People that are just getting started in the world of points and miles often ask “What is the best travel rewards card?”.
Truthfully, the “best credit card” doesn’t exist. But there are cards that are best for you based on your unique spending habits and travel goals.
But with hundreds of different credit card options available, how do you figure out which one is best for you? As a proud credit card nerd and founder of the Freequent Flyer Blog, I’ve done all the research for you, and below are my top picks for the best travel rewards credit cards available.
I’ve partnered with Upgraded Points to provide these recommendations because, as a Senior Content Contributor for the site, I can vouch first-hand that we provide the most comprehensive travel rewards and credit card guides out there!
Amex Membership Rewards
Fly round-trip to Tokyo in ANA Business Class using your Amex Membership Rewards points. Image Credit: All Nippon AirwaysAmex Personal Cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best For: Luxury travelers, lounge access, and premium perks
American Express® Gold Card
Best For: Dining and supermarket purchases
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best For: Cash-back
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best For: Cash-back with no annual fee
Amex Business Cards
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best For: Luxury business travelers and lounge access
American Express® Business Gold Card
Best For: Big spenders
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best For: Double points with no annual fee (see rates and fees)
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best For: 2% cash-back with no annual fee (see rates and fees)
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Use can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards for this luxurious First Class seat aboard Singapore Airlines. Image Credit: Greg StoneChase Personal Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best For: First-time cardholders
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Best For: Frequent travelers and travel insurance
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card
Best For: Cash-back with no annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
Best For: Everyday spending
Chase Business Cards
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best For: Frequent traveling small business owners
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best For: Office supply, internet, and phone service purchases
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best For: Cash-back with no annual fee
Citi ThankYou Points
Fly United’s Polaris Business Class to Hawaii using your ThankYou points. Image Credit: UnitedCiti Personal Cards
Citi Premier® Card
Best For: First-time cardholders
Citi® Double Cash Card
Best For: 2% cash-back with no annual fee
Capital One Miles
Use your Capital One miles to fly in style aboard Lufthansa’s first class cabin. Image Credit: Cherag DubashCapital One Personal Cards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Frequent travelers and lounge access
Capital One® Venture® Rewards card
Best For: Occasional travelers
Capital One Business Cards
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Best For: 2x rewards for small business owners
Marriott Bonvoy
Your Marriott points can be used for luxurious hotel stays or with one of their 40+ airlines partners. Image Credit: MarriottMarriott Personal Cards
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Best For: Marriott stays
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Best For: Marriott loyalists
Marriott Business Cards
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Best For: Small business owner Marriott loyalists
Co-Branded Airline Cards
Love flying with a certain airline? Adding one of their co-branded cards can take your flight experience to the next level. Image Credit: Iryna Rasko via ShutterstockAmerican AAdvantage
Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
Best For: American Airlines loyalists and Admirals Club access
Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best For: Occasional Delta flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Best For: Frequent Delta flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Best For: Delta loyalists and Delta Sky Club access
United MileagePlus
United℠ Explorer Card
Best For: Occasional United flyers
United Quest℠ Card
Best For: Frequent United flyers
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Best For: United loyalists and United Club access
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards Personal Cards
Best For: Southwest flyers and Southwest Companion Pass
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Cards
Best For: Southwest flyers and Southwest Companion Pass
Co-Branded Hotel Cards
Hotel credit cards can give you free night certificates and give you elite status benefits. Image Credit: HyattWorld of Hyatt
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Best For: Hyatt stays
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors Cards
Best For: Hilton stays
IHG Rewards Club
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Best For: IHG stays
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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 Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, 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 American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
