Best Credit Cards to Earn Miles and Maximize Your Rewards

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If you're looking to earn miles and maximize your rewards, there are several credit cards that can help you achieve your travel goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

With its 2X points on travel and dining purchases, you can earn a significant amount of miles quickly. Plus, it has a 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2X miles on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits. This means you can earn miles on anything you buy, from groceries to gas.

Credit Card Options

If you're looking for a credit card to earn miles, there are several options to consider. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card are all great choices, offering the ability to combine balances from multiple cards and transfer points to popular loyalty programs.

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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another option, offering a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months, which can be redeemed for up to $750 in travel. This card also earns unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.

For those with good to excellent credit, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option that earns 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months, equal to $200 in travel. This card also offers unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice for credit card enthusiasts, and for good reason. With a $95 annual fee, it offers a range of benefits that make it a great option for those who want to earn rewards on their purchases.

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You can earn a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which is equivalent to up to $1,278 in travel.

The card also offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2x points on all other travel purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases.

One of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is its ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, including United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.

Here are some of the key features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
  • 2x points on all other travel purchases
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • Transfer points to airline and hotel partners, including United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Bilt

Bilt Rewards is a unique program that lets you earn points by paying rent, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, with no transaction fee.

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is currently the only credit card associated with the program, but it's not hard to rack up rewards quickly.

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Transfers to travel partners are on a 1:1 ratio and post quickly, often instantly. You can initiate transfers until you're ready for a specific redemption.

Here are some of the travel transfer partners you can redeem with:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Air France/KLM Flying Blue
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • Emirates Skywards
  • Hilton Honors
  • Iberia Plus
  • IHG One Rewards
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
  • United MileagePlus
  • Virgin Points
  • World of Hyatt

Bilt Rewards also offered a 100% transfer bonus to Hawaiian Airlines for Bilt Rent Day in February 2023, making it an even more valuable redemption option.

Citi Strata Premier

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards on travel-related purchases. It offers an up to 10X Reward Rate on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.

You can earn 10 points per dollar spent on these specific travel-related purchases, which is a great way to rack up rewards quickly. The card also offers 3 points per dollar at participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Here are some of the participating airline and hotel loyalty programs:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • Air France-KLM
  • Avianca LifeMiles
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Choice Privileges Rewards
  • Iberia Plus

Overall, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on travel-related purchases, especially when booked through CitiTravel.com.

Types of Credit Cards

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There are several types of credit cards that can help you earn miles. Rewards credit cards, for example, offer points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards.

Cashback credit cards, on the other hand, give you a percentage of your purchase back as a statement credit. This can be a great option if you want to earn a straightforward cash reward.

Travel credit cards often come with benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. These cards are perfect for frequent travelers who want to maximize their miles earnings.

Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. This type of card can be a good option for those with poor or no credit history who want to start building their credit score.

Rewards and Bonuses

The rewards and bonuses offered by credit cards can be a major draw for frequent travelers and mileage enthusiasts. Some credit cards offer substantial welcome bonuses, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which earns 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, valued at $750 in travel.

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Other credit cards offer more generous welcome bonuses, like the Capital One Venture X Card, which earns 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, valued at $1,387.50 in travel when redeemed through transfer partners.

If you're looking for a credit card with a high welcome bonus, consider the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, which earns 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months.

Some credit cards offer ongoing rewards and bonuses, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which earns 10% Ultimate Rewards point bonus annually based on your card spending.

Here are some credit cards that offer high rewards and bonuses:

  • Capital One Venture X Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
  • Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, valued at $750 in travel

Keep in mind that these rewards and bonuses can vary depending on your individual spending habits and travel plans. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of each credit card to understand how the rewards and bonuses work.

Credit Card Offers

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Credit card offers are a great way to earn miles, and some cards offer more flexibility than others. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for example, earns unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.

Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for travel. The United Explorer, for instance, offers 70,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

The flexibility of transferable points is a major advantage, allowing you to earn rewards that can be transferred to partner airlines and hotels at any point in the future. This can increase award availability, give you access to sweet spot awards, and even protect against devaluation.

