Airline Loyalty Rewards
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Loyalty Program Review
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London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester
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Virgin Atlantic Overview
Virgin Atlantic was founded in the mid-1980s by legendary entrepreneur Richard Branson.
The airline’s loyalty program is called Flying Club, and it operates from 2 hubs in London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and one hub in Manchester.
Virgin Atlantic’s hard product and customer service receive great reviews, and it’s an airline some U.S. customers look to when flying across the Atlantic.
Flying Club members earn both Tier Points and Virgin Points. Both are earned on every flight, with Tier Points going toward your elite status and Virgin Points going toward flight redemptions.
While Virgin Atlantic isn’t in an alliance, the airline has individual partnerships with a number of airlines, which opens up unique award flight options.
The points that you earn when flying Virgin Atlantic or crediting partner flights to Virgin Atlantic can then be used on any Virgin or partner airline flight, hotel stay, or with the Virgin Group.
Joining Flying Club
The frequent flyer program of Virgin Atlantic is free by simply filling out this application on its website.
With your application completed, you will get the ability to earn Tier Points and Virgin Points, as well as earn your way toward elite status.
How to Sign in to Your Flying Club Account
Signing in to your Flying Club account is easy — you’ll only need your email/Flying Club number, password, and last name.
Hot Tip: Unlike the United and Delta websites, you’ll need to log in to your Flying Club account to search for an award flight.
Viewing Your Account Activity
In order to see your account activity, follow these steps:
- Log in to your account
- Click your name in the top right corner of the page
- Click My Account
- Click See full Flying Club account statement
Points Expiration
Virgin Points do not expire.
Virgin Atlantic Mileage Program
Flying Club Elite Status
The Flying Club program has 3 elite tiers, each of which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Red: This the base elite tier offered by Virgin Atlantic that comes with the following benefits:
- Earn points on every flight
- Ability to use points for award flights
- Dedicated Flying Club phone line
- Discounted access to Flying Club lounges
Silver: Virgin Atlantic’s middle-tier elite status offers qualifying members these perks:
- All Red benefits plus:
- 30% bonus points on every flight
- Free seat selection ahead of your flight in Economy Light
- Premium check-in flying in any cabin
- Tier renewal bonus
- Priority waitlist for flights
- Maternity and paternity membership pause
Gold: Flying Club’s top elite tier, which provides members with these benefits:
- All Silver benefits plus:
- 60% bonus points on every flight
- Free seat selection for your party ahead of your flight in Economy Light
- Extra baggage allowance
- Upper Class check-in flying in any cabin
- Clubhouse passes for you plus 1 guest
- 1 complimentary Clubhouse spa treatment plus 10% off thereafter
- Access to London Heathrow Revivals Lounge
- 2,000 bonus birthday points
- Complimentary companion ticket upon yearly renewal of Gold tier
- Clubhouse passes for you to keep or share when you earn 1,500 Tier Points within your membership year
- Cabin Upgrade Reward when you earn 2,000 Tier Points within your membership year
- Complimentary Silver membership for a friend
If you want to learn more, head to the Flying Club website for the entire list of benefits available at each tier.
Value of Flying Club Elite Status
The way to value elite status with Virgin Atlantic is to ask yourself if you fly Virgin Atlantic or its partner airlines frequently enough to utilize the benefits.
If the answer to that question is yes, it may make sense to invest your loyalty in the Flying Club program.
Red and Silver elite tiers do not provide a ton of perks, so I’d recommend focusing your efforts on earning the top-tier Gold status.
With Virgin’s top-tier status, a complimentary companion ticket and a cabin upgrade reward are the most valuable perks.
Bottom Line: Virgin has a simplified elite tier structure with the most valuable benefits offered to those members who earn Gold status.
Earning Flying Club Elite Status
The Flying Club program uses what are called Tier Points for elite status qualification.
Not to be confused with the Virgin Points that you earn from flying, Tier Points are solely used to determine whether you are a Red, Silver, or Gold member.
Tier Points will expire every 12-13 months if you are a Silver or Gold member. Red members have added runway in that you’ll have 36 months before your status expires.
To ensure that your Silver status is current, you’ll need to earn 400 Tier Points a year. If Gold is what you want, you’ll need to earn 1,000 Tier Points a year.
Red elites looking to qualify for Silver status will need to earn 400 Tier Points in what’s called an “Upgrade Cycle”, which is calculated from the current date back to the first day of that month to the previous year.
Hot Tip: From April 2022 to March 2023, members will only need 300 Tier Points to earn Silver elite status, and 800 Tier Points to earn Gold elite status
For example, if it’s November 27, 2022, you calculate back to November 1, 2022 and then 12 months back to November 1, 2021 to determine the amount of time required to upgrade from Red to Silver.
Elite status duration for Silver and Gold resembles Red, but it’s slightly different.
Silver and Gold elites will remain in those respective tiers every year that those members earn the required 400 and 1,000 Tier Points respectively in the Upgraded Fixed Membership Period.
The Period starts on the day that you earn Silver or Gold status, and continues for the remainder of that month through the subsequent 12 months.
