How to Earn Points and Miles for Free Travel
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Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Advertiser Disclosure
We 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.
15 cards found
The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
This card earns Starpoints that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
2-6 SkyMiles per $1
$95
waived first year
75k points
worth 75k SkyMiles
123,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95.
- Use your Card and earn 6 Starpoints® for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels.
- Earn 2 Starpoint for all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Receive complimentary Silver Elite status with your Card. Earn Gold Elite status after spending $30,000 or more in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Receive free in-room, premium Internet access while staying at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards ® hotels.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- High rate of rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cons
- Has annual fee
- Good to excellent credit score required
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.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express
This card earns Starpoints that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
2-6 SkyMiles per $1
$95
waived first year
75k points
worth 75k SkyMiles
123,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6 points for every dollar of eligible purchases on the Card at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels.
- Earn 4 points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- Earn 2 points for all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Redeem Starpoints for free nightsat over 1,300 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries with no blackout dates. Terms Apply.
- $0 annual fee for the first 12 month, then $95.
- Premium On-property Internet Access + Boingo Wi-Fi.
- Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cons
- Has interest charges
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.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Luxury Card
This card earns Starpoints that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
2-6 SkyMiles per $1
$450
75k points
worth 75k SkyMiles
123,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earn 6X points on eligible purchases at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels.
- Earn 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating SPG® or Marriott Rewards® hotels.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 points) at a participating hotel. Terms apply.
- Enjoy complimentary Gold Elite status with your Card. Earn Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Redeem points for free nights at over 6,500 participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels across 29 brands. Plus, redeem points for flights or car rentals with Air+Car, or transfer your points for travel program rewards with over 40 airline partners.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- 6X points per $1 spent on hotels
- 0% purchase intro APR
- No foreign transaction fee
- Cons
- High annual fee
Delta Reserve® for Business Credit Card from American Express
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$450
70k miles
94,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta; 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Terms Apply.
- As a member of the Delta SkyMiles® Program, you can use miles towards flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, and more. No limits or miles expiration.
- Check your first bag free on every Delta flight.
- Delta Sky Club® lounge access.
- Customer Service and 24/7 support.
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club® Access.
- Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Travel & Transportation perks and protection
- Cons
- Has annual fee
- Good to excellent credit score required
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card earns Memership Rewards Points that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-5 SkyMiles per $1
$550
60k points
worth 60k SkyMiles
84,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit. Receive up to $200 a year in baggage fees and and other incidental fees at one airline. Terms Apply.
- $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PRE✓®.
- Receive complimentary benefits of up to $550 at over 975 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resort. Learn More. Terms Apply.
- As a Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations across 120 countries.
- No interest charges because you pay your balance in full each month.
- Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High rewards rate
- Sign-up bonus
- Cons
- Has annual fee
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.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$195
50k miles
74,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
- Plus, earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Terms Apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Use miles to book flights with Delta and SkyMiles® partners, upgrade to First Class or Delta One™, purchase hotel stays, car rentals and more. Plus, miles don’t expire.
- Travel & Transportation perks and protection when you’re doing business on the road.
- First Checked Bag Free.
- Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 2X miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
- Cons
- Has annual fee
Delta Reserve® Credit Card
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$450
40k miles
64,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2 miles on every $1 spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 15,000 bonus miles after you spend $30,000 on purchases on your Delta Reserve Credit Card in a calendar year.
- Plus, earn an additional 15,000 MQMs and an additional 15,000 bonus miles after you spend $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Delta Reserve Card in a calendar year.
- Get complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® and a discounted rate for up to two guests.
- The annual fee for the Delta Reserve Credit Card is $450. Each Additional Delta Reserve Credit Card is $175.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cons
- Has annual fees
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$195
35k miles
59,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 35,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles(MQMs) after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn 2X miles on every $1 spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1X mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Redeemable miles toward travel on Delta and more than 15 airline partners.
- Check your first bag for free on every Delta flight.
- With Miles Boost®, you can earn 10,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after you spend $25,000 or more in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year. Terms Apply.
- Earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after you spend $50,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a Calendar year for a total of 20,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card.
