
If you're a frequent flyer or hotel loyalist, you'll want to consider co-branded credit cards that offer exclusive rewards and benefits tailored to your favorite airline or hotel chain. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for example, offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
These cards can help you earn points or miles faster and redeem them for free flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks. The Barclays Arrival Plus Card, on the other hand, offers 2X miles on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
Co-branded credit cards can also provide additional benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, or hotel upgrades. The Citi Premier Card, for instance, offers 3X points on travel, including gas stations, and a $250 travel credit.
Ultimately, the best co-branded credit card for you will depend on your individual travel habits and preferences. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before applying.
Best Co-Branded Credit Cards
If you're looking for a co-branded credit card, you can earn up to 80 points per $1 spent at American Eagle with the American Eagle credit card.
These cards often have perks that regular credit cards don't, such as special perks like a free night's stay with a hotel credit card or a companion pass with an airline credit card.
Some co-branded cards can be easier to qualify for than regular credit cards, with no need for good credit or a high credit score.
Here are some of the best co-branded credit cards to consider:
Surprising Co-Branded
If you're a pet lover, you can earn rewards with the American Kennel Club℠ Visa®, which offers 3 points per $1 spent at pet stores, vet offices and American Kennel Club, 2 points per $1 spent on gas and groceries and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else Visa is accepted.
For gamers, the PlayStation® Visa® Credit Card is a great option, earning 5 points at the PlayStationStore and on purchases of PlayStation and Sony products at authorized retailers with purchase confirmation.
If you're a fan of Star Trek, the Visa Star Trek Credit Card is a unique choice, offering 3 points on startrek.com purchases, 2 points on gas station purchases and 1 point on every other purchase.
Rail commuters can benefit from the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, which earns 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases.
Wine enthusiasts can earn rewards with the Grand Reserve World Mastercard, offering up to 7 points per dollar on wine purchases, with the Top Wine Merchant bonus.
Here are some surprising co-branded credit cards to consider:
- American Kennel Club℠ Visa®
- Visa Star Trek Credit Card
- PlayStation® Visa® Credit Card
- Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard
- Grand Reserve World Mastercard
Best Western Master
The Best Western MasterCard is a great option for travelers who frequently stay at Best Western properties. It earns points on both purchases and balance transfers, including bonus points on purchases at Best Western properties.
Cardholders can earn a first eligible purchase of 16,000 points, enough for a night's stay. This is a fantastic perk for anyone who likes to earn rewards on their purchases.
The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to earn rewards without paying extra.
Co-Branding Basics
Co-branding is a strategic partnership between two or more brands that can offer unique benefits to customers.
A well-executed co-branding partnership can increase brand awareness and credibility.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card's partnership with the Marriott Bonvoy program allows cardholders to earn points that can be redeemed for travel rewards, such as hotel stays.
This type of co-branding can also provide customers with exclusive access to premium products and services.
Definition of
A co-branded credit card is a card that's affiliated with a specific merchant or company as well as a credit card issuer, featuring logos of both on the card.
Co-branded cards are typically designed to benefit both the consumer and the company. They often offer rewards on purchases made with that particular business, which can incentivize cardholders to be loyal customers.
The logos of the company and the issuer will signal that it's a co-branded card, like the one that combines Walmart and Capital One.
Co-branded cards can either be closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop cards, such as the Victoria's Secret credit card, can only be used at the merchant associated with the card.
Benefits of Co-Branding
Co-branded credit cards can offer some amazing benefits. One of the main advantages is the elevated reward rates. For example, you can earn up to 80 points per $1 spent at American Eagle with the American Eagle credit card.
Co-branded cards also come with special perks that can be super valuable. Using a hotel credit card can earn you a free night's stay, and using an airline credit card can earn you a companion pass, discounts, and elevated status within the brand's loyalty program.
These cards can be easier to qualify for than regular credit cards. You may be able to apply for a store card right at checkout and immediately use the card to pay for the purchase.
Where to Use Co-Branded Cards
You can use co-branded credit cards anywhere the card issuer is accepted, giving you more flexibility than store credit cards.
Many retailers offer co-branded cards that can be used at their stores and online, but also anywhere the card issuer is accepted. For example, the Macy's American Express Card can be used at Macy's stores and online, as well as anywhere American Express is accepted.
The Amazon Visa and Prime Visa cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, making them more practical to use than the Amazon Store Card and Prime Store Card, which can only be used on Amazon.com and through select "Pay with Amazon" merchants.
If you're loyal to using a certain brand, a co-branded card can be a great option, offering perks like 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with the Prime Visa card.
Hotel Co-Branded Credit Cards
Hotel co-branded credit cards offer some amazing perks, especially for frequent travelers. You can earn up to 80 points per dollar spent at certain brands, like American Eagle.
Co-branded cards can also offer special perks, such as a free night's stay at a hotel or a companion pass on an airline. These benefits can be extremely valuable, especially if you're a loyal customer to a particular brand.
Some co-branded cards are easier to qualify for than regular credit cards, with more lenient credit score requirements. This means you might be able to get approved for a store card right at checkout, making it easier to start earning rewards.
Here are some examples of hotel co-branded credit cards:
- The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card has no annual fee and offers 50,000 points after qualifying purchases.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers up to 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points in the first three months of membership.
