travel card point value

How much are points and miles worth in 2024?

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Key Takeaways

• The value of airline and hotel rewards can vary dramatically depending on the rewards program and booking details.
• Credit card rewards programs typically offer more dependable value than airline and hotel rewards programs, plus more redemption flexibility. With a general travel credit card, you can use your rewards for travel or non-travel redemptions or transfer your rewards to a high-value travel partner to maximize rewards value.
• To see how much value you can get out of your rewards on an individual flight or hotel stay, divide the cost of a booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. Then, compare that value to our estimated values to see if it’s worth using your rewards for travel or if you should consider cash or another booking instead.

Whether you’re new to travel rewards or have been scoring free trips for years, the world of points and miles can be confusing. Not only are there dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs to sort through, but each one comes with its own rewards currency, transfer partners and other redemption quirks.

Add to this that not all points and miles carry the same value. That means that 50,000 points from one program could end up being more valuable than 100,000 points from another program. With so many variables at play, how can you determine your points to miles value and how to best use the points you have?

That’s where we come in. We collected data on hundreds of flights and hotel bookings from over 50 of the most popular airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs to show you how far your points and miles can take you . These are Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations.

What do these valuations mean?

The value of airline and hotel rewards vary dramatically between rewards programs and booking details, ranging in value from roughly 0.4 cents per point or mile to 3 cents per point or mile. This can make it tough to judge how far your rewards will take you when planning a trip.

These points and miles valuations should give you an idea of what each program’s rewards are worth on average, making it easier to decide what sort of rewards you want to earn and see whether you’re getting good value for your redemptions.

Meanwhile, many general travel credit cards earn rewards that can be redeemed at one value for travel with the issuer or transferred to an airline or hotel program and redeemed at another (potentially higher) value.

For example, with the right credit card, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through the issuer’s booking portal. But transferring those same points to an airline or hotel partner could stretch your rewards value to per point on average (as we estimate with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program) — or even over on average (as we estimate with the World of Hyatt program).

These valuations can help you decide when it makes sense to redeem rewards through your card issuer and when it makes sense to transfer them to an airline or hotel loyalty program (based on the value you’ll get with that redemption).

How to calculate rewards values

To see how much value you can get out of your rewards on an individual flight or hotel stay, divide the cost of a booking in cash by its cost in points or miles.

For example, a flight that costs $139 or 21,500 points will offer about 0.6 cents per point in value ($139 / 21,500 points = ~$0.006). If the same flight costs $250, you’d get about 1.2 cents per point in value ($250 / 21,500 points = ~$0.012).

Once you’ve calculated your potential rewards value, compare it to the estimated average value listed here. If the value you get matches or exceeds our estimated average value, it’s smart to use your rewards to pay for travel . If the value you get falls short of our estimated average value, consider using cash instead or trying another booking.

Keep in mind that the value you can get out of your rewards will depend not only on the program but also the details of your booking. Some airline and hotel rewards carry a better point value than others on average, but your experience may vary based on when and where you travel, as well as whether you opt for a luxury or budget fare class or hotel tier.

Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.

Airline rewards values

We calculated the average airline miles to dollars values of these 29 popular airline loyalty programs by comparing the cost of dozens of bookings in cash with their cost in rewards. We weighted economy airfare bookings more heavily to give you the best sense of how much value you can get from your rewards for a typical flight.

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

More information on airline rewards

• A guide to earning and redeeming frequent flyer miles

Hotel rewards values

We calculated the average rewards values of these seven popular hotel loyalty programs by comparing the cost of dozens of bookings in cash with their cost in rewards. We considered a mix of budget, mid-tier and luxury properties across several U.S. and international cities to find a median point value for each program.

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

More information on hotel rewards

• Earn more with airline and hotel rewards program special offers and promotions

Credit card program rewards values

To give you a sense of the best way to redeem your rewards , we’ve listed the “baseline credit card points value” of each credit card issuer’s points or miles (for travel bookings made through the issuer) as well as our estimate of how much value you can get by redeeming with some of the issuer’s best transfer partners (if available).

When researching travel, you can use your issuer’s portal to see how many points or miles you’ll get if you transfer your credit card rewards to an airline or hotel partner. Based on this transfer ratio, you might find that the value of your points is higher when you move them to one partner over another.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

More information on credit card rewards programs

• Credit card rewards program guides
• Credit card rewards advice

Credit card rewards vs. airline and hotel rewards

Credit card issuer rewards programs — like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards — typically offer more dependable value than points and miles tied to a specific airline or hotel program. These programs also stand out for their unmatched flexibility.

Instead of being stuck redeeming your rewards with a specific airline or hotel (and taking whatever value you can get), the best general travel rewards cards give you the flexibility to move your points/miles between programs to find the one that offers the best value. You can redeem rewards through the issuer’s travel portal or transfer to an airline or hotel program if that gets you more value for your rewards.

Plus, with many credit card rewards programs, you may not have to redeem for travel at all. Many issuer programs let you redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, merchandise and even purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal. That said, to maximize the value of your credit card rewards , you’ll most likely want to redeem for travel through the issuer or leverage the card’s top transfer partners.

Research methodology

To estimate the average value of airline and hotel rewards, we collected pricing data on hundreds of flights and hotel stays using an array of different routes, hotel locations and fare and hotel tier classes.

For each airline, we researched a mix of short, mid-length and transcontinental routes, domestic and international routes and routes from an airline’s hub to a small airport. We considered both economy and business or first-class fares for each route and compared costs in cash and points/miles based on how far ahead of departure the travel was booked.

For each hotel, we researched stays in major, midsize and international locations at budget, mid-tier and luxury properties, again comparing costs in cash and points based on how far ahead the stay was booked.

We then divided the monetary cost of each of these bookings (minus taxes and fees) by its cost in rewards to determine the cash value of a single point/mile for a given flight or hotel stay. For example, a flight that cost $2,000 or 100,000 points would yield a valuation of 2 cents per point.

Once we determined the value of a single point/mile for each booking, we found the median point value offered across all bookings. This ensured our overall program point valuation was not skewed by outlying high- or low-value redemptions.

In the case of hotel programs, this median value is our final point valuation. In the case of airline programs, we determined our final point/mile valuation using a weighted average of economy and business/first-class point values, favoring economy values. This is designed to reflect the value a program’s points offer on typical rewards bookings.

For credit card rewards programs, our final point/mile valuation is an average of each issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (assuming these values are greater than the issuer’s baseline point redemption value). This assumes rewards-savvy travelers will mostly transfer points/miles from a credit card rewards program to a travel partner in order to increase the value of their rewards, and they’ll opt for a partner that offers high value relative to others.

All data was collected in September 2023.

More details

Airline rewards methodology.

• 2 short routes (under 650 miles)
• 2 mid-length routes (650–1,500 miles)
• 2 transcontinental routes (over 1,500 miles)
• 2 international routes
• 2 flights from an airline hub to a small airport
• Found costs in cash and points/miles for each flight for bookings made 30 days prior to departure and six months prior to departure
• Found costs in cash and points/miles for each flight for economy and business/first class fares (based on availability)
• Divided each flight’s cash cost by its cost in points/miles to determine the cash value of a single point/mile
• Found the median per-cent point/mile value across all flights
• Calculated a weighted average of the median economy fare point/mile value (80 percent weighting) and the median business/first class fare point/mile value (20 percent weighting) to determine a final program point/mile value

Hotel rewards methodology

• Major: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas
• Midsize: Charlotte, Phoenix, Seattle, Tampa
• International: London, Paris, Dubai, Bangkok
• Budget (rooms typically costing under $150 per night)
• Mid-tier (rooms typically costing $150–$275 per night)
• Luxury (rooms typically cost over $275 per night)
• Found costs in cash and points for each hotel stay for bookings made 15 days prior to arrival, four months prior to arrival and 11 months prior to arrival
• Divided each stay’s cash cost by its cost in points to determine the cash value of a single point
• Found the median per-cent point/mile value across all stays to determine a final program point value

Credit card rewards methodology

• Listed each issuer’s hotel and airline transfer partners
• Adjusted our airline/hotel point/mile valuations for each transfer partner based on transfer ratios (assuming ratio was not 1:1)
• Calculated the average of each issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (post-transfer) to determine a final program point/mile value

8 of the best ways to use points and miles for travel

Why you should use your issuer’s travel portal

How to earn elite airline status with credit cards

Annoying travel fees you can avoid with the right card lineup

9 major hotel chains with free breakfast

Traveler’s guide to the best frequent flyer programs

Traveling around the world with credit card points

Bankrate's Travel Toolkit

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Travel Points & Miles Valuations — How Much Are They Actually Worth? [June 2024]

Jarrod West

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Table of Contents

Upgraded points’ june 2024 points and miles valuations, upgraded points’ highest-valued points, movers and news, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Credit cards, airlines, and hotels don’t publish their own points and miles valuations, so there are no official answers on what points and miles are actually worth. Therefore, it’s up to you to make your own conclusions on that value.

But we’re here to help.

Many factors come into play when determining this metric. Below are questions you should ask yourself when evaluating the value of points, and we’ve taken them all into account to create our point and mile valuations:

• How valuable are these points?
• How flexible are these points, and how many transfer partners are there?
• What are your redemption options?
• How much would you buy points and miles for?
• What’s the average redemption value from 3 different bookings?
• How abundant is award availability?

Flexible Points Programs

Use our dedicated transfer partner tool calculator to review transfer ratios, times, and bonuses for all major flexible point programs.

Airline Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs.

Not all miles and points are created equal, so naturally, each category has its own winner with the most valued points. Here’s what we ranked as the highest-valued points and why:

Transferable Points: American Express Membership Rewards Points

American Express Membership Rewards continues to be the king of transferable points. Amex partners with all 3 major alliances ( SkyTeam , Star Alliance , and Oneworld ), along with many non-alliance partners, so it’s easier to find award space with them than with other transferable points. Amex transfer partners include Qantas , Air Canada , and Emirates , among others.

It is no secret that transferable points are our favorite rewards to earn, thanks to their flexibility and the powerful redemptions they offer. If you’d like more information on the major transferable point currencies, we’ve put together complete guides on how we value Amex Membership Rewards points , Chase Ultimate Rewards points , Capital One miles , and Citi ThankYou Points .

Airline Miles: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles

Alaska Airlines has the best of both worlds: a variety of partners and solid redemption rates . Some of Alaska’s Oneworld partners include American and Japan Airlines, and the airline’s non-alliance partners include Emirates, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and more.

Hotel Points: World of Hyatt Points

World of Hyatt has the most reasonable redemption rates of all the major hotel chains. Further, we’ve found that there are virtually no blackout dates and that all hotels are on a standard award chart, so you always pay the same price for a room at any hotel. This allows you to explore fantastic Hyatt redemption opportunities , ensuring maximum value.

It was a busy month in the world of points and miles. Here is what made waves last month:

Bilt Rewards Adds Hilton Honors as Its Newest Transfer Partner

Bilt has now announced its latest transfer partner: Hilton Honors. All Bilt Rewards members can transfer Bilt Rewards points to their Hilton Honors accounts at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, members who make their first transfer from Bilt Rewards to Hilton Honors between May 8 and June 8, 2024, will receive a bonus of 1,000 Hilton Honors points.

With this development, Bilt Rewards has become the  only program that enables transfers to all of the 4 most popular hotel programs  in the U.S.: World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.

Google Flights Rolls Out 2 More Awesome Features To Help You Find Cheaper Flights

Everyone’s favorite search tool just got a major upgrade — including several new features that simplify the process of finding the best deals.

Most travelers know that there are many factors to consider when finding the cheapest flight. For instance, it’s not worth your time and money to book a 1-stop flight to save a mere $20 when you could book a nonstop flight for only slightly more.

That’s why  Google Flights  has rolled out a “Best vs. Cheapest” tag,  which allows you to see flights based on price and convenience — or, if you prefer, results purely based on price.

This new feature can be helpful for those who live near smaller airports and need to connect through a major hub first. The new “Best” tag allows you to  see flights that minimize long layovers for a reasonable price.

Additionally, Google has added a feature allowing users to search for flights in and out of nearby airports, useful for travelers near multiple places to fly out of. The flight search result is tagged with a warning that says,  “ Returning to a different airport, ”  but this new search feature can help you find a great flight deal by booking 2 different airports on 1 itinerary.

New Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card Open for Applications

Citi has debuted its newest ThankYou Rewards card, the  Citi Strata Premier℠ Card , which is now open for applications.

The Citi Strata Premier card has similar earning rates to its predecessor, the Citi Premier ® Card:

• 10x points  on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through  CitiTravel.com
• 3x points  on air travel, other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• 1x points  on all other purchases

The 10x points category for select CitiTravel.com bookings is an  ongoing benefit  (for existing Citi Premier cardholders, this benefit expires on June 30, 2024).  EV charging stations is also a new category  that the Citi Premier card did not offer. The Citi Strata premier card comes with an annual fee of  $95 .

The Citi Strata Premier card also has these additional benefits and travel coverages:

• $100 off  of a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com (once per calendar year)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel insurance coverage , including trip delay, trip cancellation and interruption, lost or damaged luggage, and MasterRental Coverage (car rental insurance)

Virgin Atlantic Increases ANA Business Class Award Rates [Devaluation]

One of our favorite award sweet spots just received a major devaluation:  ANA business class to Japan now costs more Virgin Points. While devaluations are common in the points-and-miles world, a  26% increase overnight definitely hurts .

