These are my most-frequently recommended credit cards overall. They have strong sign-up bonuses, significant perks, and great ongoing points earning (for multiple airlines & hotels).
Applying for a card that's offering a special sign-up bonus can supercharge your points earning. Check-out the best current offers here.
If you’re new to earning and redeeming points for travel, the best starting point is getting a great travel card. These will help you earn points that can be redeemed on a variety of hotels and airlines.
The best way to redeem your credit card rewards points? Travel.
Best way to redeem them for travel? Transfer them out of your credit card's portal into your airline or hotel loyalty account to book.
​
Here are the travel credit cards that earn transferrable points. This maximizes your redemption flexibility - and your chances of scoring a great redemption deal.
Business credit cards are a critical part of travel points earning. Did you know any kind of small business qualifies? This includes sole proprietorships like selling items on Facebook Marketplace, driving for Uber, contract work, etc.
​
Business cards tend to have fantastic sign-on bonuses and different bonus point earning categories from personal cards.
Airport lounges’ complimentary food and drink, comfortable seating, and ample outlet space make them a valuable part of my travel experience.
There are several credit cards that will get you access to airport lounges. The annual fees tend to be high, but they're more than offset by the valuable insurance, credits, and other perks.
When traveling abroad, using credit cards helps keep you safe with purchase protections. Plus, who wants to carry a lot of cash, anyway? However, using credit cards outside of the country can result in foreign transaction fees.
Luckily, there are now several great credit card options that offer a huge benefit: no foreign transaction fees. Learn more about my favorites.
I consider airline credit cards part of an “advanced” points earning strategy. Start out with cards that earn transferrable points (that flexibility is quite valuable!)
But, if you are extremely loyal to a particular airline, getting their proprietary credit card can be a smart way to maximize their points earning and get some status-boosting perks too.
Similar to airline credit cards, hotel cards are not the best way for a beginner to start earning points.
Why? These points are limited to use with just that hotel or hotel chain, not giving you the flexibility of transferrable-point earning cards. However, if you’re a frequent traveler with a strong hotel loyalty, it can make sense.
Planning for a wedding and honeymoon can be an expensive time. Use those expenses to your advantage by getting one of the best credit cards for your honeymoon!
That way, you'll not only have a stash of points for travel- you'll also have new travel perks to make the trip more luxurious.
What if you could earn credit card points on your monthly rent or mortgage payment?
​
Now you can! Bilt has a line-up of 3 card options to help renters and homeowners earn points on these monthly payments (see rates & fees). The information for Bilt has been collected independently by Points By J. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.