16 Best Ways To Earn Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Miles [2026]

Thai Airways is known as one of the top airlines in the world, particularly for its first class. As a Star Alliance airline member, there’s no shortage of ways to fly on Thai Airways. Not so obvious, however, is how to earn Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus miles.

There aren’t too many ways to earn these miles, but there are still a variety of opportunities for us to explore. Let’s get started.

Sign Up for a Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Account

Signing up for a Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus account is made easy by the online website.

Here’s how to register:

1. Visit the Thai Airways Registration Link.
2. Check the box that says I accept Royal Orchid Plus Terms & Conditions.
3. Click Next.
4. Populate your personal information, contact details, preferences, and credentials.
5. Submit the online form.
6. You’re registered!

You’ll be able to earn Thai Airways miles from any sort of qualifying activity, whether it’s on flights or shopping with its partners.

Now that you’re set up with a Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus account, let’s get into the best ways to earn Thai Airways miles.

Earn Thai Airways Miles With Credit Cards

Earning Thai Airways miles is made easier by the transfer partners it has. Redeeming Thai Airways miles for first or business class will take a lot of miles, especially when redeeming for multiple people or a family.

The best way to accrue Thai Airways miles is through the methodical use of point-earning credit cards.

We have quite a few options here, and although we’re focusing on the options for U.S. credit card holders, there are actually a lot of options for international cardholders, too!

1. Citi ThankYou Credit Cards (Best Option)

Without a doubt, the best way to earn Thai Airways miles quickly is by transferring points from Citi ThankYou. With Citi’s premium cards, Citi ThankYou Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio in increments of 1,000. The transfer ratio for non-premium cards is 1:0.7.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

20,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$320

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata card offers a fresh way to earn Citi ThankYou Points with a $0 annual fee, allowing you to maximize your spend at gas stations, supermarkets, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3x points at supermarkets, select transit, gas and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salon or pet supply stores)
• 2x points at restaurants

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the best transfer ratio to Citi’s airline and hotel partners
• Charges foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.49%, 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 3 ThankYou^® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
• Earn 5 ThankYou^® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel^® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 2 ThankYou^® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou^® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
• No Annual Fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata Premier^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata Premier^® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

60,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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 Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

75,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
• Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
• Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
• Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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!

Apply Now(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

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 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24% to 28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

Read Full Review

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.
• 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. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

In order to transfer points from Citi ThankYou, you’ll need to have a credit card that not only earns ThankYou Points but also has the points transfer functionality, such as the Citi Strata Premier card or Citi Strata card.

However, any ThankYou Points-earning card allows transfers to Thai Airways, but the value may be less. For example, with the Citi Strata Elite card or Citi Strata Premier card, 1,000 ThankYou Points equals 1,000 Royal Orchid Plus Miles. But with the Citi Strata card or Double Cash card, 1,000 ThankYou Points equals 700 Royal Orchid Plus Miles — 30% less value.

Hot Tip: Want to know how to earn more Citi ThankYou Points than you thought possible? Check out our complete guide on how to earn 100,000+ ThankYou Points in 90 days!

2. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

When it comes to points flexibility, Marriott Bonvoy takes the cake. Marriott Bonvoy has traditionally been known as a hotel currency, but there are, arguably, better ways to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for flights than hotels.

With 40+ transfer partners to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to creatively use your points.

The main difference between Citi and Marriott Bonvoy points is the transfer ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to most of its partners at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, meaning you’ll receive 25,000 Thai Airways miles for transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Yes, you’ll need more Marriott Bonvoy points since the ratio is 3:1, but the ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points are much more plentiful. The best part is that both American Express and Chase have Marriott co-branded credit cards.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

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 45,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card!

45,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$315

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.24% - 27.74% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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 at Marriott properties
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 45,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.
• 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.
• Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• Pay Yourself Back^® - Redeem Marriott Bonvoy^® points for a statement credit to cover qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines or at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, up to $750 total in redemptions per year.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

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 4 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. Redeem your Free Night Award for a one-night stay at properties with a redemption level up to 50,000 points per night. Certain hotels have resort fees. Special Offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's $50 in statement credits semi-annually.