Award redemption changes include:

• Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam:  8% increase
• Hawaii, India, and Indonesia:  7% increase
• Western U.S., Australia, and Canada:  17% increase
• Central and Eastern U.S., Europe, and Mexico:  26% increase

Here’s a closer look at the new rates for examples of popular U.S. city pairs:

• Honolulu (HNL) and Tokyo (NRT, HND):  37,500 points one-way (previously 35,000 points one-way)
• Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and Tokyo (NRT, HND):  52,500 points one-way (previously 45,000 points one-way)
• Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), or Washington-Dulles (IAD), and Tokyo (NRT, HND):  60,000 points one-way (previously 47,500 points one-way)

New Wells Fargo Autograph Journey ℠ Card and Points Transfer

San Francisco-based Wells Fargo has introduced a brand-new credit card, the  Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card ( rates & fees ).

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card comes with a  $95  annual fee and earns points according to the following structure:

• Unlimited 5x points on hotels
• Unlimited 4x points on flights
• Unlimited 3x points on other travel purchases and dining
• 1x points on all other purchases

The card also features  no foreign transaction fees , a $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases, and a suite of travel protections (including trip cancellation insurance, which provides up to $15,000 for lodging, flights, and activities if a trip is canceled for a covered reason).

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card also introduces an all-new feature for the Wells Fargo Rewards ecosystem. Called  Points Transfer , it’s a platform that provides a range of redemptions for those who have cards that earn Wells Fargo Rewards points. Eligible cardholders can  transfer their rewards points to participating partners , which include Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges, and Iberia Plus.

All transfers occur at a  1:1 ratio , with the exception of Choice Privileges, which is at a 1:2 ratio. Points Transfer is up and running, and Wells Fargo says more transfer partners are expected to join as the year goes on.

New Opportunities To Purchase Points

If you need to boost your mileage balances but aren’t in the market for a new credit card, here are the latest opportunities to purchase points with a bonus:

• Choice Privileges: 30% bonus
• Hilton Honors: 100% bonus
• IHG One Rewards: 80% bonus [targeted]
• JetBlue TrueBlue: 75% bonus
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 70% bonus
• Marriott Bonvoy: 50% bonus
• Qatar Airways: 50% bonus
• World of Hyatt: 20% bonus

Keep track of the latest point purchase promotions and discounts on our dedicated page, which we update each time a new promotion launches. 

New Airline Route Changes

Here are the airlines that announced last month that they were adding, removing, or relaunching routes:

U.S. Airlines

• Alaska Airlines Adds Nonstop Seattle-Toronto Flights
• American Airlines Launches 8 New Routes to the Caribbean and Latin America
• American To Boost Service to Anguilla This Winter — Book From 10K Miles
• Avelo Will Fly From New Haven to Washington, D.C., This Summer
• JetBlue Adds Nonstop Service to 2 New Caribbean Destinations
• JetBlue’s Newest Seasonal Flight to Edinburgh Is Here
• JetBlue Introduces New Mint Routes, Expands in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
• Southwest Launches Nonstop Route From Orlando to Nassau

International Airlines

• Aer Lingus To Connect Las Vegas and Dublin With New Service
• Porter Airlines Adds Toronto-Phoenix Route

New Hotel Openings

Here’s the latest on hotel openings:

• Conrad Hotels Makes Its Debut in Bahrain
• EPISODE Daan Taipei Joins JdV by Hyatt [Category 3]
• Hyatt Regency Harare the Meikles Is First Hyatt in Zimbabwe
• New Hyatt Centric Hotel To Make Its Puerto Rico Debut in San Juan
• IHG Is Expanding Its Footprint in Vietnam [Including 2 New Brands]
• IHG’s Kimpton Teneriffe To Open in Brisbane in 2028
• IHG Set To Make a Splash in Turks and Caicos With Opening of 3 Hotels
• Burton House Beverly Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, Opening May 8
• First Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the Middle East Opens in Dubai
• Marriott Is Opening Its First All-Inclusive Resort on Mexico’s Isla Mujeres This Fall
• Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Is Now Open for Guests in Saudi Arabia
• Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, Opening February 2025
• TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Opens in Indonesia
• Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu To Become a Ritz-Carlton Property

Boutique and Luxury Properties

• Ennismore To Open SO/ Budapest Hotel in 2026

The value of points and miles can vary, but you always want to ensure you get great value when redeeming those hard-earned points.

When it comes to flexible points, Amex Membership Rewards points are valued the highest on a cent-per-point basis. These points are extremely flexible, thanks to the large number of Amex airline and hotel partners. Membership Rewards also offers good transfer rates with a ton of redemption options, ensuring you can get the most out of your points.

The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Premier ® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are points and miles worth.

There is no single set value for most points and miles programs. So the valuation is entirely subjective and depends on what the points are worth to you and how you plan to redeem them.

Why do Upgraded Points valuations change month to month?

Loyalty programs and the points or miles associated with them are constantly changing. Programs gain or lose transfer partners, change the number of miles required for a given route, or sometimes even ditch their award charts altogether. When these things happen, certain programs’ miles or points can increase or decrease in usefulness based on the changes that were made.

Are points and miles the same thing?

The terms points and miles are used interchangeably, and it really just depends on which term a given program calls its loyalty currency. Some loyalty programs refer to their currency as miles and others points, but they ultimately have the same function.

How many points do you need for a free flight?

That depends entirely on the type of points you have and where you’re hoping to fly. Each airline loyalty program has its own method for pricing redemptions. Some use an award chart where the number of miles needed for a certain flight route is predetermined. Others use revenue-based redemptions where the number of points needed for a free flight depends on how expensive the cash price of the ticket is.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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Compare the Value of Credit Card Points & Miles

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While using your travel credit card, you’ll notice that it has point values that you earn for your purchases. Depending on which card you have, the value of each point will vary, although it typically ranges from 0.5 cents to 2 cents per point.

In short, not all points are created equally, and it’s just one of the factors to consider when choosing a card. We also have a guide about the best travel credit cards that compares welcome offers, annual fees, rewards rates, and more, so check that out for more information.

Compare the Value of Credit Card Points & Miles

You may be wondering, what about travel miles ? Well, when it comes to miles vs. points , there isn’t much difference since both are card currencies that you can redeem. So, think of your points and miles as a currency that you can exchange for flights, hotels, car rentals, cash back, and more.

It can be confusing at first, but the miles and points valuation system isn’t as complicated as it seems. In this guide, I’ll share what to know about travel points, how much they are worth, and how to make the most of your earned miles and points.

Credit card miles vs. points values

Again, travel points and miles are essentially the same things. Depending on which card you have, you may earn airline miles or travel points that you can use for a variety of rewards:

• Plane tickets
• Hotel bookings
• Rental cars
• Other travel expenses
• Statement credits
• Merchandise

The value of credit card points and miles varies by provider, so I’ll share some common point valuations below for you to compare.

Points valuations – How much are miles worth?

Generally speaking, you can calculate the credit card point value by dividing the plane ticket or hotel booking price by the number of points required to redeem it. For example, if it took 100,000 points to get a $1,300 plane ticket, then the points value is around 1.3 cents per point.

We always try to redeem our points for travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars since the average value is higher. In other words, you’ll get more for your miles if you exchange them for travel rather than cash back or gift cards.

Also, if your card provider is partnered with other airline or hotel programs, you can maximize the value of your points by transferring them to the partner program. You can get a better idea of how much credit card points are worth by looking at the tables below.

Airline miles/airline credit cards

If you fly often and prefer a certain airline over another, you might want a credit card that earns airline miles. You can redeem them for plane tickets, and many of them also allow you to use them for hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses.

In addition to the airline miles value , these cards offer extra benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority seating, and more. If you’re not sure whether airline miles are worth it , check out the average values per mile for some popular cards:

Hotel points/hotel credit cards

Similarly, hotel point values vary with each card. If you have a hotel chain that you’re loyal to, it could be worth getting one of these types of travel cards. You can redeem your points for room and suite bookings, as well as other travel expenses.

In particular, I recommend the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card since the Marriott Bonvoy points values are quite good:

Other travel points and rewards

The most common credit card points values come from generic travel credit cards like the American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred. These travel rewards point values range from around 0.5 cents to 2 cents per point or mile, and as you’ll see from the table below, you’ll get more value if you use them for travel expenses.

If you’re still thinking about which travel credit card to get, consider each card’s travel partners, especially if you prefer flying with a certain airline or staying with a specific hotel.

For instance, Chase Ultimate Rewards lets you redeem your points for travel or transfer them to one of a handful of partner airlines and hotels, like Marriott. Moreover, American Express Membership Rewards is partnered with over 20 airlines and hotels.

These aren’t the only examples, but they give you a better idea of how you can take advantage of your points values and get maximum benefits and rewards. You can also see how many travel points per value you’ll receive from some of the top cards in the chart below.

How to make the most of credit card points values

When it comes to the value of credit card points , you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you redeem them for travel expenses like flights and hotels. Make sure to redeem your points through your card provider’s travel rewards program to maximize your earnings. For example, American Express cardholders should go through the Amex Travel Portal, while Chase clients should go through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

It’s also worth checking if your credit card company is affiliated with other travel partners or loyalty programs. Many major card providers have transfer partners in addition to their specific travel programs, so you can get the highest possible value for your points or miles. Amex credit card point values can be applied to Delta, Marriott, and more, while Citi’s travel partners include JetBlue and Wyndham, among others.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can use your points for cash back via a statement credit or a direct deposit into your checking out. While it’s an easy process, you won’t get as much value as you would if you redeemed the points for travel, and you’ll get even less value if you exchange your points for gift cards or shopping credits.

To sum up, use your points values for travel rewards , transfer them to travel partners if you can, and swipe your credit card for everyday purchases to rack up as many points as possible.

FAQs about points valuations

If you’re still not sure about credit card point values , here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is a travel mile?

A travel mile or point is a reward you earn for making purchases with your travel credit card, which you can then redeem for plane tickets, hotels, and other travel expenses.

What are travel points and miles worth?

The value of points and miles depends on the credit card but can range from 0.5 cents to 2 cents per point.

What is a good value for credit card points?

In general, a credit card, hotel, or airline point value of 1 cent per point is pretty average and what you can expect from most cards.

How can I use travel points?

Depending on which card you have, you can use your points to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel purchases, or redeem them for cash back or gift cards.

What is the best way to redeem points?

If you want the most value, it’s best to redeem your points for airplane tickets or hotels. If your card’s rewards program is affiliated with travel partners, you can maximize your points value by transferring your points.

Is it worth getting a credit card for points?

Yes, a credit card with a high point value is worth it, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or you’d like to save up for a big trip.

Which credit card has the best points program?

Overall, Chase and American Express have some of the best points programs.

I hope this guide gave you a better understanding of point values and how to use airline miles wisely. Please also make sure you use a no foreign transaction fee credit card when you’re abroad. Otherwise, you will spend more than the miles you will earn!

Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have more questions about credit card point values and how to use them! Until then, enjoy saving on your next trip!

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Points Valuations

This page aims to provide a valuation of the major points currencies in Canada and around the world.

Valuing points currencies is a highly subjective exercise, and the value of a point in each program is constantly changing as the program itself changes.

These valuations should therefore be treated as a general guideline, taking into account the general best-case usage of each program, rather than a definite representation of how much value you will get out of each point you earn.

We update our Points Valuations on a quarterly basis , so make sure to check back often.

Canadian Airline & Bank Programs

Below are our points valuations for Canadian and global loyalty programs to which we have easy access via the major Canadian credit cards . For the programs with significant participation from US residents, we’ve included the value in US dollars as well.

• 2.1 cents/point (CAD)
• 1.6 cents/point (USD)

Aeroplan is one of Canada’s most versatile programs for long-haul international travel.

Its advantageous stopover policy allows you to book some pretty amazing trips that you’d never be able to pull off using cash.

Its ever-growing number of partner airlines provides you with access to some of the best products in the industry, including ANA First Class , Emirates First Class , Etihad Airways First Class , Lufthansa First Class , and more. When redeemed for travel in premium cabins, it’s not uncommon to get a value of upwards of 10 cents per point.

Domestic redemptions will be harder to extract value from, but 1.5–2 cents/point is still a reasonable target.

• 10.5  cents/mile (CAD)

Air Miles Cash Rewards are typically redeemed at a ratio of 95 Air Miles = $10, giving you a baseline value of 10.5 cents/mile. Occasional promotions allow Cash Rewards to be redeemed at a higher value.

It’s also possible to earn Dream Rewards instead, which can be redeemed for flights around the world and in any class of service, but the value isn’t great and rarely exceeds 11.5 cents/mile. 

American Express (Canada) Membership Rewards

• 2.2 cents/point (CAD)

Amex MR is by far the most flexible travel rewards currency in Canada. All things being equal, its optimal usage is probably through a 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan (2.1 cents/point).

The program’s overall flexibility (including other airline and hotel partners, Amex Fixed Points Travel , etc.) also gives it value a further boost to 2.2 cents/point.

BMO Rewards

• 0.67 cents/point (CAD)

BMO Rewards can be redeemed towards the cost of travel booked through BMO’s in-house travel agency or into a BMO investment account at a ratio of 150 points = $1, thus giving you 0.67 cents/point. You can also redeem points at this value against any travel purchases charged to the card.

There aren’t many other compelling ways to redeem BMO Rewards, as you’ll get lower value from your points if you redeem them for gift cards or merchandise.

CIBC Aventura

• 1.25 cents/point (CAD) 

CIBC Aventura points offer a baseline redemption option of offsetting the cost of travel booked through the CIBC in-house travel agency at 1 cent/point.

The fixed-value travel schedule, which allows you to get up to 2.2 cents/point on certain redemptions, gives the program some measure of upside.

CIBC Aventura is putting on a special promotion through March 31, 2024, allowing cardholders to use points to redeem against any travel purchase at double the usual rate: 1.25 cents/point instead of 0.625 cents/point.