For each Upgraded Fixed Membership Period, your Tier Points will reset to 0. If the member doesn’t earn the 400 or 1,000 points needed, the member will drop down to the membership tier directly below the one the member holds.
For example, if you are a Gold elite and don’t earn 1,000 points within the Upgraded Fixed Membership Period, you will drop down to Silver elite status.
Earn Tier Points on award flights
Effective Septemeber 1, 2020, members will earn elite-qualifying Tier Points on all bookings with Virgin – including award tickets!
Similar to cash fares, you’ll earn Tier Points based on the fare class of your ticket. However, award tickets will earn tier points at 50% of cash tickets. But seeing as before you earned none, this is still great for frequent Virgin Atlantic flyers.
All one-way Upper Class redemptions will earn 100 Tier Points, Premium one-way redemptions will earn 50 Tier Points and economy one-way redemptions will earn 25 Tier Points.
Ticket Type: | Economy | Premium | Upper Class |
Tier Points Earned: | 25 | 50 | 100 |
In addition to earning Tier Points from flying, Virgin Atlantic has a credit card that provides an avenue toward earning elite status:
- Black Credit Card — 25 Tier Points per $2,500 spent on the card
Bottom Line: Virgin Atlantic uses Tier Points for elite status qualification and doesn’t have a revenue or segment qualification requirement like you’ll find with American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.
How to Earn Flying Club Virgin Points
Virgin Atlantic is one of a few airline programs that partners with all 4 major transferable point programs: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
What this means that you’ll have plenty of ways to earn Virgin Points for your next award flight!
Earning Points Through Flying
Members in the Virgin Atlantic program earn points based on the route, ticket class, and their elite status. A full list of the mileage that you’ll earn can be found on this earning table:
- Red member: 25%-400% of base points flown
- Silver member: 25%-400% of base points flown + 30% bonus
- Gold member: 25%-400% of base points flown + 60% bonus
Virgin Atlantic also has partnerships with individual airlines, which allows you to earn points when flying with those partners.
Earn Points With Credit Cards
Bank of America is the Virgin Atlantic co-branded credit card partner, and it offers 2 cards that earn Virgin Points.
In addition to the Virgin Atlantic credit cards, you’ll want to consider cards offered by the major transferable point programs in Amex, Chase, Citi, and Marriott.
Earning Bonus Points in Other Ways
Similar to most major airlines, the Flying Club program offers its members the opportunity to earn airline points in ways that don’t involve flying.
One way to stay on top of these opportunities is to follow the airline’s Twitter, Facebook, and Offers Page for the latest deals.
Another way to earn points is to keep tabs on offers from its other partners, which include hotels, car rentals, and financial institutions.
The last way to earn points is to use the shopping portal and check out the partnerships with the Virgin Group.
Hot Tip: If you add your airline loyalty program to other services, you won’t also earn status points with these franchises (unless it’s a preferred car rental agency that has specifically partnered with the airline; this partnership acts as a sort of alliance between airline and rental agency).
Branded and Partnered Credit Cards
In addition to partnering with all 4 of the major transferable point programs, Virgin Atlantic also offers co-branded credit cards.
Virgin Atlantic Credit Cards
Bank of America is the co-branded credit card partner, and it offers 2 credit cards in the Black and White credit card.
While neither card comes with a huge sign-up bonus, the cards do pair well with other transferable point credit cards.
American Express Credit Cards
American Express cards are a great way to earn points since the program is an Amex transfer partner.
Amex has a number of valuable partners, and it regularly offers bonus points when transferring points to airline partners — further increasing the value of the points you earn.
By putting your everyday spending on these Amex credit cards, you’ll be on your way toward your next redemption:
Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros & Cons
- The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
- 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
- $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
- Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- 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.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThis is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros & Cons
- 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
- $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
- No lounge access
Card Highlights
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- 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.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Recommended Amex Cards (Business)
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThis card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Why We Like This Card
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
Pros & Cons
- 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
- Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
- High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
- Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
- Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesGet 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Why We Like This Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.
The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.
Pros & Cons
- 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
- 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
- Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
- $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
- No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesEarn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Why We Like This Card
As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros & Cons
- 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
- Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
- No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
- No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
- No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- APR: 17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Chase Credit Cards
Chase is another valuable transferable point program that allows you to earn points with credit card spending, and then use those points to book an award flight.
Chase is right up there with Amex in terms of the number of personal and business credit cards it has that earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred directly to Virgin Atlantic.
Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
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
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
- 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
- $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.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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.
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
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
- 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
- $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.
- $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 Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. 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 $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Recommended Chase Cards (Business)
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Why We Like This Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.
Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.
Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.
Pros & Cons
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
- Cell phone protection
- Purchase protection
- No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Card Highlights
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.49% - 26.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Why We Like This Card
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.
When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 25.74% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
Pros & Cons
- Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
- Travel insurance and purchase protection
- Spending caps in bonus categories
- Low points earning outside of bonus categories
Card Highlights
- Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Why We Like This Card
As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
Pros & Cons
- 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!