Here are some key features of popular credit cards that earn miles:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for example, offers a 10% Ultimate Rewards point bonus annually based on your card spending, earned after you renew and pay your annual fee. This can add up to significant savings over time.

Brex

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Brex offers a valuable rewards program for businesses with no annual fee. You can earn points with the Brex Card, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.

Brex Rewards can be transferred to airline partners, including Aeromexico Rewards, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and Avianca LifeMiles. Transfers are processed in one business day or less, often instant.

One of the unique features of Brex Rewards is that points can be used in their travel portal at 1 cent each to make travel reservations without brand restrictions or blackout dates. This can be a convenient option for businesses that need to book travel frequently.

You can also redeem points for gift cards or statement credits, although the redemption value is worse than using points for travel. Brex Rewards is a valuable program for businesses that want to earn points without an annual fee.

If you're looking for a credit card that offers a sign-up bonus, you're in luck. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

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The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card also offers a sign-up bonus of up to $1,000 cash back, which is a great incentive for small business owners. You can earn this bonus by spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

One of the most popular airline credit cards is the United Explorer, which offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card also offers 2 miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. This card also offers 2x points on local transit and commuting, rideshares, internet, cable, and phone services.

Here are some of the top credit card offers from featured partners:

The Capital One Spark Cash card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, making it a great option for businesses that want a flat-rate approach. You can also earn a $750 cash back bonus after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

The JetBlue Plus Card offers 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 90 days of Card Membership. This card also offers 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points on dining and grocery store purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases.

Credit Card Features

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Earning transferable points with a rewards credit card gives you the freedom to use them with multiple airline and hotel partners. This flexibility is a major advantage, especially for travelers who don't want to be locked into a single program.

With transferable points, you can search for open awards across multiple programs, increasing your chances of finding available travel options. You can also transfer points to the program that offers the best price for your chosen award, known as a "sweet spot award".

One of the best things about transferable points is that you can use them as cash if your travel plans change. This means you can earn rewards without committing to a specific airline or hotel, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind.

Here are some key benefits of earning transferable points:

  • Increased award availability
  • Access to sweet spot awards
  • Freedom from commitment
  • Protection against devaluation
  • Option to bypass blackout dates and other restrictions

Bank of America Travel Services

Bank of America Travel Services offers a range of benefits to cardholders.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great option for those who want to earn points on all purchases. You can earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

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With this card, you can also earn a 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

The benefits of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card are clear: earn points on all purchases, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and points that don't expire.

American Express Membership

American Express Membership offers a flexible travel rewards program with more transfer partners than any other credit card program. With multiple airline and hotel partners, travelers should find a solution for their needs.

Membership Rewards transfers are a 1:1 ratio and many post instantly, making it easy to nab availability the moment you need it. This is especially useful for travelers who value flexibility and speed.

Some of the transfer partners include Aer Lingus AerClub, Aeromexico Rewards, and Air Canada Aeroplan, among many others. You can find the full list of transfer partners in the Membership Rewards section.

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American Express offers transfer bonuses a few times a year, which can give you more miles when transferring to a highlighted partner. During these promotional periods, you'll receive 10% to 50% more miles, making it easier to book rewards with fewer Membership Rewards points.

The American Express Travel portal is another option for booking travel with points. Points are worth a fixed rate when booking airfare (1 cent per point), making it a straightforward way to redeem your points.

If you have The Business Platinum Card from American Express, you may be eligible for a 35% points rebate (up to 1 million points per calendar year) when booking qualifying airfare. This can be a significant savings, especially for frequent travelers.

Here are some American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards: American Express Gold Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, and The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Brex Business

Brex Business offers a valuable rewards program, Brex Rewards, which can only be earned with the Brex Card. The program is exclusive to businesses and has no annual fee.

The Brex Card is a single credit card option for earning rewards through Brex Rewards.

Credit Card Features

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Some credit cards offer incredible sign-up bonuses, such as the 50,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great example, offering 5X points on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ and 2X points on all other travel purchases outside of the Chase Travel℠.

You can also earn 2x points on rideshares and 2x points on all Southwest purchases with this card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers 3X points for every dollar spent on grocery stores.

However, be aware that some issuers have started putting limits on how many cards you can hold at once, such as American Express's four-credit-cards-per-customer cap.

