The Best Credit Cards for Flights to Israel

The ranked list of cards whose points actually get you to Tel Aviv, and which one to get first.

Facts verified September 2026 Independent, community-run

The right credit card is the difference between paying $1,400-2,000+ for a nonstop to Eretz Yisroel on a regular week - and much more before yom tov - and paying 40,000 points plus a few dollars of tax. If you fly even once a year, this is the ranked list. Not every good travel card, only the ones whose points actually reach Tel Aviv.

The short answer

Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first. Its points transfer to four programs that book flights to Israel, the annual fee is reasonable, and the welcome bonus is often enough for a round trip in economy. If your biggest spending is groceries and restaurants, get the Amex Gold instead or in addition.

Ranked: the best cards for flights to Israel

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred - best first card for Israel. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to United (nonstop Newark-TLV, economy from ~42,500 each way, business ~75,000+), Flying Blue (books El Al and Air France/KLM via Europe, economy from ~30,000), Aeroplan (economy ~40,000, business ~90,000), and Virgin Atlantic (books Delta nonstops). No other bank gives you four realistic routes to TLV from one card. Apply now

  2. Amex Gold - best if your money goes to food. Amex Membership Rewards transfer 1:1 to Qantas (the back door into El Al saver seats), Flying Blue, and Aeroplan. The Gold earns 4x at restaurants and US supermarkets, which for most families is where the money actually goes. Apply now

  3. Capital One Venture X - the quiet workhorse. Capital One miles transfer 1:1 to Qantas (see our Qantas guide), Flying Blue, Aeroplan, and Turkish. The annual travel credit makes the effective fee close to zero if you book even one flight a year. Apply now

  4. Amex Platinum - only if you will use the lounges. Same transfer partners as the Gold, weaker earning on everyday spend, but the lounge access can transform a JFK-TLV travel day. Worth it if you fly 3+ times a year, skip it otherwise. Apply now

  5. Chase Sapphire Reserve - the Sapphire Preferred’s bigger brother. Same transfers as the Preferred with better travel protections and lounge access. Get it over the Preferred only if the math on the travel credit works for you. Apply now

The one rule that matters more than the card

Never transfer points before you find the actual seat. Transfers are one-way. Find the award first, confirm the price, then move the points - they usually land instantly or within a day. Our El Al booking guide walks through exactly where to search.

Rates verified September 2026. Award prices are set by the airlines and move without warning.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single best credit card for flying to Israel?

For most people it is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Chase points transfer 1:1 to United, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Aeroplan, and Virgin Atlantic - four programs that all book awards to Tel Aviv. Amex Gold is the better pick if most of your spend is food.

Can I book El Al directly with credit card points?

Yes, two main ways. One: transfer to Qantas Frequent Flyer (Amex, Capital One, or Citi at 1:1) and book El Al as a partner. Two: transfer to Flying Blue and book El Al on the Air France/KLM site. El Al's own Matmid program no longer takes transfers from US credit card points.

How many points do I need for a flight to Israel?

Economy from the New York area starts around 28,000-42,500 points each way depending on the program, and promo awards have gone as low as 26,000. Business class starts around 75,000-85,000 on some carriers; El Al business booked through Qantas runs higher, around 108,000 or more. Prices move - always check the exact flight before you transfer.