Cards for Spain

The best credit cards for a trip to Spain.

Spain travel benefits from Iberia access (via BA Avios) and strong dining categories for tapas-heavy trips.

Reviewed by destination.com editorial·Updated August 3, 2026·How we rate cards

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Spain plays well with the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. British Airways Avios is the same currency as Iberia Avios, and Iberia's transatlantic business from Madrid is one of the best award redemptions in the industry — 34,000 Avios one-way in business class off-peak.

On the ground, the Amex Gold's 4x on restaurants is category-leading for tapas-heavy itineraries.

Regional context: Spain is a oneworld hub via Iberia and British Airways. Air France (Sky Team) and Lufthansa (Star Alliance) also serve major cities.

The three cards we'd take to Spain

Best for Spain

Chase Sapphire Preferred

UR → Avios → Iberia business · no FX · trip protection

Fee

$95/yr

The Iberia connection makes Chase UR one of the best currencies for Spain. Transfer to BA Avios (same as Iberia) and book Madrid-Miami in business at ~35,000 Avios off-peak.

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Pick #2

American Express Gold Card

4x on Spanish restaurants · MR to Flying Blue

Fee

$325/yr

Tapas-heavy Spain earns 4x per dollar on the trip itself. MR points transfer to Air France Flying Blue for connecting flights within Europe.

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Pick #3

Capital One Venture X Rewards

Priority Pass at MAD/BCN · Turkish for Star Alliance

Fee

$395/yr

Priority Pass at Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat. Turkish Miles&Smiles (Cap One partner) works for Spain via Star Alliance connections.

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Sweet spots we'd target

Madrid-USA in Iberia business off-peak: 34,000 Avios one-way
Barcelona-Rome on Iberia partner: 7,500 Avios
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona via Amex FHR: $100 credit + upgrade

Tips for maximizing points in Spain

Iberia business from Madrid to US off-peak: 34,000 Avios one-way. Peak season 50,000+ but still competitive vs 100,000+ on American.
BA and Iberia are Combine My Avios partners — points move between them freely.
Spain is heavily contactless — Amex acceptance uneven at small tapas bars.