MBNA Rewards

• 1 cent/point (CAD)

MBNA’s in-house loyalty program, MBNA Rewards, can be used to book travel through the MBNA Rewards Redemption Centre at a rate of 1 cent per point. 

These points can be useful to book things like car rentals, independent hotels, and cruises, which are otherwise difficult to book with points.

In the future, it’s likely that MBNA Rewards will be transferable to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio, which will make them both more versatile and valuable.

National Bank À la carte Rewards

National Bank’s in-house loyalty program, À la carte Rewards, are best redeemed through the program’s online travel portal. Doing so will net you a value of 1 cent/point for travel bookings.

If you’d rather book directly with vendors, you can still redeem À la carte Rewards for a statement credit, albeit at a lower value. Redeeming fewer than 55,000 points will result in 0.83 cents per point, and redeeming more than 55,000 points will result in 0.91 cents per point.

• 2  cents/point (CAD) 

Unique among the Big 5 banks in Canada, RBC Avion points can be transferred to a wide range of airline partners.

The general best-case usage is probably converting to British Airways Executive Club or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at a 1:1 ratio, or to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:0.7 ratio.

RBC Avion’s value is boosted even further by their frequent conversion bonuses and the option to redeem via the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule , which can deliver up to 2.33 cents per point in value.

Scene+ points can be used to offset the cost of travel purchases charged to your card at 1 cent/point.

They’re useful to collect for the purpose of reducing your out-of-pocket travel expenses, such as independent hotels, car rentals, trains, cruises, and the like.

• 0.5 cents/point (CAD)

TD Rewards can be redeemed at a value of 0.5 cents/point via the Expedia for TD online portal towards flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.

If you don’t go through Expedia for TD, the value is lower at 0.4 cents/point.

WestJet Rewards

• $1.02 /WestJet Dollar (CAD)

WestJet Rewards is unique in using “dollars” as their rewards currency: 1 WestJet dollar can be redeemed towards the cost of $1 off a WestJet flight.

WestJet’s Member Exclusive fares offer small discounts on the cost of a WestJet flight when you book with WestJet Dollars; hence, the valuation is a shade over par.

US Airline & Bank Programs

Below are our points valuations for the major US-based loyalty programs, some of which are accessible via the major Canadian credit cards ; others may only be accessible by applying for US credit cards .

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

• 2.2 cents/mile (CAD) 
• 1.6 cents/mile (USD)

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan features a wide array of unique airline partners, including some of the world’s best premium cabins.

In addition, the redemption rates on some premium flights are amongst the lowest in the industry, although there is uncertainty about the future of the pricing due to recent devaluations and the implementation of new award charts.

For the time being, a one-way transpacific flight in Cathay Pacific business class or Cathay Pacific First Class can be booked at around 50,000 or 70,000 miles, respectively, as long as you can find availability.

American Airlines AAdvantage

• 1.4 cents/mile (USD)
• 1.9 cents/mile (CAD)

American Airlines AAdvantage offers fairly competitive award pricing for premium flights on Oneworld airlines, including a few very attractive sweet spots like 75,000 miles for Qatar Airways Qsuites to Africa with no surcharges.

Other sweet spots lie in the AAdvantage program’s unique airline partnerships, like Air Tahiti Nui business class to French Polynesia for 80,000 miles one-way.

AAdvantage is a 1:0.7 transfer partner from RBC Avion points.

American Express US Membership Rewards

• 1.8 cents/point (USD)
• 2.4 cents/point (CAD)

Some of the most popular US-exclusive airline loyalty program partners, such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club , Emirates Skywards , and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer , are in fact common to all three major transferable currencies between Amex US MR , Chase Ultimate Rewards , and Citi ThankYou Rewards .

However, Amex packs the greatest punch with its own exclusive airline partners, such as ANA Mileage Club and their great-value round-the-world awards . Amex also tends to offer more frequent transfer bonuses to partner programs compared to Chase and Citi.

Bilt Rewards

• 1.7 cents/point (USD)
• 2.3 cents/point (CAD)

Bilt Rewards is a points currency that’s rapidly growing in prominence in the United States.

With transfer partners that include many of the best, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and more, Bilt Rewards is one of the most versatiles points currencies around.

Keep an eye out for lucrative offers on the monthly Rent Day promotion, which have historically included transfer bonuses of up to 150%.   

Capital One Miles

Capital One Miles can be transferred to 15 airline programs and 3 hotel programs. Amongst these are some fan favourites, including Air Canada Aeroplan , Air France KLM Flying Blue , British Airways Executive Club , Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer , and more.

Meanwhile, on the hotel side, Capital One has transfer arrangements with Accor Live Limitless , Choice Privileges, and Wyndham Rewards.

However, Capital One Miles aren’t quite as flexible as American Express US Membership Rewards, hence the slightly lower value.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Among the exclusive partners for Chase Ultimate Rewards , the only airline partner that really jumps out as potentially valuable is United MileagePlus , although those same Star Alliance flights can also be booked at a good value using a program like Aeroplan . 

Along that vein, it’s fair to peg Chase at least the same valuation as Aeroplan, at 1.6 cents/point.

Meanwhile, on the hotel side, Chase has exclusive agreements with World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards , both at a 1:1 ratio. 

Hyatt is the only truly “aspirational” exclusive Ultimate Rewards loyalty partner.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

The Citi ThankYou Rewards program has a fair few unique airline partners, including Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for high-value North America redemptions, as well as Qatar Airways Privilege Club that can offer exceptional value on Qsuites business class bookings.

That’s in addition to well-established airline partners that are common to all three, like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Emirates Skywards , and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer , plus other popular programs like Avianca LifeMiles and Air France KLM Flying Blue .

ThankYou Rewards points can certainly be very useful to collect as a supplement to your Amex US MR points, in case you need to pool together a big balance in a certain program on short notice.

Delta SkyMiles

• 1.2 cents/mile (USD)
• 1.6 cents/mile (CAD)

Delta SkyMiles is a dynamically priced program that is subject to frequent unannounced devaluations.

For Canadians, it’s often not worth using Delta SkyMiles to book premium international flights, as there are other programs that are more fit for that purpose.

Instead, it can be a great deal to redeem SkyMiles towards domestic flights within Canada on WestJet at a fixed price of 12,500 SkyMiles one-way.

United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus is one of the weaker Star Alliance loyalty programs, which recently went through a hefty devaluation.

You’re mostly better off booking Star Alliance flights with other programs, as you’ll get a much more preferable rate.

On the other hand, if you can make use of the Excursionist perk, there is still some value to be found in the program.

International Airline Programs

Air france klm flying blue.

• 2 cents/point (CAD) 
• 1.5 cents/point (USD) 

Air France KLM Flying Blue offers useful redemption options in otherwise underserved or hard-to-book markets, such as Bora Bora, Mauritius, or New Caledonia.

It also provides Canadians with another option for booking transatlantic flights, especially with a monthly rotating selection of Promo Rewards . You won’t find a much cheaper way to fly economy to Europe, which is a big draw to some

On the other hand, carrier-imposed surcharges can get quite expensive when redeeming Flying Blue miles for premium cabins. 

British Airways Executive Club Avios

• 2.0  cents/Avios (CAD)
• 1.5 cents/Avios (USD) 

With a unique distance-based award chart, British Airways Executive Club has a wide range of redemption sweet spots. The best example is to book Qatar Airways Qsuites starting at only 70,000 Avios. 

Avios are also incredibly useful for short-haul side-trips on Oneworld partners while you’re travelling internationally.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

• 1.6  cents/mile (CAD)
• 1.2 cents/mile (USD) 

Asia Miles ‘s very generous routing rules and access to additional availability on Cathay Pacific’s own flights make it a good program to consider for Canadians travelling to Asia and points beyond.

The program underwent a devaluation in October 2023, which resulted in increased costs for redemptions, especially in premium cabins. On the upside, award availability is better than it used to be.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios

Qatar Airways Privilege Club is one of the best programs to use for booking Qatar Airways Qsuites and Qatar Airways First Class .

Since the points can be transferred instantly to other flavours of Avios , our valuation of Qatar Airways Avios is the same as British Airways Avios.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

• 1.8  cents/mile (CAD) 
• 1.3 cents/mile (USD) 

Singapore Airlines traditionally limits its aspirational business class and First Class redemptions to members of its own KrisFlyer loyalty program, which makes KrisFlyer an essential program for anyone wanting to sample some of the world’s best flying experiences.

However, despite the potential for incredible flight redemptions, KrisFlyer’s strict mileage expiration policy (in which miles expire on a rolling basis of three years after you’ve earned them) certainly counts against it. 

Hotel Loyalty Programs

Accor live limitless.

• 2.7 cents/point (CAD)
• 2 cents/point (USD)

Accor Live Limitless (ALL) Reward point redemptions for hotel stays give you a fixed value: parting with 2,000 points will take €40 ($59 CAD, $43 USD) off the cost of a hotel stay, converted to the local currency. You can also transfer your points into miles with 30 airline partner programs, which will usually result in a similar or lower value than hotel stays.

Since your redemptions are locked in at a fixed rate for hotel stays, there’s no way to get outsized value from the program. However, you’re also guaranteed a minimum return for your points, which can’t be said for other hotel loyalty programs.

Best Western Rewards

• 0.8 cents/point (CAD)
• 0.6 cents/point (USD)

Best Western Rewards redemptions cost up to 70,000 points per night, with pricing generally reflecting the nightly cash rate.

While one of Best Western’s strengths is that it often has hotels in places that other hotel chains lack coverage, an unannounced devaluation in late 2019 slashed the value of the program dramatically.

Hilton Honors

• 0.7 cents/point (CAD)
• 0.5 cents/point (USD)

Hilton Honors does not publish an award chart, so each hotel’s award price point can vary based on many factors. On balance, 0.7 cents/point (CAD) is a reasonable target to aim for.

In general, award redemptions at both the very lowest and highest ends of the spectrum will give you the greatest chance of maximizing your value.

IHG One Rewards

• 0.4 cents/point (USD)

IHG One Rewards is generally considered one of the weaker among the major hotel loyalty programs. The program uses dynamic pricing that varies frequently, and redemption price points are often devalued without notice.

There are select pockets of value at the lower and higher end of the spectrum, but on average, an IHG One Rewards point is worth a fair bit less than other hotel points currencies.

Marriott Bonvoy

• 0.8 cent/point (CAD) 
• 0.6 cents/point (USD) 

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most useful hotel loyalty programs in Canada. The value in redeeming points for hotel nights is quite variable, as there are plenty of high-value and low-value opportunities. Overall, I’d say that  0.8 cents/point (CAD) is a reasonable target to aim for.

Marriott Bonvoy points can also be transferred to 40+ airlines , giving it some added value in terms of flexibility as well.

World of Hyatt

• 2 cents/point (CAD)
• 1.5 cents/point (USD)

World of Hyatt points are considered one of the more valuable points currencies for hotel rewards.

Despite a limited global footprint, Hyatt’s hotels are impressive in quality and offer a high level of service, especially for World of Hyatt elite members.

With Hyatt’s top-tier hotels costing only 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night (compared to 100,000+ points in other hotel loyalty programs), it’s no wonder Hyatt’s valuation is much higher than its peers.

12 Comments

How did you come up with 0.8 cents/point for HSBC Rewards?

25,000 HSBC points = 10,000 Avios. So we divide HSBC by 2.5

1 HSBC point divided by 2.5 = 0.4 Avios. The value of Avios is 2.0 cents. Multiply 0.4 Avios by 2 cents and you have a valuation of 1 HSBC point = 0.8 cents

It’s hard to tell but it doesn’t seem like the points valuations take into account the cost of acquisition. I took my last 12 statements for my HSBC Metal Mastercard. Average points per dollar was 2.9 and that’s just regular day-to-day spend (no travel which gets the highest acquisition rate).

If you redeem for a travel credit (not the best option but not the worst either), that’s 25,000 points for $125 or 0.5 cents. But the effective redemption rate is almost triple that, or 1.45 cents, if you are comparing to your spend to earn them.

If I do the same basic math for the RBC Visa Infinite Privilege (closest card and it has 1:1 transfer to Avios) then 10,000 points would cost me $8,000 to earn. At my 2.9 point per dollar rate at HSBC, it would cost me $8,634 to earn the 25,000 points needed for the 10,000 Avios points which suggests my HSBC point is worth 0.93 of an Avios, not 0.4. Obviously YMMV and the variability on the RBC side is lower because of the fixed earn rate.

Am I thinking about this wrong?

As the base earn rate on the HSBC Metal MC is 2 points per dollar, you must also be spending in the 4x categories of gas, grocery, and drugstores to achieve the average 2.9 points per dollar you mentioned. If simplicity and acceptance (Mastercard) as well as no FX fees are your priorities, then you may be happy with your current solution. However, the opportunity cost you should consider is the multiplier you are missing out on in categories like grocery, where you could be earning 5x transferable points (ie. Cobalt). Even non-category spend, you could be achieving 1.25x with AMEX Aeroplan (Reserve), AMEX MR (Business Platinum), TD/CIBC Aeroplan (VIP), or RBC Avion (VIP) spending. The 2x spend on HSBC yields only 0.8 BA Avios/$, and even less Asia Miles and Singapore Krisflyer points because of the transfer ratios (25,000:10,000, 8000, and 9000). Rounding up your quoted 2.9 to 3, you are still only earning 1.2 airline points per dollar spent, vs 1.25 or better with the options mentioned above.

Thanks Steven. My comment was more about not buying into the math for the relative value of points unless you take into account the relative earning rates. Your numbers on those rates are helpful – especially the comparison of the base category spend relative value.

