Best Ways To Book KLM Business Class With Points [Step-by-Step]

KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, is one of the world’s largest full-service airlines.

As the oldest airline in the world operating under its original name, this Amsterdam-based airline has a storied history exceeding over 100 years!

One fun fact is that KLM is actually owned by the same company that owns Air France. Along with other subsidiary airlines, the Air France-KLM Group comprises one of the largest airline groups in the world.

KLM mostly offers nonstop flights to Amsterdam (AMS), and as a SkyTeam airline, it has a variety of ways to book business class flights using points.

A Look Inside KLM Business Class

KLM, just like Air France, has an interesting hodgepodge of aircraft. Similarly, KLM’s business class seat varies depending on which aircraft you’re flying on.

Although KLM retired its 747 aircraft, it still operates the 787 Dreamliner, 777, and A330-300 on flights between the U.S. and Holland.

The best seats are aboard the 787-9 Dreamliner, as they are reverse herringbone seats that recline fully flat and are situated in a 1-2-1 configuration. Plus, every seat has direct aisle access, and the design of the seat is such that you feel like you’re in your own private pod.

The other business class seats aboard the A330 or 777 aircraft are still lie-flat, but they are staggered, forward-facing seats in a 2-2-2 layout. These seats don’t have direct aisle access at every seat and are slightly more cramped. On the plus side, though, the legroom on the 777 and A330 is generally better than in reverse herringbone seats.

Generally, your biggest motivator for booking KLM business class should be if you need to access a nonstop business class route to Amsterdam (AMS).

When you fly, you’ll enjoy extra checked baggage allowances, dedicated check-in lines, business class lounge access, priority boarding, decent catering, and solid service.

But the souvenir Delft Blue houses that the airline provides to business class passengers are one of the best perks — a very unique gift, indeed!

Again, the high-level concept here is that you should try to fly on the 787-9 business class — the other products are acceptable, of course, but the 787-9 is KLM’s flagship.

How To Fly KLM Business Class Using Points

KLM is less reliable than its sister airline Air France at releasing award availability.

In general, KLM has a smaller network of routes, owed in part to its fleet size of 115, which is around half of Air France’s 213 aircraft.

Its business class flights are best booked in advance. In general, it’s possible to find award space for up to 4 business class passengers on a KLM flight between the U.S. and Europe as long as you plan at least 7 months in advance and have a flexible departure date.

KLM imposes around $200 to $350 in fuel surcharges for flights between the U.S. and Europe, with U.S.-bound flights seeing higher fees.

Also, KLM has a reliable list of nonstop flights between the U.S. and Amsterdam:

Nonstop service to certain cities like Los Angeles is very difficult to find Saver-level award space for, so just keep that in mind.

Let’s take a look at our favorite loyalty programs to book KLM business class with!

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

KLM’s frequent flyer program, which is shared by Air France, is called Flying Blue.

The miles you earn and redeem are called Flying Blue miles, and this loyalty program boasts excellent redemption rates that are about as good as you can get.

For flights between the U.S. and Europe, Flying Blue has multiple buckets of award fares, ranging from cheapest to most expensive. As you can imagine, the cheapest awards are generally the hardest to find, while the most expensive awards are the easiest to find.

For example, on a nonstop, business class flight between Chicago and Amsterdam, you’ll find the following award fare buckets:

With such a huge range of possible costs, you should strive to book tickets that fall under the cheapest bucket, known as the Saver award.

Hot Tip: Partner frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles only have access to the lowest-level Saver awards.

Here’s the range of prices for one-way flights in the cheapest business class bucket:

Being able to redeem as few as 53,000 miles for a one-way business class flight to Europe, especially when compared to some one-way economy tickets to Hawaii being that expensive, is a treat!

If you’re redeeming Flying Blue miles, the best place to search for award space is on none other than KLM’s website!

Follow these steps to book your KLM business class flight using Flying Blue miles:

1. Visit KLM’s homepage.
2. Select your country (United States for most readers).
3. On the homepage in the top-right corner, click Log in and enter your Flying Blue account details.
4. After logging in, click Book with Miles on the top of the search box.
5. Click Round trip or  One-way.
6. Enter your flight information.
7. Click Search flights.
8. Find your desired flight option, redeem your Flying Blue miles, and pay for taxes and fees with a credit card.

