Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

These Are the Best Travel Loyalty Programs of 2025–2026, per U.S. News

Juan Ruiz's image
Juan Ruiz
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
These Are the Best Travel Loyalty Programs of 2025–2026, per U.S. News
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened 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.

For points-savvy travelers, choosing the right loyalty program can make a major difference in how far your rewards go. U.S. News & World Report just released its 2025–2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs, ranking 9 airline and 14 hotel programs based on how valuable — and accessible — their perks really are.

Here’s what you need to know about the winners, why they stand out from the competition, and how that can help you get the most from your travel rewards.

Advertisement

U.S. News Names the Best Travel Loyalty Programs of 2025–2026 — See the Winners

U.S. News & World Report just dropped its latest rankings of the Best Travel Loyalty Programs of 2025–2026, highlighting the top hotel and airline programs based on value, perks, and how easy they are to use.

You can check out the full list of rankings here. Some of the winners might surprise you, while others are the usual favorites we know (and love) for good reason.

Best Hotel Rewards Programs: Choice Privileges Claims the Crown

In a surprising twist, Choice Privileges took the top spot for the first time, rising above Wyndham Rewards (No. 2) and World of Hyatt (No. 3) to clinch the No. 1 spot.

Choice Hotels Norway Marina Boardwalk
Choice Hotels’ Marina Boardwalk in Norway — a reminder that Choice Privileges is underrated among points travelers, but full of hidden value. Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton

While the program has consistently ranked near the top of U.S. News’ annual list, this year marked a significant leap forward. Choice Privileges’ enhanced value stems from faster free night redemptions, easy-to-achieve elite status, and an expanded portfolio thanks to its acquisition of Radisson Hotels and a new partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. These moves have made it a popular option for budget-conscious travelers and luxury seekers.

Meanwhile, Wyndham Rewards stood out for its massive global footprint and easy-to-understand redemption structure, while World of Hyatt continued to earn praise for the outsized value of its points and consistently strong elite benefits.

Hot Tip:

Looking to boost your Choice Privileges balance? Here are some of the best ways to earn Choice Privileges points quickly and easily.

Best Airline Rewards Programs: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Tops for 11th Year

No surprises here: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan topped the airline rankings for the 11th year in a row.

It’s still one of the rare programs that rewards you based on miles flown (not dollars spent), which is great news if you’re booking cheaper fares but still want to rack up rewards. Plus, Alaska’s elite status starts paying off early with solid perks like free upgrades, checked bags, and same-day flight changes.

Alaska Airlines B737 900ER Landing ATL
No shocker here — Alaska Mileage Plan tops U.S. News and is a fan favorite among points travelers. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

United MileagePlus climbed into the No. 2 spot this year, while American Airlines AAdvantage landed at No. 3 — thanks in large part to their huge route networks and strong alliance partnerships that give travelers more ways to earn and redeem.

U.S. News updated its methodology for 2025 to better reflect how people travel. This year’s rankings factored in real-world data from the Department of Transportation, including on-time arrivals, baggage handling, and customer complaints — all things frequent flyers definitely care about.

» Related: 10 Best Ways To Redeem Alaska Atmos Rewards Points for Max Value

Final Thoughts

All in all, these rankings give a clear picture of which travel rewards programs are delivering the most bang for your buck in 2025–2026.

Whether it’s Choice Privileges shaking things up on the hotel side or Alaska Mileage Plan continuing its reign with airlines, there’s plenty of value to be found no matter your travel style. Keep these programs on your radar to make the most of your points and perks through next year.

Featured Image Credit: Stella Shon
Juan Ruiz's image

About Juan Ruiz

Juan is a leading expert in credit cards, loyalty programs, and airlines and hotels, with over a decade of experience helping readers and clients maximize points, miles, and travel value. His insights have appeared in prestigious outlets including USA Today, Travel & Leisure, CNN Underscored, Forbes, and The Points Guy, where he’s known for making complex travel strategies accessible and actionable. As the founder of JetBetter, Juan turns the complex world of points and miles into effortless, high-value travel, guiding clients through award redemptions, uncovering maximum value, and delivering stress-free, expertly planned trips that both travelers and industry insiders rely on.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2025 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.