As it turns out because HSBC is disappearing I am in fact looking for an alternative and am really struggling to figure out the best approach. RBC is where I will end up by default and could probably get the standard Avion Visa Infinite at no annual fee. My current HSBC points (about 750k) could transfer to Avios and I could generate more Avios with the RBC card. But the best value redemption then would be with BA which I’ve never flown on in my life, I don’t have plans to fly to the UK and would generally try to avoid LHR. I’m retiring shortly and we plan to spend a lot of time in France (although we’ll see if that pans out). Air France/Skyteam would be a good fit (especially if we ended up living there for a period) and so maybe switching to the Brim Air France MC with the 60,000 mile bonus would be useful. On the other hand, Star Alliance would give me more useful options to get in and out of France at good values so maybe sticking with Aeroplan as my primary would be better – that would push me to TD Aeroplan but leave me with a question about what to do with my HSBC points. Too many issues with AMEX acceptance so I’m not going there again. I will miss the no FX fees on my HSBC card though!

Ultimately, I have a big spreadsheet with our estimated spend on various categories and estimated % return but it’s all kinda BS because it really depends on your ability to actually find a useful reward (which apparently I am not very good at). Sometimes I feel like a good cash back with a guaranteed 1.5% return would save me time and grief…

I was told by MBNA that the MBNA reward points can only be transferred to Alaska Mileage point on a 1:1 basis if it is accumulated with the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard that replaces the old Alaska Airline Mastercard. If the MBNA reward points were accumulated with the MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard, then no such MBNA-Alaska point conversion option is available. Can anyone confirm?

What is the valuation for Lifemiles? Is it worth buying and collecting them? And how easy is it to redeem and use them as a Canadian (major airport YYZ).

Can we please have Radisson points program and the Asiana added in too.

Unless I’m missing something, couldn’t you convert MR Select to Aeroplan at huge value?

1. Convert MR Select to Bonvoy at 1:1.2 2. Convert Bonvoy to Aeroplan at 3:1

You weren’t missing anything. But now, MR Select points can convert to Aeroplan 1:1 and other frequent flyer partners too – so I guess we’ll be phasing out this valuation next quarter.

There’s a beautiful GRAND HYATT BGC in metro Manila where i’m at a lot. I’m curious how I can get and maximize points/redemptions there now. I’m Titanium elite for Bonvoy and have a lot of amex MR plus Hilton points. Do they status match?

Is there a way to convert miles/points from Aeroplan or Aventura to Asia Miles?

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A beginner's guide to travel credit cards

Key takeaways

• Travel reward programs allow you to earn points or miles when you make purchases with certain credit cards.
• Once you hit a specific spending threshold, points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related perks.
• The point-to-dollar exchange rate varies widely with each program and could add up to big savings, but program fees could offset the benefits in some cases.
• Rewards cards that aren't tied to a specific company often let you transfer points to a participating travel partner like a hotel or airline.

Using credit to book travel can unlock cheaper, even free ways to see the world if you play your cards right. Travel credit cards also may offer airport lounge access or rewards you can redeem for travel-related perks like hotel or flight upgrades. There's a reason why 41% of Americans already use a travel rewards credit card, according to a 2023 NerdWallet survey. 1 But choosing one can be daunting. Here's how travel rewards work and how to navigate the options.

Feed your brain. Fund your future.

How do travel rewards work?

Travel reward programs function on a simple premise: You earn points or miles by spending on a designated credit card. Depending on the specific card, transactions such as booking flights or hotel stays through partner companies can earn you these points. Some cards even offer points on everyday purchases, like groceries or gas, or for every dollar spent. You could even earn bonus incentives by signing up (these are called introductory offers) or by passing a spending threshold on certain types of purchases.

Once you've accumulated enough points, you can then spend them on benefits within your travel rewards programs, such as flights, hotel stays, upgrades, and more, depending on the program. And these points can add up to some serious savings. Although it's tricky to assign a specific dollar value to points (more on that later), a 2023 survey found that the average travel card holder had a balance of over 50,000 points. 2

If these rewards would act as a coupon for your current spending habits, a travel rewards credit card could be a good financial move if you'd save more than the annual fees and pay off your balance each month. But if one of these credit cards would encourage you to spend more than you would without it, then a travel rewards program may end up costing you more money than it saves.

Travel rewards and credit card features to consider

Every travel rewards program is unique, but here are some common features to consider when trying to score travel rewards with a credit card.

Annual fees

An annual fee is the cost of owning a travel rewards credit card and reaping the benefits that come with it. Not all travel rewards credit cards have annual fees, but those that do can range from less than $50 to more than $500. 3 While these fees may sound like a drawback, they often correlate with enhanced benefits and rewards potentially including lucrative sign-up bonuses, complimentary travel insurance, and airport lounge access, to name a few.

Before committing to a card with an annual fee, it's important to do a cost-benefit analysis first. Weigh the value of the benefits against the annual fee and decide whether the card would save you money, based on your spending habits and travel aspirations. Also, keep an eye out for waived annual fees in the intro period enabling you to test-drive the card's features without an immediate financial commitment. An introductory bonus offer may cover a card's annual fee for one year, for example, which could be a good trial run to see if the card's perks are worth it.

Initial spend/sign-up bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are an incentive to join a credit card travel rewards program. These bonuses typically come in the form of points or miles awarded to your account—commonly in bulk, at one time—after meeting a minimum spending requirement in a specific timeframe. It gives you a head start on accumulating rewards and can help justify an annual fee (if there is one). Like many promotions, rewards for new cardholders can change at any time, so keep in mind that an offer you see today could be different tomorrow.

And while the allure of a boatload of points may seem irresistible, read the fine print so you know up front whether the required spending aligns with your budget and financial habits. Ultimately, sign-up bonuses (and travel rewards in general) are designed to encourage you to spend more on a given card. This gamification of spending may seem exciting, but it can also foster bad financial habits if you aren't careful. A good guideline to help keep spending in check is to never put more on a credit card than what you can pay off when the bill comes. If the card offers a reward for signing up, consider the long-term value beyond that initial bonus.

Cash-conversion rate for points

Once you've narrowed down your travel rewards program options, get a rough estimate of the cash conversion rate for points or miles. Some programs allow you to directly convert your points to cash and pay down your credit card bill, in which case, the point-to-dollar ratio shouldn't be too hard to figure out. But many don't, only allowing you to spend those points or miles to book travel.

The value of your points or their redemption value aren't always a one-for-one exchange. Online calculators are one way to check whether a specific rewards deal is a good one.

Although it varies from card to card, points may have more lucrative redemption values for some rewards over others. For instance, booking travel through the card issuer's portal might mean 100,000 points gets you a $100 flight—but booking that same flight on another platform might cost 150,000 points. If this sounds confusing that's because it is, and each program has its own incredibly nuanced points exchange program. Online communities for travel rewards points could be another resource for decoding the points value for your specific program and getting info about how other travelers have used their points.

Foreign transaction fees

A foreign transaction fee is an extra charge added to transactions that aren't in US dollars. This includes charges on the ground in another country and purchases online from retailers that work in different currencies. Although these fees vary from card to card, they usually range from 1% to 3% of the transaction. 4

If all your travel is domestic or in countries that use US dollars, you won't have to worry about these fees. But if you plan to travel internationally, you might want to look for a card that waives foreign transaction fees. This will ensure that you're not charged extra for that croissant in Paris or for those souvenirs in Tokyo.

General travel vs. specific travel company rewards

Some travel rewards programs are tied to a specific airline or hotel, while others reward you for spending no matter who you book with. If you always book with a specific airline, stay at one brand of hotel, or use a specific rental car company, you could get more value for your points—or earn more points—if you use that company's travel rewards credit card.

Transfer point programs

Many general travel rewards credit cards let you transfer their points to loyalty programs at different hotels and airlines, which you can then redeem for hotel stays and flights. These exchange programs tend to have a higher redemption value than programs offering cash back and, by most estimates, are the best way to maximize the benefits of a travel rewards credit card. Keep in mind that credit card companies have different exchange rates for each hotel and airline partner, so you'll have to determine on a case-by-case basis whether an exchange program is worthwhile for your specific card.

Airport perks

Airport lounge access is a popular perk for travel rewards credit card holders, especially those who travel often. Some programs will also cover the cost of programs that make getting through airport security easier. Consider the annual fees associated with each card and whether these perks would cost less if you paid for them with cash—and without paying for the card.

Consider general cash-back cards

Making the most of a travel rewards program can be a lot of work. Not to mention, travel rewards points can't always be easily redeemed unless you plan to travel. If you're looking for a less fussy and more liquid way to earn rewards for your credit card spending, consider a general cash-back card. Typically, these credit cards give you a percentage of your total spending back in cash without having to calculate exchange rates or redemption values.

One to consider: the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card, which can earn you unlimited 2% cash back on everyday spending. 5 That cash back can be deposited into any eligible Fidelity account, 6 giving your money more chances to grow.

Spend and earn at the same time

Spending on your Fidelity ® Rewards Visa Signature ® Card can put money in your Fidelity account.

More to explore

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(debug tcm:2 ... decode crypto clarity on crypto every month. build your knowledge with education for all levels. fidelity smart money ℠ what the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. active investor our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools. insights from fidelity wealth management ℠ timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top fidelity thought leaders. women talk money real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. educational webinars and events free financial education from fidelity and other leading industry professionals. done add subscriptions no, thanks. 1. erin el issa, "how the 41% of americans with a travel credit card can boost rewards," nerdwallet, march 28, 2023. 2. erin el issa, "how the 41% of americans with a travel credit card can boost rewards." 3. beverly harzog, "best travel rewards credit cards of 2024," u.s. news and world report, april 9, 2024. 4. lyle daly, "what happens if a credit card's sign-up bonus increases after you get the card," the accent: motely fool, november 14, 2024 5. you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible net purchases (net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns) that you charge. account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. upon approval, refer to your program rules for additional information. subject to applicable law, you may not redeem reward points, and you will immediately lose all of your reward points, if your account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). reward points will not expire as long as your account remains open. certain transactions are not eligible for reward points, including advances (as defined in the agreement, including wire transfers, travelers checks, money orders, foreign cash transactions, betting transactions, lottery tickets and atm disbursements), convenience checks, balance transfers, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, overdraft advances, interest charges, fees, credit insurance charges, transactions to fund certain prepaid card products, u.s. mint purchases, or transactions to purchase cash convertible items. the 2% cash back rewards value applies only to points redeemed for a deposit into an eligible fidelity ® account. the redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. other restrictions apply. full details appear in the program rules new card customers receive with their card. establishment or ownership of a fidelity ®  account or other relationship with fidelity investments ®  is not required to obtain a card or to be eligible to use points to obtain any rewards offered under the program other than fidelity rewards. 6. eligible accounts include most nonretirement registrations as well as traditional ira, roth ira, rollover ira, sep ira, fidelity charitable ® giving account ® , fidelity hsa ® , and fidelity ® -managed 529 college savings plan accounts. the ability to contribute to an ira or 529 college savings plan account is subject to irs rules and specific program policies, including those on eligibility and annual and maximum contribution limits. full details appear in the program guidelines new card customers receive with their card. contributions to fidelity charitable ® are generally eligible for a federal income tax charitable deduction. please consult with your tax advisor. the list of eligible registration types may change without notice at fidelity’s sole discretion. for more information about whether a particular registration is eligible, please call 1-800-fidelity (800-343-3548). the third parties mentioned herein and fidelity investments are independent entities and are not legally affiliated. the views expressed are as of the date indicated and may change based on market or other conditions. unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of fidelity investments. the third-party contributors are not employed by fidelity but are compensated for their services. the fidelity investments and pyramid design logo is a registered service mark of fmr llc. the third-party trademarks and service marks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. fidelity brokerage services llc, member nyse, sipc , 900 salem street, smithfield, ri 02917 © 2024 fmr llc. all rights reserved. 1141513.1.0 mutual funds etfs fixed income bonds cds options active trader pro investor centers stocks online trading annuities life insurance & long term care small business retirement plans 529 plans iras retirement products retirement planning charitable giving fidsafe , (opens in a new window) finra's brokercheck , (opens in a new window) health savings account stay connected.

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How to Get More Hotel Points and Airline Miles in June 2024

By Ramsey Qubein

Summer is here, and it’s vacation time for many families looking to get away from the grind. Points and miles can help make sure your next trip doesn’t drain your budget by putting your airline loyalty accounts, hotel memberships, and credit cards to work for you. It's a good month for travel deals—to encourage business, many companies offer seasonal promotions rewarding repeat purchases or loyalty. Below, the deals and perks you need to know about to kick off summer with a bang.

But first: If you need to learn how to get started with travel rewards credit cards or how to use points and miles, read our guide for beginners here . And for more guides, advice, and reviews of travel credit cards, go to our points and miles section .

Get more value and loyalty points when flying Delta

Delta loyalists, rejoice: The airline has a couple of promotions with deadlines coming up—so act fast. First, Delta has a new promotion that lets travelers earn one (1) Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) per dollar spent when reserving hotels or car rentals through its travel portal. This offer is a great way to get closer to elite status without actually flying, and it’s available through June 24. Note that, because you’re booking hotel stays through Delta’s travel portal, you will not earn hotel points or be eligible for hotel status benefits during those stays. It is best to use this travel portal only when booking stays where you’re not looking to earn hotel points or status perks, perhaps at properties where you may not have any kind of loyalty anyway.

There’s also a special offer available until June 17 (or while supplies last) that rewards travelers with a bonus $20 Starbucks gift card when purchasing a Delta gift card worth $300 using any credit card. This could be a good way to bank cash for a future flight; Delta gift cards are easy to use and are treated like cash, meaning using a gift card to buy a plane ticket through Delta means you’re eligible to earn miles and loyalty points with the airline.