Here’s what a successful award chart looks like when done on KLM’s website:

Earning Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles

Flying Blue miles are one of the easiest miles to accumulate. That’s because Flying Blue is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex, Brex, Chase, Capital One, and Citi transfer almost instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio with a bonus of 5,000 Flying Blue miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at a time to Flying Blue.

Lastly, Bank of America issues an Air France/KLM Flying Blue co-branded credit card that earns Flying Blue miles.

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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 $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

• $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 purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card^®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card^®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card^®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card^®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,320

Annual Fee

$250

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is definitely a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are a number of other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per $1 on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Business Owner? Check out our article on the best Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards points.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a nifty non-alliance partner of KLM. Even though Virgin Atlantic isn’t a SkyTeam airline, it has close partnerships with Delta, Air France, KLM, and other airlines on an individual basis.

When redeeming Virgin Points, you can only book KLM business class flights at the Saver level, which limits the number of flights you can book to a small fraction of what’s available on Flying Blue’s website.

Additionally, Flying Club passes on all fuel surcharges on KLM.

Flying Club uses the following award chart for KLM flights between Amsterdam and the U.S.:

As you can see, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club also mandates standard and peak dates, which are listed below:

That means a one-way business class flight departing on September 1, 2022, will be priced under peak pricing while a one-way business class flight departing on September 10, 2022, will fall under the standard pricing umbrella.

Redeeming Virgin Points for KLM flights is doable completely online — just follow these instructions:

1. Go to Virgin Atlantic’s website.
2. At the top banner of the homepage, there’s a search box. Enter your airport pairs, number of passengers, and travel date(s).
3. Under the number of passengers, click Advanced search. In the area that says Show Price in, click Points. In the area that says Show Fares For, click Upper Class.
4. Perform the search.
5. Choose the options that fit your needs, redeem your Virgin Points, and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Virgin Points

Virgin Points are also very easy to earn.

Though Flying Club doesn’t have as many transfer partners as Flying Blue, it does have partnerships with Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Chase, Amex, and Citi transfer almost instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers take around 6 to 10 business days, and its transfer ratio is 3:1 with a bonus of 5,000 Virgin Points when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Bank of America also issued co-branded Virgin Atlantic Flying Club credit cards that earn points directly.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• Complimentary Spot Club Platinum status with The Parking Spot for 2 years, 20% off of your first reservation, and points for 1 free day of parking (enroll by October 26, 2023)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on car rentals, hotels, and dining booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards^® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back.

Additional 1.5% cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Don’t forget too, there’s 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
• Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
• Ability to pool points

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Card Highlights

• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards^®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Freedom Flex℠

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Excellent cell phone insurance
• Ability to pool points
• Mastercard World Elite benefits

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

More Reads

• Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex
• Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Chase Freedom Flex
• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Freedom Flex
• Best 0% Interest Credit Cards
• Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Protection
• Best Chase Credit Cards

Business Owner? Check out our article on the best Chase business cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is the frequent flyer program associated with Delta Air Lines. Although it gets a lot of criticism for being devalued frequently, it’s still a useful program!

We wouldn’t recommend Delta as our first option, but if you happen to already have a bunch of Delta SkyMiles, using them for KLM business class flights is a good way to get value.

Here’s the award chart for flights between the U.S. and Europe:

The good news is that even though redemption prices are much higher than expected, you won’t pay for fuel surcharges on flights from the U.S. You will still have to pay for fuel surcharges on flights from Europe, however.

Delta SkyMiles allows its members to make partner award bookings completely online, so follow these steps to book your ticket 100% online!

1. Go to Delta’s homepage.
2. On the top banner, you’ll see a search box. Check off the box that says Shop with Miles.
3. Click Advanced search under the number of passengers and choose Delta One from the Best Fares For dropdown box.
4. Find your desired flights, spend your Delta SkyMiles, and enter your credit card information to pay for taxes and fees.

Earning Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles, thanks to lucrative co-branded partnerships and a strong brand in the U.S., are easy to earn.

Its 2 transfer partners are American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex transfers instantly at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy transfers in about 1 business day at a 3:1 ratio.

Also, American Express has several Delta co-branded credit cards that each offer unique benefits, fee structures, and bonus categories to earn SkyMiles.

