Introduction
Earning miles through credit card spending is a fantastic way to subsidize your travel expenses. With the right credit card, everyday purchases can translate into flights, hotel stays, and other travel perks. This article will guide you through the best credit cards for miles, helping you choose the one that best fits your spending habits and travel goals.
Best Credit Cards for Miles: A Comparison
| Card Name | Earning Rate | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2x points on all other travel purchases; 1x point on all other purchases | Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Points Value: Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Travel Protections: Trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver. Annual Fee: $95. Other perks: Access to Chase Experiences, DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by 12/31/24). |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases | Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. Points Value: Miles are generally worth 1 cent each, but can be worth more when transferred to travel partners. Travel Credits: $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Annual Fee: $395. Other perks: $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x); 4x points at restaurants worldwide; 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1x point on all other purchases | Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Points Value: Points are generally worth 1 cent each, but can be worth more when transferred to travel partners. Dining Credits: Up to $120 per year in Uber Cash credits (distributed monthly). Up to $120 per year in Dining Credits (distributed monthly). Annual Fee: $250. Other perks: Purchase Protection, Baggage Insurance Plan. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 3x Miles on Delta purchases; 1x Mile on all other eligible purchases | Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta Sky Club Access: Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Medallion Qualification Boost: Earn MQDs toward Medallion Status. Annual Fee: $650. Other perks: First checked bag free, priority boarding. |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | 4x miles on United purchases; 2x miles on dining, all other travel, and select streaming services; 1x mile on all other purchases | Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. United Club Access: Complimentary United Club membership. Free Checked Bags: First and second checked bags free on United flights. Annual Fee: $525. Other perks: Premier Access travel services, 25% back on United inflight purchases. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for its balance of rewards and affordability. It offers a generous sign-up bonus and strong earning rates on travel and dining. The points are valuable when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and the card provides essential travel protections. Its $95 annual fee makes it accessible to many travelers. This card is a great entry point into the world of travel rewards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card with a high earning rate and valuable benefits. It offers a significant sign-up bonus and generous rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The annual travel credit and lounge access can offset the annual fee, making it a compelling option for frequent travelers. Consider this card if you travel often and value premium perks.
American Express® Gold Card:
The American Express® Gold Card is geared towards foodies and those who spend a significant amount on groceries and dining. It offers exceptional earning rates in these categories, making it easy to rack up Membership Rewards points. The dining credits can help offset the annual fee, and the points can be transferred to a variety of travel partners. This card is ideal if you spend heavily on food and want flexible redemption options.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card:
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for loyal Delta flyers. It offers access to Delta Sky Clubs, Medallion Qualification Boost, and other benefits that enhance the Delta travel experience. The high annual fee is justified for those who frequently fly Delta and value the premium perks. This is the card for dedicated Delta travelers seeking lounge access and status boosts.
United Club℠ Infinite Card:
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is tailored for frequent United Airlines travelers. It provides a United Club membership, free checked bags, and Premier Access travel services. The card offers a strong earning rate on United purchases and bonus miles on dining, travel, and streaming services. The annual fee is substantial, but the benefits can outweigh the cost for loyal United customers. This card is a must-have for serious United Airlines flyers who want lounge access and priority treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning miles?
It depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a good all-around option, while the Capital One Venture X offers premium benefits.
How are miles typically redeemed?
Miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and other travel expenses, often through the credit card's travel portal or by transferring to airline and hotel partners.
Are airline-specific credit cards worth it?
If you are loyal to a particular airline, an airline-specific card can offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
What is a sign-up bonus?
A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward offered to new cardholders who meet a specified spending requirement within a certain timeframe.
What is an annual fee?
An annual fee is a yearly charge for owning a credit card. Cards with more valuable rewards and benefits often have higher annual fees.
How do I maximize my miles earnings?
Use your card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus categories, and consider using a travel portal to book flights and hotels.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for miles requires careful consideration of your spending habits, travel goals, and preferred airlines and hotels. By comparing the earning rates, benefits, and annual fees of different cards, you can select the one that will help you maximize your travel rewards and make your dream trips a reality. Consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® for a versatile option, the Capital One Venture X for premium travel benefits, or an airline-specific card if you are loyal to a particular carrier.