Earn more points at stays with Marriott, Choice Hotels, and Best Western

Considering a vacation rental in beach, mountain, or urban destinations this summer? Marriott Bonvoy members can earn five points per dollar spent on any Homes & Villas by Marriott booking made between now and June 26. The stay should last for a minimum of five nights and take place between now and March 31, 2025. Be sure to register for this promotion before your stay.

Through August 5, guests who complete a stay at Choice Hotels properties can earn 8,000 points (enough for a $50 gift card) after completing two qualifying stays. Travelers can earn the bonus as many as four times, but only after registering for the promotion . Choice Privileges points can be used at the brand’s portfolio of hotels, but also at Preferred Hotels & Resorts , a collection of independent luxury hotels around the world, which include The Leela Palace Udaipur in India (a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List editor’s pick) and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in Australia.

Best Western Rewards released their summer offer with 10,000 bonus points earned after staying for three nights. Stay for another three nights, and you earn another 10,000 bonus points, capped at 20,000 points. Staying beyond six nights during the promotion unlocks another perk: double points on all stays with a weekend checkout, and triple points when checking out on a weekday (Again, be sure to register before your first stay ). This promotion is valid through September 2 at participating Best Western hotels.

Best Western’s network is larger than what you might think, including a partnership with WorldHotels, which has its own promotion this summer. Between now and September 2, members can earn up to 20,000 points when staying at WorldHotels’ independent hotels and resorts like the Alhambra Palace Hotel in Granada, Spain, and Makedonia Palace in Thessaloniki, Greece. WorldHotels Rewards members will earn 10,000 points after staying three nights at participating properties. They can earn the bonus twice, but be sure to register before your first stay .

Buy points and miles with a bonus

In addition to booking stays and taking flights, you can always just outright buy points and miles to get closer to an award redemption with a hotel or an airline. You have until June 10 to take advantage of a 70% bonus when buying Flying Blue miles, the points currency of Air France-KLM. You can use those miles to book flights with the European megacarrier or any of its partners like Delta and Virgin Atlantic.

And if you need Hyatt points, you’re in luck: World of Hyatt is offering a 20% bonus on purchased points between now and July 1. These points are well-spent for stays at places like the recently renovated Park Hyatt Milano in Milan, Italy, or the beautiful new Thompson Houston, by Hyatt that just opened earlier this year.

If you take advantage of these opportunities, note that purchases for both these bonus offers are processed through Points.com, and not directly through the airline or hotel themselves. This means you wouldn’t earn extra points for using a credit card that gives bonus spending categories for flights or hotel stays, respectively. You’re better off using a card that earns two points per dollar spent on all types of spending, like the Capital One Venture card .

Secure a status match through cruises

If cruises are part of your summer plans, consider a status match available for the Royal Caribbean Group’s trio of brands: Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises , and Silversea . If you hold elite status with one of the three cruise lines, you are now eligible for equivalent status on the other two—and that includes all the onboard discounts and bonuses that come with it depending on your status. You don’t need to do anything to take advantage of it other than provide your loyalty number before your cruise.

Use up those credit card perks and rewards

Each month, credit card companies provide incentives, like Amex Offers, for spending a certain amount with different retailers and brands. These can prove to be lucrative ways to score bonus points or sizable cash rebates. This month, The Platinum Card from American Express is offering many cardholders a $40 statement credit when spending $180 on Delta tickets. The offer is available through July 5, but must be activated in your credit card account first. Hilton, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, JetBlue, and Hertz have similar cash back offers valid for the start of summer.

By Caitlin Morton

By Jessica Chapel

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

Other American Express cardholders may find offers for WorldHotels to earn a $150 statement credit after spending $750 between now and July 19. And an offer especially for those with the Delta Platinum American Express card : 7,500 bonus Delta SkyMiles added to your account after spending $200 on Delta flights before August 15.

Chase Sapphire Reserve members attending the Olympics in Paris have access to a special VIP lounge that will have food, drinks, and meet-and-greets with Olympic athletes. Cardholders can bring one guest any time the lounge is open between July 27 and August 11. They are also eligible for special access to dinner reservations at an iconic restaurant with tasting menus in view of the Eiffel Tower .

Other good hotel bonuses to check out

Another promotion from World of Hyatt: If you book a stay at a Thompson Hotel or a Dream Hotel—two of Hyatt’s boutique luxury brands—each night will count as two nights towards elite status. This is running until July 15, an extension of an original promotion that was offered earlier in the year. Be sure to register before your stay .

Additionally, IHG One Rewards members can hit two birds with one stone by staying at any IHG property, earning their usual nights and points for the hotel stay, and earn United MileagePlus miles on top of that. The booking must be made by June 30, and the stays must be completed by August 31. Registration is required .

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Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

American express® gold card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Why You Should Trust Us

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is Business Insider's top choice out of the best credit cards for earning and redeeming rewards toward flights, hotel stays, cruises, rental cars, and other travel adventures.

If you're new to rewards credit cards or don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on various travel and dining purchases and offers some of the best travel and purchase protection available, including primary car rental insurance. 

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Overview

The Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best rewards credit cards with an annual fee under $100, with a generous welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Beyond its rewards, the Sapphire Preferred Card comes with some of the best travel coverage available, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and primary car rental insurance.

The Sapphire Preferred Card also includes a $50 annual credit for hotels booked through the Chase Travel℠ Portal, a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to 5 points per dollar in popular spending categories.

You may find yourself interested in both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve , but on the fence about paying a high annual fee. For most people, it makes more sense to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card first because it comes with a larger welcome bonus and many of the same travel and shopping benefits. If you find yourself traveling more later on, you can always upgrade your Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Rewards

Welcome bonus.

TheChase Sapphire Preferred® Card bonus is 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This welcome offer is worth $1,350 in travel, based on Business Insider's points and miles valuations . 

As long as your Sapphire Preferred Card is open and in good standing, your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points will not expire. However, if you close your card, you'll lose all the points in your account — so be sure to redeem them or transfer them to an airline or hotel partner before you cancel.

How to Earn Points With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Sapphire Preferred Card members earn points at the following rates per dollar:

• 5 points on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3 points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
• 3 points on select streaming services
• 3 points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points on all other eligible travel purchases

All other purchases earn one point per dollar. 

How to Use Chase Ultimate Rewards Points 

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are worth 1 cent each by default when redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you get 25% more value, or 1.25 cents per point.

Redeem Chase Points for Travel

You can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more through the Chase Travel Portal at the 1.25-cent rate with no limits or blackout dates. The redemption system searches many airline and hotel brands, with a similar feel and layout to major discount travel websites.

However, if you want to get even more value per point, you can transfer to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio. That means 1 Chase point equals 1 point or mile in these programs:

You generally get the best value per point by transferring to airlines and booking premium travel, like a first-class flight or a hotel stay that would cost hundreds of dollars. Also, keep in mind that many transfer partner airlines are members of alliances that give you additional partner airline choices.

When you get a good deal, you can book a domestic round-trip flight for 25,000 points. With British Airways, for instance, you can book short-haul flights on partner American Airlines for even fewer points. Southwest also offers many great deals with no checked baggage fees for your first two bags.

If you earn the welcome bonus offer on the Sapphire Preferred Card, you'll have more than enough points for a round-trip award flight to Europe — and depending on the partner you redeem with, you could have points left over to jumpstart your next trip.

Redeem Chase Points for Other Purchases

There are plenty of non-travel options for redeeming your Chase points, but you won't necessarily get as much value as you would by transferring to partners:

• Cash back :  Cash in your points at a rate of 1 cent each toward a statement credit or direct deposit to your bank account
• Chase Pay Yourself Back : Use points toward eligible purchases at a rate of up to 1.25 cents apiece
• Gift cards:  Your points are worth 1 cent each toward gift cards from popular merchants 
• Apple, PayPal, and Amazon purchases: Use points directly for Apple (1 cent each), PayPal (0.8 cents each), or Amazon (0.8 cents each) purchases; the latter two options aren't a good value — you're better off paying for your purchase with the card, then redeeming points at 1 cent apiece toward a statement credit

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Benefits and Features

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card's benefits come in handy when traveling and shopping at home, online, or anywhere your travels take you.

When you're traveling outside the U.S., the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not charge any foreign transaction fees. Foreign transaction fees are typically 3% to 5% of your purchase, so they can quickly add up if you don't take the right card on your trips abroad.

Annual Hotel Credit

The Sapphire Preferred Card offers up to $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel Portal. New cardholders can start earning the credit immediately, while existing cardholders will be eligible after their next account anniversary.

Maximizing this credit is an easy way to shave up to $50 off the card's $95 annual fee — making your net out-of-pocket cost each year just $45.

10% Anniversary Point Bonus

Each year on your account anniversary, you'll receive a points bonus equal to 10% of all purchases made in the previous year.

For example, if you spent $25,000 on the card in an anniversary year, you'd receive a bonus of 2,500 points.

Primary Car Rental Insurance

The Sapphire Preferred Card card includes primary car rental insurance for damage due to theft or collision, which means it kicks in before your own car insurance and allows you to confidently pass up the extra charge of a car rental agency's own insurance whenever you rent a vehicle and pay with the Sapphire Preferred Card (note that it doesn't include liability insurance).

Most cars and countries are included, but check the terms and conditions for specific exclusions.

Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance

If you've paid for an eligible trip with the Sapphire Preferred Card and it's cut short or canceled for a covered reason like illness or severe weather, the card's travel insurance could reimburse you up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses.

Trip Delay Insurance

When you use your Sapphire Preferred Card to pay for your fare, its trip delay insurance can get you reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for hotel rooms, food, toiletries, clothes, or other reasonable expenses when your flight is delayed overnight or by 12 hours or more.

Baggage Delay Insurance

If you've paid for your travel with the Sapphire Preferred Card and your bags are delayed for six hours or more, you could be reimbursed for essential purchases (like clothing and toiletries) up to $100 per day for up to five days.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If the carrier damages or loses your bags, you and your immediate family members could be covered for up to $3,000 per passenger as long as you've paid for your tickets with the Sapphire Preferred Card.

Extended Warranty

The Sapphire Preferred Card extends the time period of a US manufacturer's warranty on eligible items by an additional year, on warranties of three years or less when you pay with your card.

Purchase Protection

If an eligible item you've bought with the Sapphire Preferred Card is damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase, purchase protection could make you eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement per claim, and up to $50,000 per account.

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

If you're traveling away from home and have a problem, you can get help with medical and legal referrals or other emergency assistance. This service is free for Sapphire Preferred Card cardholders, but any third-party costs are your responsibility.

Travel Accident Insurance

When you pay for your air, bus, cruise, or train transportation with the Sapphire Preferred Card, you're eligible for accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000.

Roadside Dispatch

Sapphire Preferred Card cardholders can contact the roadside dispatch hotline for help with arranging services like towing and flat tire repair for a set fee.

DoorDash DashPass

With the Sapphire Preferred Card, you can receive a complimentary DashPass membership (for waived delivery fees on qualifying orders) through December 31, 2024. Enrollment is required to receive this perk. 

Instacart Benefits

Through July 31, 2024, Sapphire Preferred Card cardholders can enroll for a complimentary six months of Instacart+ membership, which comes with free delivery on orders of $35+ and reduced service fees. If you don't plan to keep the membership open beyond six months, be sure to set a calendar reminder to cancel, otherwise, it will automatically renew for another year (currently $99) once your free six months are up.

With the Sapphire Preferred Card, you can now also earn up to $15 per quarter in statement credits toward Instacart purchases (activation required). If you maximize this benefit each quarter, it's worth up to $60 per year — which makes up for much of the card's annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Fees

It is easy to see how you can get $100 or more in value from this card every year, but it isn't free. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges a $95 annual fee. However, you can use the card for international purchases without worrying about extra charges, because it doesn't add foreign transaction fees.

Like most other credit cards, you'll pay interest if you carry a balance (currently a 21.49% - 28.49% Variable APR), and there fee in other situations, including balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

Compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Card

The Sapphire Preferred Card isn't the only credit card geared to travelers that offers top-notch benefits and generous rewards. Depending on your spending and travel habits, one of these alternative credit cards could be a better fit for you. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , one of the best premium travel credit cards available, is the top-tier "sibling" of the Sapphire Preferred Card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee compared to a $95 annual fee on the Sapphire Preferred Card. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with up to a $300 annual travel credit and access to more than 1,500 airport lounges through its complimentary Priority Pass membership. Cardholders can also redeem Ultimate Rewards through the Chase portal at a value of 1.5 cents apiece, compared to the 1.25 cents apiece for Sapphire Preferred Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn 10 points on Lyft rides through March 2025; 10 points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase; 10 points on Chase Dining; 5 points on airfare through Chase travel; 3 points on other dining and travel; and earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. 

Read more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review . 

If you want a mid-tier travel credit card that earns American Express Membership rewards, the American Express® Gold Card is a good option for you to consider. Cardholders earn 4 points at U.S. supermarkets  and restaurants; 3 points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel; and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

New Amex Gold cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership, and can benefit from extra perks at Amex Hotel Collection properties when booked through Amex; secondary car rental insurance; trip delay insurance; baggage insurance; extended warranty; purchase protection; and up to $10 in Uber Cash each month, up to $120 per calendar year.

American Express® Gold Card cardholders who enroll in the benefit can can also get a $10 monthly dining credit at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Milk Bar, Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations. This card has an annual fee of $250, which is significantly higher than that of the Sapphire Preferred Card but can be offset by all of the bonus credits if you're able to use them. 

Read more in our Amex Gold Card review .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is nearly identical to the Sapphire Preferred Card, but for people who prefer Capital One as a credit card issuer. 