4 Free Night Awards

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,400

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.74% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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 thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 4 Free Night Awards (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 3 months.
• Special Offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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 plus a $150 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 09/30/2026.

125,000 points + $150

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,025

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points plus a $150 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 09/30/2026.
• 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.
• Marriott Bonvoy^® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Terms apply. See www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi for more information.
• Earn up to 18.5X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Gold Elite 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^® American Express^® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards 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.
• Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. A fixed monthly fee is shown upfront so you'll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Plus, you'll still earn rewards for the purchases you plan the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and 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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 09/30/2026.

150,000 points + $250

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,300

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 09/30/2026.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: With the $300 Brilliant Dining Credit, you can get up to $25 per month each calendar year in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide when you pay with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• 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^®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant 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.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, when charged to your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Each calendar year, receive 25 Elite Night Credits towards 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.
• With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,300 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or in-between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a comfortable location.
• Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

3. Refer a Friend for Bonus Miles

By utilizing referral bonuses, you can help your friends and family earn points and reward yourself.

American Express has the Refer-a-Friend program, which allows you to refer your friends and family to virtually any personal card in the American Express portfolio when you have a personal card. If you have an Amex business credit card, you can refer to almost any business card.

Chase also offers a similar Refer-a-Friend program, though you can only refer a card to friends if you currently have that card.

Hot Tip: Referral bonuses are subject to change. Using referral bonuses is an excellent way to increase your points balance with very little effort.

4. Other Credit Card Partners

Thai Airways has a number of co-branded and non-co-branded credit cards that earn Thai Airways miles. However, these are only available to cardholders who are residents of other countries.

For those who are located abroad, you can learn more about Thai Airways’ international credit card partners.

Here are the options for (international) co-branded credit cards:

Here are the options for (international) non-co-branded credit cards:

As you can see, there are many options to earn Thai Airways miles internationally, more so than in the U.S.

Earn Miles Through Travel

As you might imagine, the best way to earn Thai Airways miles without credit card spending is through travel. You can earn a lot of Thai Airways miles through paid travel on Thai Airways, travel partners, and hotel bookings.

This section is focused on using paid travel through partners and Thai Airways to rack up tons of Thai Airways miles.

5. Airfare and Airline Purchases

One of the best ways to earn Thai Airways miles quickly is by purchasing tickets to fly on the airline’s flights.

For every flight on Thai Airways, you’ll earn at least 500 miles, with the exception of some booking classes.

Check out this chart for the definitive accrual of miles on Thai Airways:

Keep in mind that if you pay for an upgrade at the airport, your mileage earning will be based on the original fare instead of the upgraded fare.

Interestingly, you won’t earn any bonus miles with Royal Orchid Plus elite status. Instead, you’ll earn a one-time Tier Status Threshold Bonus each time elite status is attained or retained as shown here:

Thai Airways also publishes the flight distances of all its routes.

Remember that the terms and conditions for earning Thai Airways miles are subject to change at any time, so be sure to verify all the information with Thai Airways.

6. Crediting Partner Airlines to Thai Airways Miles

You can earn miles flying on a partner airline with Star Alliance airlines. Most airlines have separate accrual rates for each airline in the alliance. However, Thai Airways keeps it simple.

You’ll accrue miles as per the following chart:

Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of earning miles from Star Alliance travel.

Overall, there are a ton of ways to credit partner airlines to Thai Airways thanks to the large network of airlines from Star Alliance.

7. Car Rentals and Other Ground Transportation Partners

Thai Airways has 5 car rental and ground transportation partners:

In addition, you’re eligible to stack promotions to get discounts and earn double or even triple miles, which we’ll discuss at the end of this guide.

8. Thai Airways Hotel Partners

Thai Airways has a ton of hotel partners, and you can earn up to 750 miles per qualifying stay. You can also earn miles based on spending activity with hotel partners.

The earning structure for every partner is not published. When making a reservation, you must insert your Royal Orchid Plus membership number online or make your reservation through the call center.