Recommended Delta Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

40,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$480

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Bonus earning on Delta purchases and U.S. supermarket and worldwide restaurant purchases
• First checked bag free on Delta flights
• 20% back on inflight purchases

Cons

• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards

Card Highlights

• Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
• Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split^®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

More Reads

• Find the 70k Welcome Bonus Offer for the Delta Gold Card
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Gold
• Amex Gold vs Delta Gold
• Do I Need To Pay With My Airline Credit Card To Get Free Checked Bags & Perks?
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
• Comparison of Amex Delta Credit Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

50,000 bonus miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning free flights and other valuable rewards.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
• 1x SkyMile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual companion certificate
• Complimentary checked bags
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• 20% back on inflight purchases
• Delta Status Boost
• Discount on Delta Sky Club visits (Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available)

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• Get access to Delta Sky Club^® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests or immediate family when traveling on a Delta flight from now until 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Earn 10,000 Medallion^® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Platinum Card, up to two times through 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

More Reads

• Find the 100K Welcome Bonus Offer for the Delta Platinum
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Platinum
• Amex Gold vs Delta Platinum
• How To Get Delta Medallion Status
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

60,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its lounge access, status boost, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other purchases
• Complimentary Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Delta Status Boost
• Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver
• Annual Companion Certificate
• Access to Complimentary Upgrades and Upgrade Priority
• Free checked bags
• 20% back on inflight purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Travel and purchase protection

Cons

• $550 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• Enjoy Delta Sky Club^® access at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• With Status Boost^®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
• Eligible Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+^® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
• Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $550 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

More Reads

• How to Find the 100k Welcome Offer for the Delta Reserve Card [Current Public Offer is 60K]
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Reserve Card
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve
• Comparison of Amex Delta Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
• How To Get Delta Medallion Status

Korean Air SKYPASS

Korean Air SKYPASS is yet another excellent-value frequent flyer program.

Although Korean Air miles have an amazing value proposition, we should warn you that Korean Air miles are actually very difficult to earn.

Fuel surcharges are all passed on, and Korean Air only permits round-trip award bookings on partner-operated flights, including KLM.

But if these quirks are fine with you, here’s the fantastic redemption chart for SkyTeam flights between the U.S. and Europe booked with SKYPASS miles:

Korean Air SKYPASS’s booking process is significantly more complicated, so be prepared to jump through more hoops to get this redemption price.

You can only book award flights for 5 immediate family members, including your spouse, children, parents, siblings, parents-in-law, children-in-law, grandparents, or grandchildren. Additionally, you must provide proof of relationship through the website, fax, or via a local office.

Here’s how to book your flight:

1. Find partner-level award availability from Virgin Atlantic or Delta.
2. Transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to Korean Air — this may take from 2 days to 3 weeks to complete, so just keep the timing in mind.
3. Write down the flight details and call Korean Air SKYPASS at 800-438-5000 to book the ticket using your SKYPASS miles and a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Korean Air SKYPASS Miles

Korean Air SKYPASS has only 1 transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers may take upwards of 3 weeks, and transfers process at a 3:1 ratio.

U.S. Bank is also the exclusive issuer of co-branded Korean Air SKYPASS credit cards, both personal and business versions.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

30,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$210

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Card Highlights

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains).
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Hotel Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

More Reads

• Marriott Transfer Partners
• Best Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
• Best Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 3 Free Nights after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases (each night valued up to 50,000 points) within the first 3 months from account opening.

Up to 3 Free Nights

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$95

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• New benefit to earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
• DoorDash DashPass subscription
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier

Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• 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.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Hotel Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

More Reads

• The 75,000 or 100,000 Bonus Point Offer for the Marriott Boundless
• 23 Valuable Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
• Best Marriott Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
• Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights
• Marriott Transfer Partners

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 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.
• 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 Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Hotel Credit Cards

More Reads

• Marriott Transfer Partners
• Best Credit Cards for Marriott Loyalists
• Best Marriott Credit Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months.

Two 85K Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,190

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year
• Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates and 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 two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 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^®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Brilliant 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 an 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Hotel Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

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Aeromexico Club Premier

Aeromexico Club Premier is a frequent flyer program that doesn’t get discussed all that often.

Because this program is quite complex, most have written it off as a non-starter. But we’re here to tell you that it’s a worthwhile program to consider anyway.

Here’s Aeromexico’s award chart for U.S.-Europe flights in KLM business class:

High season includes the following date ranges:

• The Monday before Easter season until the Sunday after Easter season (4 weeks)
• June 1 to August 18
• December 8 to January 16

For example, a KLM business class flight departing on August 1st will cost 114,000 Club Premier points while a KLM business class flight on September 30th will cost 110,000 Club Premier points.