To avoid raising red flags, it's a good idea to space out applications by at least a few months and make all payments on time.

Keeping your cards open for at least a year can also help you preserve an excellent credit score.

In fact, the longer your lines of credit have been open, the better for your credit score.

So, if you do find that you're ready to bid farewell to a card, consider downgrading it to a no-fee card instead of cancelling it outright.

Annual Fee

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The annual fee is a crucial aspect of credit cards that can make or break the deal. It can range from $95 to $695, as seen with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and The Platinum Card from American Express.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a relatively low annual fee of $95, making it an attractive option for those who want to upgrade to a card with more perks without breaking the bank.

The Platinum Card from American Express, on the other hand, comes with a hefty annual fee of $695, but it also offers numerous benefits that can offset the cost, such as up to $200 in annual Uber savings and a $200 airline fee credit.

If you don't travel frequently, you might not be able to put all the credits to use, making the card's value less appealing. However, if you can utilize these benefits, the card's annual fee might be worth it.

Ultimately, the decision to pay an annual fee depends on your individual needs and spending habits.

Credit Card Comparison

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In the world of credit cards, earning miles can be a game-changer for your travel plans.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for a $750 travel credit.

For those who prefer to earn miles on everyday purchases, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice, with a 2X miles per dollar earned on all purchases.

The Citi Premier Card also offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, but with a $95 annual fee.

Compare by Category

If you're looking for a credit card that offers transferable points, you're in luck. There are several options to choose from, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Points, Brex Business Points, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Wells Fargo Points.

Transferable points are a jack-of-all-trades, making it easier to get the award you want. They can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs, giving you more flexibility when redeeming your points.

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Here's a quick comparison of some popular transferable points programs:

Transferable points can be a great way to maximize your rewards earnings. For example, if you have American Express Membership Rewards points, you can transfer them to one of the 18 airline or hotel partners, such as British Airways or Hilton Honors.

Pros & Cons

When evaluating credit cards, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of each option. Here are some benefits to look out for.

A large welcome bonus can be a significant advantage, offering a substantial amount of money to get you started.

Some credit cards also offer no foreign transaction fees, which can save you money when traveling abroad.

Additionally, certain credit cards provide statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can be a huge time-saver at the airport.

And if you're a frequent traveler, you might appreciate unlimited complimentary access to airport lounges, allowing you to relax and unwind before your flight.

Here are some of the key benefits of credit cards with these features:

  • Large welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Up to $120 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges

Credit Card Values

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Understanding Credit Card Values is key to maximizing your miles earnings.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great example, offering a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Its 2X points on travel and dining purchases make it a valuable addition to any traveler's wallet.

The Citi Premier card, on the other hand, offers 3X points on travel, including gas stations, which can be especially useful for road trips.

American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of airline partners, giving you flexibility in how you redeem your miles.

The Capital One Venture card offers 2X miles on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a 50,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, as well as 3X points on travel and dining.

Overall, the best credit card for you will depend on your individual travel habits and preferences.

Table of Contents

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When it comes to maximizing your miles, transferable currencies are the way to go. These points are like a Swiss Army knife, making it easier to get the award you want.

Transferable currencies are the key to unlocking your travel dreams. They can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners, giving you more flexibility and options.

Some popular transferable currencies include American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Points, Brex Business Points, and Chase Ultimate Rewards. These programs offer a wide range of transfer partners and redemption options.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a particularly popular choice among points enthusiasts. It offers a large portfolio of transfer partners, including United, British Airways, and Hyatt.

To give you a better idea of the transferable currencies out there, here's a breakdown of some popular options:

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, transferable currencies can help you get the most out of your miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best card to build travel points?

For building travel points, consider the AMEX Gold card for long-term accumulation. It's a popular choice among travelers.

What is the fastest way to accumulate air miles?

The fastest way to accumulate air miles is by flying frequently with the same carrier, but you can also earn points quickly by using a rewards credit card and making purchases with program partners.

Are miles reward cards worth it?

Whether a miles reward card is worth it depends on your travel habits and financial situation. Consider your travel frequency, ability to pay off balances, and potential rewards value to determine if it's a good fit for you.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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