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How to Earn Points and Miles for Free Travel
Read moreWe dive into fine print of 110 travel credit cards to help you estimate how much value in rewards you can get for the 1st year with a card. We consider annual fees, sign-up bonus offer, rewards for spending, spending categories and rotating categories for some banks.
Our Take
Whatever aspects of The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express you might consider, the only one that really matters is the incredible value of Starpoints®. Earning two of them per dollar is one of the best travel card offers that ever existed.
Our Take
For a moderate annual fee, you get a business card that earns points at a rate that’s fair, if not remarkable. Of course, you have to be a somewhat frequent Marriott/SPG guest in order to take the most advantage of both the card’s rewards rate and the hotel-related perks that it offers.
Our Take
It makes sense to apply for the Ink Business Preferred℠ card. A huge signup bonus, high point-earning potential and a set of additional benefits to simplify your travel are something that may be appealing to you.
Our Take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card is, perhaps, the best way to participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards® loyalty program. The introductory bonus is huge, redemption value is above average, and the earn rate is reasonable.
Our Take
Do you strive to get to your next travel destination as soon as possible? Stop right here and apply for the Barclaycard Arrival® Plus World Elite Mastercard®. No doubts, this card will bring you closer to free travel with each purchase you make.
Our Take
For anyone travelling full time, part time, or at least somewhat frequently, the card’s annual fee should be no issue at all. The travel credit alone covers the most of it, and whatever is left you can easily make up with rewards points and additional travel perks.
Our Take
In our opinion, the Marriott Rewards® Premier credit card is one of the best premium hotel credit cards. It provides extremely lucrative benefits on expenses, list of complimentary services, opportunity to move towards Elite status and great redemption options for hotel stays. However, this card is designed especially for customers who often stays at Marriott and SPG properties.
Our Take
The card is as close as you can get to a top-tier travel card without having to pay a $400+ annual fee. It has a generous bonus offer, solid earning and redemption rates, and a few somewhat useful travel perks. Its ideal user is someone who is already flying with American Express airline partners and staying at the Hotel Collection properties.
Our Take
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded rewards card that earns MileagePlus® miles and steers you towards flying United. While there is a long list of various minor benefits, conditions, and drawbacks, the balance of the card’s worth hangs on two things only. One, an annual fee of $95, which comes into force from the second year. Two, a free checked bag on each United flight you take.
Our Take
For the purposes of domestic travel, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a decent option. It comes with a nice bonus for account opening and carries a set of distinct travel perks. All these benefits can contribute considerably to your travel experience. Save a couple hundred dollars on a round trip and get free tickets to fly across the country.
Our Take
If you are the owner of United MileagePlus® Club Card, you can access any United Club lounge for free, enjoy Premier access to travel services and never have to pay for checking your first two bags.
Our Take
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has a number of things going for it. It’s free, there is a sign-up bonus, and it has the potential of earning rewards at a rate above market average.
Our Take
The Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard® is for big spenders who are willing to build a long-term relationship with the issuer. Coming with no signup bonus, the card still offers you a substantial bonus for your loyalty, provided you meet the spending requirements.