New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. The card has an annual fee of $95, and earns a flat rate of 2 miles per dollar on most purchases. They will earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Read more in our Capital One Venture card review .

Sapphire Preferred Card Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible to apply for the Sapphire Preferred Card, you have a credit score in the good to excellent range. However, Chase only allows you to have one Sapphire card at a time, so if you already have the card (or its sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), you won't be approved.

The $95 is worth it for occasional and frequent travelers, even the annual fee might seem intimidating if you've only had no-annual-fee cards in the past. It's definitely worth it in the first year because the value of the welcome bonus far exceeds the cost.

The Sapphire Preferred Card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can redeem for travel booked through Chase, statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise. The best way to use your rewards is usually by transferring them to Chase's airline and hotel partners, because you can often get outsized value from your points this way.

The Sapphire Preferred Card does not charge extra to add authorized users. Additional cardholders get their own card, but any points earned from their spending will belong to the primary cardholder. Keep in mind any transactions made by your authorized users are your responsibility, so only add folks you trust.

The minimum credit limit for the Sapphire Preferred Card is usually $5,000 because it's a Visa Signature card. Many people get approved for credit limits that are higher than that.

The difference between the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve is that the Sapphire Preferred Card is a mid-tier card with a $95 annual fee and generous rewards for spending. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium card meant for frequent travelers, and comes with upscale benefits and rewards in exchange for a $550 annual fee.

You can upgrade the Sapphire Preferred Card if you've had it for at least a year. Should you decide it's not a good fit, you can call Chase and ask to product change to a different personal Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card. For example, if you find yourself traveling more often and want perks like Priority Pass airport lounge access , you could ask for an upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

You can downgrade the Sapphire Preferred Card if you've had it for at least a year. If you find that paying the Sapphire Preferred Card's annual fee isn't worth it for you, you could request a downgrade to the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited®. 

No, the Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't come with a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit. However, its sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, does offer this feature. You can find more options in our guide to the best credit cards with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Chase Sapphire Preferred

We compared the Sapphire Preferred Card to similar travel rewards credit cards and assessed the card on various factors, including:

• Ease of use — Does the card make it easy to earn and redeem rewards? Are there multiple options for using points?
• Rewards earning potential — Are there broad bonus categories that are useful to a wide range of customers, and are any of them capped at a certain amount of spending?
• Annual fee — Is the annual fee worth paying based on the card's rewards and benefits?
• Benefits — How do the card's perks, especially travel benefits, stack up against similar cards?

Here's a full breakdown of how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

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Credit cards

How I’m using 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points in 2024

Harrison Pierce

Ashley Barnett

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 5:33 a.m. UTC June 10, 2024

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bonetta, Getty Images

Even though I’m a full-time credit card rewards writer and digital nomad, I got the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card late compared to my peers. I applied for it in April 2023, and I’ve used it a decent amount since then.

Last year, I used around 30,000 points for a hotel stay, leaving me with 100,000 points I can use in 2024. I plan to book a trans-Atlantic flight, a domestic flight, two experiences and a three-night stay at the Hyatt Regency in Brisbane and still have points to spare. Here’s how I’m going to get the most value from my Chase Ultimate Rewards® points this year.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card details

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

A flight from Lima to Madrid on Iberia

I travel between Europe and South America throughout the year to maximize my time in warm weather. I was in Lima, Peru, for the first several months of 2024 and then relocated to Madrid, Spain, where I’ll stay until the Paris Olympics begin at the end of July. 

I fly with my cat, Isabelle, so I always try to ensure the route is as quick as possible. When I was looking at flights from Lima (LIM) to Madrid (MAD) there were only three non-stop options: Air Europa, LATAM and Iberia. 

I knew I wanted to use my Ultimate Rewards points for this flight, and since Air Europa and LATAM are not currently Chase transfer partners this left me with just one option for a nonstop redemption: Iberia.

In many cases, it’s best to transfer your points rather than redeem them through a travel portal. This held true for my Madrid flight. When booking through Chase Travel℠, the flight would cost anywhere from 63,000 points to 75,000 points. However, booking directly on the Iberia website allowed me to book my flight for just 25,000 points plus taxes and fees. 

This left me with roughly 75,000 points still available to use. 

Experiences around the world

I’ve never done this before, but cardholders can book activities through the Chase Travel portal. One of the experiences I plan on booking is in Istanbul — a three-and-a-half-hour night cruise, which includes dinner, drinks and a show, for just 2,624 points. 

I easily earn that many points from using my card each month, so it feels like a no-brainer to book the experience. 

I’m visiting Melbourne, Australia, for a friend’s birthday this September, and there is a full-day small-group eco-tour for just 7,592 points. The experience is around 12 hours, so this seems like great value and a good way to learn a lot about a new destination. 

Without rewards, these experiences might not be something I would treat myself to, but I’m excited to do different things when I travel. You don’t have to use your points exclusively to offset major expenses — minor redemptions on tours and experiences can also be beneficial. 

Between my flight to Spain and these two experiences, I’ve spent roughly 35,000 points, meaning I have another 65,000 or so available. 

A flight from New York to North Carolina

I am flying home to North Carolina from Istanbul this October. I will break up the journey and spend the night with a friend in New York before flying from New York (LGA) to Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM). 

Normally, a one-way first-class flight on Delta would cost 32,500 SkyMiles. However, I have the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (terms apply), so I get 15% off mileage redemptions, bringing the cost down to 27,600 miles with Delta.

But, instead of choosing this option, I will transfer my points from Chase to British Airways Executive Club, where I can book a one-way first-class flight from New York to Wilmington operated by American Airlines for just 16,500 Avios. 

It’s not the same flight, but it leaves at a similar time in the afternoon and saves me over 11,000 points. 

I’m now down to about 48,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. 

A stay at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane

While I’m in Australia for my friend’s birthday, she wants to travel from Melbourne to Brisbane for a few days for better weather. I can book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane for just 9,000 points per night. So, a three-night stay will cost just 27,000 points, and I can transfer my Chase points at a 1:1 ratio, allowing me to treat my friend to a special birthday gift with no out-of-pocket expense. 

After this redemption, I’ll have about 21,500 Ultimate Rewards points left. 

Bottom line

In 2024, I’ve scored an international flight, a first-class domestic flight, a 3-night hotel stay and two global experiences all for less than 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. 

I don’t necessarily want to get my rewards balance down to zero, as I like to take advantage of limited-time bonuses or last-minute opportunities. Plus, I’ll continue using my Sapphire Preferred all year, which means I will keep accumulating even while I’m redeeming my points. 

I don’t know where the rest of my points will take me, but I’m confident I’ll be able to stretch them out for a range of new experiences I might not be able to have otherwise.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad that is passionate about all things personal finance and travel. While traveling full-time, he refined his love for writing and now enjoys working with various brands to tell stories and create meaningful content.

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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17 best rewards credit cards of June 2024

If you’re looking to optimize your spending and save on every purchase, we recommend these top picks for the best rewards credit cards. Each card on this list was carefully selected by our team of experts to help our readers get the most out of their spending. Whether you’re looking to earn the most cash back on your spending or to pay for your next vacation with points and miles, we’ve got you covered.

At The Points Guy, we aim to provide comprehensive insights and expert analysis on credit cards to help our readers make the right choice for their wallets. So, check out our curated selection and comprehensive guide on finding the best rewards cards from our partners below.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for airline rewards
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for airline rewards
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining rewards at restaurants
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for freelancers
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for flat-rate earning
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury benefits
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for U.S. streaming rewards
• Citi Double Cash® Card : Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for bonus categories
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for no annual fee
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for entertainment rewards
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for travel perks
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for cash back beginners

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly, what is a rewards credit card, helpful tools, how we rate cards, how to maximize rewards credit cards, how to choose the best rewards credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of rewards credit rards, frequently asked questions, chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• Annual $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Chase Travel
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2x miles on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, valued by TPG at $1,388.
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners
• Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the $300 credit towards bookings through Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see Venture rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• $395 annual fee
• The $300 back annual credit only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• No travel perks
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on global dining and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full  review of the American Express Gold Card .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
• Few travel perks and protections
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited’ sign-up gives you a generous $750 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card .

• No annual fee
• A generous $750 cash-back sign-up bonus
• Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus
• No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred
• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uncapped earning potential
• $50 annual statement credit
• Solid point earning rates in popular categories
• This card features an annual fee
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card delivers simplicity to cardholders who want to pay for their purchases without worrying if you’re maximizing every last dollar. With a 2% cash rewards rate, you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re earning bonus points whether you’re online shopping or paying your hairdresser. Plus, enjoy other benefits like cell phone protection and access to the Visa Signature® Concierge and Luxury Hotel Collection. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash .

• There’s no annual fee, meaning that you can keep your costs low while focusing on earning rewards.
• Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases — no bonus categories to track or remember.
• Get up to $600 in cell phone protection (with a $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card.
• Don’t take this card abroad with you, as this card incurs a 3% foreign currency conversion fee.
• Other cash rewards cards can offer better welcome bonuses.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more.
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
• The annual airline fee credit and other statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full  review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express .

• This card has one of the best earning structures out for among cash-back credit cards
• The card comes with access to Amex Offers (activation required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
• There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets
• You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.

Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash Card caters to beginners establishing good credit habits, since users will earn 2% cash back; 1% when they buy and 1% when they pay their statement. The Citi Double Cash is a great pick for those looking for the utmost simplicity and want cash back in their pocket. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash here .

• Earning 2% back on every purchase is an industry-leading return on everyday spending for a no-annual-fee credit card.
• Now that you have the ability to convert rewards to ThankYou points with an eligible card, your redemption options are even more flexible.
• It’s great for those looking to consolidate debt, since it offers new cardmembers 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers made. After that, the variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24% applies.
• Those looking to make a balance transfer will have to pay 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns at least 1.5% back on everything. However, it becomes a standout card if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, doubling their potential value. Read our full  review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited .

• At least 1.5% back on every purchase, with up to 5% or 3% back on select categories
• There is no annual fee
• Perfect for everyday, non-bonused spending
• Incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card
• There is a 3% foreign transaction fee so the card shouldn't be used abroad
• Limited card perks and benefits
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards card here .

• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
• No travel and purchase protections.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

• This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full  review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card .

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after, there's a 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months or at the promotional APR offered at any other time. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR).
• The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn)
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review of The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee every 4 1/2 years.
• International Airline Program; and Cruise Privileges Program.
• Steep $695 annual fee.
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash back structure with no annual fee. You’ll earn bonus cash back rewards on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read our full review of the  Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express .

• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets.
• No annual fee.
• There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with larger annual grocery spend.
• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.

This is one of the most popular beginner travel rewards cards out there. You can earn a lot of points on a broad range of categories, and the low $95 annual fee makes this card worth keeping both in the first year and beyond.

This card is an ideal choice for someone who takes a few trips a year and wants to maximize their earning on travel and dining purchases.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5-plus years and is the midlevel rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earn rate on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary car insurance and a little more piece of mind.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, with bonus miles when booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One’s travel portal. Both cards have the same $95 annual fee (see Venture rates and fees ).

The main attraction of this card is its flat earning structure of 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. You’ll also get access to 15-plus travel loyalty partners and up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, all for a low $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

This card is suited to travelers who take a few trips a year and want a simple miles-earning structure with the potential to maximize their rewards.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone's wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside my other cards' bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks, including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

The main competitor to this card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which earns more points on dining, streaming and online grocery purchases. However, it earns half the rate of the Venture Rewards on everyday purchases and does not include any lounge passes.

This is one of the best value premium travel rewards cards out there. It offers lounge access to you and two guest, all for a reasonable $395 annual fee (see rates and fees ). Most of that is offset by a $300 annual travel credit, and you’ll receive 10,000 bonus miles each year, which more than covers the rest.

This card is suited to frequent travelers who want lounge access and transferable miles for maximum-value travel redemptions.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One travel portal credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return, based on TPG's valuations) in spend categories where most cards would only accrue 1 point, such as auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

The popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns more bonus points on travel and dining purchases but comes with a higher $550 annual fee. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth slightly more than Capital One miles.

This card offers one of the highest sign-up bonuses of any business card and has a low $95 annual fee. Plus, it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points on a variety of business expenses.

This card is geared toward small-business owners who want to maximize points-earning on business expenses. It’s also great for those who regularly run into problems with their cellphone, as it provides cellphone protection.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.”  — Katie Genter , senior writer

This card’s main competitor is the American Express® Business Gold Card , which offers 4-points-per-dollar in select bonus categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas, such as transit purchases, dining at U.S. restaurants, and U.S. gas station purchases. However, its biggest downside is its relatively high $375 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

This is the best card for those looking to earn bonus points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. You have an array of valuable transfer partners, while the dining and Uber statement credits help offset the considerable $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

This card is a great addition to the wallets of those who want to earn a lot of points when dining out and grocery shopping.

  “Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar (up to $25,000 in spending at U.S. supermarkets). When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

There are few direct competitors to this card, but it’s worth checking out the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offer more points for travel purchases but fewer bonus points for groceries and dining.

This is one of the best business cards with no annual fee because it earns 1.5% back on every purchase without needing to keep track of bonus categories.

This card is a good match for anyone who doesn’t want to expend mental energy juggling spending categories.

“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, while the Ink Unlimited covers everything else with a flat 1.5% earn rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is the only no-annual-fee (see rates and fees ) business credit card that can potentially be more valuable. It offers 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent (on up to $50,000 in annual spending, then 1 point), and these points are immediately transferrable to partners; you don't need to carry another card to enable this functionality.

