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Travel rewards programs can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can regularly fly in business class and stay at luxury hotels for a fraction of the cash price. This section covers transfer partners, award sweet spots, lounge access, and the best travel cards for every type of traveler.
Editorial review cards updated regularly.
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Chase
Best for: Frequent travelers who want flexible point transfers and solid travel protections at an accessible price.
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The Sapphire Preferred has been a consistent travel starter pick. The Ultimate Rewards transfer program is a strong value for mid-range annual fee cards. Up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for eligible hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, and up to $120 statement credit every four years for an eligible Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee, can help offset the annual fee (subject to issuer terms).
Terms apply. Offers subject to change.
Capital One
Best for: Frequent travelers who want lounge access, high rewards on travel bookings, and premium benefits at a competitive effective cost.
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The $395 annual fee may be partially offset by a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel (subject to issuer terms) and a 10,000-bonus-mile anniversary benefit each year. Lounge access can add value for frequent travelers.
Terms apply. Offers subject to change.
Common questions about credit cards and financial products.
Miles are earned with airline co-branded cards (Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus) and can only be used within that airline's program. Points are earned with flexible bank cards (Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards) and can be transferred to multiple airlines or hotels. Flexible points are generally more valuable because of that flexibility.
A transfer partner is an airline or hotel loyalty program that accepts point transfers from a bank rewards program. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards can transfer to participating airline and hotel partners. Transfer ratios vary by partner and can change over time, so always verify the current ratio and program terms before transferring points.
Premium travel cards with higher annual fees may provide value when you regularly use benefits such as eligible travel credits, lounge access or other included features. Compare the benefits you realistically expect to use against the card's current annual fee, and verify current terms directly with the issuer.
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