- 24/7 available Concierge service as a personal resource for restaurant selection, upcoming special event and much more.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- High rewards rate
- Cons
- Has annual fee
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$95
waived first year
30k miles
54,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Miles after you make $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- Earn 2X miles on every $1 spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1X mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Miles are redeemable toward travel on Delta and more than 15 airline partners.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Enjoy your first bag check for free save up to $50 on a round-trip Delta flight.
- Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Pros
- Generous sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Cons
- Has annual fee
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$95
waived first year
30k miles
54,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Terms Apply.
- Also, get a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- With Pay with Miles for every 5,000 bonus miles redeemed, that is $50 off the cost of your ticket when booking on Delta.com.
- You will get 2X miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Terms Apply.
- $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- As a member of the Delta SkyMiles® Program, you can use miles towards flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, and more. No limits and expiration.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Travel & Transportation perks and protection when you’re doing business on the road: Priority Boarding, 20% In-Flight Savings, and First Checked Bag Free.
- Customer Service and 24/7 support.
- Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Delta SkyMiles® Rewards Program
- Cons
- Has annual fee and interest charges
Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express
This card earns Memership Rewards Points that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
2-3 points per $1
$195
waived first year
50k points
worth 50k SkyMiles
50,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 50,000 Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 3X points for flights booked directly with airlines. Terms and Limitations Apply.
- Earn 2X points at US restaurants, US gas stations, and at US supermarkets. 1X points on other purchases. Terms and Limitations Apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit. Receive up to $100 a year in baggage fees and other incidentals at one airline.
- Get 2X Membership Rewards® points per eligible $1 spent, in addition to a $75 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities at participating properties, at americanexpress.com/hc. Terms apply.
- No interest charges because you pay your balance in full each month.
- $00 intro annual fee for the first 12 months of Card Membership, then $195.
- Pros
- Hight rewards rate
- Sign-up bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- No interest charges
- Cons
- Has annual fee
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.
Blue BusinessSM Plus Credit Card from American Express
This card earns Memership Rewards Points that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1 SkyMile per $1
$0
N/A
48,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 with no category restrictions; 1X points on purchases thereafter. Terms Apply.
- No Annual Fee.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that your APR will be a variable rate, currently 13.24%, 17.24% or 21.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- The expanded buying power above your credit limit gives you the freedom to tackle business needs as they come up.
- Customer Service and 24/7 support.
- Pros
- Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases
- No Annual Fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months
- Customer Service and 24/7 support
- Cons
- Has interest charges
- Has foreign transaction fees
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
This card earns Memership Rewards Points that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-3 SkyMiles per $1
$95
15k points
worth 15k SkyMiles
39,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Terms apply.
- 3X points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases.
- 2X points at US gas stations and 1 point on all other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
- Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. Terms and limitations apply.
- Payment Flexibility: your Card gives you the option to carry a balance with interest or pay in full each month.
- Use Membership Rewards® points for rewards from over 500 leading brands in travel, gift cards, merchandise, or entertainment.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable APR, 14.74% - 24.74%.
- Pros
- High rewards rate
- Generous signup bonus
- 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- Cons
- Has annual fee
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
This card earns Memership Rewards Points that can be transferred to SkyMiles (SkyMiles) with 1:1 ratio Other transfer options
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 SkyMiles per $1
$0
10k points
worth 10k SkyMiles
34,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn 5,000 Points after you add your first Additional Card and an Additional Card Member makes a purchase on their Card in your first 3 months.
- No annual fee. 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 14.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors.
- Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. Terms and limitations apply.
- 2x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases. Then 1X points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
- Membership Rewards® program allows to Use points for rewards from over 500 leading brands in travel, gift cards, merchandise, or entertainment. You can transfer points to bank selection of frequent traveler programs.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- No annual fee
- High rate for rewards
- 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months
- Cons
- Good to excellent credit score required
Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
This card earns SkyMiles (SkyMiles program by Delta)
Rewards for spending
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Rewards in 1st year
1-2 miles per $1
$0
10k miles
34,000 miles
- Card Details
- Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles after spending $500 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- No annual fee.
- Earn 2X miles per dollar at US restaurants.
- Earn 2X miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- Shopping & entertainment benefits.
- Pros
- Generous signup bonus
- No annual fee
- Cons
- High purchase APR