners.

In fact, this trend is already underway. Turkish is doing just that, and British Airways will be increasing partner award redemptions by 15 percent!

6. Award ticket prices to popular destinations will increase by 20% in 2026

This one’s also not good. I predict that airlines will increase the award ticket prices on popular routes. I’m thinking flights like Chicago to Paris, DC to Rome, or Los Angeles to Tokyo—will increase.

7. Debit card airline miles are back.

It’s giving 2006, not 2026. Debit card rewards were a thing of the early 2000s, but Gen Z loves debit cards, so I think we’re going to see more debit cards offer airline and travel rewards. P.S. If you’re curious about how well I did on my 2025 predictions, check out the results here.

©Scott’s Cheap Flights, Inc. DBA Going
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