Aeromexico Club Premier doesn’t allow any award flights to be booked online, so you’ll need to follow these instructions to redeem your Club Premier points:

1. Find partner award availability using the Virgin Atlantic or Delta websites.
2. Call Aeromexico Club Premier at 855-412-2650.
3. Feed the agent your travel details.
4. Redeem your points, pay for taxes and fees, and confirm the reservation.

Earning Aeromexico Club Premier Points

Aeromexico Club Premier is transfer partners with Amex Membership Rewards (1:1.6 ratio), Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1 ratio), Brex Rewards (1:1), Capital One Miles (1:1), and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio).

Marriott Bonvoy also comes with a transfer bonus whereby if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeromexico Club Premier, you’ll get an extra 5,000 points.

Amex transfers take 2 to 12 business days, Citi transfers are almost instant, Brex transfers take up to 1 business day, Capital One transfers are almost instant, and Marriott Bonvoy takes around 4 business days.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Premier^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Premier^® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Premier^® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou^® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

More Reads

• Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Authorized User Benefits of the Citi Premier
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Citi Premier Card [Detailed Comparison]
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• Best Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses
• Best Travel Credit Cards
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Citi Rewards+^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Rewards+^® Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $250 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

20,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$320

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months and on purchases. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)

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, for a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel(SM) portal through June 30, 2024.
• 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 18.74% – 28.74%, 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months and on purchases. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• No Annual Fee Cards

More Reads

• Best Citi Credit Cards
• Citi Transfer Partners

Citi^® Double Cash Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi^® Double Cash Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

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

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Lack of premium travel benefits

Card Highlights

• 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 on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, 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).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

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Citi Custom Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating.We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

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

Pros

• 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
• No redemption minimums

Cons

• 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 bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, 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. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

More Reads

• Citi Custom Cash Card Launches [Earn 5% Back on Your Top Purchases]
• Best Citi Credit Cards

Other Options for Booking KLM

KLM partners with a slew of other airlines (and loyalty programs) like China Southern Sky Pearl Club, and Aeroflot Bonus.

Unfortunately, these miles are typically difficult to use, difficult to earn, or don’t offer stellar value.

Great KLM Business Class Redemptions

There’s no shortage of ways to redeem points and miles for KLM business class.

In the sections above, we focused on the best frequent flyer programs to use for booking KLM business class.

Putting all of the knowledge together, here’s what it would cost for each program to book a round-trip business class flight on KLM between the U.S. and Amsterdam:

Korean Air is the cheapest option by around 20%, which is a big chunk! But that doesn’t take into account that Korean Air miles are hard to come by with just 1 transfer partner in Marriott Bonvoy.

The most practical transfer partners for most of us will be Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

In particular, Flying Blue has the best award availability, being that Flying Blue miles can be used for various types of award space.

Virgin Points can easily be used for KLM flights, too, but you can only use them for Saver award space, which can be hard to find.

Flying Blue and Flying Club are both transfer partners with Amex, Brex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Additionally, Delta SkyMiles is another option, especially if you have a ton of Delta miles sitting around — but the award prices aren’t attractive compared to Flying Blue and Flying Club.

Lastly, Aeromexico Club Premier is yet another option, being a transfer partner of Amex, Brex, Citi, Capital One, and Marriott Bonvoy.

On the topic of stopovers, you’ll encounter the following routing rules:

• Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Delta SkyMiles don’t allow stopovers
• Korean Air allows 1 stopover per SkyTeam ticket
• Aeromexico Club Premier allows 1 stopover on round-trip flights only, not one-way flights

Let’s take a look at some of the best example redemptions you can make aboard KLM business class:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class during the standard season for 48,500 Virgin Points + ~$302 in taxes and fees
• Boston (BOS) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 53,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$241 in taxes and fees
• Chicago (ORD) – Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip in KLM business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles + ~$711 in taxes and fees
• Detroit (DTW) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 110,000 Aeromexico Club Premier points + ~$241 in taxes and fees
• Houston (IAH) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip in KLM business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles + ~$711 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Miami (MIA) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 110,000 Aeromexico Club Premier points + ~$241 in taxes and fees
• Minneapolis (MSP) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 57,500 Flying Blue miles + ~$241 in taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class for 57,500 Flying Blue miles + ~$241 in taxes and fees
• Orlando (MCO) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class during the standard season for 48,500 Virgin Points + ~$302 in taxes and fees
• San Francisco (SFO) – Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip in KLM business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles + ~$711 in taxes and fees
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class during the standard season for 48,500 Virgin Points + ~$302 in taxes and fees

How To Earn Enough Miles for KLM Business Class

KLM business class is easy to book, as long as you find award availability.

