Airline Loyalty Rewards
Cathay Pacific “Cathay” Loyalty Program Review
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Cathay
Hong Kong (HKG)
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Cathay Pacific The Wing and The Pier (HKG Airport); Access to partner lounges in the U.S. include: Oneworld International Business Class Lounge (LAX), Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge (SFO)
Cathay Program Overview
Cathay Pacific’s frequent flyer program has undergone significant changes over the years. The program used to have a distinct elite status program called Marco Polo Club. However, now the former Asia Miles and Marco Club programs have been combined under one program simply called “Cathay.” However, Asia Miles is still the name of the currency that can be earned and redeemed for award flights.
Cathay Pacific is a member of the Oneworld alliance with other airlines such as American Airlines and British Airways, among others. This means that you can use Asia Miles to fly on Cathay Pacific’s partners.
You will need to earn Status Points to earn elite status with Cathay Pacific. Status Points can be earned by flying with Cathay Pacific or its many Oneworld partners.
You can also turn your everyday spending into an opportunity to earn more Status Points with Cathay Pacific co-branded credit cards. However, this is currently only available for those in Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific flies between Hong Kong and several U.S. destinations. These include:
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York (JFK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
Asia Miles can be earned in many ways; here are the 3 most common:
- Flying Cathay Pacific or its partner airline flights
- Spending on flexible points program credit cards
- Spending with car rental, hotel, or retail partners
Joining the Cathay Program
The Cathay loyalty program is free to join. You can apply by simply completing this application.
When your application is complete, you’ll have the ability to earn miles by flying, earn elite status, and redeem miles for award flights. You also enjoy certain benefits when joining the Cathay program including priority online check-in when you fly.
How To Sign in to Your Cathay Account
Head to the Cathay login page and enter your membership number and password. You can also log in using your email or a registered phone number.
In order to search for Cathay award flights, you must be logged into your account.
Viewing Your Account Activity
The easiest way to check your Asia Miles mileage balance is to:
- Log in to your account
- Click the drop-down arrow in the top right corner
- Click Account Overview
Cathay Pacific states that it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for qualifying activity to appear in your account.
From here, you can also see your Status Points and your progress towards Cathay elite status.
Points Expiration
Asia Miles don’t expire as long as you have at least some account activity every 18 months. Extending the expiration date of your miles is relatively easy and includes any sort of miles activity, including transferring some points from a credit card partner.
Cathay Mileage Program
Cathay Elite Status
The updated Cathay loyalty program has 4 elite tiers: Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond.
Here’s the general overview of the elite status tiers, per Cathay’s website:
“When you join Cathay, you’ll become a Green member. A membership year lasts 12 months from the date you enrolled, renewed, upgraded, or downgraded into your current member status. Upon renewal, upgrade, or downgrade, your Status Points will automatically be reset to zero, and a new membership year begins.
Upgrades occur as soon as you accrue enough Status Points to enter the next status threshold within a membership year. As multiple status upgrades are not allowed, you can only progress one membership status at a time.”
Here’s a breakdown of the Cathay elite tiers:
Green: The lowest elite tier offered by the Cathay program, which comes with the following benefits:
- Priority boarding
- 1 business class lounge pass after earning 200 Status Points
- Access to discounted flight awards
Silver: After earning this status level, you’ll have access to additional benefits including:
- All of the benefits of Green, plus;
- Receive the benefits of Silver after earning 300 Status Points
- Access to advanced seat reservations
- Additional baggage allowance
- Priority baggage handling
- Business class counter check-in and boarding
- Preferred seating on flights operated by Air New Zealand (between Auckland and Hong Kong)
- Access to Cathay Pacific business class lounges when flying Cathay Pacific
- 24-hour free cancellation on flight tickets
- 2 business class lounge passes after earning 450 Status Points
Gold: The second-highest elite tier that you can earn comes with the following benefits:
- All of the benefits of Silver, plus;
- Additional baggage allowance
- 1 guest is allowed in the Cathay Pacific lounge when traveling together on Cathay Pacific or a Oneworld airline
- 1 guest allowed in partner airline lounges
- Access to arrival lounges in Hong Kong and Frankfurt when flying Cathay Pacific
- 2 business class lounge passes after earning 800 Status Points
- 4 single-sector Bookable Upgrades to 1 cabin class higher for yourself or a travel companion, applicable to Cathay Pacific flights up to medium-haul flights after earning 1,000 Status Points
Diamond: The highest elite tier you can earn comes with the following benefits:
- All of the benefits of Gold, plus;
- Additional baggage allowance
- Guaranteed Economy seat in fare class Y up to 24 hours before departure
- Guaranteed Premium Economy seat in fare class W up to 24 hours before departure
- Guaranteed Business seat in fare class J up to 24 hours before departure
- Access to Cathay Pacific first class lounge on flights marketed and operated by Cathay Pacific or Oneworld airlines
- 2 guests allowed in the Cathay Pacific lounge when the guest is traveling on the same Cathay Pacific or Oneworld flight
- 1 guest allowed in partner airline lounges
- 2 first or business class lounge passes after earning 1,400 Status Points
- 4 single-sector Bookable Upgrades to one cabin class higher for yourself or a travel companion, applicable to Cathay Pacific flights of any distance after earning 1,600 Status Points
- Gift of Gold membership for a friend after earning 1,800 Status Points
If you’re interested in diving into more detail about the elite benefits at each tier, you can read more here.
