Choosing the right credit card for earning miles can be a daunting task. With so many options available, understanding the nuances of each card's rewards program, fees, and benefits is crucial. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best credit cards for miles in 2024, helping you make an informed decision and maximize your travel rewards.
| Credit Card | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and select streaming services, 2x on all other travel, 1x on everything else. | Travelers seeking flexible redemption options and bonus categories for travel and dining. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, plus 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. | Frequent travelers who value simplicity in earning and redeeming miles. |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide, plus 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. | Foodies and frequent travelers who prioritize dining and flights. |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Earn 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, plus 1x mile on all other purchases. | Loyal United Airlines flyers looking for airline-specific benefits. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges (with conditions). | Delta loyalists who value lounge access and premium travel perks. |
| Citi Premier® Card | Earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, plus 1x point on all other purchases. | Consumers seeking a versatile card with bonus categories that align with everyday spending. |
| Bilt Rewards Card | Earn 1x points on rent payments (without the transaction fee), 2x points on travel booked through the Bilt Travel Portal, and 3x points on dining. | Renters who want to earn rewards on their rent payments. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on all other purchases. | Marriott loyalists seeking free night awards and elite status benefits. |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card | Earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2x miles on gas, dining, and streaming services, and 1x mile on all other purchases. | Alaska Airlines enthusiasts who value companion fares and discounted flights. |
| Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® | Earn 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x miles on dining, gas, and select streaming services, and 1x mile on all other purchases. | Travelers who frequently fly Hawaiian Airlines and want to earn miles towards future trips to Hawaii. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice due to its flexible redemption options and valuable bonus categories. Cardholders earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and select streaming services, 2x on all other travel, and 1x on everything else. These points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, transferred to partner airlines and hotels, or used for cash back (at a lower value). The card is an excellent option for those who want versatility in earning and redeeming rewards for travel and dining. It also offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver benefits.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a simplified rewards structure, earning unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. Additionally, cardholders earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Miles can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards. This card is ideal for frequent travelers who appreciate a straightforward rewards program and value the premium travel benefits, including access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. The card often comes with a generous welcome bonus, making it even more attractive.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is designed for foodies and frequent travelers. Cardholders earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide, plus 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The points earned are part of the American Express Membership Rewards program, which offers a variety of redemption options, including travel, gift cards, and merchandise. The card also provides access to Amex Offers, providing opportunities to save on purchases with select merchants. While it comes with a higher annual fee, the rewards structure and benefits can easily offset the cost for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries.
United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for loyal United Airlines flyers. Cardholders earn 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, plus 1x mile on all other purchases. This card offers benefits such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, and 25% back on in-flight purchases. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses with United and its partner airlines. It's an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with United and want to enhance their travel experience with airline-specific perks.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for Delta loyalists who value lounge access and premium travel perks. Cardholders earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. The card provides complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges (with conditions). Other benefits include priority boarding, a companion certificate each year upon renewal, and access to premium travel insurance benefits. This card is a valuable option for those who frequently fly with Delta and want to enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card is a versatile option for consumers seeking a card with bonus categories that align with everyday spending. Cardholders earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, plus 1x point on all other purchases. The points earned are part of the Citi ThankYou Rewards program, which offers redemption options for travel, gift cards, and cash back. This card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on a wide range of purchases and appreciate the flexibility of the ThankYou Rewards program.
Bilt Rewards Card
The Bilt Rewards Card stands out as a unique option for renters. Cardholders earn 1x points on rent payments (without the transaction fee, when paying through the Bilt app and meeting minimum spending requirements), 2x points on travel booked through the Bilt Travel Portal, and 3x points on dining. The points can be redeemed for travel, fitness classes, or even a down payment on a home. This card is a great way for renters to earn rewards on a typically non-rewardable expense.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is ideal for Marriott loyalists seeking free night awards and elite status benefits. Cardholders earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2x points on all other purchases. The card offers a free night award each year upon renewal (valid at hotels costing up to 35,000 points) and automatic Silver Elite status. This card is a valuable option for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to earn rewards towards future stays and enjoy elite status perks.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card is a great choice for Alaska Airlines enthusiasts who value companion fares and discounted flights. Cardholders earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2x miles on gas, dining, and streaming services, and 1x mile on all other purchases. The card offers an annual companion fare, allowing a companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. This benefit can significantly reduce the cost of travel for couples or families. It also includes a free checked bag for you and up to six guests on the same reservation.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for travelers who frequently fly Hawaiian Airlines and want to earn miles towards future trips to Hawaii. Cardholders earn 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x miles on dining, gas, and select streaming services, and 1x mile on all other purchases. This card offers benefits such as a free checked bag and discounts on Hawaiian Airlines flights. The points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses with Hawaiian Airlines and its partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for travel miles?
The "best" card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are popular choices due to their flexible redemption options and valuable bonus categories.
How do I redeem my miles for travel?
Miles can typically be redeemed through the credit card issuer's website or app. Options include booking flights and hotels, transferring miles to partner airlines and hotels, or redeeming for cash back or gift cards.
What is the difference between airline miles and credit card points?
Airline miles are specific to a particular airline's frequent flyer program, while credit card points are generally more flexible and can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or other rewards.
Do miles expire?
Some miles expire after a certain period of inactivity or if the account is closed. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card program for specific expiration policies.
What is a good credit score to get a travel credit card?
Generally, a credit score of 670 or higher is recommended to qualify for most travel credit cards. However, a score of 700 or higher will significantly increase your chances of approval and access to the best cards.
Are there annual fees associated with travel credit cards?
Many travel credit cards charge annual fees, but these fees are often offset by the value of the rewards and benefits offered. Consider your spending habits and travel frequency to determine if the annual fee is worth it.
Can I earn miles on purchases other than travel?
Yes, many travel credit cards offer bonus rewards on everyday spending categories such as dining, groceries, and gas.
How do I maximize my miles earnings?
Use your credit card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus categories, and consider signing up for multiple cards to maximize your rewards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for miles in 2024 requires careful consideration of your spending habits, travel preferences, and redemption goals. By understanding the key features and benefits of each card, you can select the one that best aligns with your needs and maximize your travel rewards. Remember to pay your balance on time and in full to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score.