In the sections above, we presented a handful of the best frequent flyer programs to use for KLM business class award flights.

Korean Air SKYPASS offers the lowest rates by far, while Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club are the next best programs.

However, this doesn’t account for the difficulty of earning Korean Air miles, so we actually recommend Flying Blue and Flying Club as realistic and accessible programs.

Flying Blue has the broadest award space while Flying Club only has access to partner-level awards.

Lastly, some other options include Delta SkyMiles and Aeromexico Club Premier.

Whichever way you decide to redeem points, we want to show you how easy it is to earn enough points, as long as you stick to transferable currencies:

• Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club almost instantly at a 1:1 ratio. It also transfers to Aeromexico Club Premier at a 1:1.6 ratio in 2 to 12 business days.
• Brex Rewards transfer to Aeromexico Club Premier and Air France/KLM Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.
• Capital One miles transfer to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and  Aeromexico Club Premier at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club almost instantly at a 1:1 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards Points transfer to Aeromexico Club Premier, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Aeromexico Club Premier (4 days), Air France/KLM Flying Blue (3 days), Delta SkyMiles (1 day), Korean Air SKYPASS (2 days), and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (6 to 12 days) at a 3:1 ratio.

In the past, transfer bonuses have been offered from Amex or Citi to Aeromexico, Flying Blue, and Flying Club. These bonuses range anywhere from 15% to 30%.

When Should You Search for Award Space

KLM usually occupies the extremes of award space. For certain stretches, even months, of the calendar, they may release sparse or no award space. And sometimes, KLM releases 8+ business class seats on the same flight for 75% of the month.

Based on our research, we’ve found that KLM business class award space is much easier to find on flights between Amsterdam and the central U.S. or East Coast.

On flights between the West Coast and Amsterdam, it’s generally pretty difficult to find business class award space, especially for the nonstop Los Angeles route.

That being said, it’s best to start your search early, at least 7 months in advance, to maximize your odds of successfully booking a flight.

We recommend performing award searches on KLM’s website if you plan on redeeming Flying Blue miles. Otherwise, you can perform award searches on Delta’s or Virgin Atlantic’s website.

What Makes KLM a Great Redemption Business Class

KLM is one of the world’s oldest airlines, so it’s an established brand with consistent service.

Unfortunately, its business class seat is inconsistent and highly dependent on the aircraft you fly. For the best privacy and experience, we recommend booking flights on the 787-9 Dreamliner.

All other planes have staggered, forward-facing seats in a 2-2-2 configuration which don’t feature direct aisle access at all seats.

Let’s take a look at why you’d want to fly KLM business class.

Convenient Schedules Nonstop to Amsterdam

KLM flies almost exclusively to and from Amsterdam, which is the capital of the Netherlands.

The biggest appeal of flying KLM business class is being able to fly nonstop from a variety of international gateways in the U.S.

Although other airlines like Delta also offer nonstop service, KLM is, by far and away, the airline with the best route network between the U.S. and Amsterdam.

Enhanced Connectivity to Niche Cities

KLM usually gets compared to Air France in terms of its route network and list of destinations.

Sure, Air France has a fleet size of nearly double KLM’s, but KLM still offers nonstop flights to some places where Air France does not.

This includes:

• Bahrain (BAH)
• Dammam, Saudia Arabia (DMM)
• Kigali, Rwanda (KGL)
• Mombasa, Kenya (MBA)
• Zanzibar City, Tanzania (ZNZ)

Essentially, you can fly to any of these above cities with just 1 stop on KLM, which is a convenient perk!

Final Thoughts

Overall, KLM’s business class product isn’t typically talked about in the same breath as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and even Asian airlines.

Indeed, the biggest benefit of flying KLM is the nonstop schedule to Amsterdam — it’s very much an airline of convenience.

To that end, KLM business class can conveniently be booked using any type of transferable rewards points — we recommend Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Delta SkyMiles, Korean Air SKYPASS, and Aeromexico Club Premier as our top programs.

You now have all of the information you need to book a business class flight on KLM with points!

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ 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.

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 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 Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, 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.