Value of Cathay Elite Status
Earning elite status with Cathay Pacific makes the most sense if you fly Cathay Pacific regularly, or if you are looking for elite benefits when flying a Oneworld partner like American Airlines or British Airways.
If you meet one or more of these criteria, access to premium lounges and earning single-sector bookable upgrades are benefits to consider.
Earning Cathay Elite Status
The Cathay loyalty program uses Status Points to determine elite status. The more Status Points you earn, the higher the elite tier you’ll qualify for.
The number of Status Points you earn is based on a combination of airline, cabin, fare class, and the distance traveled.
Cathay has a Status Points and Asia Miles calculator that can show how many Status Points and Asia Miles you can earn for a particular journey.
For example, if you were flying between Hong Kong and New York (JFK) in Cathay Pacific first class (fare code F, A), you would earn 150 Status Points.
Cathay Status Points are calculated based on a combination of airline, cabin, fare class, and distance traveled.
All eligible flights on Cathay Pacific or any Oneworld partner earn Status Points.
Members have 12 months from the date they enrolled, renewed, upgraded, or downgraded into the current tier to earn elite status in a particular tier.
Upgrades occur as soon as you earn enough Status Points to enter the next tier within a 12-month membership year. Multiple tier upgrades are not allowed; you can only earn 1 Status tier at a time.
Elite tiers work as follows:
- All members begin at Green
- If you’re Green, earn 300 Status Points to move up to Silver
- If you’re Silver, earn 600 Status Points to move up to Gold
- If you’re Gold, earn 1,200 Status Points to move up to Platinum
Find more details about the requirements for each elite tier level here.
How To Earn Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
With Cathay Pacific, you have 4 main ways to earn miles:
- Earn points from spending on a Cathay Pacific credit card
- Transfer points earned from flexible point credit cards (Amex, Bilt, Citi, Capital One)
- Transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy
- Use the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles shopping portal
Earning Miles Through Flying
The amount of Asia Miles that you earn on flights marketed by Cathay Pacific or a Oneworld partner is driven by 4 factors: airline, cabin, fare class, and distance traveled.
For example, if you fly from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific in first class (F, A), you’ll earn 15,000 miles (per the example above).
If you fly a Oneworld partner, the mileage earning rates will be different.
For example, if you fly American Airlines business class from Dallas (DFW) to Hong Kong, you’ll earn 10,138 miles.
For example, if you fly from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific in first class (F, A), you’ll earn 15,230 miles.
If you fly a Oneworld partner, the mileage earning rates will be different.
For example, if you fly American Airlines business class from Dallas (DFW) to Hong Kong, you’ll earn 10,138 miles.
Earn Miles With Credit Cards
The best way to earn points from credit card spending is to focus on the cards offered by flexible point programs. When you earn flexible points, these can be transferred directly to the program’s airline partners.
Cathay Pacific partners with most of the major flexible point programs including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Branded and Partnered Credit Cards
The refreshed Cathay Pacific Cathay program (formerly known as the Asia Miles program, its new name is simply “Cathay”) makes it relatively easy to earn points thanks to its transfer partners. Cathay Pacific is a transfer partner of some of the major transferrable points programs.
American Express Credit Cards
American Express credit cards are a great way to earn American Express Membership Rewards points that can be transferred directly to Cathay Pacific. Cathay is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express.
With its impressive selection of personal and business credit cards, you’ll have more than enough ways to earn miles for your next redemption.
Amex also has regular transfer bonuses with some of its airline partners, meaning you could transfer Amex points and receive even more airline miles in return.
Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
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Why We Like This Card
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros & Cons
- The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
- 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
- $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
- Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
- 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.
- 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 through American Express Travel using 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: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 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 $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, 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.¤
- Terms Apply.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Recommended Amex Cards (Business)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Why We Like This Card
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
Pros & Cons
- 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
- Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
- High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
- Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
- 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 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.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 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.
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 18.74% - 27.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Why We Like This Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.
The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.
Pros & Cons
- 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
- 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
- Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
- $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
- No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- APR: 18.74% - 27.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Why We Like This Card
As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros & Cons
- 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
- Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
- No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
- No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
- No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 17.74% - 25.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Bilt Credit Card
Cathay is also a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Rewards. Although the program is relatively new, it offers a ton of value.