- The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card offers up to 75,000 bonus points after spending just $2,000, enough for up to 10 free nights.
Allegiant World
The Allegiant World Mastercard is a great option for travelers who frequently book flights with Allegiant Air. It earns three points per dollar on Allegiant purchases, including air, hotel, and car rental.
One of the standout features of this card is the 15,000-point signup bonus, which can be a nice boost towards free flights or other rewards.
Hotel Co-Branded Credit Cards
Hotel co-branded credit cards can be a great way to earn points and rewards for your hotel stays. These cards are specifically designed for frequent hotel guests and often offer exclusive benefits and perks.
Some hotel co-branded credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card with a 125,000-point sign-up bonus. This can be a great way to jumpstart your points earnings and get you closer to free stays.
Many hotel co-branded credit cards offer rewards for spending at participating hotels, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, which earns six points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. This can be a great way to earn points quickly and easily.
Some hotel co-branded credit cards also offer automatic elite status, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, which earns automatic Gold Status. This can be a great way to enjoy perks like free upgrades and priority check-in.
Hotel co-branded credit cards can also offer a range of other benefits, such as free nights and travel credits. For example, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a free night after each account anniversary.
Airline Co-Branded Credit Cards
Airline co-branded credit cards can be a great option for frequent flyers. You can earn rewards points or miles on your purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel perks.
Co-branded airline credit cards often offer elevated reward rates on brand purchases. For example, the United MileagePlus Explorer Card earns twice the points on flights booked through United and at restaurants and hotels.
Some airline credit cards also come with special perks, like free first checked bags, priority boarding, or access to airport lounges. The United MileagePlus Explorer Card, for instance, offers two annual passes to United airport lounges.
Here are some key benefits of airline co-branded credit cards:
- Elevated reward rates on brand purchases
- Special perks like free first checked bags, priority boarding, or airport lounge access
- Sign-up bonuses, like 60,000 miles or 65,000 points
- No foreign transaction fees
Airline Co-Branded Credit Cards
Airline co-branded credit cards can offer amazing perks for frequent flyers. These cards often provide priority boarding, free checked bags, and airport lounge access.
Some cards, like the United Explorer Card, offer a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus and the chance to earn twice the points on flights booked through United.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has a 40,000-mile sign-up bonus and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles with eligible purchases. Cardholders can earn three miles per dollar on Delta purchases and direct hotel bookings.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card earns users two points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases and partner hotel and car rentals. A limited-time 65,000-mile sign-up bonus sweetens the deal.
Travelers with a Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard get their first checked bag free for themselves and up to four companions. Cardholders earn double points when the card is used for American Airlines purchases or at restaurants and gas stations.
The Amex Gold Delta SkyMiles Card offers a sign-up bonus of up to 30,000 miles with qualifying transactions. It also has no foreign transaction fees and an annual fee waiver the first year.
Some cards, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card, have no foreign transaction fees and a 65,000-point sign-up bonus. Cardmembers earn two points per dollar spent on Southwest and partner hotels and car rentals.
Airline Co-Branded Credit Cards
Airline co-branded credit cards offer a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. These cards often have elevated reward rates, allowing you to earn more points or miles on purchases made with the airline or its partners.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns three miles per dollar on Delta purchases and direct hotel bookings, plus two miles per dollar on restaurants and supermarkets. This can add up quickly, especially for frequent flyers.
Some airline co-branded credit cards also offer special perks, such as companion certificates, free checked bags, and priority boarding. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, for instance, comes with a companion certificate each year, making it easier to bring a friend or family member along on your travels.
In addition to these benefits, some airline co-branded credit cards can be easier to qualify for than regular credit cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, for example, can be applied for with a lower credit score than some general rewards cards.
Here are some key benefits of airline co-branded credit cards:
- Elevated reward rates on airline purchases
- Special perks, such as companion certificates and free checked bags
- Easier qualification requirements
- Opportunities for sign-up bonuses and anniversary rewards
Overall, airline co-branded credit cards can be a great way to enhance your travel experience and earn rewards on your purchases.
Alaska Airlines Visa Card
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly with Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines. It offers a 40,000-mile plus $100 statement credit sign-up bonus.
With this card, you can redeem miles on travel with over a dozen partner airlines, making it a versatile option. You'll also get a free checked bag for up to six passengers on the same reservation, which can save you a lot of money on checked baggage fees.
One of the standout features of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card is its generous frequent flyer program, Mileage Plan. This program still awards miles based on distance flown, which is a rarity among modern frequent flyer programs.
The card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel. This can save you a significant amount of money on foreign transactions, especially if you frequently travel abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What companies have co-branded credit cards?
Several major companies have co-branded credit cards, including airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest, as well as retailers like Costco and Disney. These partnerships offer exclusive rewards and benefits to cardholders.
What is co-branded credit card?
A co-branded credit card is a joint product between a merchant and a credit card issuer, offering exclusive benefits to loyal customers. It features the merchant's logo and rewards their brand-loyal consumers.
What is the most prestigious credit card to have?
The most prestigious credit card is the Centurion Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, reserved for high-income individuals who meet strict qualification standards.
Sources
- https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-airline-co-branded-credit-card/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/what-is-a-co-branded-credit-card
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Co-branded-cards/td-p/6073058
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/co-branded-credit-cards/
- https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-hotel-credit-card/
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