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

The Active Cash card (see rates and fees ) is a great beginner card since it features a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases. The card features a simple earning strategy, includes cellphone protection and has no annual fee.

Credit card beginners should consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash if they’re looking for a simple cash back card.

"This card offers a generous 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies) and 2% cash rewards. When the time came to pay my daughter’s preschool tuition, I got the card. I figured I could split the expense up monthly and pay a service fee to the school, or I could spread it out with the introductory APR and get 2% cash rewards. It was a no brainer for me!” — Eileen Sullivan, senior UX researcher

New credit card users who are looking to earn cash back but want the option to transfer their cash back into travel points should consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ). It features a similar simple earning strategy as the Wells Fargo Active Cash but when combined with select Citi cards, the cash back can be transferred into Citi ThankYou points.

This card offers the best lounge access options of any premium travel rewards card and a high earn rate on airfare. It also comes with a plethora of statement credits that can offset the high $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

This card is ideal for frequent travelers who spend a lot on airfare purchases and want access to a wide range of lounges along with a large number of lifestyle perks.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and trip protection insurance*. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns more points on travel (except flights) and dining purchases and comes with a lower $550 annual fee. However, the Amex Platinum has better lounge access options.

This is a lucrative cash-back card for those who spend a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming. You’ll also earn statement credits for select monthly subscriptions with Disney and Equinox (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal; terms apply).

This card is best suited to someone looking for a lot of cash back on groceries, gas, transit and streaming.

“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards, and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1% back after that. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter , senior points and miles writer

If you want a flat cash-back rate on all purchases, then the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option, offering 2% back on every transaction — 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill.

One of the simplest and most rewarding cash-back cards out there is the Citi Double Cash Card. It awards 1% cash back when you buy and then another 1% as you pay off your bill. You can even convert the cash back to ThankYou points via a linked ThankYou card, such as the Citi Prestige® Card. 

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

This card is best for two groups of people: those who want to keep rewards lucrative but simple, earning 1% cash back as you buy things and 1% cash back as you pay them off, and those who want to ramp up rewards-earning by converting these rewards to Citi ThankYou points, which TPG values at 1.8 cents each .

“ I wasn’t the biggest fan of this card previously, thinking it was just average, but I am a big fan now that it earns Citi ThankYou points. Paired with my other Citi cards, it unlocks huge earning potential on everyday spending. The fact it has no annual fee means it’s a long-term keeper for me.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you want an even simpler rewards-earning structure, also with no annual fee, check out the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees ), which earns 2% back in cash rewards on purchases.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the most popular no-annual-fee cards at TPG because it has a good mix of elevated everyday earning and bonus categories that go as high as 5%. But perhaps even better is that the Chase Freedom Unlimited can be paired with a premium Chase credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, to amp up the value of the rewards when used for travel. In fact, it makes up one-third of what we call the Chase Trifecta .

This card is unique in that it’s a great match for those new to credit card rewards and those looking to squeeze all possible value out of every dollar charged. This makes it a good match for almost anyone, but especially for those who want to one day use some of their rewards for travel.

“ The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you like the idea of a no-annual-fee card in the Chase credit card ecosystem but want even more bonus categories, check out the Chase Freedom Flex℠ , which has unique, rotating 5% bonus categories (up to $1,500 in total spending each quarter, activation required).

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

  “I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you're looking to earn in similar bonus categories but prefer Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be a solid alternative. The Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases and 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.

This card earns excellent cash back on meals, groceries and entertainment without having to pay an annual fee (see rates and fees ). Additionally, if you also have a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can transfer your cash-back rewards from the SavorOne into fully transferable miles.

This is a good starter card for enthusiastic foodies, avid streamers and regular concertgoers — especially for international travelers, since the card has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ).

For no annual fee, you’re getting an excellent return on a variety of purchases — both in and out of the U.S (see rates and fees ).

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers 5% back on travel purchased through the Chase portal and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. It also has valuable rotating quarterly categories, earning 5% cash back (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter) after activation.

While its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ) may appear jarring at first, the Business Platinum Amex offers unmatched benefits, including lounge access, plus other value-added perks that can easily offset the card’s annual fee each year. Not to mention, it has an earning structure that can add up quickly for those who travel frequently. If you want to be rewarded for travel spending with American Express Travel and want extra comfort on your trips, this card provides both. New applicants can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.

You don’t have to be a high spender to find value in this card. It’s well suited for those who travel frequently, will enjoy airport lounge access , will benefit from automatic elite status with Marriott and Hilton (enrollment required) and can maximize the card’s various statement credits. Plus, the card’s return on spending for travel purchases is very strong — as is the return in select business categories and purchases totaling more than $5,000. You’ll also enjoy a 35% points rebate on eligible flights booked with Amex Travel on up to 1 million points back per calendar year.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that's even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell, I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

If you have a business banking relationship with Capital One, consider the Capital One Venture X Business Card . It comes with a lower annual fee and access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One Lounges. Additionally, it earns at least 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on all purchases.

This is a great card if you want to bonus cash back on groceries, gas and online shopping with no annual fee (see rates and fees ). Rewards are easily redeemed at a fixed rate, eliminating guesswork on whether you're getting good value from your earnings. You’ll also earn statement credits with Disney and Home Chef (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal; terms apply).

This is a solid cash-back card for many, especially students and credit card beginners with low monthly budgets.

If groceries, gas and online shopping are among your largest spending categories, this is a great starter card to help you dip your toes into the world of credit card rewards.

If you want higher earning rates on a similar card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be a better choice. You’ll get expanded bonus spending categories and additional perks, though you’ll want to be sure the card’s $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ) starting in year two is worth it.

Rewards credit cards are credit cards that earn rewards, typically in the form of points, miles or cash back, on your spending that is charged to the card. There are a wide variety of rewards credit cards (with an array of annual fee price points) that offer all sorts of rewards currencies in various amounts on different spending categories.

How do rewards credit cards work?

When you charge a purchase with a rewards credit card , you will earn rewards on your spending. You can then redeem those rewards for options such as travel, statement credits, gift cards, etc.

How to redeem credit card rewards

Once you have decided on your rewards credit card and earned the welcome bonus, it is time to see what you can do with those credit card rewards. How you should redeem your rewards will depend on the type of your rewards card and your goals. 

Cards that earn transferable points can provide the most valuable rewards but can also be the most difficult to utilize when learning how to redeem rewards for maximum value . If you have a trip coming up and are hoping to use transferable points to book your flights or hotels, you can use TPG’s monthly valuations to determine if a redemption you have in mind is worth your points. TPG also has redemption guides to help get you started with most of the main loyalty programs. Some travels are better booked with cash or with cashlike equivalent rewards. 

Cash-back cards offer the easiest redemption option, as it is typically a cash amount that can either be redeemed on your statement balance or directly deposited into your account.

What are credit card points or miles worth?

The value of a point or mile varies widely across the many travel brands out there. TPG uses a combination of the cash cost of a mile, the average cost of awards in a given program, and our own expertise from decades of earning and redeeming rewards to determine the value of a point or mile. 

TPG’s monthly valuations are a great guide to understand the average valuation of the various points and miles currencies.  

What types of credit card rewards can you get?

There are a variety of rewards credit cards geared toward different spending categories. All of the cards listed below earn some type of rewards, but the rewards differ from card to card.

This type of rewards card generally earns rewards in the issuer’s currency, which can then be transferred to certain partners to maximize value. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns Ultimate Rewards points , which can be redeemed in multiple ways via the Chase portal but can also be transferred to one of Chase’s travel partners , such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines or Hyatt. Rewards cards that earn transferable points and miles are highly valued because of their redemption flexibility.

This is the most straightforward type of reward. With a cash-back rewards card, you will earn a percentage back on each purchase that you make with the card. This reward can be redeemed for cash (via a statement credit, check, etc.) at a later date, hence the “cash-back” name. Although cash back has a fixed value, unlike some of the transferable currencies, it can be lucrative if you have aligned your cash-back card’s earning rates with your spending patterns.

For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). If you are already spending $6,000 on groceries a year, having the Blue Cash Preferred can help you get up to $360 back on your current spending. The card also offers a higher rate of cash back on U.S. streaming subscriptions, on transit and at U.S. gas stations. Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Hybrid cards are a newer type of rewards credit card. These cards earn cash back when used alone but can be paired with other cards to convert those cash-back rewards to more valuable points. 

A prime example of the type of card that can earn hybrid rewards is the Chase Freedom Unlimited® . You’re earning cash back on purchases with that card, but those rewards can be converted to more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you pair the Unlimited with an eligible premium Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

If you are a frequent traveler with a specific hotel brand or airline, a rewards card aligned with its loyalty program may be a good fit for you. Most of the time, these cards also come with brand-specific benefits like complimentary elite status (for hotel cards ) or priority boarding and waived fees for checked baggage (for airline cards ). These currencies aren’t as flexible as transferable currencies in that they generally have to be used within that one program, but they can still be highly valuable — especially if the benefits associated with having the card save you money or help you earn a higher elite status within a program.

What are the most popular credit card rewards programs?

There are many credit card rewards programs available, but major players in the rewards credit card space are American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Bank of America.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the top rewards programs for good reason. TPG values these points at an average of 2 cents each when used with travel partners such as United Airlines and Hyatt. You can also use the points at a fixed value (at a rate that depends on which Chase cards you hold) to book travel via the Chase travel portal.

American Express Membership Rewards

Another top rewards program is American Express Membership Rewards , where points are also valued at 2 cents each when used with travel partners. Amex has the most extensive network of airline and hotel transfer partners — 22 — of the top issuer programs, and you can sometimes find transfer bonuses available for some of these partners. Of course, you can also redeem points through Amex’s travel portal, though often at a lower rate than maximizing a transfer partner.

Citi ThankYou

Citi ThankYou Rewards points aren’t quite as valuable on average as Chase and Amex points in the eyes of TPG ( we value the points at 1.8 cents each ), but there is still a lot to like about this program. There are some great transfer partners available through Citi ThankYou, including Avianca LifeMiles, Etihad Guest and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Capital One 

Capital One has 15-plus airline and hotel program partners , including high-value options like Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

Cash-back rewards cards honorable mentions

Not all rewards cards require transfer partners. A great cash-back rewards card is a great wallet addition for people who want to keep their rewards simple but still be rewarded for everyday spending. 

What TPG readers have to say about their favorite rewards credit cards

We asked TPG readers what their favorite rewards credit cards are and why. From elevated bonus earnings to great redemption options, these are the top reward credit cards, according to TPG readers. 

Note: Responses have not been edited.

“Venture X since it pays for itself and gives you 2 points per $1 spend [sic].”  — Christian J via Facebook

“Just transferred my Amex Plat points to Delta and was able to purchase 8 round trip tickets from Sam [sic] Diego to Atlanta. Easy process and cost me less than $100 in fees not covered by points.”  — Tim A via Facebook

“Allows be [sic] to buy as much groceries as I want for 4x.*” — Robert E via Facebook

* On up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter.

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
• CardMatch™ Get prequalified offers in less than 60 seconds.

Have a reward strategy in mind

Choosing the best rewards credit card and then maximizing the rewards you earn will vary depending on your personal goal(s). Thankfully, whether your goal is cash back to offset everyday expenses or points and miles that can fund your next trip, there is a card that will fit your reward strategy.

Start by considering what rewards you’re hoping to earn from your spending. Then, you can narrow down your choices and begin looking for the best cards for your wallet .

Card pairing

Good card pairing is crucial to any reward strategy. Popular card groupings like the Chase Trifecta and the Amex Trifecta are very popular due to their ability to maximize your earning potential.

A good card pairing generally is a group of cards that help you earn the same type of rewards by having different elevated reward categories. This allows you to get the most out of your spending across various categories of spending. Card pairing helps you earn more rewards than utilizing only one card.

Know the value of your rewards and redemption options

How you redeem your rewards is a critical part of your reward strategy and can further increase the value of the points. Cash-back earnings typically offer a percentage of the spending back in the form of statement credits or gift cards. Meanwhile, most travel cards allow you to earn points or miles for your spending. These can still be used for cash-back rewards, but they’re often most valuable for travel.

There are some programs — like Chase Ultimate Rewards — that allow you to pool all of your points or miles in a single account. This allows you to effectively convert your cash-back earnings into much more flexible travel rewards.

It’s important to consider how much your rewards are worth in order to get the best redemption from your rewards. TPG’s monthly valuation guide can help give you a starting point for this decision, but remember that everyone’s definition of “value” is different. If you’re happy with a specific use of your points and miles, then that’s a good redemption.

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choose the best rewards card for your wallet by opting for a card that offers a welcome bonus that you can transfer to certain rewards like free night certificates at hotels. This plays a large part in the card’s value.
• 2 Annual fee Many of the cards on this list feature an annual fee. To determine if an annual fee is worth it, you should consider if the card’s benefits and perks outweigh the fee.
• 3 Bonus categories The best rewards cards on this list feature various bonus categories to match anyone’s spending.

What's your favorite rewards credit card — and why?

• Using rewards credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score.
• Rewards credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
• Many rewards redit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Some rewards credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
• Rewards credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your rewards card irresponsibly can damage your credit score.
• The cost of borrowing on rewards credit cards is higher than traditional loans.
• Having too many rewards card applications can negatively affect your credit score

Reward redemption options vary based on the type of rewards credit card you have. Cash-back rewards can be redeemed via options such as a statement credit, direct deposit to your account, check, etc.

Points and miles rewards are typically redeemed for flights or hotels. Other redemption options, such as gift cards and merchandise, also exist but redeeming for travel is often the way to get maximum value out of travel-focused rewards cards.