Why We Like This Card
Chase has introduced the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card to its business credit card lineup. With straightforward cash-back earnings on everyday purchases and large expenses, tools to help you monitor your business, and multiple ways to redeem your rewards, this is a great card option to consider.
Pros & Cons
- Earn 2.5% total cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more
- Earn 2% cash-back on all other business purchases
- Unlimited 5% total cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- $195 annual fee
- Some purchases need to be paid in full each month and don’t qualify for Flex for Business APR
Card Highlights
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
- APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.74% - 26.74%
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Citi Credit Cards
Citi tends to be an off-the-radar program, but it’s another one you can use to earn transferable ThankYou points.
What many people appreciate about the Citi program is that it has regular bonuses like Amex when transferring points to some of its airline partners, providing you with additional value.
The only credit card available to new applicants that earns ThankYou Points is the Citi ThankYou Premier. More information about the card can be found here:
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
- 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
- $100 annual hotel benefit
- $95 annual fee
Card Highlights
- For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
- Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
- Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
- APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Rewards+ card is an excellent way to earn Citi ThankYou points with a $0 annual fee while receiving perks like point round-ups, a 10% point redemption rebate, and more.
Pros & Cons
- 5x points on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025
- 2x points on at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year
- Round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
- Doesn’t offer access to the entire collection of Citi transfer partners
- Charges foreign transaction fees
Card Highlights
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% to 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
- The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
- No Annual Fee
- APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% to 27.99%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros & Cons
- Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
- No bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Card Highlights
- Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Citi Double Cash® Card Travel Portal Special Offer
Earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal via cititravel.com or by calling 1-833-737-1288 (TTY: 711). Offer is valid through 12/31/2025.
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, with a $0 annual fee.
Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
- $0 annual fee
- Multiple redemption options
- Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
- Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
Card Highlights
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Get 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- $0 annual fee.
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
- APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are yet another to way to earn transferable Marriott Bonvoy points that can then be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy’s airline partners.
The Marriott Bonvoy program is unique in that for every 60,000 points you transfer to an airline partner, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus points.
That means 60,000 points will give you 25,000 airline points (3:1 transfer ratio + 25% bonus) to use for your next redemption.
If you’re looking to earn these transferable points, here are the credit cards we recommend:
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Why We Like This Card
Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Pros & Cons
- Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
- 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
- 5 Elite Night Credits each year
- Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
- 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.
- New! 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.
- New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Why We Like This Card
If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.
Pros & Cons
- Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- Automatic Silver Elite Status
- $95 annual fee
- Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
- Earn 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. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.
Pros & Cons
- 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
- 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
- $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Card Highlights
- Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- 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.
- APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesA premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Why We Like This Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Pros & Cons
- 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
- 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
- 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
- Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
- 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Card Highlights
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- 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.
- APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Other Hotel Partner Credit Cards
Hotel programs like Hyatt and Hilton, in addition to Marriott, will allow you to convert your hotel points into airline points.
In theory, this sounds great, but it nearly always results in poor transfer ratios.
In short, we don’t recommend converting your other hotel points into airline points unless you are topping off an airline account or are in a bind.
How to Redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points
The Flying Club program has a number of ways to redeem Virgin Atlantic points, but the best value will come from redeeming your points for an award flight.
Virgin Atlantic has 2 types of award flights:
- Standard Season: cheap option
- Peak Season: expensive option
Standard Season is half the cost of Peak Season, so you’ll want to book an award flight during the Standard Season travel dates shown above.
What’s evident when reviewing the award chart below is how high the surcharges are when flying Virgin Atlantic.
The best value in the award chart is to fly one-way in Premium Economy from the U.S. to the U.K. Other than that, you’ll likely have better options to cross the Atlantic with another program.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking for ways to leverage the Flying Club program, we have a post on the best ways to use Virgin Atlantic points.
Partner Awards
Virgin Atlantic’s partnerships with individual airlines are where the Flying Club program really shines.
You can find the full list of partners and the redemptions rates here, and here are a few redemptions to consider:
- U.S. to Europe/Asia one-way business class on Delta for 50,000/60,000 points
- U.S. to New Zealand round-trip business class on Air New Zealand for 125,000 points
- U.S. to Senegal round-trip business class on South African for 50,000 points
- U.S. to Japan round-trip business/first class on ANA for 90,000-95,000/110,000-120,000 points
Booking Online
The Virgin Atlantic website is tricky in that it doesn’t show all destinations for its partner airlines and takes time getting used to all of its quirks.
If the city you’re looking to fly from/to isn’t shown on the website, you’ll want to research partner flights elsewhere and call Virgin Atlantic to confirm award availability.
For SkyTeam partners, use the Delta or Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) websites to search for an award flight.
Star Alliance availability can be found using the United or Aeroplan websites.
Airlines not part of an alliance will require you to call Virgin Atlantic or use Expert Flyer to search for award availability.
Hot Tip: Virgin Atlantic requires you to login to your account to search for Virgin Atlantic and partner award flights.
The information regarding the Citi Premier® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants.
The information regarding the Citi Rewards+® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Double Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Custom Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