Here are Thai Airways’ hotel partners:

• AccorHotels
• Dusit Hotels & Resorts
• Hyatt
• Intercontinental Hotel Group
• Langham Hospitality Group
• Okura Nikko Hotels
• Marriott
• Worldhotels

It’s easy to find a hotel that fits you and also enables you to earn Thai Airways miles with so many brands to choose from. For more information on the exact terms and conditions, visit the Thai Airways website.

9. Transfer From Hotel Loyalty Programs

Several programs offer the ability to transfer their points to Royal Orchid Plus miles, but we wouldn’t recommend this as you’ll receive a low value for your points.

10. Thai Airways Hotel Booking Portals

Thai Airways partners with hotel booking portals to enable travelers to earn Thai Airways miles.

Here are its hotel booking portal partners:

Be sure to confirm that the prices you’re getting are not significantly higher than the cheapest available rates. In other words, it’s best to shop around before committing.

11. Thai Airways Communications Partners

Thai Airways partners with Travelling Connect, which is a mobile network for international calling and texting.

You’re eligible to earn miles for up to 4 mobile phone numbers (including your own).

The way it works is that Travelling Connect partners with other networks in a variety of different countries and offers miles depending on what network you’re using, what country you’re using it in, and what activity you’re doing.

Here’s the complete chart of partner networks:

_{* When using Zain in Bahrain, you’ll earn 3 miles per 1 euro.}

Your specific mileage accrual is dependent on your exact travel situation.

Earn Miles through Shopping and Dining

If you need some ways outside of credit card spending, or perhaps in conjunction with credit card spending, there are a few ways to earn Thai Airways miles quickly.

If you’re in Thailand, you can eat at several restaurant partners to earn Thai Airways miles. Alternatively, Thai Airways has a few health and wellness partners that you can use to accrue extra miles.

12. Thai Airways Dining Partners

Thai Airways has a relatively small list of dining partners, and all are located in Thailand. Most of these partners are restaurants located in hotels, so you’re somewhat limited there.

Still, if you’re planning on eating there anyway, you’ll be pleased to know you can earn 50 Thai Airways miles for every 500฿ spent.

Here’s the list of participating hotels, but you’ll want to review the dining partners page for participating dining establishments and cuisine types:

13. Thai Airways Health and Wellness Partners

Thai Airways’ main health and wellness partner is Divana. Divana has 5 locations, all of which are in Bangkok. Divana is a wellness spa, where you can experience massages and body and facial treatments, along with other wellness and medical therapies.

You can earn 50 Thai Airways miles for every 500฿ spent there.

In addition, you can also visit the Devarana Spa at Dusit Hotels. There are 4 locations in Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. You’ll earn 50 Thai Airways miles for every 500฿ you spend at Devarana Spa.

Specialty Earnings for Thai Airways Miles

The last method we’ll be discussing will be categorized as a specialty earning method. There are ways to multiply your Thai Airways earnings.

14. Transfer Partnership With Rove Miles

The Rove Miles program is a 1:1 Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus transfer partner. You can earn Rove Miles by shopping online or using the Rove portal to book travel. This is a good option if you want to earn Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus miles without a credit card.

15. Thai Airways Promotions

From time to time, Thai Airways will run promotions with its partners. Some promotions are for redemptions while others are for mileage accrual.

For example, Hertz partnered with Thai Airways to offer a global sale that allows members to save up to 20% and earn 1,000 miles per rental, which is a fantastic deal. Other promotions have historically included opportunities to earn double or triple miles.

It’s definitely a smart move to take advantage of these promotions when they come about. Follow the Thai Airways website to learn about the latest promotions.

16. Tax Refund With utu

When shopping tax-free aboard, earn 3,125 miles for every $100 tax refund with utu.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of great ways to earn Thai Airways miles.

Royal Orchid Plus is a worthwhile frequent flyer program to look into. Although they pass on fuel surcharges, the available transfer partners along with the ability to book Star Alliance flights make this program worth looking into.

If you spend a lot of time in Thailand, you’ll notice that there are tons of ways to boost your mileage balance even more. Now you have an idea of the best ways to earn a lot of Thai Airways miles.