The best credit card for rewards will depend on you, your spending habits and rewards strategy. Some cards offer great cash back on grocery store purchases, while others offer bonuses for travel. There is no rewards credit card that will be the best fit for everything. The one that will result in the best value for your goals and your spending patterns is the best rewards credit card for your wallet.

Typically, the answer is no. You should consult an accountant for more information , but if you are using your purchases to earn a welcome bonus and/or rewards, it is generally considered a rebate on spending and not taxable income. However, bonuses you may earn outside of your own spending (such as referring friends to the card) may be considered taxable.

Yes, for most people. If you have a good credit score and pay off your balance every month , a rewards credit card is a great addition to your wallet. You can earn points and miles or cash back on everyday purchases you were going to make anyway.

Generally, credit card rewards do not expire as long as your card is open and in good standing. It is still good practice to check the terms and conditions of your specific rewards credit card to see if your rewards can expire. And if you ever plan to close an account, make sure to utilize all of your rewards before closing the card.

The rewards credit card world can be confusing with rotating rewards, bonus categories and points and miles transfers. Which is what makes fixed-rate rewards credit cards so valuable. 

With a f ixed-rate rewards credit card , you can earn flat rewards rates on all purchases without the need to track rotating categories or activate certain offers on a monthly or quarterly basis. With this streamlined method, you can earn rewards on every purchase while maintaining an easy and straightforward reward-earning process. 

Many credit cards offer a  bonus category , which is a spending category that earns elevated reward rates. For example, the Amex Platinum has airfare as a bonus category and earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or via Amex Travel. All other purchases, like dining or online shopping, earn just 1 point per dollar.

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What’s the Value of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points? 

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Table of Contents

Chase points value when booking through the portal

Chase points value when transferring to partners, chase points to dollars calculator, credit cards that earn chase ultimate rewards® points, how did we determine the value of chase points.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the most sought-after travel rewards points out there ( here's how they compare to AmEx Membership Rewards ). They are flexible, popular and valuable. But how valuable?

Based on our most recent analysis , Chase points are worth between 1 cent and 2.2 cents each, depending on how they’re used and which card they were earned with.

This wide range of values is due to the complexity of Ultimate Rewards® redemption options. Like most credit card reward points, they have a baseline value when used to either book travel directly through a portal or they can be transferred to partners. But Chase adds an additional layer of complexity by offering separate baseline values depending on the card. Let’s break it down.

» Learn more: The best Chase credit cards

In Chase's travel portal, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points value depends entirely on which card you have — or rather, which card is associated with the points you’re using (if you have several cards).

★ LIMITED TIME OFFER

Heads up! For a limited time, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are offering elevated sign-up bonuses that can be worth more than $900 for the Preferred card and more than $1,100 for the Reserve. Learn more and apply here.

Note: These values only represent the simplest and most direct way of using Chase points. And there isn’t any wiggle room here; you can’t search for deals that will yield more than 1.5 cents per point with a Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example. The values are fixed when using points to book through the travel portal.

» Learn more: The guide to Chase's travel portal

There’s lots of wiggle room here. So much, in fact, that it’s hard to pin down a specific value across all of Chase’s transfer partners. Our estimate of 1 cent to 2.2 cents is based on the higher-value transfer options, but that doesn’t mean all the options are equal — far from it.

The table below shows the transfer partners for which we have data-driven point and mile valuations. In short: The estimated value of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points when redeeming with Chase partners ranges from 0.7 cents to 1.9 cents.

Of course, the value of Chase points depends on the value of these transfer partners, but there is another factor to consider: how many high-value transfer partners the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program has. This affords more options for travel rewards hobbyists who are willing to dive into these programs and find the best deals.

» Learn more: The best Chase transfer partners

Comparing Chase points to other programs with fewer high-quality transfer partners is like comparing a $100 bill to a $100 Olive Garden gift card. They’re technically worth the same amount, but one has a broader range of uses than the other.

» Learn more: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to travel partners

Use our Chase points calculator below to determine the value of any number of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to dollars. This is useful for comparing the value of promotions and sign-up offers or in assessing the value of an existing cache of points.

Note: Chase's cash-back credit cards technically earn that cash in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards®. One point equals 1 cent in those cases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase.

3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout).

3 points per $1 spent on select streaming services.

3 points per $1 spent on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase.

1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.

Through March 2025: 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

10 points per $1 spent on Chase Dining purchases through Chase.

10 points per $1 spent on hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards®.

5 points per $1 spent on air travel purchased through Chase.

3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining not booked with Chase.

Through March 2025: 10 points per $1 spent on Lyft.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Freedom Flex℠

5% cash back on rotating bonus categories, on up to $1,500 spent per quarter (cash back comes in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards®).

5% back on travel purchased through Chase.

3% back at restaurants.

3% back at drugstores.

1% back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ replaced the original Chase Freedom® , but holders of the original card were able to keep using it. That card offers the same 5% in rotating categories and 1% elsewhere, but not the bonus rewards on travel, dining and drugstores.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase during your first year, 5% after that.

4.5% back at restaurants during your first year, 3% after that.

4.5% back at drugstores during your first year, 3% after that.

3% back on all other purchases during your first year, 1.5% after that.

Note that all first-year elevated earn rates are applied only up to $20,000 in total spending during the initial cardholding year.

Sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

3 points per $1 spent on the first $150,000 per year in combined spending on travel and select business categories.

1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

5% cash back on office supply store purchases and internet, cable and phone services, on up to $25,000 spent per year combined.

2% back at gas stations and restaurants, on up to $25,000 spent per year combined.

Through March 2025: 5% back on Lyft.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

1.5% cash back on all spending.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

» READ OUR REVIEW of the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

For our NerdWallet estimate of 1 cent to 2.2 cents per Ultimate Rewards® point, we factored in three variables:

The value of these points when used to book travel directly with the credit card’s travel portal.

The value of the airline and hotel points to which these points can be transferred, when applicable (based on separate analyses).

The number of top-tier travel transfer partners, as determined by our expert panel.

The overall value is determined as: A weighted average between (1) and (2), with the weight determined by (3). The program with the largest number of high-value partners receives a 100% weight on (2), and a program with zero high-value partners receives a 50% weight on (2).

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

How to travel to Spain using points and miles in 2024

Apr 4, 2024 • 12 min read

Plaza de España, Seville © F.J. Jimenez / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about  the Iberia Visa Signature Card, American Express® Green Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, and the Citi Premier® Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.

Spain has long captivated travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture and art scene. But for many, the dream of exploring this European gem remains out of reach due to the high cost of travel. Even as airfare has become more affordable, hotels can be pricey and the cost of ground transportation and activities adds up quickly. However, there is a way to unlock a vacation to Spain without breaking the bank: points and miles. 

With travel credit card welcome bonuses, international travel becomes much more affordable. You can cover your airfare and hotels entirely by using the points from these credit cards. If you’re just getting started with travel points and airline miles , we’ll show you how to leverage travel rewards to save on your Spanish adventure or merely upgrade your experience. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Spain using points and miles: 

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The cheapest award flights to Spain

Flights to Spain are very affordable during off-peak dates. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see fares under $500 round-trip out of the West Coast. In this scenario, it makes sense to use a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  to book your flight with cash and then redeem miles  towards the purchase. Capital One miles are worth one cent each towards travel, which isn’t the highest value you’ll get but can still be preferable to paying for travel out of pocket.

If you prefer to travel during the summer months, then budgeting with points and miles is a great way to save money on travel to Spain. Whether you’re looking for economy class tickets or want to splurge on business class, flights to Spain are some of the cheapest you can book with points. Here’s a run-down of the most affordable award flights to Spain and how to earn the miles needed:

• Cheapest economy class ticket to Spain: 34,000 Iberia Plus miles round-trip.
• Cheapest business class ticket to Spain: 88,000 ANA miles round-trip.

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Iberia Plus

Iberia is Spain’s national flag carrier and offers numerous direct flights between US cities and Spain. Iberia offers nonstop flights between Madrid and Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to name a few. Not only does Iberia offer lots of direct flights, but the program has very reasonable redemption rates for both economy and business class flights to Spain:

• Economy Class: From 34,000 Avios round-trip.
• Business Class: From 68,000 Avios round-trip.

You can earn Iberia Plus points from the co-branded credit card or by transferring them from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. You can also convert British Airways Avios into Iberia Plus Avios. Here’s a list of credit cards that can help you earn enough Iberia Avios for a flight to Spain, starting with the highest welcome bonus:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express *: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express *: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• Iberia Visa Signature Card : Limited time offer! Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. 5x Avios on up to $10k in gas, grocery stores, and dining purchases for the first 12 months.
• American Express Business Gold Card *: Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card *: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card *: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

All Nippon Airways is one of the best mileage programs for booking award flights to Europe . It offers some of the lowest economy and business class fares on Star Alliance flights. You can fly carriers like Lufthansa, United, Turkish and TAP Portugal to Spain. 

• Economy Class: 55,000 ANA miles round-trip
• Business Class: 88,000 ANA miles round-trip

ANA Mileage Club miles can be transferred 1:1 from American Express Membership Rewards. With the welcome bonus from some Amex cards, you can cover up to a business-class flight to Spain:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• American Express Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card : Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.

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Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers Delta flights at a much cheaper rate than the Delta SkyMiles program. You can fly Delta non-stop from Atlanta (ATL) or New York-JFK to Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN). This is a great way to travel to Spain using points and miles:

• Economy Class: 60,000 Virgin Atlantic points round-trip
• Delta One business class: 100,000 Virgin Atlantic points round-trip

Virgin Flying Club miles are easy to earn. You can transfer them 1:1 from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and the Citi ThankYou program. Sometimes, these programs offer bonus points as a transfer incentive, which makes it even easier to get the miles you need. Here’s a list of current welcome bonuses that can help you earn enough Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for a flight to Spain:

• Capital One Venture X Business : Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening. 
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• American Express Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card : Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Citi Premier® Card : Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

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Spain hotels you can book with points

Spain has no shortage of culturally rich and historically significant cities to explore for foodies and adventure travelers . To help you experience as much of it as possible, we’ve put together a  four-stop itinerary through Spain 's diverse landscapes and cultures. 

The journey begins in Madrid, where the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and bustling Puerta del Sol offer a glimpse into Spain's royal heritage and vibrant street life. From there, you’ll head south to the enchanting city of Seville before continuing to Valencia, a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new.

Explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and stroll through the historic Old Town, savoring traditional cuisine and enjoying the Mediterranean breeze. You can wrap up your Spanish adventure in Barcelona, where the art scene and lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas offer a perfect finale to your journey. This four-stop Spanish odyssey promises a well-rounded immersion into the country's culture, history and art.

Of course, hotels can be pricey, which is where hotel credit cards can help you earn enough points to offset these expenses. Here’s a look at Spain hotels you can book with points:

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Stop 1: Madrid

Madrid is Spain’s capital city, making it the ideal place to start your journey. Several airlines offer direct flights to Madrid from major international cities, so you’ll end up here first. The city offers world-class museums, including the renowned Prado, stunning architecture, bustling markets and a culinary scene to satisfy any foodie. The Hotel Indigo Madrid Gran Via has an excellent location for all your sightseeing needs and can be booked for under 30,000 points per night. The welcome bonus from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card will cover three nights at this hotel. Cardholders get the fourth night free on award redemptions, giving you an additional 25% discount on award stays. 

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Stop 2: Seville

From Madrid, you can take a 3-hour train ride to explore Seville, dubbed the “Pearl of Andalusia.” The city's magnificent architecture, including the awe-inspiring Alcázar and the iconic Giralda tower, reflects a rich heritage that spans centuries. Marriott’s Hotel Alfonso XIII is the perfect base from which to explore Seville. It’s located within walking distance of important monuments like the Gothic Cathedral and Alcázar, plus it offers easy access to public transportation. 

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Stop 3: Valencia

Located on Spain’s sunny east coast, Valencia is a must-visit on your way to Madrid. The city’s historic Old Town offers narrow winding streets and stunning architecture, while foodies will appreciate the birthplace of Paella for its vibrant food scene. Marriott’s Palacio Santa Clara is a great hotel option in Valencia. Rooms go for around 25,000 points per night, though that number will vary depending on the travel season. You can earn these points by transferring them from Amex, Bilt or Chase. Or you can cover up to three nights with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card *.

Stop 4: Barcelona

Barcelona is the perfect city to cap off your trip to Spain. With its iconic architecture and a rich history reflected in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona provides a captivating journey through time. Hyatt’s Category 5 Hotel Bagues is a great place to stay. The hotel provides an excellent location to explore the city. Rates are also very affordable at 17,000-23,000 points per night. You can transfer these points 1:1 from Bilt or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Or you can cover up to four nights with the welcome bonus from the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

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Activities and ground transportation

Once you’ve covered your flights and hotels to Spain, it’s time to tackle activities and ground transportation. Whether it’s your train tickets around the country or museum passes, you can cover some of these expenses with your credit card points. The Capital One Venture  and Venture X  cards let you redeem miles towards travel purchases at a rate of one cent each. This is simple and straightforward.

If you have a Chase credit card, you can book your tourist activities through the Chase Travel℠ portal and redeem points during checkout. Points Points are worth 1.25 cents each with the Chase Sapphire Preferred  and 1.5 cents each with the  Chase Sapphire Reserve .

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Bottom line

Traveling to Spain doesn’t have to be expensive, nor do you have to sacrifice comfort in order to stick to your travel budget. With the right credit cards, you can leverage points to save on airfare, hotels and transportation, leaving you with more funds to spend on food and fun. Even if you don’t want to apply for new credit cards, you might be able to leverage existing rewards to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Hopefully, the tips outlined above have given you an idea of how to do just that.

*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published Nov 13, 2023 and updated Apr 4, 2024.

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