The program has one major credit card, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card.
Why We Like This Card
Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card, designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.
Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid features that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt Card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.
Pros & Cons
- 3x points per $1 at restaurants
- 2x points per $1 on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
- 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Does not offer a welcome bonus
- Must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
Card Highlights
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Select “Learn More” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- APR: See Rate & Fees
- Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Citi Credit Cards
Cathay is also a transfer partner of Citi. This means that you can earn transferable Citi ThankYou Points and transfer them to Cathay Pacific.
Citi also has regular bonuses when transferring points to some of its airline partners, which can provide significant value.
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is an excellent overall travel rewards card that earns Citi ThankYou Points. You can find more about it here:
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
- 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
- $100 annual hotel benefit
- $95 annual fee
Card Highlights
- For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
- Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
- Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
- APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.
Card Highlights
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% to 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness. 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).
- Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
- The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
- No Annual Fee
- APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% to 27.99%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros & Cons
- Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
- No bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Card Highlights
- Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This 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.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, 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).
- Citi Double Cash® Card Travel Portal Special Offer
Earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal via cititravel.com or by calling 1-833-737-1288 (TTY: 711). Offer is valid through 12/31/2025.
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.
Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
- No annual fee
- Multiple redemption options
- Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
- Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
Card Highlights
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Get 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No annual fee.
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
- APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott credit cards provide yet another way to earn flexible points that can be transferred directly to Cathay.
What makes this transfer even better is the fact that you’ll receive a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points that you convert into airline miles.
Marriott points convert into airline miles at a 3:1 ratio, so 60,000 miles become 25,000 airline miles with the 5,000-point bonus.
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Why We Like This Card
Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Pros & Cons
- Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
- 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
- 5 Elite Night Credits each year
- Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees:
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Why We Like This Card
If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.
Pros & Cons
- Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- Automatic Silver Elite Status
- $95 annual fee
- Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases - our best points offer!
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.
Pros & Cons
- 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
- 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
- $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Card Highlights
- Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Pros & Cons
- 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
- 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
- 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
- Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
- 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Card Highlights
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Capital One Credit Cards
The Capital One Miles program also transfers to Cathay at a 1:1 ratio.
You will need to make sure you have a Capital One card that earns transferable points. Here are some great Capital One cards worth considering:
Recommended Capital One Cards That Earn Miles (Personal)
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Why We Like This Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.
Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.
Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
Pros & Cons
- 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
- $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
- 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 and vacation rentals 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
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Why We Like This Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.
Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.
Pros & Cons
- 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
- Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Limited elite benefits
Card Highlights
- 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, vacation rentals 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 $120 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
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Why We Like This Card
Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.
But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee (rates & fees)
- No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
- Ability to use transfer partners
- Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
- No luxury travel or elite benefits
Card Highlights
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- 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
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Other Hotel Partner Credit Cards
Transferring other hotel points to Cathay Pacific will result in less than a 1:1 transfer ratio, so we recommend avoiding this option.
If you’re topping off an airline account or are in a bind, this option can be used as a last-ditch effort.
How To Redeem Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
The Cathay program has multiple award charts with intricate rules. Fortunately, Cathay Pacific has continued to price award tickets based on a standard award chart.
The loyalty program has 3 different award charts that cover different types of redemptions:
- An Asia Miles award chart for award tickets on Cathay Pacific-operated flights
- An Airline partners award chart for award tickets on Oneworld and non-alliance partner carriers
- A Oneworld multi-carrier award chart for award tickets operated by 2 or more Oneworld partners (Can also be used for round-the-world tickets).
All of Cathay’s award charts can be found here.
For Cathay-operated flights, the program does not charge fuel surcharges. However, Cathay Pacific does pass on fuel surcharges for most Oneworld carriers.
Hot Tip:Check out our guide on the Best Ways To Redeem Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for Maximum Value.
Oneworld Alliance and Partner Awards
Since Cathay Pacific is in the Oneworld alliance, you can use Asia Miles to fly on any airline in the alliance. You can also use your Asia Miles to fly with the airline’s partners outside of the Oneworld alliance.
Cathay doesn’t officially have an airline partner award chart. All partner awards have an additional mileage surcharge.
Booking Online
If you’re looking to book flights operated wholly on Cathay Pacific, this can be done online. Some partners can also be booked online. These include:
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- LATAM
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Jordanian
- S7 Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
For partner flights not listed above, you’ll need to call in to book awards. If the partner you’re trying to book can’t be booked on the Asia Miles website, search for award space on another website first, and then call Cathay Pacific at 866-892-2598 to confirm the award space and ticket the award flight.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Cathay Pacific Airways Visa® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Rewards+® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Double Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Custom Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.